Best John Varvatos Artisan Cologne Options for Men
John Varvatos Artisan is a woody-citrus men’s eau de toilette featuring Mexican winter mandarin, purple ginger, and balambre. The original Artisan is the closest match for shoppers seeking that signature scent; Artisan Costiero suits buyers who prefer aquatic citrus, while XX Artisan Teal and Artisan Blu offer fresh, marine-leaning alternatives. The two Artisan EDT listings share the same scent description but have different listing details.
| Product | Best For | Scent Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Artisan EDT Spray | Original Artisan profile | Woody citrus |
| Artisan EDT Spray, alternate listing | Original scent with packaging details specified | Woody citrus |
| Artisan Costiero EDP | Mediterranean-inspired freshness | Aquatic citrus |
| XX Artisan Teal EDT | Fresh, relaxed aquatic character | Aquatic fougère |
| Artisan Blu EDT | Marine freshness with green notes | Marine water fougère |
John Varvatos Artisan Eau de Toilette

Best for: Men looking for the classic John Varvatos Artisan scent in a woody-citrus eau de toilette. This is the most direct choice for a search specifically about John Varvatos Artisan cologne.
The listed fragrance notes are Mexican winter mandarin, purple ginger, and balambre. The product description characterizes the scent as an exhilarating citrus fragrance with an exotic twist. Those notes make it a clear option for shoppers who want citrus at the center, balanced by woody character.
Why it was selected: It directly matches the requested Artisan name and provides the scent family and key notes for comparison. Limitation: The listing does not provide additional details about wear duration or how the scent develops over time.
Artisan EDT, Alternate Listing

Best for: Buyers comparing listings for the original Artisan EDT who want packaging information called out. The listing describes the same woody-citrus scent profile, with Mexican winter mandarin, purple ginger, and balambre as its key notes.
The product information says this item is not a tester and notes that packaging may vary. That distinction can help shoppers who are checking whether they are selecting a tester or a standard retail product. The scent description matches the first Artisan EDT listing, so the main comparison point is listing and packaging information rather than a stated fragrance difference.
Why it was selected: It offers another listing for the core Artisan scent and explicitly addresses tester status. Limitation: Packaging may vary, so the pictured presentation may not exactly match the received packaging.
John Varvatos Artisan Costiero EDP

Best for: Men who want an Artisan fragrance with a crisp, aquatic-citrus direction rather than the original’s woody-citrus profile. Costiero is described as an eau de parfum inspired by Mediterranean coastlines and citrus groves.
Its listed notes include yuzu and lemon oil, an Aquacoral marine accord, Akigalawood, and patchouli. This gives shoppers a straightforward way to compare it with the original: choose Costiero if marine freshness and citrus are the priority; choose the original Artisan if its mandarin, ginger, and balambre profile is the target.
Why it was selected: It retains the Artisan name while offering a distinct aquatic-citrus interpretation. Limitation: It is not the original Artisan EDT, so shoppers seeking the exact classic scent should compare the fragrance notes carefully.
John Varvatos XX Artisan Teal EDT

Best for: Buyers seeking a fresh aquatic scent with a relaxed, sophisticated character. XX Artisan Teal is an eau de toilette in the aquatic fougère family, making it a different direction from the woody-citrus original.
The listed key notes are rosemary, baie rose, and mineral driftwood. These notes point to an aromatic, aquatic profile with a wood element. Choose it if you want a marine-leaning alternative; avoid it if your goal is specifically the Mexican winter mandarin and purple ginger combination associated with Artisan.
Why it was selected: It is a relevant John Varvatos Artisan-family alternative with a clearly stated fragrance family and notes. Limitation: Its aquatic fougère classification differs from the original Artisan’s woody citrus.
John Varvatos Artisan Blu EDT

Best for: Men who prefer a marine scent with green, aromatic notes. Artisan Blu is described as a marine water fougère that evokes seaside serenity.
Its key notes are basil, parasol pine, and geranium flower. Compared with Artisan Costiero’s citrus-and-aquatic profile, Blu emphasizes aromatic greenery and marine character. Compared with the original Artisan, it is less directly focused on the listed mandarin and ginger notes.
Why it was selected: It is a distinct Artisan option for shoppers who want a marine fougère rather than classic woody citrus. Limitation: The listed features do not include the original Artisan’s signature notes.
Buying Guide: How to Choose an Artisan Cologne
Do you want the original Artisan scent?
Start with the two Artisan EDT listings. Both describe a woody-citrus fragrance with Mexican winter mandarin, purple ginger, and balambre. Compare their listing details, especially the note that one is not a tester and that packaging may vary.
Which scent family fits your preference?
- Woody citrus: Choose the original Artisan EDT for the listed mandarin, ginger, and balambre notes.
- Aquatic citrus: Consider Costiero for yuzu, lemon oil, a marine accord, woods, and patchouli.
- Aquatic fougère: Consider XX Artisan Teal for rosemary, baie rose, and mineral driftwood.
- Marine water fougère: Consider Artisan Blu for basil, parasol pine, and geranium flower.
Does EDT or EDP matter?
The original Artisan, XX Artisan Teal, and Artisan Blu are listed as eau de toilette, while Costiero is listed as eau de parfum. Concentration labels alone do not establish how long a fragrance will last on a particular person. The provided product details do not specify wear time, so choose based on the scent profile and formulation stated in each listing.
What should you check before ordering?
Confirm that the product name and fragrance family match your intended scent. If presentation matters, review packaging information because the alternate Artisan listing states that packaging may vary. For an exact match to classic Artisan, do not substitute a similarly named marine or aquatic flanker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does John Varvatos Artisan smell like?
The listed profile is woody citrus, with Mexican winter mandarin, purple ginger, and balambre as key notes.
Is Artisan Costiero the same as the original Artisan?
No. Costiero is described as an aquatic-citrus eau de parfum with yuzu, lemon oil, a marine accord, Akigalawood, and patchouli.
Which option is most aquatic?
XX Artisan Teal and Artisan Blu are explicitly described with aquatic or marine fragrance families. Costiero also has an aquatic-citrus profile.
Are the two Artisan EDT listings different fragrances?
The supplied descriptions give them the same woody-citrus family and key notes. One listing additionally says it is not a tester and that packaging may vary.
Which product should I choose for citrus notes?
Choose the original Artisan for mandarin-led woody citrus. Choose Costiero if you prefer yuzu and lemon with marine notes.