Top 5 Designer-Inspired Colognes That Smell Expensive (But Aren’t)

There’s nothing quite like the confidence boost that comes with wearing an incredible cologne. The perfect scent doesn’t just smell good—it leaves an impression. It lingers subtly as you walk past, sparks compliments from strangers, and becomes a part of your personal brand.

But when it comes to designer colognes, there’s a major problem: the price.

A 100ml bottle of Creed Aventus or Tom Ford Oud Wood can cost upwards of £250. And let’s be honest—most of us aren’t trying to drop that kind of money just to smell nice every day.

At Scent 26, we believe smelling amazing shouldn’t break the bank. That’s why we’ve developed a curated range of designer-inspired colognes—long-lasting, cruelty-free, and just £20 a bottle.

Looking to explore our full range? Visit our Men’s Cologne Collection and find your signature scent today.

In this guide, we’ll break down our top 5 colognes that smell luxurious, last all day, and cost a fraction of the designer originals. Whether you’re searching for your signature scent or want to expand your collection, these colognes are where value meets quality.

What is Cologne?

Before we jump into the list, let’s quickly cover what the term “cologne” actually means.

The word “cologne” originally comes from Eau de Cologne, a type of fragrance with a lower concentration of perfume oils (around 2-5%). Traditionally, cologne was used for a light, fresh scent—often for men.

Nowadays, the term "cologne" is often used interchangeably with men’s fragrance—regardless of oil concentration. So when we say "cologne" here, we’re talking about men's perfumes or fragrances that have that classic masculine appeal.

The colognes we offer at Scent are Eau de Parfum strength, meaning they have a higher concentration of fragrance oils for a longer-lasting scent—but we still use the word “cologne” because that’s what many of our customers search for.

Why Go Designer-Inspired Instead of the Real Thing?

Let’s face it—people love designer colognes. Scents like Dior Sauvage, Creed Aventus, and Tom Ford’s Oud Wood are iconic. But when you're paying £200+ for a bottle, a big chunk of that cost is going toward branding, marketing, and packaging.

Our designer-inspired colognes are:

• Made using high-quality oils to closely replicate the designer experience
• Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly
• Long-lasting (up to 8+ hours on skin)
• Priced at just £20 per 100ml bottle

You get the luxury experience—without the luxury markup.

Top 5 Affordable Designer-Inspired Colognes (Under £20)

1. Creed Aventus Cologne (Inspired) – £20

Our version of Creed Aventus is bold, masculine, and unmistakably powerful. This cologne opens with a fresh burst of pineapple and blackcurrant, followed by heart notes of birch and jasmine, and finishes with a base of oakmoss and vanilla.

It’s the perfect scent for someone who wants to smell successful, charismatic, and confident.

Why We Love It:

• Smells nearly identical to the original (which retails for over £250)
• Long-lasting with fantastic projection
• Ideal for both everyday wear and formal occasions

Best For: Date nights, interviews, weddings, or any situation where you want to leave a lasting impression.

2. Timber – Inspired by Tom Ford Oud Wood – £20

If you’re into rich, woody colognes with a seductive twist, Timber is your new go-to. Inspired by Tom Ford’s Oud Wood, this scent is a luxurious blend of oud, sandalwood, vanilla, and spices.

It’s warm, opulent, and smooth—perfect for cooler weather or evening wear.

Why We Love It:

• Oud is traditionally an expensive note—this makes it accessible
• Sexy, mysterious vibe that evolves beautifully on the skin
• Unisex appeal, though typically worn by men

Best For: Date nights, black tie events, winter evenings, and anyone who wants to smell like wealth.

3. Creed Santal – Inspired by Creed Original Santal – £20

If you’re after a refined cologne that feels clean and smooth, Creed Santal delivers. Inspired by Creed’s Original Santal, this scent features a creamy base of sandalwood mixed with cinnamon, lavender, and tonka bean.

It’s incredibly versatile and perfect for men who want a scent that’s warm but not overpowering.

Why We Love It:

• Effortless elegance in a bottle
• Very wearable—great for office or casual settings
• Loved by both men and women

Best For: Everyday wear, spring/summer, professional settings, first dates.

4. Tobacco Vanille (Inspired) – £20

Inspired by another Tom Ford masterpiece, this cologne is rich, smooth, and smoky—with warm notes of tobacco leaf, vanilla, cocoa, and dried fruits.

It’s a powerhouse cologne that screams confidence and luxury.

Why We Love It:

• One of our strongest performers—long-lasting and bold
• Gourmand twist makes it stand out
• Ideal for colder seasons

Best For: Evenings out, special occasions, signature scent wearers who want to be remembered.

• 5. Ombre Leather (Inspired) – £20

Looking for something modern and masculine? Our Ombre Leather-inspired cologne blends leather, patchouli, and cardamom to create a scent that’s both fresh and rugged.

It’s the perfect cologne for men who like their fragrance to be as bold as their attitude.

Why We Love It:

• A leather scent that’s wearable and smooth
• Fresh enough for daytime, strong enough for night
• Projects confidence and individuality

Best For: Guys who want a signature scent that feels different but never overwhelming.

How to Make Your Cologne Last Longer

Want your scent to stick around all day? Try these tips:

• Moisturise before spraying – dry skin doesn’t hold fragrance as well
• Spray on pulse points like wrists, neck, chest – the warmth helps the scent develop
• Don’t rub your wrists together – it breaks down the top notes too quickly
• Layer with similar-scented body lotions or oils for extra longevity

Our colognes are already Eau de Parfum strength, so you’re getting 6–15% fragrance oil—much higher than traditional eau de toilette colognes.

FAQs About Our Colognes

Are your colognes really similar to designer brands?
Yes! While we don’t claim to be exact replicas, we’ve worked hard to craft high-quality scent matches that capture the essence and character of each designer original.

Are these colognes safe for skin?
Absolutely. All of our fragrances are skin-safe, IFRA-compliant, and tested to meet UK/EU safety standards.

Are they long-lasting?
Yes—our colognes typically last 6 to 10+ hours depending on skin type and the specific scent.

Why are your colognes so affordable?
We focus on quality over branding. No celebrity ads, no luxury packaging—just incredible scent blends at an accessible price.

Cologne That Doesn’t Cost the Earth

At Scent 26, we believe everyone deserves to smell amazing—without compromising on quality or budget.

Whether you're searching for a bold evening cologne, a soft daytime fragrance, or a signature scent that people associate with you—our designer-inspired range has something to match your mood, style, and season.

With over 25 perfumes and colognes in our collection, you’re bound to find your next favourite.

Try Our Colognes Today – Just £20 Each (or Less)

We offer:

• 1 cologne for £20
• 2 for £30 + free UK delivery
• 3 for £40 + free UK delivery

Still not sure where to start? Grab our cologne testers and try before you commit.

Smell like luxury—without paying designer prices. Try our colognes today and see (or smell) the difference for yourself.