Choosing Fragrances: Cologne Or Perfume For Him?

Choosing the right fragrance can be a daunting task, especially with the multitude of options available. The fragrance you wear is an expression of who you are and it is important to select one that suits your personality and preferences. While the terms cologne and perfume are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences between the two. Cologne typically refers to fragrances with low concentrations of essential oils, resulting in a milder scent that needs to be applied more frequently. On the other hand, perfumes have a higher concentration of oils, making them longer-lasting and more potent. Ultimately, the choice between cologne and perfume comes down to individual preferences, and it is recommended to test different fragrances to find the one that suits you best.

How to choose between cologne and perfume

Colognes and perfumes are both fragrances, but they differ in terms of potency, longevity, and concentration of essential oils. While both are responsible for neutralising body odour and keeping one fresh, it is important to wear selected fragrances carefully as they are more persuasive and safer.

Cologne

Cologne is an umbrella term for fragrances with low essential oil concentrations. It is mild, less potent, and needs to be applied frequently and liberally for the scent to last long. Cologne is typically marketed towards men, but it is a unisex scent. Cologne has a very lightweight concentration of fragrance oils (usually 2-4%) and a higher alcohol content, making it cheaper than perfumes and eau de toilettes. The scent will last for around two hours.

Perfume

Perfumes are mostly formed from aromatic essential oils, absolutes, or synthetic aromatic compounds and contain the highest concentration of essential oils in a scented product (15-30%). The larger concentration of essential oils in perfumes makes them heavier than colognes, so their scent lasts longer (up to eight hours). Perfumes are typically marketed towards women but are also unisex.

Choosing Between Cologne and Perfume

The choice between cologne and perfume ultimately comes down to individual preferences. However, it is important to research and choose a fragrance you truly associate with or love, paying attention to the notes and the overall concentration of the scent. It is also crucial to test the fragrance on your skin before buying, as the high concentration of perfumes may irritate your skin.

How to apply cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. Done properly, it can boost your confidence and make you feel more attractive. Done incorrectly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly. 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 suits your lifestyle. Consider the concentration of the cologne, as this will determine its strength and longevity. Colognes with higher concentrations of perfume oils tend to be more expensive, but they also have better sillage (the scent trail you leave when you walk) and longevity.

Step 2: Prepare Your Skin

The best time to apply cologne is right after a shower. The shower will cleanse your body of any other scents and open your pores, helping the scent absorb better. Make sure your skin is completely dry before applying cologne.

Step 3: Hold the Bottle at the Right Distance

Hold the spray bottle 3-6 inches away from your body. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-application, while spraying from further than 6 inches may result in under-application.

Step 4: Apply to Heated Areas of the Body

Apply cologne to the heated areas of your body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. The heat from these areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry, creating your signature scent.

Step 5: Start with a Light Application

When applying cologne, less is more. Start with a light application and choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, to spray. You can always add another spray in a different area if you feel the scent is too faint.

Step 6: 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:

• Spraying the cologne on your clothing
• Splashing the cologne on your skin instead of spraying
• Spraying a mist cloud and walking through it
• Rubbing the cologne into your skin
• Applying too much cologne

How to test your cologne

Testing a cologne before buying it is important to see how it will react with your skin chemistry. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to test a cologne:

Start with Blotters:

Use paper blotters (the strips of paper found near fragrance display bottles) as the first step in testing cologne. Blotters are made from absorbent, porous papers that allow perfumes to be absorbed quickly. Spray two or three quick sprays in a downward motion into a cloud. Pass the scent strip through the cloud and let it absorb. Wave the scented strip under your nose, being careful not to touch it. Keep the blotters at least an inch or two away from your nose.

Try on Skin:

After testing fragrances on blotters, narrow it down to one or two fragrances you want to try on your skin. Spray either your wrist or the back of your hand in a downward motion. Two spritzes should be enough. Drop your hand to your side and wait for at least 30 seconds for the scent to settle on your skin. Once it has started to dry, bring your hand up and inhale without touching your nose to your skin.

