Calvin Klein defines the classic minimalist brand, and its best colognes don’t disappoint. Like their clothing and their iconic advertising campaigns, their perfumes are a combination of sexiness and sophistication. It’s a difficult thing to pull off. Calvin Klein’s colognes are always clean, fresh and refined. Who wouldn’t want to smell like that?
Knowing how you want to smell is easy, but choosing from their 140 fragrances isn’t as straightforward. One of their fragrances has been the most popular since the 80s. Monikers like “award-winning” and “best-selling” are attractive, but they don’t make the selection any easier. It’s all about the mood you want to convey.
Each Calvin Klein cologne is unique, and has its own distinctiveness. Some colognes are energetic and bright, with a focus on citrus and green notes. Others are spicy and floral, combining musk and floral notes. Many of the most popular colognes from this brand are unisex and offer simple sophistication to all.
I’m here to break down what makes each of these colognes so delicious. Continue reading to see my top six choices. You can’t let anything stop you from enjoying the best Calvin Klein colognes.
The best Calvin Klein perfumes have a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and fresh. Calvin Klein Eternity has a mass appeal and is one of the best-selling fragrances. It is a combination of citrus, floral and woody notes that creates a fresh, irresistible fragrance.
Top Notes Middle Notes: Sage | Middle Notes: Lavender | Base notes: Cedarwood | Size: 1, 1.6, 3.3oz
There are ages, and then there’s Eternity. Of all the best Calvin Klein colognes, this is the one you’ll hear people say they’ve been wearing for 20 years. This is probably because it’s a refreshing scent that suits relaxed, mature men as much as it does easygoing young guys. It’s a classic scent.
Lemon, lavender, and Bergamot give way to a crisp, light opening. This is followed by a drydown of spicy and herbaceous notes for an earthy, grounding effect. It’s an aromatic scent that combines the right amount of citrus with wood and floral. This is the secret to its irresistible delicacy.
Its best quality is its reliability. Eternity remains consistent, regardless of the season, body chemistry or atmosphere. It’s easily one of the best colognes for men in general.
Top Notes Middle Notes:Base Notes Clementine | Middle Notes: Black Pepper | Base notes: Tobacco | Size: 3.4, 6.7oz
Calvin Klein colognes are not overly heavy. But CK One shock is dark and masculine. It combines woody, spicy and sweet dried fruit in a way to draw attention without being too overpowering.
Shock begins with top notes of clementine, cucumber and black pepper. Then it transitions into a spicy herbal scent thanks to basil and black pepper. The lingering quality of the fragrance is what makes it so special. Tobacco and musk are combined with a hint cherry to create a dry-down that lasts over eight hours.
Yet another example of sweet and fresh with the right hint of spice, it’s great for shoulder seasons. Masculine yet balanced, it’s approachable enough for both day and night.
Top Notes Middle Notes:Base Notes Mandarin | Middle Notes: Sage | Base notes: Amber | Size: 2.5, 4, 6.7oz
Rich and enticing any time of day, it’s easy to become obsessed with Obsession. Calvin Klein Colognes were launched in 1985 with this fragrance, which won numerous awards. It is still selling extremely well today.
Obsession is a complex cologne, unlike the majority of Calvin Klein’s colognes. Obsession is a complex cologne with rich notes of amber, nutmeg and vanilla. It has a spicy cinnamon scent and impressive sillage. It certainly has the sweet, floral aspect of the best Calvin Klein colognes, but it’s subdued rather than juicy.
A final smoky, balsamic element gives it a cozy feeling that’s perfect on a crisp winter’s day. Don’t overspray, however. This scent matures in just a couple of spritzes.
Notes for Top: Middle Notes: Cucumber | Middle Notes: Jasmine | Base notes: Sandalwood | Size: 0.67, 1.6, 3.4, 6.7oz
Eternity Aqua by Calvin Klein is a cologne that’s more ozonic and less aquatic. Akin to Polo Blue, it possesses that watery crispness that’s a go-to for warmer months. But this is Calvin Klein, after all, so expect a hint of spice that’s refreshing rather than warm.
