10 Best Zara Perfumes for Men in 2024
It's no secret that we're fans of Zara here. We're always keeping an eye on its new-arrivals section and trying to uncover the best finds. We also love to peep other people's Zara carts for inspiration. Have you seen our best-of lists for each season? And don't even get us started on a good sale.
What can we say? Zara consistently delivers when it comes to clothes and accessories. But we're going to let you in on a not-so-secret secret that just might blow your mind: Zara also has a pretty good beauty selection. So yeah, you could consider it a one-stop shop. If that's news to you, you're welcome.
Zara is known for producing fragrances “inspired by” high-end fragrances- and they do a great job.
Some of the best Zara colognes smell 90% similar to their designer counterparts but at a fraction of the price.
My top pick this week, Vibrant Leather, is very similar to Aventus by Creed, for a fraction of the price.
Sure, you’ll have to make some allowances in terms of performance. Most Zara colognes will need to be reapplied to survive the whole day, but you can’t really expect more. Either way, they still last longer than most other colognes in this price range.
Zara have have produced over 200 fragrances up till now, which might leave you wondering where to start.
For some time now, Zara perfumes have been taking over our algorithms and FYPs, and for good reason. The Spanish retailer is notorious for its fashion and accessories selections, but Zara fragrances have also seen an uptick in both quality and popularity this past year — meaning if they are not already on your radar, it's time for that to change.
Whether it's because of viral dupes or collaborations with famed perfumers like Jo Malone CBE, Zara perfumes seem to be everywhere, so picking out the bottles that are actually worth your time (and pennies) has become increasingly difficult. While affordable fragrances like Zara's are a great entryway into the world of perfumes, if you decide to pick up more than a couple of bottles, the prices can add up. Not to mention, the retailer's ever-growing selection can leave consumers perplexed. This is where this article comes in handy.
To spare your olfactory system of a trip to Zara, we have rounded up 10 of the best perfumes you can shop at Zara right now — whether you are looking for a light, everyday floral or a spicy fragrance to make your night outing unforgettable — and tested out their lasting power so you don't have to. Below, check out which 10 Zara perfumes will be guaranteed head-turners and why, according to a Teen Vogue editor.
10 Best Zara Perfumes for Man
Vibrant Leather – The Creed Aventus Alternative
Dynamic Leather exudes a confident and professional fragrance, radiating CEO-level assurance and authority.
For those aspiring to delve into the world of Creed fragrances but find them financially out of reach, this cologne is an excellent alternative.
The initial burst of Vibrant Leather unveils the classic combination of bergamot, along with lively hints of lemon and lime. This refreshing opening gradually transitions, evolving into a woody, musky scent within an hour or two.
Contrary to its name, the leather note in Vibrant Leather remains subtle. I perceive it more as a fresh and clean fragrance rather than the expected dark and robust leather impression.
As anticipated with a more budget-friendly cologne, it lacks the robust intensity of its designer inspiration. Vibrant Leather behaves more like a light Eau de Toilette than a potent Eau de Parfum, presenting a diluted interpretation, which is understandable given its affordable price.
The fragrance projects strongly for about an hour before settling into a more subtle skin-scent territory, lingering for an additional 4-5 hours.
Despite these considerations, Vibrant Leather is a cologne I would recommend to a broad audience. With its remarkably low price, it offers a genuinely versatile fragrance that garners compliments effortlessly.
Tobacco Collection RWA – Tobacco Vanille Imitator
Rich Warm Addictive (RWA) delivers an astonishingly exceptional experience considering its price point—almost too good to be true. It boasts an enticing and supreme aroma from the initial spritz to the lingering finish, showcasing impressive projection and longevity.
Zara's Tobacco Collection presents the Rich Warm Addictive Fragrance, where the tobacco component mirrors the realism of sweet tobacco flower, reminiscent of Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille. The composition is further enriched by the unfolding warmth and creaminess of vanilla, complemented by hints of rum, cardamom, and cloves, introducing a delightful blend of spice and warmth at the heart.
This is far from a generic and one-dimensional tobacco explosion; it's a nuanced and sophisticated olfactory journey.
Ideal for gentlemen seeking to emanate a luxurious aura, especially when suited up, whether engaged in business dealings in the office or captivating an audience at an upscale bar.
The fragrance reveals surprising depth, with layers that evolve and transform over time, contributing to its unique and captivating character.
For those on a budget but aspiring to smell like a million bucks, my recommendation is clear: indulge in the warmth and coziness of this Zara scent.
