What is the best "smells good on any guy" cologne?

Hands down.

Terre D'Hermes by Hermes Cologne for Men

Lovely scent.

One I found about 10 years and have been using ever since is Kiton. It's clean and not overpowering.

I would concur with Robert. I've tried Armani, Polo, and Gucci. I've received the most compliments (and lip biting) from Gucci by a large margin.

I'd say YSL (Yves St. Laurent). I've gotten a lot of compliments from women.. :)

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P180727&cm_mmc=us_search-_-GG-_-br%20ysl-_-S1241647790_ADOGOE_AGI1092131_CRE2575579607_TID104613125_RFDd3d3Lmdvb2dsZS5jb20%3d

Go with your own natural musk or just a light clean scent from aftershave. Cologne is fake smelling, and I actually read once that the smell of men's cologne is a turn off for most women.

Armani Code, really woody deep scents - Can't go wrong, especially at that price.

Smells good on any guy scents:
Ralph Lauren - Polo Blue
Giorgio Armani - Attitude
Giorgio Armani - Acqua Di Gio

Can't go wrong with any of the above three

Something, that is pretty hard to find, but is amazing is Bvlgari Pour Homme Soir. It has a woody scent with amber and papyrus wood. Best thing about it, is that is concentrated, and it gets into the clothes you wear, and it's discrete, and will surely complement your appearance.

Here it is... My biggest secret. I had a friend borrow this cologne once (without my knowing, because I wouldn't dare let anyone in on this secret, but the cat is out of the bag now, so i'll share) and he said to me, "Dude I'm sorry I stole your cologne, but I gotta tell you, I had three girls flock to me as soon as I stepped into the room". And let's just say he crashed at my house, and I had to toss the "used" sheets. I can't believe I'm actually doing this, but here we go: Individuel by Mont Blanc for Men Eau de Toilette Spray.

I really can't believe I'm doing this:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000C1W032/ref=nosim/uncrate-20

I'd say John Varvatos - The Fragrance is by far my favorite. Once I started wearing, I never wanted to wear anything else. But I'd have to say Gucci Pour Homme II is a close 2nd.

Pi by Givenchy. Warm and inviting, women adore it.

If you've got some cash to spare I'd suggest Costume National Scent Intense. It's a rush of sophisticated amber that mellows into something quite amazing. I've never been cologne monogamous but this has become my signature scent and I'm not looking around any time soon.

http://www.luckyscent.com/shop/detail.asp?itemid=25801

Calvin Klein Obsession. Was described to me by a hottie I knew in college as the "...f**k me now cologne." Seriously.

I am a big Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio fan. Woman love, and it drives them nuts. Just check out amazons buyer feedback. Other greats are Coolwater, Light Blue By Dolce & Gabbana, and Armani Code.

If you are looking for something a little bit on the strong side, I would suggest BOSS. If on the other hand, something more subtle and fresh is what you are looking for, then I would suggest Lacoste Essential.

I think the best scent for a guy is a subtle scent. Too much is just overpowering, and too little doesn't get them excited. I use Ralph Lauren Polo Blue, and I use one spray on the wrists and then wipe it on the neck to cover the beating points. It's the perfect amount every time, and the ladies always compliment the scent.

While I agree that colognes like "Acqua di Gio", "Calvin Klein Eternity", and similar all smell good... you will undoubtedly smell like 90% of the other cologne wearing men at whatever function you might attend.

I suggest going with something like "Valentino V Pour Homme" (Excellent review here: http://www.nstperfume.com/2006/08/07/valentino-v-pour-homme-fragrance-review/) or even something a little more mainstream, but still uncommon enough to raise the occasional eyebrow "Diesel: Fuel for Life".

Just my $.02

Onyx by Azzaro
Cool Water by Davidoff

I currently use, Bond #9 and Creed, they make excellent scents and you can rest assure that the common guy wont have it around.

Here is my fav from Bond:

http://www.bondno9.com/shop/eau-de-parfum/downtown/view/wall-street

Creed:

http://www.creedfragrances.co.uk/site/products/fragrances_for_men

I use Dunhill Desire Blue or Kenneht Cole RSVP...depending on the situation.

