Who Buys More Cologne: Gay Or Straight Men?

The idea that gay men need their own scent is outdated and surprising to many. However, cologne is typically marketed with a heterosexual message, so it is understandable that gay men might not identify with these products. There is a perception that gay men are more invested in their appearance than straight men, and therefore, they are a viable target audience for luxury items and services. Gay men have also been considered marketing gold since the mid-1970s, as they are often assumed to be dual-income couples with no children and therefore have more disposable income. While some gay men may prefer floral or citrus scents, others dislike musky colognes that are typically marketed towards straight men. There are also pheromone-infused colognes on the market that are specifically designed to attract gay men.

Gay men's colognes with pheromones to attract other men

While researching colognes for gay men, I came across an ad for a "cologne exclusively for gay men" from 1978. It is interesting to note that the existence of such a product and advertisement in the 1970s may be surprising to some, as it challenges the assumption that cultural attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals have always progressed linearly.

Today, there are colognes on the market that claim to contain pheromones, which are scientifically proven to enhance your natural magnetism and boost your self-assurance. These colognes are designed to attract men and typically have pleasant odors that are long-lasting. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of these pheromone-infused colognes may vary, and some customers have reported that they appear useless.

• Phermalabs Attract Men for Gay Men Pheromone Infused Cologne: This product claims to have an irresistible allure, enhancing your presence with its bold and extra-strength formula. It is designed to be worn anywhere and anytime, bringing people closer to you.
• Pherone Formula G-3 for Men to Attract Men: This cologne contains pure human pheromones and is designed to attract men.
• Pherocode Extra Strong Pheromone Cologne for Gay Men: This cologne contains copulinandrone, a futuristic copulin designed for confidence and attraction.
• RawChemistry For Him, Pheromone Infused Cologne Spray: This bold and extra-strength formula is infused with pheromones, promising to leave a lasting impression.

These colognes are available on Amazon and other online retailers, and customer reviews are generally positive, with many reporting an increase in social attention and compliments on the scent. However, as with any product, individual results may vary.

The history of colognes marketed specifically to gay men

The cologne in question was likely aimed at gay publications and proved to be somewhat progressive for its time. It acknowledged gay men as a viable target market and did not resort to negative portrayals of homosexuality. However, the idea of a separate cologne for gay men was met with some skepticism, with some commenters questioning the need for a unique scent.

Over the years, there have been other instances of fragrances being marketed specifically towards gay men, such as "Q" by Quest International, and Fire Island by Bond No. 9. Some popular fragrances among gay men include Gaultier Le Male, Yves Saint Laurent Kouros, Gucci Pour Homme II, and Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male.

While there is diversity in fragrance preferences within the gay community, as there is in any community, the perception that gay men are more invested in their appearance and have higher disposable income has influenced advertising strategies. This has resulted in the targeting of gay men as a valuable consumer group, particularly in the luxury market.

Mainstream colognes that are popular among gay men

• Tom Ford Noir: With top notes of Italian bergamot, verbena, caraway, pink pepper, and violet flower, followed by black pepper, nutmeg, Tuscan Iris resin, Egyptian geranium, Bulgarian rose, and clary sage, and finishing with Opoponax, amber, Indonesian patchouli, vetiver, civet, and vanilla, this cologne is a favourite among gay men.
• Joop: A well-known designer cologne that is also popular among gay men.
• Armani: Armani colognes are also mentioned as a popular choice for gay men.
• Katy Perry Mad Potion: A less conventional choice, but still a mainstream celebrity fragrance.
• John Varvatos (original): A popular choice for spring and summer.
• Terre d’Hermès Eau Très Fraîche: Another popular choice for the warmer months.
• John Varvatos Dark Rebel: A cologne to reach for in fall and winter.
• Spice Bomb: Another option for the colder months.
• Cartier Déclaration d’Un Soir: A cologne that can be worn at any time of year.
• Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male: A classic "gay" favourite.
• Tom Ford Grey Vetiver: Another popular choice from the Tom Ford fragrance line.
• Paco Rabanne 1 Million: A popular choice from the Paco Rabanne fragrance line.
• Gucci Gucci Pour Homme II: A first association for one commenter.
• Chanel Misia Eau de Parfum: A Chanel fragrance that has received compliments from both women and men.
• Bvlgari Eau Parfumee au The Blanc: A fresh and lewd scent, according to one straight man commenting on a gay man's fragrance.
• CB I Hate Perfume's Mr. Hulot's Holiday: A unisex fragrance that was gifted by a friend and well-liked.
• Yves Saint Laurent Kouros: A classic "gay" favourite.
• Trussardi Trussardi Uomo: A suggestion from a straight woman for a cologne that may appeal to gay men.
• Trussardi Python Uomo: Another Trussardi cologne suggestion.
• Diesel Only The Brave: A suggestion from a straight woman for a cologne that may appeal to gay men.
• Diesel Fuel for Life Homme: Another Diesel cologne suggestion.
• Diesel Fuel For Life He Summer: A third Diesel cologne suggestion.
• Dolce&Gabbana The One for Men: A cologne suggestion from a straight woman.
• Dolce&Gabbana Light Blue pour Homme: Another Dolce&Gabbana cologne suggestion.
• Tom Ford Metallique: Described as a "narcotic nectar," this luxurious and sexy fragrance features flashes of ambrette seed and wooded Peru dalsam that tone vanilla and buttery sandalwood, heliotrope, and white muguet blossom.
• Tom Ford Black Orchid: A less popular option from the Tom Ford fragrance line.
• Tom Ford Oud Wood: A popular choice from the Tom Ford fragrance line.
• Gucci The Alchemist's Garden Collection: Hortus Sanitatis: This noble scent of papyrus with hints of ginger, pique cedarwood, and amber smoke subtlety is one way to go.
• Gucci The Alchemist's Garden Collection: A Midnight Stroll: This Spanish delight features cypress and a combination of aromatic incense and an intense, smoky cade wood.
• Calvin Klein's Defy Eau de Toilette spray: A fresh, masculine, and intentionally daring fragrance featuring an addictive citrus of bergamot and lavender absolute, grounded by rugged and earthy vetiver oil and sexy amber notes.
• Blue Mark Eau de Parfum by Jack Black: An everyday luxury men's scent that's terrific for daytime or the office, featuring watermint, cilantro, bergamot with Japanese juniper, ginger essence, patchouli, and driftwood.
• Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 + Mandarin: This scent keeps you grounded in the now and propels your vibe into the universe.
• Parfums de Nicolai Cologne Sologne Eau de Cologne: This cologne has a high concentration of superfine extracts, including rare Tunisian neroli, bergamot, benzoin, orange blossom, rosemary, and patchouli.

