Choosing A Cologne: A Guide To Finding Your Signature Scent

Choosing a cologne can be a complicated process, but it's worth taking the time to find a scent that suits you and your lifestyle. The first step is to understand the different types of fragrances available, from light and subtle eau de cologne to intense and long-lasting parfum. You should also familiarise yourself with the different fragrance families, such as woody, oriental, floral, and fresh, and the various notes that make up a fragrance, including top, middle, and base notes. When testing a new cologne, it's important to try it on your skin rather than on paper strips, as the scent can change once it interacts with your body chemistry. It's also a good idea to get feedback from others, as they may pick up on nuances that you don't. Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different scents and find one that truly resonates with you.

Understand the different fragrance families and their seasonality

Fragrance families are an essential aspect of choosing a cologne, as they help categorise scents and make it easier to find one that suits your preferences and the occasion. The fragrance wheel, developed by industry expert Michael Edwards, is a widely accepted tool that separates fragrances into four large buckets: Woody, Floral, Amber (previously known as Oriental), and Fresh. Each of these families has subfamilies that provide a more specific character to the scent.

The Woody family includes warm and opulent scents such as sandalwood, patchouli, cedar, and other drier notes. These fragrances are ideal for colder months, offering a sense of grounding masculinity. The Amber family, on the other hand, includes herbs, spices, and dry powdery resin notes. Amber scents are often described as sensual, warm, and exotic.

The Floral family is one of the most common and usually takes on a feminine characteristic. This family includes fresh cut flowers and powdery notes, with common notes such as rose, jasmine, and orange blossom. Floral fragrances are versatile and can be appreciated by both men and women, making them suitable for various occasions.

The Fresh family is defined by zingy and aromatic compositions with underlying woody notes. These fragrances are bright, herby, citrusy, clean, and oceanic. They are perfect for those who want a light and invigorating scent, especially during the warmer months.

When choosing a cologne, it's important to consider the seasonality of different fragrance families. For example, during spring and summer, opt for lighter and fresher scents with citrus, aquatic, or fruity notes. In contrast, fall and winter call for warmer and heavier scents with spicy, woody, or musky notes. These scents complement the cosy and reflective mood of the colder seasons.

In addition to the four main fragrance families, there are also subfamilies or categories that fall within them. These include Aromatic, Citrus, Green, Water, Soft Amber, Amber, Woody Amber, Woods, Mossy Woods, Dry Woods, Fruity, Soft Floral, and more. These subfamilies allow for a more nuanced exploration of scents and enable you to find fragrances that align with your unique character and lifestyle.

Ask others about their fragrances

Asking others about their fragrances is a great way to discover new scents and find one that suits you. If you like the cologne someone is wearing, ask them about it. Most people will be flattered that you like their fragrance and will be happy to tell you about it. You can then use this information to find a similar fragrance or use the product's notes, classification, and fragrance family as a basis to find a scent that is unique to you.

It's important to remember that fragrance is subjective and personal. What smells good to one person might not smell good to another. That's why it's essential to try a cologne before you buy it to see how it reacts with your body chemistry. Everyone's body chemistry is different, and a fragrance will smell different on everyone. You can test colognes at department stores or fragrance boutiques, or order samples to try at home.

When testing a cologne, apply it to your pulse points and let it develop on your skin for a few hours. Walk around the store or do something else for 30 minutes, then smell it again. This will give you a true idea of what the cologne will smell like on you.

You can also ask for recommendations from friends, fragrance experts, or scent designers. They can provide valuable insights and guidance based on your preferences and desired scent profile. However, remember that you are the best person to determine which scent suits you. Use the opinions of others to reinforce or question your decision, and only try something else if multiple people tell you your scent is off or a poor choice.

Finally, don't be afraid to branch out and try new things. Fragrances can be complex, with different notes and layers that interact with your body chemistry in unique ways. Embrace the process of discovery and let your perfect perfume become a reflection of your unique self.

Research and discover new scents

Researching and discovering new scents is an important part of the process of selecting a cologne. Here are some tips to help you with this:

Understand the Different Types of Scents

Firstly, educate yourself on the different types of scents available. Fragrances are typically categorised into families such as floral, woody, oriental, leather, fruity, musky, sweet, aromatic, and fresh. Each family has its own unique characteristics, and by exploring these different categories, you can discover the fragrances that align with your personal preferences and style.

