UrbanUpdate

Before we talk about the best cologne for men, we need to say this: Congratulations, everyone, we made it through the winter. Let's throw off our parkas with abandon, take some scissors to those well-worn jeans, and order all of the iced coffee. Also on the to-do list: the seasonal cologne swap. It's time to switch out your woody, smokey, cabin-y winter scent for something with brighter notes—maybe even some florals—that won't overpower your co-workers. Here's the best cologne for men this Spring and Summer, if you're looking to try something new.

The greatest thing about this latest crop of colognes? They don't completely leave behind all those beloved wintry notes (oud, wood, incense, and smoke, just to name a few). Instead, they use them as a base on which to build earthy and bright scent compositions that are perfect for throw-open-the-shutters-and-sing season. Think of the best cologne for men like the transitional jackets of your fragrance collection: they'll keep you warm when the temperatures dip, while opening up the promise of warmer weather. Plus, the lighter the cologne, the better the chances that it will mix with your natural odor to create something really unique and irresistible.

Best Cologne For the Outdoorsman

Jo Malone London Oud & Bergamot Rich Extract$270

Jo Malone (Buy it starting May 1 at Jo Malone)

Oud wood is a favorite ingredient in men’s cologne because of its mossy, musky scent. Paired with bergamot (a citrus), it feels something like a forest waking up after a long hibernation. It’s perfect for early spring when no one's exactly sure what's happening outside, since the warm oud tempers the outright sunniness of the citrus.Best Cologne For the Beach Bum

Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio Absolu$130

Bloomingdales

Best Cologne For the Anglophile

Burberry Mr. Burberry Indigo$69

Nordstrom

The new addition to the Mr. Burberry collection was officially inspired by the “crisp air along the British coast.” To that we say: "...sure!" There is a freshness to the scent, thanks to notes of spearmint and lemon. With rosemary and oak moss added to the mix there's also an earthy, herbal quality that reminds us of catching a breeze a block away from an especially fancy farmer’s market. Doesn't get springier than that.Best Cologne For the Dispensary Regular

Malin + Goetz Cannabis$165

Barneys

Best Cologne For the Anthophile

DS & Durga Vio Volta$175

Barneys

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