There's always Old Spice, and if you want an aftershave that actually smells like it used to before they changed it, pick up a bottle of the generic brand at Dollar General or CVS or whatever you've got. Most of the generic stuff is made in the same place, and it's actually a lot closer to the original smell than modern Old Spice is.

I am going to have to agree with Schneby and Jaime Cabeza.

First that many good choices are worn by most that you will be around on a Friday night, and second that Terre D' Hermes, by Hermes is your best bet.

Not terribly expensive, and it has gunpowder in it. Great scent, and a little lasts all day or night.

And if you want to spend some cash on something well worth it:

The Original Vetiver by Creed. (Not the Band) Actually anything they make is very original and all oil based, so one spray lasts through an entire day with almost no fade. At 250.00 for 4 ounces it is expensive, but it will last a long time and very worth it. Link Below:

http://www.creedperfumes.us/erwin_creed.php

You need to know this about cologne. Winter requires a heavy musky smell and the summer requires a light citrus smell. I go with Armani Attitude for Winter and Lacoste Essential for the summer. Cologne only for night out and aftershave for the office.

Armani Attitude for the Winter/Late Fall is definitely a good scent, and I would recommend Acqua di Gio or Nautica Oceans for the spring/summer time.

I agree with Acqua Di Gio. That is the quintessential perfume for any man to have.

Also, try CK Euphoria Intense. Its really fruity, but still kind of spicy, to me atleast. Its a good summer scent.

My personal favourite is the Bulgari Aqua. I'm not sure how credible this will be, but I've had a few incidents with the cologne on...

Chrome by Azzaro is also very good. Finally, you should try Issaye Miyake's Homme D'Issaye Intense.

Tweed by Creed, a bit expensive, but a classic scent. Real old school would be Bay Rum After Shave by Col. Conk, Almond Balm After Shave by Col. Conk or Amber After Shave Lotion, also by Col. Conk.

Mainstream colognes like Armani Code, Acqua di Gio, and Calvin Klein are nice, however if you are looking for something that make truly make you stand out, I suggest going for Marc Jacobs for Men. It has a fruity, fresh scent and every time I wear it, I receive complements, even from other guys. Another great that I love is RUSH by Gucci. It is a favorite of mine, but was discontinued a while back. There are still some, if few, sites that you can buy it from. Though these and other colognes suggested by people work nicely on them, you have to test out each one on yourself by spraying it near an artery. You can spray two different scents on each wrist. I suggest then merely asking women which one they prefer. Each cologne will have a different effect and smell on every person. Find the one that works best on you. Experiment at your local Nordstroms, it works great.

i just was given gucci by gucci from my mother in law and i get compliments on it on a daily basis. i also like jean paul gutier (sp?).

You could also go for a body wash with a light scent. Gillette body washes have a clean, masculine scent that will give you a fresh feeling without being overpowering.

I use Armani mania and get compliments often

lacoste essential. any season, and compliments abound. you know you've got something right when you friends' girlfriends ask you for what you're wearing.

http://tinyurl.com/o7flb2

Pheromones, folks. There's really no such thing as the "smells good on any guy" scent, and if there was, would you want to smell like every other dude?

Something to try if you're into woodsy/spicy scents - Chanel Allure for Men. http://uma.chanel.com/branding.php?chsetdefgnavdiv=22&landing=f&branding=afm&wt.mc_n=psearch&wt.mc_t=banner&gclid=CK3xwYHZt5oCFShRagodGGVfcQ

I get compliments from men and women. Since the style works for me, I try to stick to other scents that are similar in type - like CK Euphoria.

I aggree with Ryan considering the season but my stand-by for the longest time has been Givenchy Por Homme.
No matter what Season, Nationality, or Style...This is a crowd pleaser!

During the day I like to use Issey Miyake or Gucci Pour Homme II. Night I switch it up and use Dior Homme.

I agree with Ryan. Your cologne should reflect the season first. Then pick something based on your age, style, dress, etc. I picked up Diesel Fuel For Life this spring and feel like it fits the season perfectly. Plus the bottle design is the slickest thing I've seen in awhile.

don't get aqua di gio, every frat guy wears that scent, wear something that makes you stand out. get something that you can wear at many situations. yves sait laurent l'homme is good, armani code is good for nights, and dolce and gabbana the one is also good.

