Best men’s aftershave for UK buyers

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Buying men's aftershave for yourself or as a November gift? We chose bottles with UK search demand and a named UK review or award, where the exact size and concentration was in stock at two or more UK shops on 3 November 2026. We did no fragrance testing of our own.

The shortlist at a glance

Start with the precise bottle; the verdicts belong to the named reviewers, not to our own testing.

The picks

Every block compares one size and concentration per barcode. A similar name can lead to a different bottle.

Le Male: three strengths under one name

Role: Choose this if you want to compare the original with Elixir and Le Parfum. Skip it if you already know that only one concentration will do.

• Type: Jean Paul Gaultier, three concentrations.
• Sizes compared: 75 and 125 ml EDT and Elixir; 75 ml Le Parfum.
• Notes: Jean Paul Gaultier lists mint, lavender and vanilla for the Eau de Toilette; lavender, tonka bean and benzoin for Elixir; and cardamom, lavender and iris, and vanilla for Le Parfum.
• Brand: Jean Paul Gaultier

What reviewers found: IndyBest's Lee Kynaston calls the Eau de Toilette a modern classic. GQ UK's Adrian Clark calls Elixir an evening fragrance but says its sweetness may not suit everybody. GQ UK's Michael Stefanov calls Le Parfum a richer flanker; that GQ UK piece appears syndicated from the US.

Pros

• Three named versions are compared.
• Two sizes of the EDT and Elixir.

Cons

• GQ UK warns Elixir sweetness may not suit everybody.
• Le Parfum has only one size here.

This block compares Le Male EDT and Elixir at 75 and 125 ml, plus Le Parfum at 75 ml.

Christopher Lee Fragrances compares the named Le Male versions in this video.

Versace Eros: the blind panel view

Role: Choose this if a blind panel result matters to you. Skip it if sharp citrus or fading after several hours would be a concern.

• Type: Versace, Eau de Toilette.
• Sizes compared: 50 and 100 ml.
• Notes: Versace lists mint leaves, Italian lemon zest and green apple, with tonka beans, ambroxan, geranium flower, vanilla, cedarwood, vetyver and oak moss.
• Brand: Versace

What reviewers found: Which?'s blind panel scored the Eau de Toilette 63% and called its opening sweet and fresh; some testers found the citrus too sharp, and it was fairly faded after three hours. The Evening Standard's Peter Bevan called it crisp and reviving in an older 2022 list.

Pros

• A blind panel assessed this exact concentration.
• Two sizes compared.

Cons

• Some panellists found the citrus sharp.
• Which? reported fading by three hours.

See Eros Eau de Toilette in 50 and 100 ml sprays below.

Monika Colognes covers the Eros range, including the Eau de Toilette and other versions.

Rabanne 1 Million: the panel Best Buy

Role: Choose this if you want the only men’s Best Buy in Which?’s blind test. Skip it if a sharp first spray would put you off.

• Type: Rabanne, Eau de Toilette.
• Sizes compared: 50 and 100 ml.
• Notes: Rabanne lists blood mandarin, frosted grapefruit and icy mint, followed by woody cinnamon, warm rose, leathery amber, woody notes and patchouli.
• Brand: Rabanne

What reviewers found: Which?'s blind panel scored this Eau de Toilette 70%, liked its sweet and spicy scent and found it potent after three hours; some noted an alcoholic sharpness in the first spray. T3's Bethan Morgan picked it for winter but listed a gaudy bottle as a drawback.

Pros

• Which? gave it its only men’s Best Buy.
• Two sizes compared.

Cons

• Some panellists noted a sharp opening.
• T3 disliked the bottle.

The prices below cover 50 and 100 ml of 1 Million Eau de Toilette.

Acqua di Giò: the aquatic classic

Role: Choose this if the 100 ml Eau de Toilette is the bottle you want. Skip it if long wear is your main condition.

• Type: Armani, Eau de Toilette.
• Sizes compared: 100 ml, two barcodes.
• Notes: Armani lists marine notes and bergamot, jasmine, cedarwood and rosemary, and white musks and patchouli.
• Brand: Armani

What reviewers found: IndyBest's Lee Kynaston named the Eau de Toilette its aquatic pick, but said it didn't last quite as long on the skin.

