Antonio Mcgowan
There are a variety of opinions on whether or not you should be able to smell the cologne you put on yourself. Some people believe that if you can smell your cologne, you have used too much, and it will annoy people around you. Others argue that if you can't smell your cologne, there is no point in wearing it, as you should be able to enjoy the fragrance as well. Some also believe that if you can smell your cologne without rubbing your finger on your neck and smelling it after 30 minutes, you have put on too much. However, it is important to note that your nose can get used to the smell of your cologne, and you may not be able to smell it after a while, even if others can.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you smell your cologne? | Yes, but only faintly after a couple of hours. |
| Should you be able to smell your cologne? | Yes, but if you can smell it throughout the day, you've used too much. |
| Why can't you smell your cologne? | Olfactory fatigue, also known as sensory adaptation. |
What You'll Learn
How much cologne is too much?
The amount of cologne that is too much varies depending on the type of cologne, the number of sprays, and the context in which it is being worn.
Type of Cologne
The concentration of oil in cologne determines its category: cologne, Eau de Toilette (EDT), Eau de Parfum (EDP), or perfume. The higher the concentration of oil, the stronger the cologne and the longer it will last. Therefore, less of a stronger cologne is needed.
Number of Sprays
As a general rule of thumb, cologne should be discovered, not announced. If you can still smell your cologne a couple of hours after applying it, you are likely wearing too much. If you can smell it without rubbing your finger on your neck and smelling it after 30 minutes, you have probably applied too much. One or two sprays should be enough, and if you are unsure, ask a friend to smell it for you. If they can smell you from a few feet away, it is too much.
Context
The context in which you are wearing cologne will also determine how much is too much. If you are going to be in close quarters with others, you should wear less or no cologne at all.
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Why can't you smell your cologne?
There are several reasons why you might not be able to smell your cologne. One of the most common reasons is olfactory fatigue or sensory adaptation. This is when your brain gets used to a particular smell and stops registering it after prolonged exposure. This is why you may not be able to smell your cologne after a couple of hours, even though others around you can.
Another reason could be that you have applied too little cologne. If you can't smell your cologne at all, even right after application, then you may need to apply a little more. However, it's important to find the right balance, as applying too much cologne can be overwhelming for both you and those around you.
The type of cologne you use can also make a difference. Certain colognes are designed to be lighter and less intrusive, while others are more concentrated and have stronger scents. Opting for a cologne with a heavier oil base and deeper base notes such as musk, tobacco, amber, leather, or patchouli can help increase its longevity. Additionally, choosing a parfum or eau de parfum, which have higher concentrations of oil, can make the scent last longer.
It's worth noting that individual body chemistry also plays a role in how a cologne smells and lasts on a person. Some colognes may react differently with your body chemistry, resulting in a weaker or stronger scent.
Lastly, your surroundings and environment can impact your ability to smell your cologne. For example, if you're in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, the scent may dissipate more quickly. On the other hand, if you're in a confined space or an area with strong odours, your sense of smell may become overwhelmed, making it harder to detect your cologne.
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How to make cologne last longer?
How to Make Cologne Last Longer
It can be frustrating to spritz yourself with cologne, only to find that the scent has disappeared by the time you leave the house. The good news is that there are several things you can do to make your cologne last longer.
Do: Apply Right After You Shower
Your pores are at their most open when you've just stepped out of the shower, so this is the perfect time to apply cologne. The scent will seep into your skin, giving you a longer-lasting aroma.
Don't: Keep the Bottle in the Bathroom
Heat, humidity, and light can speed up the breakdown of your cologne. Keep the bottle somewhere cool, dark, and dry, like on your nightstand.
Do: Moisturize Beforehand
Dry skin can soak up perfume oils, causing your cologne to evaporate more quickly. Using an unscented moisturising cleanser and body lotion will help to hydrate your skin and create a better base for your cologne.
Don't: Spray Directly Onto Your Clothes
While it may be tempting to spritz your cologne onto your clothes, this can damage the garment, especially if the cologne is alcohol-based. The scent will also dissipate more quickly due to airflow.
Do: Layer Your Fragrance
Using complementary products like soaps, aftershaves, and body balms can help to remove competing scents, allowing your cologne to shine through.
Don't: Overapply
While it may be tempting to douse yourself in cologne to make the scent last longer, this will only serve to annoy those around you. Keep it to a spritz or two, and you can always reapply later.
Do: Spritz On Your Wrists
Pulse points, where veins and arteries are closer to the surface of the skin, are warmer than the rest of the body. This warmth helps scents to remain strong and fully develop, allowing them to linger on the middle and base notes.
Don't: Rub Your Wrists Together
Contrary to popular belief, rubbing cologne between your wrists can "bruise the scent," causing it to break down faster.
Other Tips:
- Choose an EDP (Eau De Parfum) or Extrait instead of an Eau De Toilette, as these have a higher concentration and will last longer.
- Spray your hair, as the fibres will lock onto scent molecules and keep them longer than your skin can. Be careful not to over-spray, as alcohol-based products can dry out your hair.
- Don't rub your cologne into your skin, as this can damage the delicate top notes. Simply spray it on and let it settle.