I currently have over 20 colognes in my collection. I have to say my favorite as of right now is Polo Modern Reserve. I first heard about it here on Uncrate. I bought a bottle for Christmas, and have been getting many compliments on it; both from women admiring the scent, and men wanting to buy it. I'm on my 3rd bottle already. I highly recommend it.

Antidote by Viktor & Rolf'antidote'_eau_de_toilette_spray:122478&cm_ven=Froogle&mr:trackingCode=A47B90F7-5619-DE11-B0EA-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA

Chrome by Azzarro and 'Le Male' by jean Paul Gauthier were only mentionned once, which is NOT enough. Also if you want a winter cologne wear Angel for men by Thierry Mugler (the original one is the best).

Ralph Lauren Polo Black is a clean, simple, yet bold and refined scent. I feel comfortable wearing it not only for a night out, but to the office and even to court...

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Ralph-Lauren-Toilette-Spray/dp/B000BRLWEA

Kouros YSL ... a classic that remains untouchable . . .there is no particular wheather conditions to use KOUROS... anywhere anytime. . . Mother GrandMother young not so young they love it...
. . . and the aroma / fragrance "stays" with you all day long. . . subtile.

http://www.basenotes.net/ID26120917.html

When in doubt I go with Polo Black, It works for pretty much everything, spicy enough to dress up but sweet enough to dress down.

Over the years, I've developed a strong preference to Burberry Touch and John Varvatos colognes. Recently, I switched it up to Kiehls fragrances at the advice of a reader in GQ. My girlfriend absolutely loves their Musk Eau de Toilette Scent on me. I definitely recommend.

Sadly, none of the people answering this question seem to be answering the actual question, instead opting to post their own personal favorite fragrance. You can't really blame them, because most people don't like to get outside their comfort zone. Once they find something they like (or their significant other likes), then they usually stick with it. To get a real answer to this question, you need to be asking people who actually know something about the subject and sadly, your options are few and far between, since most "anchor store" employees have no clue and will try to sell you whatever they're told to push that month. The exception to this rule is Nordstrom, and, to a lesser extent, Neiman Marcus, Saks, and Sephora. The only worse option than asking this question at a normal department store is just asking the general public.

To actually answer the question, there is no "universal, smells good on everyone" cologne. There are too many variables in skin chemistry, hygiene, and to a lesser extent, climate for there to be "one juice to rule them all". However, there are a couple that will work for almost everyone.

First and foremost, Mugler Cologne by Thierry Mugler is, hands down, your best option as a year-round "safety net". Wearing it, you'll smell clean and fresh, like you just got out of a shower and used really great soap, which is Mugler's goal, as the smell is based on a the soap he used growing up. I've never heard anyone say they can't pull it off and as a bonus, it is unisex, so you can leave the bottle out for "company" to utilize and look especially considerate "the morning after".

The only other choice I'd feel comfortable suggesting is another "clean" smell, Gendarme by the company of the same name. Another unisex option, this smells like freshly laundered linen and can double as a house spray and can be sprayed on your bedsheets.

Ultimately, however, what you need to do is experiment. Get samples and try things out on your own skin. Don't relay on smelling something on a card or just sniffing the nozzle. Any department store worth your business will make you small samples of anything you want to try that you can take with you. Sephora and Nordstrom are your best (and almost only) options here. The key is to USE them (one at a time!) for a day and see how you like what happens. Fragrances have a lifespan and can change over time, in addition to smelling entirely different on different people. Smell them when you first put them on, then give them a half hour or so and take another sniff. Do the same after an hour or two and you'll find that the notes will change and develop different characteristics. If you find that the smell has vanished after an hour or two, that's another great sign that you want to avoid that fragrance altogether, as it's just a waste of money, unless you're looking for something to wear to a party or a club, or you're willing (and able) to re-apply frequently.

I have recieved many compliments about the new Dolce & Gabbana cologne and of course Burberry Brit and an oldie but a goodie Hererra by Caroline Hererra....