Pros

• Both compare items are 100 ml EDT.
• One listing is titled refillable spray.

Cons

• IndyBest reported shorter wear.

Here are the two barcodes for 100 ml Acqua di Giò Eau de Toilette, including the listing titled refillable spray.

Terre d'Hermès: two strengths, two sizes

Role: Choose this if you want to compare the Eau de Toilette with the Intense bottle. Skip it if you need more than one size of the Intense here.

• Type: Hermès, EDT and EDP Intense.
• Sizes compared: 50 and 100 ml EDT; 50 ml Intense.
• Brand: Hermès

What reviewers found: IndyBest's Lee Kynaston chose the Eau de Toilette for all-round versatility, calling it fresh enough for day and warm enough for evening. GQ UK's Sophie Clark called the Eau de Parfum Intense a timeless pick with depth rather than noise.

Pros

• Two EDT sizes plus an Intense option.
• The EDT has a named versatility verdict.

Cons

• The Intense comes in only one size here.

Compare the Terre d'Hermès Eau de Toilette at 50 and 100 ml with the 50 ml Eau de Parfum Intense below.

BOSS Bottled: office and everyday

Role: Choose this if an office or everyday recommendation fits the recipient. Skip it if you want something less simple, as T3 did.

• Type: Hugo Boss, Eau de Toilette.
• Sizes compared: 50 and 100 ml.
• Notes: Hugo Boss lists fresh apple top notes, a spicy cinnamon heart and a woody base.
• Brand: Hugo Boss

What reviewers found: IndyBest's Lee Kynaston named it best value for money. GQ UK's Sophie Clark picked it for the office, while Glamour UK's Denise Primbet said it works for office and evenings. T3's Bethan Morgan called it a little simple.

Pros

• Named in several UK reviews.
• Two EDT sizes compared.

Cons

• T3 found it a little simple.

Both BOSS Bottled options below are Eau de Toilette, in 50 and 100 ml sizes.

YSL MYSLF: an award with a caveat

Role: Choose this if a refillable 100 ml spray is the exact product you want. Skip it if the blind panel’s later impression worries you.

• Type: YSL, Eau de Parfum.
• Sizes compared: 100 ml refillable spray.
• Notes: YSL lists Calabrian bergamot, Tunisian orange blossom absolute and Indonesian patchouli.

What reviewers found: Which?'s blind panel scored MYSLF 61%: most liked its opening, but testers were less keen as it became smokier and muskier. GQ UK's Adrian Clark put it among everyday fragrances. The Fragrance Foundation UK gave it the 2024 Ultimate Launch award.

Pros

• A refillable spray bottle.
• A blind panel and award to weigh.

Cons

• The later scent divided Which? panellists.

The block below covers the 100 ml refillable MYSLF Eau de Parfum spray.

Prices at UK shops / 1 product

YSL MYSLF comparison

Ysl · 2 shopsYves Saint Laurent MYSLF Eau de Parfum 100ml Refillable Spray

From £96 at LOOKFANTASTIC, with delivery

1. LOOKFANTASTICIn stock · Lowest price here£96 with deliveryShop at LOOKFANTASTIC
2. Perfume ClickIn stock£107.55 with deliveryShop at Perfume Click

Compare all 2 prices

Prices, stock and delivery as each shop listed them, checked 6 hours ago. Some shops pay us when you buy through these links; that never changes the order. How that works.

Burberry Hero: the everyday EDP

Role: Choose this if you want the Eau de Parfum version of Hero. Skip it if you mean the Eau de Toilette or Parfum instead.

• Type: Burberry, Eau de Parfum.
• Sizes compared: 50 and 100 ml.
• Notes: Burberry lists incense and benzoin over cedarwood oils and pine.
• Brand: Burberry

What reviewers found: GQ UK's Adrian Clark calls the EDP an everyday fragrance and says it is more concentrated than the EDT but less persistent than the Parfum.

