The Fragrance Experiment: Infusing Yourself With Cologne

There are many ways to apply cologne, but not all of them are effective. The best way is to apply sparingly and in all the right places. It is recommended to spray cologne on your skin rather than your clothes. This is because fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin, enhancing and prolonging the scent. Additionally, applying cologne directly to your skin will help prevent it from staining or damaging your clothing. When applying cologne, aim for your pulse points – the wrists, neck, and chest. These areas generate heat and will help diffuse the fragrance.

Pulse points are key

The best spots to spray cologne on the body are the pulse points including the neck, wrists, chest, forearms, and inner elbows. The radial pulse, for example, is located on the bottom of the wrist near the base of the thumb. The carotid pulse is another example, located below the jaw angle and beside the trachea.

When applying cologne, hold the spray bottle 3-6 inches from your body. Any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, and spraying further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application.

It is also important to note that cologne should be applied sparingly and strategically so that it lasts all day. Cologne should be applied directly to the skin, as spraying it on clothes prevents it from mixing with your natural oils.

Don't overdo it

When it comes to cologne, less is more. You want your fragrance to be a subtle enhancement, not an overpowering presence that hits people from a distance. The key is to apply sparingly and strategically, so the scent lasts all day without being overwhelming. Here are some tips to avoid overdoing it:

• Start with a light application: Choose one area like the neck, chest, or forearms and start with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply. You can always add more, but it's harder to remove excess cologne if you've applied too much.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body: Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-application, while spraying further than 6 inches away may result in under-application.
• Avoid spraying on your clothes: Spraying cologne directly on your clothes prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, giving it its unique quality. It can also harm certain fabrics and cause stains. Instead, apply directly to your skin, allowing the cologne to interact with your body chemistry and develop your signature scent.
• Don't rub the cologne into your skin: Rubbing it in can break the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing the scent to fade faster. Simply dab or spray the cologne onto your skin and let it dry.
• Re-apply if needed: Depending on the type of cologne and how long you need it to last, you may need to re-apply, especially if you're going out in the evening. When re-applying, dab a small amount onto your pulse points.
• Get a second opinion: It can be challenging to judge how you smell yourself. Ask a trusted friend or family member for their honest opinion on whether your application is appropriate. You may become "nose-blind" to scents you wear often, so an outside perspective can help ensure you're not overdoing it.
• Understand the different types of fragrances: The concentration of perfume oils in a cologne determines its strength and longevity. "Cologne" typically refers to fragrances with a concentration of 2-4% perfume oil, which usually lasts around two hours. Other types like Eau de Toilette (5-15% concentration) and Eau de Parfum (15-20% concentration) have higher concentrations and longer-lasting scents. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right cologne and apply it appropriately.

Choose your blend

The fun part about making your own cologne is that you can create any blend you like, from woodsy and herbal to floral and powdery. The first step is to familiarise yourself with the fragrance scale.

Top notes

The first thing you'll smell in your composition. Top notes are the initial, lighter set of smells that linger on the skin soon after application. Depending on the type of fragrance used, these smells can last from 15 minutes to two hours. Examples of top notes include:

• Grapefruit
• Magnolia
• Mandarin

Middle notes

The middle notes will appear once the top notes dry down. These are the "main" elements of the fragrance and usually include heavier scents like spices or florals. This stage lasts 3–5 hours. Examples of middle notes include:

• Geranium
• Ylang ylang
• Rose
• Lotus flower

Base notes

The base notes develop last and are the boldest scents in the equation. These can be detected all day and are the last to evaporate, lasting 5–10 hours. Examples of base notes include:

• Sandalwood
• Tonka bean
• Violet leaf
• Vanilla
• Cedarwood
• Jasmine

Blending

When blending your cologne, it's important to remember that not all notes go together. Drop a few oils (one by one) and start mixing. It's recommended to use no more than 30 drops in total, and if one scent is much stronger than the rest, use less.

