The Art Of Wearing Cologne: A Guide For Men

Knowing how to wear cologne is an art form. A good cologne can make a man feel more attractive and confident, enhancing his personal style and leaving a lasting impression on those around him. However, applying too much or too little can be off-putting, and choosing the wrong scent for the occasion can be a costly mistake. The key to wearing cologne well is understanding the basics of fragrance application and selection, as well as some modern etiquette.

How to choose the right cologne

Choosing the right cologne can be tricky, but it's an important part of a man's personal style. A good cologne can make you feel more attractive and confident, enhancing your natural body chemistry. Here are some tips on how to choose the right cologne:

Know the Different Types of Fragrances

First, it's important to understand the different types of fragrances available. Colognes typically fall into four main categories based on their concentration of perfume oils:

• Eau Fraiche: The most diluted form of cologne with 1-3% perfume oil. It usually lasts for less than an hour.
• Cologne (Eau de Cologne): This is the oldest term for perfume and is typically used for masculine scents. It contains 2-4% perfume oil and lasts for about 2 hours.
• Toilette (Eau de Toilette): A light spray with 5-15% perfume essence. It usually lasts for about 3 hours.
• Perfume (Eau de Parfum): Historically genderless, this type of cologne contains 15-20% perfume essence and can last for up to 8 hours.
• Parfum: The most concentrated and expensive option with 20-30% perfume essence. It can last up to 24 hours.

Understand the Fragrance Lifecycle

Colognes typically have three types of notes that develop over time: top notes, medium notes, and base notes.

• Top notes: These are the initial scents that are light and refreshing. They last for about 15 minutes to 2 hours.
• Medium notes: Also known as heart notes, these are the main elements of the fragrance and develop after the top notes. They can last for 3-5 hours.
• Base notes: These are the boldest scents that become more noticeable later in the day. They are the foundation of the fragrance and can last for 5-10 hours.

Choose a Scent That Compliments Your Natural Body Chemistry

When choosing a cologne, it's important to select one that works well with your natural body odour. Scientific studies suggest that men can naturally select the cologne that best suits their body scent. Trust your instincts and don't let others choose for you. You can test different colognes by spraying them on your skin and observing how they react throughout the day.

Consider the Occasion

While it's generally encouraged to wear whatever fragrance you like, it's important to be occasion-appropriate. A rich and boozy scent might be perfect for a night out, but it may not be the best choice for a corporate job interview. Choose a cologne that fits the setting and won't be too overpowering for those around you.

Sample Before You Buy

Whenever possible, test a cologne before purchasing it. You can do this by using scent blotters or testers, which allow you to smell the fragrance without putting it on your body. However, keep in mind that the true test is how the cologne reacts with your skin, so it's best to spray a small amount on your wrist or inner elbow to see how it develops over time.

Storage and Application Tips

Once you've chosen the right cologne, make sure to store it properly to prolong its shelf life. Keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place, as fluctuations in temperature and exposure to sunlight can cause the fragrance to deteriorate. When applying, remember that less is more. Apply sparingly to heated areas of your body, such as the neck, chest, wrists, and forearms. Avoid spraying cologne on your clothes, as it can damage certain fabrics and prevent the scent from developing properly.

How to apply cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. Done properly, it can make you feel more attractive and confident. Done improperly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades almost immediately. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply cologne:

Step 1: Choose the Right Cologne

Colognes come in many different scent groups, including floral, oriental, fresh, and woody. Choose a scent that complements your natural body chemistry and fits your lifestyle in terms of how long the scent lasts. If you are unsure, opt for a lighter, fresher fragrance.

Step 2: Prepare Your Skin

The best time to apply cologne is after a shower when your skin is clean, dry, and still slightly warm from the heat of the water. This helps to open your pores, allowing the scent to absorb better.

Step 3: Know Where to Apply

Apply cologne to the heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas generate more heat, which helps to diffuse the fragrance into the air. Avoid spraying cologne on your face or on broken or irritated skin.

Step 4: Hold the Bottle Correctly

Hold the cologne bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin when applying. Holding the bottle any closer risks over-application, while spraying from further away may result in under-application.

Step 5: Apply Sparingly

When it comes to cologne, less is more. Start with a light application—choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and apply an additional spray. You can always add more, but it's difficult to remove excess cologne without re-showering.

Step 6: Allow it to Dry

Give the cologne a few seconds to dry before putting on your clothes. This helps to prevent the scent from transferring to your clothing and allows the fragrance to interact with your natural body oils.