Pros

• Two EDP sizes compared.
• The reviewer distinguishes three Hero versions.

Cons

• The EDP is less persistent than the Parfum, says GQ UK.

Check the 50 and 100 ml Hero Eau de Parfum bottles below.

Spicebomb: the louder choice

Role: Choose this if the recipient wants the louder option GQ UK describes. Skip it if that description sounds too much.

• Type: Viktor & Rolf, Eau de Toilette.
• Sizes compared: 50 and 90 ml.
• Notes: Viktor & Rolf's US site lists bergamot, grapefruit, cinnamon, vetiver, tobacco and a white leather accord.
• Brand: Viktor & Rolf

What reviewers found: GQ UK's Sophie Clark placed Spicebomb fourth in a UK best-seller list and called it unapologetically loud. The Fragrance Foundation UK gave it three men's awards in 2013.

Pros

• Two EDT sizes compared.
• GQ UK gives a clear character cue.

Cons

• GQ UK says it is loud.

Spicebomb Eau de Toilette appears below in 50 and 90 ml sizes.

Gentleman Society: Glamour’s bold pick

Role: Choose this if the named bold review appeals. Skip it if you meant another Gentleman scent.

• Type: Givenchy, Eau de Parfum.
• Sizes compared: 60 and 100 ml.
• Notes: Givenchy lists sage and cardamom, narcissus and vetiver, and cedarwood, sandalwood and vanilla.
• Brand: Givenchy

What reviewers found: Glamour UK's Denise Primbet named Gentleman Society its bold men's fragrance and called it edgy yet refined and long lasting.

Pros

• Two EDP sizes compared.
• A named verdict for this exact scent.

Cons

• Other Gentleman names are separate scents.

The Gentleman Society Eau de Parfum block shows 60 and 100 ml bottles.

Montblanc Explorer and Legend: two scents

Role: Choose this if you want to compare Explorer with Legend. Skip it if you assume they are strengths of the same scent.

• Type: Montblanc, EDP and EDT.
• Sizes compared: 100 ml each.
• Notes: Montblanc lists bergamot, pomarose, sage, vetiver, leather, sandalwood, patchouli, Ambrofix and Akigalawood for Explorer.

What reviewers found: IndyBest's Lee Kynaston chose Legend EDT for everyday use but rated its longevity and projection only okay. The Evening Standard's Peter Bevan called Explorer EDP long lasting and aromatic in an older 2022 list.

Pros

• Two distinct scents compared.
• Both bottles are 100 ml.

Cons

• Legend longevity was only okay for IndyBest.

Compare two different 100 ml scents below: Explorer Eau de Parfum and Legend Eau de Toilette.

Luna Rossa Ocean Le Parfum: check the label

Role: Choose this if you want the precise Le Parfum listing GQ UK reviewed. Skip it if the brand’s concentration label must be confirmed first.

• Type: Prada, Le Parfum listing.
• Sizes compared: 50 ml.
• Brand: Prada

What reviewers found: GQ UK's Sophie Clark named Luna Rossa Ocean Le Parfum its overall men's fragrance pick. The shop listing calls this Le Parfum Eau de Parfum; Prada's UK concentration label was not confirmed.

Pros

• The named GQ UK pick is compared.
• One precise 50 ml listing.

Cons

• Brand concentration label unconfirmed.

The block below is for the 50 ml Luna Rossa Ocean Le Parfum listing.

Prices at UK shops / 1 product

Luna Rossa Ocean Le Parfum comparison

Prada · 2 shopsPrada Luna Rossa Ocean Le Parfum Eau de Parfum 50ml Spray

From £72.24 at The Beauty Store, with delivery

1. The Beauty StoreIn stock · Lowest price here£72.24 with deliveryShop at The Beauty Store
2. Perfume ClickIn stock£73.70 with deliveryShop at Perfume Click

Compare all 2 prices

Prices, stock and delivery as each shop listed them, checked 2 hours ago. Some shops pay us when you buy through these links; that never changes the order. How that works.

