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For style-conscious men like you, choosing the right cologne is no doubt a top priority. If you’re in search of a nostril-tingling scent that merges modern and classic, you can’t go wrong with a good cologne.
The best barber shop cologne will make you smell outstanding while giving you that freshly pampered feeling throughout the day. There’s something striking about a solid barber shop scent in the way that it conjures hints of grooming days gone by. But, while some will make you smell like you’ve just waltzed out of a high-end barber shop, others fail to deliver.
Not surprisingly you’ll find a couple of scented aftershave products on this list as well. I consider this the one-two punch, while I wouldn’t recommend throwing those picks on like any cologne you have under your sink, having a utilitarian scent that you can use after you clean up is a win-win for me. Make sure to consider your needs before buying.
Choosing any cologne can seem like a minefield, but don’t worry because I’m going to tell you all about the eight best scents on the market right now.
Key Takeaways
Whether you’re in search of a vanilla cologne, tobacco cologne or anything in between, finding your dream barber shop scent will come down to personal preference.
Consider your favorite scent styles (light and fruity or earthy and musky, for instance) as well as seasonality to make the best barber shop cologne investment for your needs.
Marmara Barber is my overall top pick because of its balanced scent, fair price, and versatility. If you want to splash out (pardon the pun), Stetson’s aftershave-style cologne will deliver the goods. For that everyday barber shop scent, Imperial Bergamot will work wonders.
As my best barbershop fragrance pick, this fresh yet punchy offering from Marmara ticks all of the nostril-tingling boxes. With a face-smackingly fresh botanical scent and a high alcohol content, this bad boy will cleanse your skin while making you smell epic throughout the day. Not only does this moreish scent have sticking power, a small spray will go a long way, meaning you’ll get plenty of bang for your buck.
Top notes: Italian Bergamot, Flower Apple | Middle notes: Tonka Bean, Fresh Greens Notes | Bottom notes: Mystic Cashmere, Oak Leaf | Size: 8.7 oz | Type: Eau de Cologne | Season: All seasons
If you’re searching for a barber-style cologne that the ladies will love, look no further than this potent elixir from Raw. Packed with magnetizing pheromones, this soothing yet sensual concoction boasts a punchy floral scent finished with hints of black pepper. Not only will this stand out scent turn heads—but the addition of pheromones means that a dash or two of this will make most women weak in the knees.
Top notes: Szechuan pepper | Middles notes: Lavender | Bottom notes: Patchouli | Size: 1 oz | Type: Eau de cologne | Season: All
Doubling up as a head-turning cologne and aftershave, this spicy little bay rum number from Suavecito is my best budget pick. Sporting an irresistible spiced rum punch, this addictively niche scent is manly and will leave you feeling squeaky clean for hours on end. Considering the very reasonable price point, Suavecito exudes barber grade quality. Oh, and a splash or two of this will make you smell like a very well groomed pirate (in the best possible way).
Top notes: Bay rum | Middle notes: Warm Spices | Bottom notes: Clove | Size: 16 oz | Type: Eau de Cologne | Season: Fall & winter
As deliciously jarring as a leather cologne with a subtle tinge of alcohol for that classic aftershave-style quality, this lavish offering from Stetson is perfect for a little luxury splurge. This is a great scent for spring and will also work wonders on any special occasion. The best thing about this popular barbershop fragrance is the fact that while it offers a botanical hit of citrus and sage, it also gives off balanced hints of wood, musk, and tonka bean. Epic.
Top notes: Lime, Lavender, Clary Sage, Bergamot, Lemon | Middle notes: Carnation, Patchouli, Orris Root, Jasmine, Vetiver, Cedar, Geranium | Bottom notes: Honey, Tonka, Amber, Musk, Vanilla | Size: 3.5 oz | Type: Eau de Cologne | Season: Spring
Unique and luscious to the touch, this solid cologne from Reuzel is earthy and spiced yet super fresh. A dollop or two of this stuff will protect your skin throughout the day while making you smell like you’ve just received a top-notch classic barber shop pampering experience. With excellent reviews from over 600 Reuzel users, this epic wax-based cologne will not let you down. Oh, and the hints of clove and lemon zest will turn heads wherever you go.