Step 7: Reapply if Needed

Depending on the type of cologne and how long you need it to last, you may need to reapply during the day or before going out in the evening. When reapplying, simply dab a small amount onto your pulse points.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Do not spray on your clothes: Cologne can stain or damage certain fabrics. It is meant to combine with your natural body oils and skin, not your clothing.
• Do not splash or rub: Avoid splashing cologne onto your skin or rubbing it in after spraying. This can lead to over-application and can break the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing the scent to fade faster.
• Do not spray and walk through: Spraying a cloud of cologne and walking through it is an ineffective way to apply cologne, as most of it will end up on the floor.
• Do not over-apply: A subtle enhancement is best. Start light and ask a friend or partner for feedback if you are unsure.

By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that you apply cologne correctly and find a signature scent that works for you.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Spraying cologne on your clothes: This prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils, which gives it its unique quality. It can also prevent the scent from going through its different stages, rendering it flat and monochrome. Lastly, spraying cologne on your clothes can harm some fabrics.
• Splashing cologne on your skin: If your 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 onto your body.
• Spraying a mist cloud and walking through it: This method renders the cologne almost useless as most of it ends up on the floor.
• Rubbing the cologne into your skin: This makes the scent fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance.
• Applying too much cologne: A man's fragrance should be a subtle enhancement to his image. Less is more when it comes to cologne.
• Not testing a cologne before buying: Fragrance is a luxury purchase, so you don't want to waste your money on something that doesn't suit you. Just because it smells great on a friend, doesn't mean it will work for you.
• Improper storage: Exposure to sunlight and a wide range of temperatures can shorten the shelf life of a fragrance and even alter its scent.
• Spray-and-walk: This method of application coats the room rather than your body.
• Pour-and-dab: Cologne is not aftershave. Pouring it into your hands and dabbing it onto the skin will leave the skin over-concentrated.

How to store cologne

Now that you've chosen your signature scent, it's important to store your cologne correctly to make it last longer. Here are some tips on how to store cologne:

• Keep it in a cool, dark place: Avoid exposing your cologne to direct sunlight or storing it in places with rapid temperature fluctuations, such as the bathroom or your car. Find a room-temperature spot, preferably without strong light, to extend its lifespan.
• Store it in its original box: Keeping your cologne in its original box can help protect it from light exposure and maintain its quality.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Rapid heat fluctuations can cause the molecules in the fragrance to break apart, altering the scent and reducing its shelf life.
• Don't store it in the bathroom: The fluctuations in temperature and humidity can negatively impact the molecular integrity of the fragrance.
• Consider a cool, dark drawer or cabinet: If you don't have a suitable spot out of direct sunlight, a dark drawer or cabinet can be a good alternative for storage.
• Be mindful of the shelf life: A fragrance typically lasts about three to four years. However, if the oils turn rancid or the alcohol concentration increases, it may alter the scent and potentially harm your skin.
• Use a cologne refillable sprayer for travel: Instead of carrying the entire bottle, opt for a refillable travel sprayer to take your favourite fragrance with you on the go.

When to reapply cologne

Cologne is an important part of a man's personal style and can make him feel more attractive and confident. However, it is essential to know when and how to reapply cologne to maintain its pleasant scent without overdoing it. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for knowing when and how to reapply your cologne:

• Reapplication depends on the type of cologne you use and its longevity. Some colognes, especially the more expensive ones, have stronger scents and can last longer. If you notice that your cologne's scent fades quickly, you may need to reapply it, especially if you plan to go out in the evening.
• The best time to reapply cologne is after showering, as clean skin provides a better base for the scent. Dry your skin completely before spraying cologne to ensure it absorbs well.
• When reapplying, hold the cologne bottle 3-6 inches away from your body and spray onto your pulse points or heated areas, such as your neck, wrists, chest, and inner elbows. These areas generate heat, helping to diffuse the fragrance and create your signature scent.
• It is recommended to start with a light application, even when reapplying. One spray on your pulse points should be sufficient. You can always add another spray if needed, but be cautious not to over-apply.
• To avoid over-application, you can also opt for dabbing a small amount of cologne onto your pulse points instead of spraying. This method ensures a more controlled application.
• Be mindful of your surroundings when reapplying cologne. In an office environment or a sensitive space, it is advisable to keep the fragrance subtle and avoid strong scents that may be overpowering to others.
• If you want your cologne to last longer between reapplications, consider moisturising your skin after showering. Moisturised skin can help the fragrance absorb more efficiently and prolong its scent.
• Store your cologne properly to maintain its longevity. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as these can break down the fragrance and alter its scent over time.
• While reapplying cologne can enhance its scent, be cautious not to overdo it. Less is more when it comes to cologne. You want to create a pleasant aura, not an overpowering cloud that may be unpleasant to those around you.

Frequently asked questions