How to choose an aftershave

What aftershave means on a bottle

Oxford Learner's Dictionaries defines aftershave as a liquid put on after shaving. On UK fragrance pages, the word is looser: Armani calls its Stronger With You Eau de Toilette an aftershave, and Rabanne uses aftershave in Eau de Toilette page titles.

A lotion or splash is another product. Escentual describes BOSS Bottled After Shave Lotion as a splash applied after shaving. Rabanne has an Invictus After Shave Lotion, while Hermès lists a Terre d'Hermès lotion and balm. Escentual puts aftershave splash at around 3%, a retailer's guide figure rather than a fixed rule. Every comparison block compares a fragrance spray rather than an after-shave lotion.

Concentration and names

Escentual gives typical ranges: Eau de Cologne 2 to 5%, Eau de Toilette 5 to 15%, Eau de Parfum 10 to 20%, and Parfum 20 to 40%. Marie Claire UK's Olfiction experts say there is no legal or industry standard fixing a label to one percentage.

Jean Paul Gaultier labels Le Male Elixir Parfum, while shop titles call it Eau de Parfum. Its Le Male Le Parfum is an Eau de Parfum Intense. Rabanne labels 1 Million Elixir Parfum Intense. So Elixir is not one concentration.

Escentual calls a flanker a variation of an existing fragrance. Jean Paul Gaultier describes different signatures for Le Male EDT and Le Parfum; Rabanne calls 1 Million Parfum a reinterpretation with different notes.

Which label do you normally choose? This poll asks about your buying habit.

Balky Fragrances' chapter list runs through EDT, EDP, Parfum and Elixir.

Size and the per-ml sum

Which? advises comparing perfume per 100 ml. The government's Price Marking Order guidance says the unit price must be per litre from 6 April 2026. Armani Beauty UK and YSL Beauty UK show a price per litre, while Hugo Boss UK displays one per 100 ml.

This is Terre d'Hermès Eau de Toilette on 3 November 2026: the lowest and the dearest delivered total in our compare data at each size.

Size	Shop	Price	Delivery	Total	Per ml
50 ml	Perfume ClickPerfume ClickPerfume Click is an online-only UK retailer of designer and celebrity perfume, aftershave, bath and body, cosmetics and skincare. Any live codes and deals are listed here, and you 2 current offers · View store →	£48.70	£2.95	£51.65	£1.03
50 ml	LookfantasticLOOKFANTASTICThis is LOOKFANTASTIC, an online beauty retailer that gathers skincare, haircare, make-up and fragrance from leading brands in one basket. It is part of THG and sells to shoppers i2 current offers · View store →	£77.00	free	£77.00	£1.54
100 ml	Perfume ClickPerfume ClickPerfume Click is an online-only UK retailer of designer and celebrity perfume, aftershave, bath and body, cosmetics and skincare. Any live codes and deals are listed here, and you 2 current offers · View store →	£65.95	free	£65.95	£0.66
100 ml	LookfantasticLOOKFANTASTICThis is LOOKFANTASTIC, an online beauty retailer that gathers skincare, haircare, make-up and fragrance from leading brands in one basket. It is part of THG and sells to shoppers i2 current offers · View store →	£108.00	free	£108.00	£1.08

At these prices, the 100 ml bottle at Perfume ClickPerfume ClickPerfume Click is an online-only UK retailer of designer and celebrity perfume, aftershave, bath and body, cosmetics and skincare. Any live codes and deals are listed here, and you 2 current offers · View store → came to a little under two thirds of the per-ml cost of its 50 ml bottle. Yet the dearest 100 ml listing at LookfantasticLOOKFANTASTICThis is LOOKFANTASTIC, an online beauty retailer that gathers skincare, haircare, make-up and fragrance from leading brands in one basket. It is part of THG and sells to shoppers i2 current offers · View store → came to more per ml than the lowest 50 ml listing. Perfume Click charged delivery on the smaller bottle but not the larger one; its pages say free delivery over £50. Prices move daily, and the blocks show current listings.

