Choosing the best men's cologne depends on several factors. A man's personality, his lifestyle, and the occasions for which he will wear a fragrance all come into play when choosing a scent.
There are many different types of men's colognes, and deciding on the right one, whether a man is trying to find a signature scent, or a woman is buying it as gift for the man in her life, can be difficult. The following three aspects can help determine the best man's fragrance.

Cologne Quality

Although it can be tempting to pick up a cheap fragrance, a more expensive, high-quality cologne is usually the better choice. The ingredients, staying power, and original scents of more upscale brands can be well worth the extra expense. Look for seasonal sales or sign up for email savings from your favorite brands to save money on the better brands. Some of top names in men's colognes include:
Versace: The name Versace is synonymous with incredible class, style, and luxury. The colognes from this world-famous name are carefully crafted to bring nothing but the best to a man's fragrance collection. Rather than offering a big assortment of scents, the company is more selective, offering only the original Versace for Men and Eau Fraîche.
Armani: Known for classy and sexy scents, Giorgio Armani is considered one of the best cologne brands.
Dior: Dior colognes combine a unique blend modern elements and classic fragrance notes, and are one of the top couture names in men's scents.
Ralph Lauren: Although many men are familiar with the original sporty Polo scent, Ralph Lauren now offers a range of other colognes, ranging from rugged to sexy in their appeal.
Yves St. Laurent: Elegant, masculine, and touted for sensual appeal, Yves St. Laurent fragrances for men are another highly-regarded brand in the world of cologne.
Cologne by Personality

The best cologne is also one that matches a man's personality and interests. Fragrance notes vary greatly, with some having a more outdoors-y smell, while others are more musky and romantic.
Active: An active, athletic man might prefer a cologne that is on the light side. Look for scents that are described as fresh, watery, or that have green or woodsy notes.
Traditional: For a man with classic tastes, traditional or original versions of top colognes are excellent. These are often bold, masculine scents.
Artistic: For a men with artistic or eclectic tastes, consider the latest versions of name brand colognes. Often perfumers incorporate unique new elements for highly original products. A unisex cologne is another option for a man with eclectic tastes.
Best Men's Fragrances by Occasion

Another way to select cologne for a man is by occasion. Ideally a man should own more than one scent. Not only can alternating them keep things fresh and interesting, not all occasions call for the same thing.

For evening wear, weekends, and dates, a cologne that is described as musky, sexy, or sensual is a good choice. Mossy and oriental scents can work well for evening wear. These can be overpowering for day wear, however, and should be avoided at the office.

For everyday wear, a classic, lighter scent is a good bet. Look for colognes that are described as clean, fresh, or citrus or plant-based.
More Tips on Choosing the Best Men's Cologne

Not all colognes work for all men. To find the best one, consider the following tips.
Don't trust your first impression: Colognes have three parts. Although you might like the first spritz, you are really only smelling the top note. The middle note (detected after about 5 minutes) and the base note (which you'll detect after about 45 minutes, and the scent that lingers the longest) aren't detectable right away. Don't buy a cologne after just testing it in the store; instead, wait a few hours to make sure you still like it.
Ask for opinions: Many men want women to like their scent, so don't be afraid to ask a significant other or female friends what they think of a scent.
Read reviews: Many magazines offer seasonal lists of what they consider to be the best-rated of most popular fragrances for men. Great sites to check for new lists include the online magazine Ask Men, Esquire, and GQ. You can also read cologne reviews on popular fragrance sites such as Perfume.com and Fragrantica.

The best men's cologne is a high-quality one that he enjoys, suits his life, and is right for the occasion. From classic to trendy, don't be afraid to test out what's best for you.