Manly Indulgence: Cologne's Evolution And Appeal

Manly Indulgence is a brand that sells scented candles and colognes. The brand was established in 2013 out of a passion for creating scents that men enjoy and for the women who love them. The brand embodies the essence of the American spirit, ruggedness, and perseverance expressed through its fragrances. While the brand does not seem to sell colognes, they do offer a range of candles with masculine fragrances, including woody, spicy, and herbal scents.

What are the best colognes for men?

While "the best" cologne is subjective, there are several popular colognes for men that are widely available and well-reviewed.

Classic Colognes

Acqua di Parma is a timeless, elegant, and universally appealing cologne, evoking sunny days on the Italian Riviera with its citrus and woody notes. It has been around since 1916 but still smells fresh and wearable. St. Johns Bay Rum is another classic, affordable option with top notes of cloves and cinnamon, evolving into a mix of bay leaves, musk, and eucalyptus.

Everyday Colognes

ARQUTSTE Misfit is a warm, spicy fragrance that suits both day and night. It combines notes of amber, French lavender, and patchouli. Calvin Klein CK Everyone is a modernized descendant of the iconic CK One, with top notes of lemon, green tea, and bergamot, and base notes of jasmine, lychee, sandalwood, and amber.

Seasonal Colognes

Clean Rain by CLEAN RESERVE is a light, clean fragrance perfect for mild, bright weather. It combines chilled cucumber, white flowers, and rainforest vetiver. Wood Sage Sea Salt Cologne by Jo Malone London is an uplifting, tangy scent for hot, muggy summer days, featuring notes of grapefruit, sage, and sea salt. Replica Jazz Club by Maison Margiela is a sophisticated, memorable scent for fall, capturing the sensation of a private members' bar with notes of pink pepper, rum, sage, tobacco leaf, and vanilla. For spring, Molecule 03 is a fresh scent with notes of citrus, ginger, vetiver, sandalwood, and cedar.

Woody Colognes

Terre d'Hermès Eau Intense Vétiver by Hermès is a head-turning masculine scent perfect for all scenarios and seasons. It combines vetiver, Sichuan pepper, and green bergamot. Burberry Hero Parfum is an intelligent and undeniably masculine scent, featuring cypress and cedarwood.

Citrus Colognes

Ormonde Jayne Gatsby 22 is a positive, uplifting scent with notes of bergamot, lemon, musk, and vetiver. Parfums de Marly Perseus is a happy, summery fragrance with notes of grapefruit, green mandarin, black currant, and cashmere wood.

Fresh Colognes

Diptyque Eau de Minthé by Diptyque is an ultra-fresh scent, like stepping out of a luxurious shower. It combines mint, geranium, and patchouli. Claus Porto Musgo Real Alto Mar evokes the essence of an ocean breeze with notes of cashmere wood, absinthe, calone, and marine.

Floral Colognes

Rōzu by Aesop is a floral, woody scent with notes of rose, sandalwood, vetiver, and shiso. Régime des Fleurs Tears is a floral scent with a masculine edge, featuring green cognac, pink pepper, mandarin flower, resin, and frankincense.

Spicy Colognes

Dior Sauvage Elixir Parfum is a memorable, spicy cologne perfect for colder months and date nights. It has a signature licorice note with hints of lavender and nutmeg. By Kilian Smoking Hot is a sultry scent with notes of hookah, tobacco, and bourbon vanilla.

Leather Colognes

Leather by Malin + Goetz is an approachable, sexy leather scent with notes of sandalwood and incense. Bianco Profumo Cherry Leather is an irreverent, cheeky fragrance with notes of cherry, suede, fennel, moss, and musk.

Musk Colognes

Musc Ravageur by Frédéric Malle is a playful, sexy musk that won't overwhelm your date. It combines musk, vanilla, amber, and sandalwood. Brioni Éclat is a charming, polished scent with notes of frankincense, pink pepper, grapefruit, and resin.

What are the different types of cologne?

There are six primary types of cologne, each with different fragrance concentrations and uses. These are Parfum, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne, Eau Fraiche, and Perfume Oil.

Parfum

Parfum has a fragrance concentration of 25-30%, the highest of all cologne types. It is the most tenacious in terms of longevity, lasting 10-12+ hours after being applied. Parfum is ideal for those wanting a scent to last all day, from bed to boardroom to bar. Its stellar staying power makes it good value for money, as it requires less frequent top-ups and replenishing.

Eau de Parfum (EDP)

Eau de Parfum has a fragrance concentration of 15-20%, the second highest of the group. This concentration is potent enough to linger on the skin for an average of 8-10 hours. It won't feel as heavy and intense as Parfum. Most modern colognes for men are available in an Eau de Parfum formulation. EDPs are more long-lasting than lighter fragrances and have greater projection, making them a solid choice for winter wear.