Testers, gift sets and refills

Our catalogue treats each size and concentration as a separate barcode. Our 3 November checks opened each listed shop page and confirmed size, concentration and stock; we removed a listing whose page had the wrong size.

Osmoz says testers often have plain boxes and no cap. The Beauty StoreThe Beauty StoreThe Beauty Store sells perfume, skincare and haircare aimed at UK shoppers who want branded beauty products for less. It is a practical place to look for fragrances, bath and body Buying guide · View store → has a public Testers collection, but eBay UK prohibits tester sales on its marketplace. Check whether the listing says tester, unboxed or standard retail bottle.

For gift sets, ask whether the extra items would be used and which are full size. MoneySavingExpert uses that value test and checks full-size contents, though its article was about beauty advent calendars, not aftershave sets. Don't compare its total volume with a spray bottle without identifying every item.

A refill is also separate from the bottle, and compatibility matters. Rabanne sells a separate Phantom refill. Burberry's Hero Eau de Toilette refill says it is only compatible with the 100 ml bottle. Armani lists a separate 150 ml Acqua di Giò refill, and YSL lists a MYSLF refill.

Buying safely

Darlington Trading Standards warns about misspellings, poor labels or wrap, weak box construction, and a missing serial number or batch code. Under article 19 of the cosmetics rules, a batch number or identifying reference must appear; Business Companion explains where the code may sit.

Citizens Advice recorded 3,535 counterfeit-related complaints in its stated year, including 277 in toiletries, perfumes, beauty treatments and hairdressing. Its refund guidance says fake goods can be refunded within 30 days and explains debit or credit card chargeback and section 75 for credit card purchases of £100 to £30,000. Which? bought skincare and make-up from marketplace sellers and found at least two thirds likely counterfeit; that test covered cosmetics, not perfume.

Shop claims are their own statements. Perfume ClickPerfume ClickPerfume Click is an online-only UK retailer of designer and celebrity perfume, aftershave, bath and body, cosmetics and skincare. Any live codes and deals are listed here, and you 2 current offers · View store → says its products come in original manufacturer packaging. The Beauty StoreThe Beauty StoreThe Beauty Store sells perfume, skincare and haircare aimed at UK shoppers who want branded beauty products for less. It is a practical place to look for fragrances, bath and body Buying guide · View store → says it sources distributor overstock and clearance. LookfantasticLOOKFANTASTICThis is LOOKFANTASTIC, an online beauty retailer that gathers skincare, haircare, make-up and fragrance from leading brands in one basket. It is part of THG and sells to shoppers i2 current offers · View store → calls itself an authorised retailer for over 600 brands. JoybuyJoybuyJoybuy is the European online retail arm of JD.com, and its UK site brings together a brand-led range spanning technology, appliances, beauty, homeware, groceries and everyday esse10 current offers · View store → identifies its trading company in its terms. Gorgeous ShopGorgeous ShopThis is Gorgeous Shop, an online beauty retailer founded in 2007 and based in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. You get hair care, skincare, fragrance and make-up from professional and p4 current offers · View store → says it works directly with luxury brands.

Returns, the seal and delivery for a present

A sealed fragrance can become hard to return after opening. Regulation 28(3)(a) excludes the cancellation right for sealed goods unsuitable for return on health or hygiene grounds once unsealed. The Consumer Rights Act section 11 says goods sold by description must match it. Check the shop's terms and keep the seal intact until the recipient is sure the right bottle arrived.