Vetiver Pamplemousse – Best for Energizing Citrus
Vetiver Pamplemousse stands out as an irresistibly alluring grapefruit cologne, centered around the invigorating and sharp essence of grapefruit, keeping it simple with just a hint of greenery.
It's possibly the most authentic and true-to-life grapefruit scent I've encountered in a cologne. Unlike many budget fragrances that muddle the note by incorporating lemon and lime, creating a generic citrus vibe, Vetiver Pamplemousse pleasantly surprised me with its immediate quality. It captures the true bitterness of the rind and the juiciness of the flesh, reminiscent of the white spongey section beneath the skin.
As the fragrance evolves into the dry down, subtle notes of green vetiver emerge, acting as a gentle counterbalance to the sharp grapefruit accord. Despite its name, the vetiver doesn't dominate as much as one might expect.
In terms of performance, Vetiver Pamplemousse surpasses expectations for its price range, rivaling some of the best Jimmy Choo colognes at half the cost. Unlike cheaper fragrances, there's no overwhelming alcohol scent.
This cologne is a delightful and natural-smelling companion throughout the day, although I do find myself reapplying it. Zara consistently produces high-quality fragrances, but the longevity, in this case, falls short of top-tier. Expect around 4 hours of wear before it starts to fade. To extend its presence, I usually spray it before work, at lunch, and when leaving the office. Given its affordability, you can liberally apply it without guilt.
Best suited for spring and summer days and evenings, this zesty pick-me-up may not withstand the chill of a frigid winter day.
Man Gold – Best for Confidence and Seduction
Man Gold stands as a timeless fragrance exuding a magnetic "sex appeal" that defies its affordable price, delivering a richness that far exceeds expectations.
The opening unfolds with a decadent and chocolatey allure, where fresh citrus notes sit atop a dark, gourmand balsamic base. Despite the sweetness, the overall impression is one of masculinity and confidence.
As the fragrance settles, a captivating transformation takes place within 5-10 minutes. Robust spiced elements of dry cinnamon and warm cardamom emerge, elevating Man Gold to a scent as precious as gold itself. Subtle touches of incense contribute to the luxurious essence, adding a mysterious and brooding quality.
In terms of projection, Man Gold surpasses its Zara counterparts on this list. It boasts a bold presence, offering 2-3 hours of arms-length fragrance from the initial application. While its longevity aligns with expectations, lasting around 5 hours, the overall experience is a testament to its impressive performance.
Zara Lisboa – An Acqua di Gio Alternative
Lisboa stands out as another remarkable example of Zara colognes surpassing expectations given their affordable price. Boasting an aroma that is approximately 85% reminiscent of Acqua di Gio, it captures the same refreshing, aquatic essence that defines the Armani cologne. In this breezy composition, crisp citrus and floral notes gracefully transition into woody undertones, accompanied by a subtle hint of spice.
This fragrance is well-suited for everyday use, providing a carefree and effortless option, particularly ideal for the spring and summer seasons.
Notably, Lisboa tends to be a favorite among women as well. Wearing it to the office often results in receiving compliments from female colleagues, underscoring its crowd-pleasing nature.
While the longevity of Lisboa mirrors that of the current Acqua di Gio, lasting around 3-4 hours, the affordability of this Zara scent allows for liberal application. Spritzing on a few extra sprays easily compensates for its relatively shorter duration, ensuring you achieve the desired longevity without breaking the bank.
Zara Gourmand Addict – A Tom Ford Bitter Peach Smell-a-like
While technically designed as a women's fragrance, Gourmand Addict presents a delightful aroma reminiscent of peach iced tea—light, sweet, and playful. This scent exudes a youthful and optimistic vibe, making it an excellent budget-friendly choice for gentlemen in their early to mid-20s, especially during sunny holidays.
Although not as overtly masculine as some other fragrances on this list, Gourmand Addict incorporates notes of chocolate and patchouli in the base, adding a touch of seriousness to the dry down.
Perfect for a carefree outing like fun cocktails in the sun, Gourmand Addict makes an ideal choice for a date fragrance. Its easygoing nature can earn compliments for any gentleman confident enough in his masculinity to embrace a cologne that doesn't rely on traditional notions of manliness.
Surprisingly, both men and women frequently inquire about the fragrance, expressing disbelief when informed that it hails from a high-street brand.
