The Art Of Wearing Multiple Colognes As A Gentleman

Many people enjoy wearing cologne every day, but opinions vary on whether it's better to have a signature scent or to rotate fragrances. Some people like to wear the same cologne every day, especially to work, as they feel that consistency makes the scent less noticeable. However, others prefer to switch up their cologne daily, or even multiple times a day, to avoid getting bored or going nose-blind to a fragrance. Some people also like to match their cologne to the occasion, the season, their outfit, or their mood.

How to avoid olfactory fatigue

Olfactory fatigue, also known as nose saturation, is a genuine phenomenon where our senses adapt and recalibrate, and sometimes falter. It occurs when our nasal receptors gradually become less sensitive to specific scents, leading us to believe that certain fragrances have faded.

To avoid olfactory fatigue when testing perfumes, it is recommended to rotate between scents. Taking breaks between samples and inhaling natural "palate cleansers" such as coffee beans, wool, or one's own skin can help reset the olfactory palate.

For daily perfume wearers, doing a rotation of fragrances and taking breaks throughout the day is crucial to avoid prolonged exposure to a single scent. This practice helps preserve sensitivity and enjoyment of the olfactory experience. Additionally, incorporating a variety of fragrances with different notes and intensities can provide a richer and more dynamic olfactory experience.

• Diversify your collection: Collect colognes with different notes and intensities to provide a diverse olfactory experience. This can include a range of seasonal fragrances, such as heavier and muskier scents for colder weather and lighter and fresher scents for warmer months.
• Create a rotation schedule: While some people prefer to choose a fragrance based on their daily mood, creating a schedule can ensure that you are not overexposed to a single fragrance. You can categorize your colognes according to day and evening use or create a weekly rotation.
• Take scent breaks: Incorporate breaks throughout the day, especially if you are wearing a fragrance with strong notes. Step outside to get some fresh air or find an area with non-odorized air to give your nose a break.
• Use natural "palate cleansers": Reset your olfactory palate by inhaling the aroma of coffee beans or natural ingredients like wool or your own skin. These can help clear your nose without introducing competing fragrances.
• Practice mindful application: Be mindful of how much fragrance you are applying. Overapplication can lead to faster olfactory fatigue and may be unpleasant for those around you.
• Embrace aromatherapy: Utilize aromatherapy oils, citrus scents, or a broad spectrum of natural ingredients to rejuvenate your nasal receptors and reduce the risk of olfactory fatigue.

By implementing these strategies, you can help prevent olfactory fatigue and continue to enjoy your fragrances to the fullest.

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, you risk over-application or a scent that fades too quickly. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to apply cologne effectively.

Step 1: Choose Your Cologne

Firstly, choose a cologne that complements your natural body chemistry and fits your lifestyle. Colognes can be categorized by their concentration of perfume oils, which determines their strength and longevity. The categories, from weakest to strongest, are:

• Eau Fraiche (1-3% oil)
• Eau de Cologne (2-4% oil)
• Eau de Toilette (5-15% oil)
• Eau de Parfum (15-20% oil)
• Parfum (20-30% oil)

Step 2: Prepare Your Skin

The best time to apply cologne is immediately after a shower, as your skin is free of other scents and your pores are open, which helps the scent absorb. Dry your skin completely before applying cologne.

Step 3: Apply Sparingly

Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body and start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. You can always add another spray later if you feel it's necessary, but it's important to avoid over-application.

Step 4: Target Pulse Points

Apply cologne to your pulse points, which are the warmest areas of your body, including the wrists, neck, chest, and inner elbows. The heat from these areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to develop your signature scent by mixing with your body chemistry.

Step 5: Re-apply if Needed

Depending on the type of cologne, 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 on Clothing: This prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils, resulting in a flat, monochrome scent. It can also damage certain fabrics.
• Splashing on Skin: This is an easy way to over-apply. If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, place your finger over the opening and gently tip the bottle to dab the scent onto your body.
• Spraying and Walking Through: This method results in most of the cologne ending up on the floor, rather than your body.
• Rubbing into Skin: Rubbing breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing the scent to fade faster. Instead, simply dab or spray.
• Over-application: A subtle enhancement is best. Less is more when it comes to cologne.

Tips for Choosing and Testing Colognes:

• Research: Use the fragrance color wheel to identify the types of scents that might appeal to you, then research specific fragrances that include these scent notes.
• Test: Use scent blotters or order fragrance testers to try out different colognes at home. When testing, spray two or three times in a downward motion onto the blotter or your wrist.
• Give it Time: Allow the scent to develop by waiting 30 minutes after application before making a decision.
• Ask for a Second Opinion: It can be difficult to judge how you smell yourself, so ask a friend or partner for their opinion.

By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you'll be able to enjoy the benefits of daily cologne usage, including increased confidence and the occasional compliment!

How to choose a cologne for the occasion

Choosing a cologne is like choosing an outfit. Different occasions call for different scents. Here are some tips on how to pick the right cologne for the right occasion.

For Daily Use

For your everyday scent, choose something light and fresh, like a floral, citrusy, or earthy fragrance. Avoid strong perfumes like Parfum and Eau de Parfum (EDP), as the heat can make them overpowering. Instead, opt for an Eau de Cologne (EDC) or Eau de Toilette (EDT), which have lower fragrance concentrations and will last for 2-3 hours.