Once you have your desired formula, add two ounces of alcohol.

Ratios

To guarantee a scent you'll love, follow the basic pyramid accord:

• 60% base notes
• 30% middle notes
• 10% top notes

Alternatively, you can use the ratio of:

• 20% base
• 50% middle
• 30% top

It's up to you to figure out the formula that works with the type of profile you're trying to create. Experiment until you find a recipe you adore.

Alcohol or no alcohol?

When it comes to cologne, the presence of alcohol is a key consideration. Alcohol is a common ingredient in colognes and perfumes, serving as a solvent to preserve and dilute the scent. While it can enhance and prolong the fragrance, there are valid reasons for opting for alcohol-free alternatives.

The Role of Alcohol in Colognes

Alcohol is often used as a base in colognes due to its ability to act as a carrier for the fragrance. It helps to diffuse the scent, ensuring it lasts longer and has a stronger presence. This is why colognes with higher concentrations of alcohol tend to be more expensive—they offer better sillage (the trail left when you walk away) and longevity.

Advantages of Alcohol in Colognes

The presence of alcohol in colognes offers several benefits:

• Enhanced Fragrance: Alcohol helps to carry the scent, allowing it to diffuse more effectively. This enhances the fragrance, making it more noticeable and longer-lasting.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Alcohol is a less expensive ingredient than essential oils. Therefore, colognes with higher alcohol content can be more affordable without compromising longevity.
• Customizability: Alcohol allows for greater flexibility in creating unique fragrance profiles. By mixing different essential oils with alcohol, you can develop bespoke scents that suit your preferences.

Reasons to Opt for Alcohol-Free Alternatives

While alcohol has its advantages, there are valid reasons to choose alcohol-free colognes or perfumes:

• Skin Sensitivities: Some people have sensitive skin that may react negatively to the presence of alcohol. Alcohol-based colognes can cause dryness, irritation, or other skin issues for some individuals.
• Natural Ingredients Preference: Some individuals prefer to use only natural products and avoid synthetic ingredients. Alcohol-free alternatives often utilize natural bases like witch hazel or floral waters.
• Scent Impact: Alcohol can affect the final fragrance in unexpected ways. It may interact with the essential oils, altering the scent in a manner that is not always desirable.
• Religious or Lifestyle Reasons: Certain religious or lifestyle choices may prompt individuals to avoid alcohol in all forms, including in colognes and perfumes.

Making an Informed Choice

When deciding between alcohol-based and alcohol-free colognes, it's essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. If you have sensitive skin or prefer natural products, alcohol-free options may be preferable. However, if longevity, diffusion, and customizability are your priorities, alcohol-based colognes might be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision rests on your unique requirements, and it's worth experimenting with different options to find what works best for you.

Application tips

It is best to start with one spray and then build up if you feel it is necessary so that you don't over-apply your cologne. For a lighter fragrance, such as a citrus or floral cologne, one spray should be sufficient. For a stronger scent, such as a woody or musky fragrance, you may want to start with two or three sprays.

Where to apply cologne

Apply cologne to your pulse points, which are the warmest points on your body. These include your wrists, neck, and chest. The heat will cause the fragrance to continue to smell good all day long. You can also apply cologne behind your ears and on your forearms or inner elbows.

How to apply cologne

If your cologne has a spray bottle, hold it a few inches from your skin and give yourself a light spritz. If your bottle doesn't have a spray nozzle, use the dabbing method. Cover the open bottle with your finger, tip it upside down, then right it and put it down. Dab the liquid on your finger in the area where you wish to apply the cologne.

When to apply cologne

Apply cologne to clean, dry skin after showering. The shower will cleanse your body of any other scents and open your pores, helping the scent absorb.

How often to apply cologne

You'll quickly grow accustomed to the smell of your cologne, to the point where you might think it's completely worn off. However, other people will still be able to smell it, so you probably don't need to apply cologne more than once a day.

Frequently asked questions