Eau de Toilette (EDT)

Eau de Toilette is one of the most popular choices of cologne. EDT contains 5-15% perfume extract, making it a more affordable option. EDT will evaporate more quickly from the skin than EDP, with a wear time of around 2-4 hours. Its light and fresh finish is subtle, leaving a lingering scent rather than an overpowering cloud of fragrance. This makes EDT a summer staple, as hot weather can intensify a cologne's notes.

Eau de Cologne (EDC)

Eau de Cologne has a fragrance concentration of 2-4% and may only last for a couple of hours. This light and invigorating option is ideal for those wanting to smell clean and natural. EDC is kind to sensitive or dry skin and won't cause irritation, but it will need to be topped up hourly, making it more suitable for daytime wear.

Eau Fraiche

Eau Fraiche is one of the rarer types of cologne. It is aromatic, green, and citrusy, with a fragrance oil concentration of 2-3%. It is subtle, ultra-light, and gentle, making it ideal for those who like to wear cologne to the gym and don't want to overpower the room.

Perfume Oils

Perfume oils take various fragrant essential oils and dilute them with carrier oils such as olive, coconut, jojoba, argan, and sweet almond oil, making them less intense and more wearable. You can expect an essential oil concentration of around 20% in perfume oil. Perfume oils are alcohol-free, making them a good choice for those with sensitive or dry skin. They are also more affordable than other types of cologne.

What are the best colognes for different occasions?

The right cologne can elevate your look, whether it's for a special event or everyday wear. Here are some recommendations for different occasions:

For Work

Go for something light with an aromatic undertone. Citrus scents are a great choice as they freshen up the airspace around you without being too overpowering. However, they tend to dissipate quickly, so keep a travel atomiser with you for a midday touch-up. Opt for subtle, clean, and subtle scents to avoid being that guy with an overwhelming fragrance that enters the room before you do.

Socialising with Colleagues

When moving from business to pleasure, it's a good idea to switch up your cologne to something heady and distinctive while retaining a veneer of professionalism. Look for notes like amber and ambergris, which are less likely to be worn by your colleagues. Alternatively, play it safe with a modern classic like Givenchy Gentleman, which is woody and aromatic without being overpowering.

Job Interviews

You want to smell good but not overpowering, especially if you're in a small, enclosed space. Go for a clean and subtle scent. An eau fraiche is a good choice as it has a low concentration of essential oils (1-3%), allowing you to leave a good impression without being too strong.

Dates

The olfactory memory is the strongest in the human brain, so you want to go for something unique that your date hasn't smelled before, like pomegranate, bamboo, or coconut. Be mindful not to go overboard, as strong fragrances can alter your sense of taste and ruin dinner. A spritz on each collarbone before getting dressed is enough.

Dinner Parties

The challenge here is to find a cologne that's noticeable but not overwhelming. Look for a heavy base like oud that's been softened by lighter notes such as vanilla and rose. This way, you'll have enough fragrance to mask any food odours without being too strong at the start of the night.

Weekends

The weekend is for relaxation, and your fragrance choices should reflect that. Stock up on some classic, tried-and-tested fragrances so you don't have to overthink your choices. Go for versatile scents that work well in various settings, from pubs to walks in the park.

Weddings

Weddings are formal events, so it's a good opportunity to bring out a special scent. Opt for an eau de parfum, which has a higher concentration of essential oils and will last longer, taking you from the ceremony to the final dance.

Summer

In the summer, you want to lighten up your fragrance choices. Go for scents that evoke tropical climes, such as neroli (extracted from bitter orange tree blossoms), Sicilian lemon, and jasmine. These bright, sunny notes will put you in a cheerful mood, even if it's raining outside.

Winter

During the colder months, opt for spicy and woodsy fragrances that pair well with cosy nights by the fireplace. Scents with notes of ginger, vanilla, and tobacco can be perfect for this time of year.

Special Mention: Manly Indulgence Series

The Manly Indulgence Series by EKAM offers a premium fragrance oil perfect for lounges, man caves, and indoor pool areas. With citrusy notes on a base of amber, only a few drops are needed to fill the space with a heavy, oriental aroma with lingering notes of musk and amber.

What are the best cologne brands for men?

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to the best cologne brands for men, there are certainly some fragrances that stand out from the rest. The perfect cologne depends on individual preferences, the occasion, and even the weather. Here is a list of some of the top cologne brands for men:

Narcisco Rodriguez Bleu Noir:

This cologne is versatile, crowd-pleasing, and long-lasting. It has a warm, woody scent with notes of vetiver, cedar, ebony, amber, and musk. It is sophisticated yet not too mature, making it a modern masterpiece. With a wear time of around 6-7 hours, it is perfect for all occasions and seasons.