Acqua Di Geo by Giorgio Armani is really great!
It's usually my #1 pick to wear.
It also depends on a persons' body chemistry...the same cologne smells different on different people.
I also like Vera Weng for men.

I use Polo blue, I have used that for about 6 years now. I get hit on by more women wearing that then any other cologne. I tend to get more sophisticated women than airheads. Whether I am at a bar, club, work even with my wife women ask what I am cologne I am wearing.

Mambo for men. Gets the girls every time.

http://www.fragrancenet.com/mambo-perfume/liz-claiborne/womens-fragrances/wf/en_US/01581?cur_letter=M

For men it is the same as for women. Scents smell different on everybody. The best scent is the one that smells best on you and that only you and your significant other can smell. Nothing is worse than smelling a persons cologne or perfume when they step in the room.

Oops forgot to mention colognes I use. Clean Men http://www.cleanperfume.com/SCS/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewProduct&ID=5&intCatID=1
and Gendarme http://www.gendarme.com/cart.php?m=product_list&c=4&gmen=shop

I have to go with Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier. This has become a bit of a signature scent for me and I have gotten lots of compliments on the way I smell from the ladies. It's clean and crisp with just enough musk to make it interesting.

Do you really want to smell like everyone else? You'll just have to experiment until you find what is right for you and make it your own.

A guy should have different colognes for different moods, occasions, and yes, even different times of the year.

Most commercial fragrances such as Polo, Armani, Gucci, etc. do not last more than a few hours and if they do, you are applying too much. Quality fragrances from fragrance designers such as Creed, Guerlain, Jo Malone, etc are expensive but will last 8 hours or longer and you won't smell like the kids yacking on their cell phones hanging out at the mall.

Basenotes is a great website where reviewers who are really into fragrances discuss the top, middle and basenotes as well as a fragrance's sillage. If you don't know what these are you can read more here: http://www.basenotes.net/

Smell is a powerful sense and triggers more memories than visual stimuli. Find the right scent for you and you're on your way to making memories.

Every guy's chemistry is different. So, no matter how great something smells in the bottle you have no idea how it'll work for you until you allow it to intermingle with your own special brand of man funk. Your best bet is to spend an afternoon exploiting the keen insight of a Sephora salesperson or even spring for one of their samplers. The cool thing about the $50 sampler is that it comes with a $50 gift voucher that you can use for a full bottle of your new favorite scent after you decide.

"Sephora Scent Sampler Best Sellers for Him":
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P221805&categoryId=B70

You can even get extra samples at checkout if you buy online:
Sephora samples

Issey Miyake Intense:
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml;jsessionid=4ECUWURQQD0EQCV0KRRRPIQ?id=P197134&categoryId=C14991

I've only had this about a month but always get compliments on how unique it is. Aveda Men Pur-formance aroma spray uses organic essential oils from spearmint, vetiver, and lavender for their head-turning, "what's that smell" (in a good way) look you so often get. All the comments from their online reviews are emphatic that it's definitely worth a try.

Armani Code is a good cologne for day/night and it isn't too expensive. If you're trying to impress women, you don't have to buy an over-the-top name brand cologne; a subtle light scent is better than a $200 strong smell.
The 2.5 oz. is only $68 at Sephora. It's a good value and women like it (that's coming from a woman).

http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P96611&categoryId=C7791&shouldPaginate=true

My vote goes for Gendarme. It's fresh and clean. Acqua Di Gio is another. I think you have to be careful with scents that too sweet or spicy. They may be good in some situations (evening), but often generate a less-than-favorable reaction. Body chemistry plays a role, too, so going with fresh, clean scents eliminates the chance that you put on a spicy scent and smell funky, or splash a sweet scent and smell like a woman.

I don't care if GQ and Esquire make fun of it, try "Clinique Happy for Men": http://www.clinique.com/products/CATEGORY4907/Mens/Clinique_Happy_For_Men/index.tmpl and tell me you (or your girlfriend) doesn't love it. It's light, citrusy and refreshing, and goes well dressed down or dressed up.

I second Issey Miyake, Lacoste and Tom Ford.