Top notes: Cedar wood | Middle notes: Clove | Bottom notes: Lemon and citrus | Size: 1.3 oz | Type: Solid cologne | Season: All
Specifically designed to offer a barber grade grooming experience wherever you go, this alcohol-free product from Imperial is perfect for everyday use. The zesty bergamot scent is moreish yet balanced and with a host of medicinal ingredients thrown into the mix, a few splashes of this will soothe, cleanse, and disinfect your skin throughout the day. This scent is awesome for those long hot summer months but as it’s not overbearing. It works well for every season.
Top notes: Bergamot | Middles notes: Orange peel | Bottom notes: Lime | Size: 9 oz | Type: Eau de cologne | Season: All
This funky offering, commonly known as ‘Puerto Rico’, is perfect for young men looking for an edgy modern scent with a classic barber shop twist. The branding is as cool and vibrant as the scent itself. With bold hints of vanilla, this cleansing concoction will be a sweet smelling hit on every occasion. An increasingly popular scent that really stands out from the crowd.
Top notes: Neroli, bergamot, pink pepper, cardamom | Middles notes: Honeysuckle, rose, jasmine, orange blossom | Bottom notes: Vanilla, caramel, amber, musk | Size: 17.5 oz | Type: Eau de cologne | Season: Fall
Made with shea butter and beeswax, this solid barber-style cologne is lavish, long-lasting, and smells out of this world. Not only do the creamy shea butter and moreish beeswax shine through, but the epic blend of citrus, mahogany, and lavender work perfectly to create a manly yet vibrant scent that really stands out from the crowd. Oh, and since it’s made from mainly natural ingredients, this awesome cologne from Oak City also protects and disinfects the skin throughout the day.
Top notes: Citrus | Middles notes: Mahogany | Bottom notes: Lavender | Size: 1 oz | Type: Solid cologne | Season: All
What to Look For In The Best Barber Shop Colognes
Size
First of all, when it comes to choosing the right cologne, size matters. With this in mind, you should choose the size of a potential product based on how often you intend to use it.
If you’re buying a barbershop cologne exclusively for special occasions or if you travel a lot, getting something a little smaller is your best bet. But, for daily use, going for something bigger will be a better investment in the long run.
Scent
The colognes come with a striking bouquet of notes while offering a whole other level of freshness. When choosing your perfect product, it’s important to follow your nose and choose a scent based on your personal preferences.
Some of the best barbershop fragrances are light and fruity while others fall at the spicy, woody or musky end of the spectrum. Think about what you want from your perfect cologne, check the ‘notes’ of any potential products in detail, and take your pick.
Seasonality
Seasonality is another factor to consider when you’re choosing a good barber shop scent. Think about whether you want a smell that suits a certain season and you will soon discover which barber shop scents most float your boat.
Summer colognes are usually fruity, zesty or floral while winter colognes are often smoked, spiced or warming on the nostrils.
Sticking power
Last but not least, when choosing the right cologne, you should ask yourself “how long will this last?”
If you’re looking for a staple scent (one you will use regularly), I advise going for a long-lasting cologne. But, if you want a scent for dates, job interviews, and special occasions, something striking with less sticking power will do the trick.
Final Verdict
As a balanced and head-turning barbershop cologne for every situation, Marmara Barber Eau De Cologne No 2 is number one on my hit list. Not only does this concoction sport a classic barber shop scent with a fresh modern twist, but it’s fairly priced and suits every skin type.
While Marmara may have come out on top, every single product on my list is literally the cream of the barber shop crop. Consider your personal preferences, use my ‘what to look for’ guide, and you’ll land on the best barbershop cologne in no time. Happy shopping.
FAQ
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A barber shop cologne is something that soothes the skin and offers a particularly fresh feeling as well as a striking scent. Not only do the best barber shop colognes smell amazing, but most help to protect the skin after grooming. These scents also conjure up feelings of being pampered in a high end barber shop. Lovely.
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It’s best to use a barber shop cologne or fragrance fresh from the shower or after grooming. Once clean, you should gently dry your neck and face before applying a spray or a small palm full of cologne to the desired area evenly. For the best results, you should avoid mixing your barber shop cologne with other scents.
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Dan is a content writer and oddball fiction writer who has contributed to the likes of Mashable, VICE Munchies, Huff Post UK, and Uber Newsroom. He has a penchant for beer, the bass guitar, Bukowski, and original styling concepts.