The scent starts with a citrus and cucumber blast, but the green notes make it feel more sporty rather than oceanic. Sichuan Pepper, Lavender, and Plum combine to create the signature spice. The dry down has a light, clean, almost powdery scent. I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying Eternity Aqua.
While it’s certainly an attractive scent, a dab behind the ears won’t sweep you away. Overall, it’s a clean and reliable fragrance that shines during sunlight.
Top Notes Middle Notes: Papaya | Middle Notes: Nutmeg | Base notes: Amber | Size: 6.7oz
Easily the world’s most popular fragrance, CK One is iconic. Released in 1994 as the brand’s first unisex cologne, it embodies the revolutionary spirit of the grunge generation. The first fragrance that I purchased myself was 15 years ago, while modeling in Japan. I loved the scent of both girls and boys. The scent is still fresh and modern after 30 years.
CK One’s green, floral, citrus, and other notes make it a refreshing, clean fragrance that is suitable for day or night. The fragrance begins with papaya and pine notes, followed by a sharp citrus scent in the dry down. For this, you can thank the green notes, lemon and mint. Nutmeg in the heart and sandalwood, amber and amber at the base will warm your skin. Maybe I’m biased, but CK One has the best sillage.
Overall, CK One strikes a balance between calming you down and energizing you up. Clearly, it’s a youthful scent, but I imagine a few spritzes on a mature guy will fare just fine.
Top Notes Middle Notes: Ginger | Middle Notes: Cedar | Base notes: Suede | Size: 0.67, 1, 1.7, 3.4 oz
Euphoria, a spicy, fresh scent, is the preferred choice for close encounters. Euphoria, despite its masculine notes of woody notes and suede, is playful. It’s the ideal cologne for the free spirit. It’s perfect for the young guy who wants to have a romantic date.
Right from the jump, you’ll notice an oriental emergence with a kick of pepper and ginger that gives the best Calvin Klein colognes its signature spice. Euphoria has a woody, herbaceous scent, courtesy of basil, sage and cedar. But what you’ll really notice is the warm glow that stays on your skin. Amber and patchouli give the fragrance a rich musky quality.
With so much fresh, attractive energy going on, you’d think Euphoria would be perfect for the club. Unfortunately, it’s not very long-lasting, so unless you’re keen on carrying it in your pocket, I find it’s most suited to a sexy date night.
What to look for when buying the Best Calvin Klein Colognes
Price
Calvin Klein colognes have a price that is very attractive. As a luxury brand they have some iconic scents which are selling extremely well. While some are more expensive than others, most won’t set you back more than $100 for 3.4 ounces. The best Calvin Klein cologne for the money is CK One, which is perfect because it’s a youthful scent.
Scent
The scent profile is what matters most. Calvin Klein’s best colognes all have that signature touch of spice. Crisp Eternity aqua has that same energetic zing. For a balanced scent, the most accessible Calvin Klein fragrances combine citrus notes with floral, woody and herbal notes.
Does it last a long time?
The best Calvin Klein colognes for men should remain on the skin at least for six hours. Euphoria is the exception, as it lasts for five. A good scent should last at least as long as it is needed and more. Both CK One Obsession and Shock are long-lasting scents for men that people love.
Final Verdict
Calvin Klein Eternity, while all of the Calvin Klein colognes for men are amazing to smell, is the one that’s arguably the most popular. Eternity is the epitome of simplicity and classic style. It’s a great scent for men and women alike. Even if Eternity doesn’t become your go-to, there are plenty of well-balanced scents to choose from.
Calvin Klein’s best fragrances have a sexy and refined feel with a delicious combination of citrus, woodsy and floral notes. Above all else, Calvin Klein’s scents are clean and fresh.
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Obsession is a cologne that has a strong amber scent. CK One Shock and Euphoria are among the best Calvin Klein colognes.
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Calvin by Calvin Klein was the first fragrance by this luxury brand. Obsession was launched in 1984, just a few years after Calvin by Calvin Klein for men.
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