Cologne is a type of perfume – a liquid that smells good and is meant to be dabbed behind your ears and on your neck. While both men and women wear cologne, in contemporary American English usage, the term cologne has become a generic term for perfumes marketed toward men.
Cologne is considered a kind of toilet water, which is less concentrated than perfume and can be applied more liberally. It is typically composed of 2-5% perfume oils in alcohol and water.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type of perfume | Liquid |
Concentration | 2-5% |
Ingredients | Alcohol, fragrant oils, water |
Origin | Cologne, Germany |
Usage | Dabbed behind ears, on neck |
Users | Men and women |
Other names | Eau de Cologne, cologne water |
Compared to perfume | Less concentrated, cheaper, not as long-lasting |
Choosing a cologne | Test if perfume complements your natural body odour |
What You'll Learn
Cologne is a type of perfume
Cologne is a unisex fragrance, worn by both men and women. However, in contemporary American English usage, the term "cologne" has become a generic term for perfumes marketed toward men.
Cologne was originally mixed by Johann Maria Farina (also known as Giovanni Maria Farina) in 1709. It was used only as a perfume and was delivered to "nearly all royal houses in Europe". Farina's ability to produce a constantly homogeneous fragrance consisting of dozens of monoessences was seen as a sensation at the time.
Cologne is typically applied to the warmest parts of the body: the chest, neck, lower jaw, wrist, forearm, inner elbow, and shoulder.
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Cologne is less concentrated than perfume
Cologne is a type of perfume, a liquid that smells good and is meant to be dabbed behind your ears and on your neck. Both men and women wear cologne, which is scented with extracts or oils in a base of alcohol and water.
Cologne is considered a kind of toilet water, which is less concentrated than perfume and can be applied more liberally. The typical concentration of cologne is 2-5% and also more depending upon its type of essential oils or a blend of extracts, alcohol, and water. In a base of dilute ethanol (70-90%), cologne contains a mixture of citrus oils, including oils of lemon, orange, tangerine, clementine, bergamot, lime, grapefruit, blood orange, bitter orange, and neroli.
The term "cologne" has become a generic term for perfumes marketed toward men. It also may signify a less concentrated, more affordable, version of a popular perfume. Cologne is typically cheaper than other fragrances, as it has a high alcohol content.
Perfumes, on the other hand, have a higher concentration of oils, usually more than 20%, and are therefore more expensive. They also last longer, typically six to eight hours, whereas cologne usually lasts about two hours.
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Cologne is applied to the neck and behind the ears
The neck and behind the ears are common areas to apply cologne. These areas are known as pulse points, where the blood vessels are closest to the skin, and the warmth helps to project the fragrance into the air. The neck is a good choice for everyday use, while adding a small amount behind the ears can be a good option for social situations, as people leaning in to speak to you will be met with an attractive scent.
It's important to remember that a little goes a long way with cologne, and it's better to slowly add more than to overpower with too much. One spritz to each pulse point is recommended. When applying, spritz or dab the cologne onto the pulse point, then use your wrist to press it into the skin so that it sits below the skin. Avoid rubbing the cologne into the skin, as this weakens the scent.
The type of fragrance you choose may also determine where you apply it. For weaker fragrances, you may want to apply them to both the neck and behind the ears, or just focus on the neck. For stronger fragrances, you may want to avoid applying them too close to your nose to prevent nose fatigue.
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Cologne is made from fragrant oils and alcohol
Cologne, or eau de cologne, is a perfume that originated in Cologne, Germany. It has a typical concentration of 2–5% essential oils or a blend of extracts, alcohol, and water. The alcohol used is usually dilute ethanol, at 70–90% concentration. The rest of the cologne is made up of fragrant oils and water.
The fragrant oils used in cologne are typically citrus-based, including lemon, orange, tangerine, clementine, bergamot, lime, grapefruit, blood orange, bitter orange, and neroli. Other oils used can be lavender, rosemary, thyme, oregano, petitgrain (orange leaf), jasmine, olive, oleaster, and tobacco.
The alcohol in cologne is used to make the fragrance suitable for use on the skin by diluting the essential oils. Alcohol also helps the cologne to last longer and makes the scent more intense. It also helps to disperse the oils, and due to its volatility, enhances its spraying ability.
Cologne is typically used for masculine scents due to its lower essential oil percentage. However, colognes can be made with feminine scents, they will just be milder perfumes.
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Cologne is a generic term for scented formulations
The term originates from the French "eau de cologne", meaning "water from Cologne", as it was first made in the German city of Cologne. The original Eau de Cologne was created by Giovanni Maria Farina in 1709. It was a spirit-citrus perfume, and Farina named it in honour of his new hometown.
In contemporary American English usage, the term "cologne" has become a generic term for perfumes marketed toward men. However, it can be applied to perfume for women as well. Cologne formulations differ substantially from one scent to the next, but what unites the greatest of the genre is their ability to smartly punctuate your personality and enhance everyone else’s experience.
Cologne is typically composed of 2-5% perfume oils in alcohol and water, though this can vary depending on the type of essential oils or extracts used. It is less concentrated and more affordable than perfume.
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Frequently asked questions
Cologne is a type of perfume, typically made with a mixture of fragrant oils, alcohol, and water. It is named after the city of Cologne, Germany, where it was first created.
No, cologne can be worn by both men and women. However, in contemporary American English usage, the term "cologne" often refers to perfumes marketed specifically towards men.
Cologne is generally less concentrated and not as strongly scented as perfume. It is also typically less expensive and can be applied more liberally.
Choosing the right cologne depends on personal preference. It is recommended to test different colognes and see how they interact with your body chemistry. You can do this by spraying a small amount on your skin and observing how the scent develops over time.
Cologne should be applied to heat areas of the body, such as the chest, neck, and wrists. It is recommended to start with a small amount and reapply as needed. Avoid rubbing the cologne into the skin, as this can break down the fragrance.