For Work

When it comes to the office, you want to avoid being that guy whose scent fills the room before they do. Opt for subtle, light fragrances with aromatic undertones to keep the air around you fresh without causing headaches for your colleagues. Citrus scents are a great choice but remember to keep a travel atomizer in your bag for a midday top-up as they tend to fade quickly.

For Socializing with Colleagues

When socializing with colleagues, you'll want to switch up your scent to something headier and more distinctive while still retaining a veneer of professionalism. Look for notes like amber and ambergris, which are unlikely to be worn by your coworkers. Or play it safe with a modern classic like Givenchy Gentleman, which is woody and aromatic without being overpowering.

For Job Interviews

When attending a job interview, you'll want to make a good impression without overwhelming the interviewer with your scent. Opt for a clean and subtle fragrance like an Eau Fraiche, which has a low concentration of essential oils (1-3%) and will leave a lasting impression without being too overpowering.

For Date Nights

To spark romance on a date night, choose a fragrance associated with confidence, such as sweet, woody, spicy, or musky notes. Pick 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 one's sense of taste and ruin dinner. A spritz on each collarbone before getting dressed is enough.

For Dinner Parties

The challenge here is to find a scent that can stand up to the smell of food without being too overpowering. 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 muscle to mask any unpleasant odors without being too intrusive.

For Weekends

The weekend is a time to relax, and your scent should reflect that. Stock your grooming cabinet with a few classic, tried-and-true fragrances that will always make you smell good, no matter what you're doing. Reach for an all-rounder that will take you from the pub to a walk in the park.

For Weddings

Weddings are formal occasions, and your scent should match the level of formality. Opt for an Eau de Parfum, which has a higher concentration of essential oils and will last until the early hours of the morning.

For Summer

In the summer, you'll want to lighten up your scent and evoke the odors of tropical climes. Scents with neroli, Sicilian lemon, and jasmine notes are like a summer holiday in a bottle.

How to store cologne to make it last longer

Storing cologne correctly is essential to maintaining its longevity and preventing it from going bad. Here are some detailed tips on how to store cologne to make it last longer:

• Keep the bottle sealed: Ensure the bottle remains closed until its first spritz. Once opened, minimise oxygen exposure by always keeping the bottle sealed when not in use. Oxygen causes the scent to dilute and become oxidised, triggering evaporation.
• Store in a dark place: Light can break down the chemical makeup of a cologne, altering its scent. Store the bottle away from natural and artificial light, such as in a closet or cupboard.
• Store in a dry place: Humidity and temperature fluctuations can cause unwanted chemical reactions, affecting the cologne's makeup. Avoid storing cologne in bathrooms due to the high humidity and temperature changes. Instead, opt for a room with a dehumidifier.
• Keep in its original box: The original box provides extra protection from light and oxygen exposure. It also helps to keep the bottle in a lower, safer spot.
• Store in its original bottle: Decorative bottles may be aesthetically pleasing but are often not airtight. The original bottle is designed with a specific spray head to prevent air contamination.
• Avoid excessive shaking: Shaking the bottle can introduce unwanted oxidation and disturb delicate chemical bonds.
• Maintain a constant temperature: Aim for a cool, constant temperature of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Store in an airtight container: For extra protection, place the original box containing the cologne into an opaque, airtight bag or container.
• Opt for long-lasting fragrances: Some scent notes, such as green, citrus, and floral, expire more quickly than others. Scents like oud will maintain their form for longer.
• Store in the fridge: Storing cologne in the fridge is an option, especially for colognes and eau de toilettes, as their chemical makeup is more robust and less susceptible to temperature changes.

How to test cologne

Testing cologne is an art, and there are several steps to follow to ensure you find the right scent for you.

Firstly, it's important to start with a blotter. These are the small pieces of card found near tester bottles. They are porous enough to absorb the cologne and give you a good idea of how the fragrance smells. Spray two or three times in a downward motion, creating a cloud of perfume. Then, pass the blotter through the cloud and bring it to your nose, being careful not to touch it. Close your eyes and inhale.

If you like the scent, the next step is to see how it smells on your skin. Spray either your wrist or the back of your hand twice and let it settle for 20-30 seconds. Once it has dried, bring your wrist to your nose and inhale, again, keeping a small distance between skin and nose.

Now, the key to finding your perfect cologne is to wait at least 30 minutes before smelling the scent on your wrist again. During this time, the fragrance will play with your body's natural chemistry, and you will experience each of the notes in its formulation. The scent will deepen, and you will get a true reading of how the cologne works with your body chemistry.

It is recommended to test no more than three fragrances in one day, as your sense of smell can only handle a few scents before it becomes confused. It is also best to test colognes in the morning, as our sense of smell is usually at its peak at this time.

Finally, if you are testing multiple fragrances, it is a good idea to use olfactory palate cleansers, such as coffee beans, to neutralise odours between tests.

So, when testing colognes, remember to start with blotters, move on to skin tests, and always give the cologne time to settle and develop before making a decision.

Frequently asked questions