- Hold the bottle about six inches away from your skin when spraying to concentrate the perfume oils in one location.
- Carry a travel-size bottle with you for reapplication throughout the day.
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What are the best colognes for men?
Whether you're looking for a signature scent or something more seasonal, there are a plethora of colognes for men to choose from. Here is a list of some of the best colognes for men, categorised to help you find the perfect scent for you.
The Best Classic Colognes:
- Acqua di Parma Colonia Eau de Cologne Natural Spray: With citrus and woody notes, this cologne evokes a sunny day on the Italian Riviera.
- St. Johns Bay Rum Aftershave and Cologne: A clove bomb with notes of bay leaves, musk, cinnamon, and eucalyptus.
The Best Everyday Colognes:
- ARQUTSTE Misfit: A warm, spicy fragrance with notes of amber, French lavender, and patchouli.
- Clean Reserve Rain: A light, clean fragrance with chilled cucumber, white flowers, and rainforest vetiver.
The Best Seasonal Colognes:
Spring:
Molecule 03: A fresh scent with notes of citrus, ginger, woods, cedar, sandalwood, and vetiver.
Summer:
Wood Sage Sea Salt Cologne: An uplifting scent with notes of grapefruit, sage, and sea salt.
Fall:
Replica Jazz Club: Designed to capture the sensation of a private jazz bar, with notes of pink pepper, rum, tobacco, and vanilla.
Winter:
Marrakech Intense: Captures the alluring brew of a Moroccan souk with notes of clove, cardamom, sandalwood, jasmine, and bergamot.
The Best Subtle Colognes:
- Jo Malone Earl Grey and Cucumber: A mild scent with notes of tea, bergamot, cucumber, beeswax, and musk.
- Calvin Klein CK Everyone: A modern descendant of the iconic CK One, with notes of lemon, green tea, bergamot, jasmine, lychee, sandalwood, and amber.
The Best Long-Lasting Budget Colognes:
- Ahuja Majestic Oud: A pleasant, familiar scent with notes of raspberry, rose, peony, patchouli, and oud.
- Henry Rose Jake's House: A sustainable fragrance with watery-fresh notes of jasmine, peony, and musk.
The Best Woody Colognes:
- Le Labo Thé Matcha 26 EDP: A sophisticated, playful, and sexy scent with citrus, fig, and woody notes.
- Hermès Terre d'Hermès Eau Intense Vétiver EDP: An invigorating, masculine scent with vetiver, sichuan pepper, and green bergamot.
The Best Citrus Colognes:
- Ormonde Jayne Gatsby 22 EDP: A positive, uplifting scent with bergamot, lemon, musk, and vetiver.
- Acqua di Parma Colonia: A fresh, citrusy scent with notes of lemon, bergamot, lavender, and patchouli.
The Best Fresh Colognes:
- Diptyque Eau de Minthé EDP: A fresh scent with notes of mint, geranium, and patchouli.
- YSL's MYSLF: A fresh twist on a woody perfume with notes of citrus, cedarwood, and vetiver.
The Best Floral Colognes:
- Aesop Rōzu EDP: A romantic, floral fragrance with notes of rose, sandalwood, vetiver, shiso, and more.
- Calvin Klein Eternity for Men: A romantic, floral, and unisex fragrance with notes of freesia, mandarin, sage, white lily, patchouli, and sandalwood.
The Best Spicy Colognes:
- Dior Sauvage Elixir Parfum: A memorable scent with a signature licorice-tinged zing and notes of licorice, lavender, and nutmeg.
- Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb: A classic spicy cologne with notes of cinnamon, saffron, paprika, pink peppercorn, grapefruit, leather, and tobacco.
The Best Leather Colognes:
- Malin + Goetz Leather EDP: A polite, approachable way to wear leather with notes of leather, sandalwood, and incense.
- Bianco Profumo Cherry Leather EDP: An irreverent, sultry, and cheeky scent with suede and cherry notes.
The Best Musk Colognes:
Frédéric Malle Musc Ravageur EDP
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Why does cologne smell different on different people?
There are several factors that influence why cologne smells different on different people.
Firstly, skin type plays a role. Dry skin absorbs fragrance more, whereas oily skin can make certain scents extra potent. Skin with balanced moisture is less likely to alter the scent of cologne.
Secondly, the pH of the skin can also affect how cologne smells. The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is, and the desired pH value for skin lies between 4.7 and 5.75. Conditions such as eczema, kidney disease, or diabetes can affect skin pH, and certain soaps and lotions can also skew skin pH when applied.
Thirdly, diet can influence body odour, which in turn interacts with cologne and changes its character. For example, eating garlic or drinking alcohol can give skin an alcoholic or garlicky scent.
Finally, environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, wind, cold, and sun can also affect how long a cologne's scent lasts.
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Frequently asked questions
No, this is nonsense. You will be able to smell your cologne to some extent, and if you can't, it's likely that others can't either.
Yes, if you can smell your cologne throughout the day, you've probably used too much and it will be annoying for people around you.
If you can still smell your cologne a couple of hours after applying it, you're probably using too much. If you can smell it without rubbing your finger on your neck and then smelling your finger, that's another sign you've used too much.
