Creating A Natural Scent With Cologne: Is It Possible?

While colognes are typically associated with men, anyone can wear them. Colognes are often made with a masculine scent, but they can also be made with a feminine fragrance. The difference between colognes and perfumes is the concentration of oils. Colognes are less concentrated and more volatile, with a citrus, aromatic base, and typically contain 2-4% perfume oils.

The scent of a cologne can be developed by applying it to heated areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

You can also make your own cologne at home by blending essential oils with perfumers alcohol.

How to apply cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. Done properly, it can make you feel more attractive and confident. Done incorrectly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades almost immediately. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply cologne correctly:

Step 1: Choose the Right Cologne

The first step is to choose a cologne that complements your natural body chemistry and fits your lifestyle. Consider the concentration of the cologne, as this will affect its strength and longevity. Colognes with a higher concentration of perfume oils tend to be more expensive, but they will also have a richer scent and last longer. The different categories of cologne, from weakest to strongest, are:

• Eau Fraiche
• Eau de Cologne (also known simply as "cologne")
• Eau de Toilette
• Eau de Parfum
• Parfum

It's also important to note that every fragrance smells different on every person, so don't be afraid to experiment and find the scent that works best for you.

Step 2: Prepare for Application

Before applying cologne, it's important to ensure that your skin is clean and dry. The best time to apply cologne is right after a shower, as this will remove any other scents from your body and open your pores, helping the scent absorb better.

Step 3: Apply to the Right Areas

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body and target the heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent.

Step 4: Start with a Light Application

It's important not to over-apply cologne, as this can be overwhelming for others. Start with a light application and choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, to spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, you can choose another area to spray the next time you apply. You can also ask a friend or family member for their opinion if you're unsure about the application.

Step 5: Re-apply if Needed

Depending on the type of cologne you're using, you may need to re-apply during the day, especially if you're going out in the evening. When re-applying, simply dab a small amount onto your pulse points.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are several mistakes that people commonly make when applying cologne. These include:

• Spraying the fragrance on your clothing, which prevents it from mixing with your natural oils and can damage certain fabrics.
• Splashing the cologne on your skin, which can lead to over-application.
• Spraying a mist cloud and walking through it, which is ineffective as most of the cologne ends up on the floor.
• Rubbing the cologne into your skin, which breaks the molecular bond and makes the scent fade faster.
• Applying too much cologne, which can be overpowering. Remember, less is more when it comes to cologne.

The difference between cologne and perfume

The main difference between cologne and perfume is the concentration of oils they contain. While cologne is a lighter form of fragrance, containing only 2–8% aromatic oils in an alcohol base, perfumes are the most concentrated form of fragrance, with 20-30% aromatic compounds in an oil or alcohol base.

Colognes are perfect for everyday wear and tend to have a fresh scent profile, leaning towards citrusy or aquatic notes. Perfumes, on the other hand, are more expensive and longer-lasting, with a richer scent that can last up to 24 hours.

The perception that colognes are for men and perfumes is for women is not accurate. The difference is actually in the concentration of oils, with colognes having a lower concentration and being less expensive as a result.

In addition to cologne and perfume, there are other types of fragrances available, such as body mists, perfumed oils, and roll-on fragrances. These products vary in their concentration of aromatic compounds, lasting power, and scent profiles, catering to different preferences and needs.

The best natural colognes

Colognes are a great way to express yourself and boost your confidence. While conventional colognes are often laced with chemicals, natural colognes offer a healthier alternative without compromising on scent. Here is a list of some of the best natural colognes for men:

Eden Perfumes: Eternity Man

A UK-based company, Eden Perfumes, offers vegan and cruelty-free colognes. They match brand-name perfumes and colognes with natural ingredients, creating healthy blends free of synthetic preservatives, parabens, or phthalates. Their fragrances include notes of jasmine, vanilla, passion fruit, saffron, oud, and sandalwood. Eden Perfumes ships internationally and provides refillable bottles for sustainability.

Herban Cowboy: True West

Herban Cowboy is a 100% PETA-certified cruelty-free and vegan cologne line. Their fragrances, with names like Dusk, Forest, and True West, are made with natural essential oils of bergamot, pink grapefruit, and cedarwood. Herban Cowboy products are free of phthalates, colorants, triclosan, and parabens. The company also uses recyclable packaging and is made in the USA.

Henry Rose

Founded by actress Michelle Pfeiffer, Henry Rose offers a line of woodsy, unisex fragrances with 100% ingredient transparency. Their colognes are a blend of safe synthetics and natural ingredients, free of parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and known carcinogens or endocrine disruptors. Henry Rose is environmentally conscious, using recycled and recyclable materials for their packaging. They also give back to the community by partnering with Heifer International.

Nature's Brands: Organic Aftershave Cologne

Nature's Brands offers a USDA-certified organic, cruelty-free, and vegan aftershave cologne. It contains no petroleum-based ingredients, gluten, soy, dairy, GMOs, or synthetic fragrances. Instead, it uses organic essential oils like sweet orange, lavender, cedarwood, lemongrass, and cinnamon. Nature's Brands also packages their cologne in eco-friendly violet glass bottles.

Arcadia Natural: Sandalwood Solid Cologne

Arcadia Natural's Sandalwood Solid Cologne is a natural fragrance option for those who prefer a rub-on application. It is composed of 95% natural ingredients, including plant-based butters and waxes, vitamin E, and essential oils. This cologne is free of phthalates, preservatives, dyes, and alcohol, ensuring a longer-lasting scent.

