What Makes A Cologne Specifically For Men?

Cologne is a type of fragrance that is commonly worn by men. However, it is important to note that fragrances are not inherently gendered and can be worn by anyone. The term cologne is often used as a catch-all term for any men's fragrance, but technically speaking, it refers to a specific concentration level of perfume oils, typically ranging from 2-4%.

When choosing a cologne, it is important to consider your body chemistry, the types of scent notes you find appealing, and the places you plan to wear it. Testing a cologne before purchasing is crucial, as fragrances can smell different on each person due to individual pheromones, natural oils, body temperature, and skin pH.

Additionally, knowing how to apply cologne correctly is essential to avoid over-application or a scent that fades quickly. It is recommended to apply cologne sparingly and strategically to pulse points or heated areas of the body, such as the neck, wrists, and chest.

By selecting a cologne that complements your natural body chemistry and applying it appropriately, you can enhance your personal style and boost your confidence.

How to choose a cologne that suits you

Choosing a cologne that suits you is a very personal decision. It's important to take your time and not rush into anything, especially as there are so many colognes on the market. You have to fall in love with the fragrance. Ask for advice, but ultimately trust your instincts and go with what you love.

Know the Notes

Get to know the core notes in fragrances so that you can attach them to a specific mood or vibe that you want to emit. Notes mean different things to different people, but it's easy to find a universally pleasing one that is especially significant to you. For example, if you want to feel comforted, you might choose a fragrance with a tonka bean or vanilla note.

Understand Fragrance Families and Their Seasonality

Different notes are more suited to different seasons. For example, warming tobacco, leather and spice notes are ideal for winter, while green and aquatic notes are better for summer. You might want to have a few fragrances in rotation to match the seasons.

Ask for Recommendations

If you like someone's cologne, don't be afraid to ask what it is. You can then do your research on that fragrance and find something similar.

Know the Classics

If you know the best classic scents, you have a framework from which to pick your own.

Weigh Mass Appeal Against Niche

If you choose a mass-market fragrance, you risk smelling like someone else. However, you're wearing something "safe" that most people will like. Niche fragrances, on the other hand, are more expensive and bolder, and less likely to be universally liked.

Consider Your Motives

What is your goal with a signature scent? What is your personality like? How will it impress itself upon the people you meet? You might need more than one go-to scent to express your different sides.

Try Before You Buy

Don't buy a cologne without trying it first. Most brands offer sample-size testers, and there are also subscription services that will send you a different scent each month.

Start with a Light Layer

When trying a new cologne, always start with a light layer. A small spritz is enough to see how well it performs and what kind of feedback you get.

Wear It a Few Times

Don't buy an expensive cologne after just one wear. Try wearing it at different times of the day and in different settings.

Don't Shy Away from Synthetics

Natural ingredients are not always better than synthetic ones. Synthetic ingredients are often safer and more sustainable, and less likely to cause allergic reactions.

How to apply cologne correctly

Selecting a Scent

Determining what you want your fragrance to express about you can help you decide on a scent. For example, you might want to be seen as a man of mystery, or as clean and sharp. Scents can also set the mood for a romantic date or an important meeting. Perfumes can benefit individuals in both professional and personal environments. Knowing which of your qualities you want to highlight is the first step in choosing the right cologne.

One simple way to decide on a scent is to figure out whether you want to wear it for casual daily wear or special evening occasions. There are colognes that are barely-there and colognes that make a big statement.

Taste is the most important factor. A high-end, expensive fragrance won’t necessarily smell better to you than a budget, mass-produced bottle. Choosing a fragrance is an intensely personal experience. If you are uncertain, you can buy small sample or travel-size bottles to try out.

How to Apply Cologne

The best time to apply cologne is when your pores are open, as this helps to absorb the fragrance. The ideal time is right after a shower, on dry skin. Be sure to let the cologne dry before getting dressed.

Where to Apply Cologne

Apply cologne to your pulse points, or the warmest areas of your body. These include the wrists, neck, chest, and inner elbows. These areas can project the scent more efficiently, meaning that less fragrance is required. Pick one or two spots, so the smell isn't overwhelming.

Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your skin when spraying. Two to four squirts are ideal.

How Much Cologne to Use

Less is more with fragrance. The number of sprays you need will depend on the fragrance you use. While strong scents may only require two or three squirts, lighter ones may need four to six sprays.

Common Mistakes

• Don't rub or splash cologne on your skin.
• Don't spray the cologne into the air and walk through it.
• Don't spray cologne on your clothes.
• Don't douse yourself in cologne.