Perfume ClickPerfume ClickPerfume Click is an online-only UK retailer of designer and celebrity perfume, aftershave, bath and body, cosmetics and skincare. Any live codes and deals are listed here, and you 2 current offers · View store → says returns must be unopened and unused, and its Special Delivery guarantees the next working day before 1pm; its express service is not guaranteed next day. Its pages show free delivery over £50. LookfantasticLOOKFANTASTICThis is LOOKFANTASTIC, an online beauty retailer that gathers skincare, haircare, make-up and fragrance from leading brands in one basket. It is part of THG and sells to shoppers i2 current offers · View store → requires unopened, unused returns with seals intact, says next day is usually within one working day, and says some deliveries over £200 require a PIN. The Beauty StoreThe Beauty StoreThe Beauty Store sells perfume, skincare and haircare aimed at UK shoppers who want branded beauty products for less. It is a practical place to look for fragrances, bath and body Buying guide · View store → requires intact seals and gives Tracked 48 an estimated 5 to 7 business days. Gorgeous ShopGorgeous ShopThis is Gorgeous Shop, an online beauty retailer founded in 2007 and based in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. You get hair care, skincare, fragrance and make-up from professional and p4 current offers · View store → says orders by 9pm get same-day dispatch and offers free next working day delivery over £25. JoybuyJoybuyJoybuy is the European online retail arm of JD.com, and its UK site brings together a brand-led range spanning technology, appliances, beauty, homeware, groceries and everyday esse10 current offers · View store → says beauty returns need the seal and wrapping intact, and its delivery dates are estimates.

If you're buying for someone else, decide on the recipient and whether the box needs to arrive sealed before choosing a delivery service.

For sale timing, Which? warns about misleading 'was' prices. Our Black Friday guide covers the wider event; compare the exact bottle's current delivered total rather than a reference price.

Reviewer picks we couldn't compare

These reviewed bottles did not meet the exact-bottle, two-shop stock test for a price block on 3 November 2026.

• Dior Sauvage: IndyBest: Sauvage Parfum "Best modern fougère". Not in stock at two shops in our data on 3 November 2026.
• Bleu de Chanel: IndyBest: Bleu de Chanel Parfum "Best contemporary classic". Not in stock at two shops in our data on 3 November 2026.
• Creed Aventus: IndyBest: Aventus "Best luxury woody scent". Only one shop had it in stock on 3 November 2026; our Tom Ford and Creed guide covers Creed. See our Tom Ford and Creed perfume guide.
• Armani Stronger With You Intensely: T3: "Best for: Lasting power", with the drawback "Too overpowering for some". Not in stock at two shops in our data on 3 November 2026 (we hold the original Stronger With You, which no reviewer here picked).
• YSL Y Eau de Parfum: GQ UK: Y Eau de Parfum third of the ten UK best-sellers. Our data held only other versions (Eau de Parfum Intense and Elixir), not the one reviewed.
• Gucci Guilty Pour Homme Parfum: IndyBest: Guilty Pour Homme Parfum "Best all-weather fragrance", "one of those few scents you could buy blind for a gift". IndyBest reviewed the Parfum; our data held the Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum at two shops, not the Parfum.
• Givenchy Gentleman Eau de Toilette: IndyBest: Gentleman Eau de Toilette "Best masculine classic". IndyBest reviewed the Eau de Toilette; our data held Gentleman Eau de Parfum, a different concentration.

Where to buy

Start with the exact scent, concentration and size, then compare the delivered total per ml. Check the shop's own seal, return and delivery terms before paying. The comparisons include Perfume ClickPerfume ClickPerfume Click is an online-only UK retailer of designer and celebrity perfume, aftershave, bath and body, cosmetics and skincare. Any live codes and deals are listed here, and you 2 current offers · View store →, The Beauty StoreThe Beauty StoreThe Beauty Store sells perfume, skincare and haircare aimed at UK shoppers who want branded beauty products for less. It is a practical place to look for fragrances, bath and body Buying guide · View store →, LookfantasticLOOKFANTASTICThis is LOOKFANTASTIC, an online beauty retailer that gathers skincare, haircare, make-up and fragrance from leading brands in one basket. It is part of THG and sells to shoppers i2 current offers · View store →, JoybuyJoybuyJoybuy is the European online retail arm of JD.com, and its UK site brings together a brand-led range spanning technology, appliances, beauty, homeware, groceries and everyday esse10 current offers · View store → and Gorgeous ShopGorgeous ShopThis is Gorgeous Shop, an online beauty retailer founded in 2007 and based in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. You get hair care, skincare, fragrance and make-up from professional and p4 current offers · View store →.

If you're buying perfume for someone else too, see Women's designer perfume prices compared.

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