Colognes that are designed to be layered with other fragrances

While there is no definitive answer to whether more gay or straight men buy cologne, cologne is a popular product for men, and fragrance layering is a popular way to create a unique scent.

Fragrance layering is the art of wearing several scented products at once, and it can be as simple or complex as you like. You can start with a fragranced body wash and lotion, and then add multiple layers of scented lotion, perfume, and fragrant oils. Fragrance layering allows you to create your own bespoke scent, and it can also make your perfume last longer.

• Choose complementary, contrasting, or linear scents that you are naturally drawn to.
• Begin with a base layer, such as a scented body wash, to enhance the layers that follow.
• Prep your skin with a moisturising body lotion to keep it hydrated and help your scent last longer.
• If adding multiple layers of perfume, spray the strongest scent first and then top up with lighter scents to avoid overpowering the more delicate notes.
• Add aromatic accents to the backs of your knees, the inner crease of your elbows, a scarf, or the ends of your hair.

Some specific product recommendations for fragrance layering include:

• STORIES Parfums Hand & Body Wash and Lotion: These products have a delicate hint of fragrance, making them perfect for layering with Eau de Parfums.
• Creed's Green Irish Tweed: This fragrance has a range of products, including soap, gel, and lotion, that highlight different aspects of the original scent.
• Tom Ford's Oud Wood: This fragrance also has a range of products, including a soap bar, shower gel, body moisturiser, and body spray, that can be layered for a more intense and longer-lasting scent.
• L'Occitane's Eau De L’Occitan Pour Homme and Molton Brown's Black Peppercorn Body Wash: These two products share common notes and can be layered for an interesting combination.

The effectiveness of colognes with pheromones

Pheromones are chemical substances that animals use to communicate with and influence the behaviour of others within their species. They are released into the environment through animal secretions, such as saliva and sweat. These chemicals play a significant role in various aspects of animal life, such as attracting mates, marking territory, and signalling danger.

In humans, the existence of pheromones is less clear. While some researchers argue that humans possess a non-functional vomeronasal organ (VNO) for detecting pheromones, others claim that this organ is entirely absent in our species. Despite this uncertainty, several studies have explored the potential impact of pheromones on human attraction. Some research suggests that human pheromones may exist, citing evidence such as the synchronisation of menstrual cycles in women living together and newborns' ability to recognise their mothers' scent. However, other studies have found no significant effects of pheromone exposure on human attraction or behaviour.

The potential effectiveness of pheromone-infused colognes may be due to the placebo effect. The belief that one is wearing a pheromone-infused product may increase self-confidence and lead to more positive social interactions, regardless of the product's actual contents. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these colognes will likely vary from person to person, with some individuals experiencing significant benefits and others noticing little to no difference.

When choosing a pheromone-infused cologne, consider the following factors:

• Scent: Select a fragrance that appeals to you and complements your natural body chemistry.
• Concentration: Start with a lower concentration of pheromones and adjust as needed, as higher concentrations may be overpowering.
• Price: Pheromone-infused colognes can range in price, so set a budget and compare options within your range.
• User reviews: Read reviews from other users to gauge the effectiveness and satisfaction with a particular product.

While the science behind pheromone-infused colognes remains inconclusive, the potential placebo effect may still offer benefits to users. The best way to determine their effectiveness for you is to experiment with different products and see if they provide the desired results.

Frequently asked questions