Cherry Smoothie – A Subtle Tom Ford Lost Cherry Alternative
Cherry Smoothie, priced far below its Tom Ford counterpart, impresses with its vibrant and natural-smelling cherry and almond top notes, accompanied by a subtle touch of plum or berries for added complexity.
Diverging from the original Tom Ford fragrance, Cherry Smoothie lacks the heavier, boozy quality, making it an excellent option for those who prefer to steer clear of alcoholic undertones.
While the performance of this budget-friendly scent may not be described as beastly, it still offers a commendable longevity of around 6 hours. The notable difference lies in the lighter projection, creating a more intimate experience akin to a toned-down version of Lost Cherry. While detectable when you're 2-3 feet away, it doesn't overwhelm the room with fragrance.
Vibrant Leather Oud – Best for Retro Feel
A captivating variation of my top choice, Vibrant Leather Oud stands out as one of the most impressive Zara colognes in my testing. Evoking a distinct 80s/90s ambiance, it conjures images of a sophisticated nightclub where one is impeccably dressed for a night out.
Picture a crisp Armani shirt, an oversized watch, leather moccasins sans socks—Vibrant Leather Oud is the Zara fragrance to choose when you want to flaunt your style and make a statement.
Compared to the original, Vibrant Leather Oud tones down the brightness, offering a deeper blend that swaps the sweet citrusy bergamot for smoky and mysterious incense. This alteration lends it a touch of masculinity, albeit a less clean and business-appropriate vibe.
The opening of Zara's Vibrant Leather Oud introduces a mandarin note intertwined with dark oud, akin to contemporary interpretations like Tom Ford's Oud Wood. The oud here is refined and tailored for a Western audience, steering clear of polarizing elements.
As the fragrance settles, Vibrant Leather Oud transforms into a blend of woody incense, subtly balanced with a hint of amber. Similar to the original, the leather note is understated, with a mere suggestion in the base, allowing the dominant impression of soapy woodiness from the oud.
While the performance sees a slight improvement from the original, particularly in extended projection (lasting for about two solid hours), the overall longevity remains comparable. If you achieve 5 hours, consider it a commendable outcome.
Even with these considerations, Vibrant Leather Oud continues to offer exceptional value. If it carried a Versace label with enhanced longevity, it would undoubtedly garner widespread acclaim.
Night Pour Homme III – Best for Nightlife – Yves Saint Laurent Imitator
Night Pour Homme from Zara exudes a lively and "fizzy" cola vibe that resonates perfectly with my preference for resinous, amber, and cardamom-infused fragrances. This cologne aligns seamlessly with my taste, ticking all the boxes.
If you're a fan of Yves Saint Laurent fragrances, this one is a must-try as it bears a striking resemblance to L'Homme, capturing about 90% of its essence, making it a commendable alternative.
The resemblance between the two is so uncanny that without regular wear of either fragrance, it would be challenging to discern the difference.
However, a word of caution— the initial 5-10 minutes might be a bit challenging. The fragrance starts off with a super synthetic and chemical aura, not particularly pleasant. Fortunately, after 10-15 minutes, everything settles down, and the initial harshness dissipates.
A subtle touch of iris cuts across the fragrance profile like a racing stripe, standing out and drawing attention, yet enhancing rather than distracting. It's this floral undertone that sets it apart from YSL's L'Homme.
It's important to note that, for such an affordable price, the performance of Night Pour Homme may not rival that of high-end designer houses like YSL. Nevertheless, you can expect a respectable 4-5 hours of longevity, which is quite impressive considering the price point.
Tobacco Collection RWA – Tobacco Vanille Imitator
Remarkably, RWA exceeds expectations for its price, delivering an almost unbelievably good olfactory experience. From the initial spritz to the lingering finish, it emanates a supreme and enticing aroma with impressive projection and longevity.
The tobacco notes in this blend are nothing short of realistic, capturing the sweetness of tobacco flower reminiscent of Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille. Complemented by warm and creamy vanilla, the fragrance unfolds with hints of rum, cardamom, and cloves, introducing a delightful blend of spice and warmth at its heart.
This is no ordinary, one-dimensional tobacco blast; it's a nuanced and complex fragrance experience.
Perfect for gentlemen aiming to exude a sense of luxury, whether navigating deals in the office or captivating at an up-market bar while suited up. The fragrance offers a surprising and welcomed depth, with layers evolving and changing over time, contributing to its unique and captivating character.
For those with budget constraints but aspiring to smell like a million bucks, I wholeheartedly recommend investing in this warm and cozy scent from Zara.