How to make cologne last longer

Moisturise Before Spraying

Dry skin soaks up perfume oils, so it's important to moisturise your skin before applying cologne. Use an unscented moisturising cleanser and body lotion to hydrate your skin and provide a better base for your fragrance. It's best to moisturise immediately after getting out of the shower.

Store in a Cool, Dark, Dry Place

Heat, humidity, and light can speed up the breakdown of a fragrance, so it's best to store cologne in a cool, dark, dry place, like a bedroom closet or on a nightstand.

Apply to Pulse Points

Spraying cologne on pulse points, where veins and arteries are closer to the skin's surface, helps the scent remain strong and fully develop. Pulse points include the wrists, neck, lower jaw, inner elbow, and shoulder.

Don't Overapply

While it may be tempting to spray more cologne to make it last longer, this will only front-load the day. Chances are, the scent will still dissipate by the same time, but people around you will be put off by the overpowering smell. Stick to a spritz or two, and you can always double down later in the day.

Layer Your Fragrance

Using complementary products such as soaps, aftershaves, and body balms can help remove competing scents and allow your cologne to stand out.

Other Tips

• Avoid spraying cologne directly onto clothes, especially if it is alcohol-based, as this can damage the garment and cause the scent to dissipate more quickly.
• Avoid rubbing cologne into the skin, as this can damage the top notes and make it harder to smell.
• Avoid storing cologne in the bathroom, as the warm, wet, and bright environment can cause the scent to break down faster.
• Avoid spraying cologne near your nose, as this can lead to scent fatigue and make it harder to accurately gauge the strength of the scent.
• Consider applying cologne to the belly button, as this can help the scent last longer.
• Consider purchasing an EDP (Eau De Parfum) or Extrait, as these have higher concentrations of fragrance oils and will last longer than an EDT (Eau De Toilette).

The difference between cologne, eau de toilette, and eau de parfum

The main difference between cologne, eau de toilette, and eau de parfum is the concentration of the fragrance oils in the product. The higher the concentration of fragrance oils, the stronger the scent and the longer it will last.

Cologne, or eau de cologne, is the oldest term for perfume and is used in North America for masculine scents. It is typically composed of 2-4% perfume oils in alcohol and water and lasts for about 2 hours.

Eau de toilette has a higher concentration of fragrance oils, typically between 5-15%, and lasts for about 3 hours. It is considered a light spray composition and is often used as daywear.

Eau de parfum has the highest concentration of fragrance oils, ranging from 15-20%, and can last for up to 8 hours. It is considered a stronger and more long-lasting fragrance and is usually more expensive than the other two options.

While the terms "cologne" and "eau de toilette" are typically used for men's fragrances, "eau de parfum" is historically genderless and can be used to describe both men's and women's fragrances.

How to test cologne before buying

Testing cologne before buying is an important step in the process of choosing a fragrance. Here is a guide on how to test cologne to ensure you find the perfect scent for you:

Testing Fragrances with Blotters

Paper blotters are a simple and common tool for testing fragrances. They are small white cards onto which you spray and smell the fragrance. Blotters are usually available for free in perfume stores. However, they may not always be the best quality, so it is recommended to use thick, matte paper that is more absorbent. When using a blotter, spray the fragrance twice in a downward motion in front of you, then swiftly pass the blotter through the fragrance's vapour cloud before inhaling. Refer back to the card to test its lifecycle, as fragrances are designed to react with the skin's heat and will smell different on your skin.

Testing Fragrances on Your Skin

Testing a fragrance on your skin is the best way to get to know how it evolves and reacts with your body's natural oils and heat. However, this method limits you to testing only one fragrance at a time, as spraying different parts of your body with different fragrances will result in an unpleasant mix of scents. To test a fragrance on your skin, spray the back of your hand twice and leave it to dry naturally without rubbing it in. Inhale the fragrance without letting it touch your nose, and refer back to your hand over time to see how the scent evolves. Ensure your hands are thoroughly washed before and remain unwashed during testing, as soap and water will affect the fragrance's evolution.

Tips for Testing Fragrances

• Avoid wearing fragrances when testing, as this will affect the results.
• Use coffee beans to neutralise odours between tests. Although this technique is debated by some scientists, it has been proven effective by others. However, coffee beans may be less effective with gourmand and oriental fragrances, as these may contain similar notes to coffee.
• Test fragrances in the morning, as your sense of smell is often sharpest at this time.

Frequently asked questions