Olivina Men: Natural Fragrance Cologne, Bourbon Cedar

Olivina Men's cologne features an essential oil-based fragrance with notes of lemon, bergamot, sage, cedarwood, bourbon accord, and patchouli. It is a paraben-free, petroleum-free, phthalate-free, and silicone-free cologne that is also cruelty-free and vegetarian-friendly.

These natural colognes offer a range of unique and appealing scents while prioritizing the use of natural ingredients and sustainable practices. Remember, when choosing a cologne, it's essential to test how it complements your natural body odour and always opt for healthier alternatives whenever possible.

How to make your own cologne

Developing your own cologne can be an incredibly rewarding hobby. While it's easy to make something that smells pleasant, creating a fragrance that rivals those sold in Sephora will take a lot of time and practice.

Ingredients and Materials

According to Matthew Milèo, a former in-house nose for Chanel, the ingredients you'll need are:

• Alcohol (rubbing alcohol or witch hazel)
• Essential oils/absolutes (top, middle, and base notes)
• Water
• Glycerin (such as vegetable oil)
• A spray bottle

Steps to Making Your Cologne

Step One: Familiarize Yourself with the Fragrance Scale

Before you start blending, it's important to understand the fragrance scale. Top notes are the first thing you'll smell in your composition, followed by middle notes, and then base notes, which form the foundation of your fragrance. Fragrance is all about ratios, and the best way to guarantee a scent you'll love is to follow the basic pyramid accord: 60% base notes, 30% middle notes, and 10% top notes.

Step Two: Choose Your Essential Oils

There are many options when it comes to essential oils, from woody and sweet to romantic florals. Remember that whatever scent you select will be diluted and blended, so the final result will likely be different and more muted than the first whiff of the scent itself.

Step Three: Blend the Essential Oils

This is where the fun begins! Start playing around by dropping a few oils (one by one) and mixing them together. Remember, not all notes go together, so this is where trial and error come into play. Once you have your desired formula, add two ounces of alcohol.

Base notes like sandalwood, tonka bean, violet leaf, and vanilla blend well with middle notes like geranium, ylang-ylang, rose, and lotus flower. Top this formula off with lavender, neroli, magnolia, and mandarin for a truly signature scent.

Step Four: Allow the Fragrance to Brew

Now, your cologne needs time to compose. Allow the fragrance to brew and sit for 48 hours. You can even refrigerate it for two weeks and then shake it up so that the molecules can mix.

Step Five: Dilute the Fragrance

Once the fragrance is ready, it needs to be diluted. In a spray bottle, add two tablespoons of distilled water and five drops of glycerin. Then, slowly and carefully, swirl your bespoke fragrance mixture into the bottle.

Additional Tips

• It's generally recommended to spray cologne on your skin rather than your clothes. Fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin, which helps to enhance and prolong the scent.
• When applying cologne, aim to spray it on pulse points such as the wrists, neck, and chest, as these areas generate heat and will help to diffuse the fragrance.
• Avoid spraying cologne directly on your face or on broken or irritated skin.
• If you're new to wearing fragrances, start with one single spray on your chest. As you become more comfortable, you can branch out to a few more sprays in different areas.
• Your cologne should be discovered, not announced. People who are close by should be able to smell your cologne, but not be overpowered by it.

The benefits of wearing cologne

Wearing cologne has many benefits, from boosting confidence and attractiveness to enhancing your overall style. Here are some reasons why you should consider incorporating cologne into your daily routine:

Boosts Confidence

A good cologne can significantly impact your confidence. A pleasant scent can make you feel more attractive and confident, which, in turn, can positively influence how others perceive you. It can be a powerful tool to help you feel good about yourself and leave a lasting impression on those around you.

Enhances Attractiveness

The sense of smell is one of the most important senses when it comes to attraction. Cologne, rich in pheromones, can make you more appealing to potential partners. In fact, studies have shown that scent is the most influential factor for women when choosing a partner. By wearing cologne, you increase your chances of making a positive and memorable first impression.

Elevates Mood and Reduces Stress

Certain scents in colognes can positively influence your mood and reduce stress levels. For example, citrusy scents like lemon can improve your focus, while bergamot elevates your mood. The smell of lavender is known to ease tension and reduce anxiety. By incorporating these scents into your cologne choice, you can experience a boost in your overall well-being and emotional state.

Complements Your Style

Cologne is the perfect accessory to complete your look. It adds a final touch to your outfit and helps you stand out. Choosing a cologne that suits your personality and style allows you to express yourself beyond visual cues. It is a powerful way to make a statement and leave a lasting impression that is uniquely yours.

Enhances Emotional Connections

Smell is the most powerful sense, with the ability to trigger memories and emotions more effectively than any other sense. A unique and captivating cologne can foster deeper emotional connections with people. The scent can become a signature, and people will associate it with you, creating a lasting impression that goes beyond physical appearance.

In conclusion, wearing cologne offers a multitude of advantages that go beyond simply smelling pleasant. It can boost your confidence, enhance your attractiveness, improve your mood, and even foster deeper connections. By choosing a cologne that suits your personality and style, you can elevate your overall image and leave a lasting impression on those around you.

Frequently asked questions