Research Fragrance Notes

Fragrances are composed of various notes, including top notes, heart/middle notes, and base notes. Top notes are the initial, lighter scents that you smell immediately after application, while heart notes form the core of the fragrance and develop after the top notes. Base notes are the bolder scents that become more noticeable later in the day and provide depth and longevity. By understanding these different layers of notes, you can identify the specific scents that appeal to you.

Seek Recommendations and Samples

Ask for recommendations from friends, fragrance experts, or scent designers. Don't be afraid to seek advice based on your preferences and desired scent profile. Take advantage of sampling options to try out different fragrances. Visit fragrance boutiques or department stores to request samples, or opt for sampling subscription services that can introduce you to a variety of scents.

Utilise Online Resources

Online platforms like Fragrantica, Basenotes, Parfumo, and WikiParfum are valuable resources for discovering new fragrances. These websites allow you to search for fragrances by category, primary notes, or specific ingredients. You can also use virtual fragrance advisors, such as the one offered by The Perfume Society, which provides personalised recommendations based on your favourite fragrances or those of your friends.

Explore Niche Fragrances

While designer fragrances are widely available in stores, consider exploring niche fragrances as well. Niche fragrances are often crafted from more expensive or higher-quality ingredients and cater to those seeking distinctive and bold scents. They are usually more expensive but offer unique olfactory experiences.

Test and apply the cologne

Testing and applying cologne is an important part of the process of choosing the right one for you. Here are some tips to help you test and apply cologne effectively:

Test the Cologne

• It is recommended to test colognes on your skin rather than on paper strips, as the scent will interact with your body chemistry and natural body odour.
• Test no more than four colognes at a time, preferably two (one on each arm).
• Spray one scent on each wrist and each inner elbow if testing four.
• Refresh your palate with something strong like coffee or tea between smelling different colognes.
• Take notes on your phone or in a journal about which colognes you like and why.
• Wear the cologne for a full day to see how it develops and ask friends and family for their opinions.

Apply the Cologne

• Spray perfume on dry skin, preferably right after a shower.
• Hold the spray nozzle 3-6 inches from your skin while applying.
• Start with one single spray on your chest, and then branch out to a few more sprays in different areas as you become more comfortable.
• Apply fragrance to heat areas of the body, such as the chest, neck, lower jaw, wrist, forearm, inner elbow, and shoulder.
• Re-spray only when required, usually in the second half of the day.
• Avoid rubbing the perfume into your skin as this weakens the scent.
• Do not spray and walk through the mist, as most of the fragrance will drop to the floor.
• Do not spray fragrance on your clothes, as it won't mix with your natural oils and will alter the composition of the fragrance.
• Less is more – fragrance should be discovered, not announced.

Understand the pros and cons of natural ingredients

When choosing a cologne, it's important to understand the pros and cons of natural ingredients. Natural ingredients in cologne, such as essential oils, offer a range of benefits. Firstly, they provide a safe and non-toxic alternative to synthetic fragrances, which may contain harmful chemicals. By making your own cologne with natural ingredients, you can customise the scent to your liking and ensure it's free of toxins. Natural ingredients also offer aromatherapy benefits; for example, certain essential oils can provide grounding and balancing effects, promote focus, and stimulate brain function. Additionally, natural ingredients like essential oils can complement and blend well with each other, creating unique and appealing fragrances.

However, there are also some drawbacks to consider when using natural ingredients in cologne. Firstly, the scent of natural ingredients may not be as long-lasting as synthetic fragrances. Essential oils typically have a lower concentration, with colognes containing only about 2-5% essential oils, resulting in a lighter and less potent fragrance. This may require more frequent application or the need to top up the scent throughout the day. Additionally, natural ingredients can be more expensive and may not offer the same mass appeal as synthetic fragrances. Some people may prefer more mainstream and familiar scents, which are often created with synthetic ingredients to cater to a wider audience.

When selecting natural ingredients for cologne, it's important to consider the desired scent profile and the specific properties of each ingredient. For example, if you want a woodsy or earthy scent, essential oils like cedarwood, sandalwood, and vetiver can be excellent choices. For a more citrusy fragrance, options like wild orange, bergamot, and lemon are ideal. It's also crucial to understand the concept of fragrance notes (top, middle, and base) and how different ingredients interact and evolve over time to create the final scent.

In conclusion, natural ingredients in cologne offer benefits such as safety, customisation, and aromatherapy effects. However, they may require more frequent application and can be more expensive. When choosing natural ingredients, consider the desired scent profile and the unique properties of each essential oil to create a fragrance that suits your preferences and expresses your character.

Frequently asked questions