Take Your Time:

Your perception of a fragrance in the store may not be the same as at home. It is recommended to do something else after spraying the perfume on your wrist, allowing the fragrance to interact with your body's natural chemistry. Over time, the fragrance will deepen as you experience each of the levels of notes in its formulation. After testing on the skin, take a break and do something else for 15-30 minutes, then take a sniff of your wrist or the back of your hand to see how the fragrance has developed.

Mind Your Senses:

It can be overwhelming for your sense of smell to try a variety of new fragrances. Avoid wearing other fragrances when testing a new one. Although you may like your everyday perfume, it could hinder your ability to experience a new fragrance. It is recommended to test no more than three fragrances on blotters in a day, as your sense of smell can only handle about three scents well before it gets confused. Use olfactory palate cleansers such as coffee beans to reset your nasal receptors between fragrances.

Test Fragrances in the Morning:

Your sense of smell is usually at its peak in the morning, so it is recommended to test fragrances in the morning for a better assessment.

How to make your cologne last

There are several ways to make your cologne last longer. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your fragrance:

Prepping Your Skin

• Take a shower or bath. The steam from a warm shower helps open your pores, allowing your skin to absorb the fragrance.
• Moisturize your skin. Hydrated skin is more likely to absorb the cologne, so apply a body lotion or cream before spraying the cologne. Choose an unscented moisturizer if you don't want to alter the scent of your cologne.
• Apply petroleum jelly to your pulse points. This acts as a barrier between your skin and the cologne, preventing your body's oils from breaking down the fragrance.

Applying the Cologne

• Layer your scent with other products. Use complementary products such as body washes, deodorants, and body creams with the same scent as your cologne to strengthen the fragrance and make it last longer.
• Spray your pulse points. Apply the cologne to your pulse points, including your neck, chest, wrists, forearms, and behind your knees. These are the warmest spots on your body, which will help the scent develop and linger.
• Mist your hair. Spraying cologne on your hair can boost the staying power of the scent because hair is more porous than skin and holds onto the fragrance.
• Spritz your clothing. Applying cologne to your clothes will make the scent last until you wash them. However, be cautious as some colognes may stain delicate fabrics such as silk.
• Reapply when necessary. Carry a travel-sized bottle with you to refresh your scent throughout the day if needed.

Choosing the Right Cologne

• Select a heavy scent. Colognes with woody or spicy notes, such as cedar, patchouli, juniper, clove, ginger, or nutmeg, tend to be longer-lasting.
• Check the expiration date. Colognes with natural ingredients may have a best-by date, and the scent may weaken or change over time.
• Store properly. Keep your cologne in a cool, dark, and dry place. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, as humidity and temperature fluctuations can alter the scent.

Remember, when applying cologne, less is more. You want your fragrance to be discovered, not announced.

How to wear cologne

Application Techniques

• Apply cologne directly to the skin, not clothing.
• Spray cologne onto dry skin, immediately after showering.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from the skin when spraying.
• Start with a light application—one spray on the neck or forearms.
• Reapply to a different area if the scent fades quickly.
• Ask a friend or family member for their opinion if you're unsure.
• Re-apply to pulse points if necessary, especially if going out in the evening.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't spray cologne onto your clothing—this prevents it from mixing with your natural oils and developing a unique scent. It can also damage certain fabrics.
• Don't splash or rub cologne onto the skin—this can lead to over-application and cause the scent to fade faster.
• Avoid spraying a cloud of cologne and walking through it—most of it will end up on the floor.
• Don't spray and walk away—the cologne needs to be applied directly to the skin.

Making Your Cologne Last

• Keep cologne in its original box, a dark drawer, or a cabinet to protect it from light exposure and fluctuations in temperature, which can cause deterioration.
• Store cologne in a cool, dry place—avoid storing it in the bathroom or in direct sunlight.
• Use a moisturiser or lotion with the same scent to boost longevity.
• Spritz your clothes to make the scent last longer.

Frequently asked questions