Paul Smith Extreme:

This cologne is an aromatic blend of citrusy, woody, and spicy notes, including lemon, bergamot, cardamom, nutmeg, geranium, and rosemary. Although it doesn't have the best longevity, it is ideal for spring and summer.

Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille:

A luxurious and opulent scent, Tobacco Vanille is one of the most popular offerings from the designer brand Tom Ford. It is a rich blend of tobacco, spices, vanilla, cacao, tonka, dried fruits, and wood. It is perfect for special occasions and will leave a lasting impression.

Paco Rabanne One Million:

This cologne is ideal for young men, with a playful and loud scent. It has a sweet initial burst of leather, rose, and citrus, followed by warm amber and a refreshing hint of mint. It is perfect for fall and winter and makes a great gift.

Acqua di Parma Bergamotto di Calabria:

This cologne will transport you to the sunny hills of Calabria, Italy. It features sharp and juicy notes of lemon, bergamot, and ginger, with a heavenly dry down of woody, floral, and musk notes. It is the perfect summertime scent.

Zadig & Voltaire This is Him:

A mysterious and boho scent, This is Him combines smooth and creamy notes of sandalwood and vanilla with fresh and clean notes of grapefruit and black pepper. It is perfect for fall and winter, with a wear time of around 7-10 hours.

Reuzel Solid Cologne Balm:

This solid cologne is a modern alternative to traditional liquid fragrances. It features notes of cedarwood, clove, and lemon zest, creating a fresh yet earthy fragrance. It is long-lasting and easy to apply, making it perfect for travel or motorcycle rides.

Maison Margiela Jazz Club:

This niche fragrance is for men who want to stand out from the crowd. The Replica range aims to recreate specific periods and locations, and Jazz Club evokes memories of smoky cigars and boozy cocktails with notes of rum, tobacco, vanilla, pink pepper, and lemon. It is perfect for fall and winter nights.

Other notable mentions include Chanel Bleu de Chanel, Dior Sauvage, Ralph Lauren Polo Black, Creed Aventus, and Byredo Bibliothèque.

How do you choose and apply cologne?

How to Choose and Apply Cologne

Cologne is an important part of a man's personal style and can make you feel more attractive and confident. However, most men don't put much effort into choosing their cologne and often apply it incorrectly. Here's a guide on how to choose and apply cologne correctly:

Choosing the Right Cologne

• Research colognes online first: Use a fragrance wheel or scent wheel to determine which scent families might appeal to you. You can then use this information to search for specific fragrances that include these scents.
• Use testers or scent blotters: A convenient option is to order fragrance testers, which come in smaller bottles. Alternatively, you can visit a store that has scent blotters, which are small, white cardboard strips that absorb the fragrance. When testing, spray two or three times in a downward motion onto the blotter.
• Test the fragrance on your skin: Once you've narrowed it down to two to four fragrances, spray one type on each wrist. If testing more than two, also spray on your inner elbows. Do not test more than four at a time, as this can confuse your sense of smell.
• Give the scent time to develop: After applying, walk around the store or wait for about 30 minutes to let the scent mix with the oils on your skin. Then, smell each fragrance again to see how it has developed and how it reacts with your body chemistry.
• Buy the one you still love: If there's a fragrance you still really enjoy after the development period, there's a good chance you'll enjoy owning and using it.

Applying Cologne Correctly

• Apply directly to the skin: Spray cologne directly onto dry skin, preferably immediately after showering. This helps the scent absorb better.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away: Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches away risks over-applying, while spraying further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-applying.
• Apply to heated areas of the body: Apply cologne to areas like the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent.
• Start with a light application: Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. If the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply. You can also ask a close friend or family member for their opinion if you're unsure about the application.
• Re-apply if needed: Depending on the type of cologne, you may need to re-apply, especially if you're going out in the evening. When re-applying, dab a little onto your pulse points.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not spray on clothing: Spraying cologne on your clothes prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, which gives it its unique quality. It can also harm certain fabrics.
• Do not splash on the skin: If the cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, place one finger over the opening of the bottle and gently tip it upside down before dabbing the scent on your body.
• Do not spray and walk through it: This method renders the cologne almost useless, as most of it ends up on the floor.
• Do not rub into the skin: Rubbing the cologne into your skin makes the scent fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance.
• Avoid over-applying: A man's fragrance should be subtle. Start light and ask for feedback from others if needed.

Tips for Making Your Cologne Last Longer

• Keep it in its original box: Light exposure can cause fragrances to deteriorate over time.
• Store in a cool, dark, dry place: Fluctuations in temperature can shorten the lifetime of a fragrance. Avoid storing it in the bathroom or in direct sunlight.
• Be mindful of expiration dates: Cologne does not last forever and may have a use-by date on the bottom of the bottle.

Frequently asked questions