The Art Of Scent: Choosing The Right Cologne

Choosing the right cologne can be a daunting task, but it's an important part of your personal style and can have a powerful effect on how people see and remember you. A good cologne can make you feel more attractive and confident, enhancing the impression of being a sharp, put-together man.

The first step is to determine your scent profile, which involves understanding the different notes and how they work with your body chemistry. The three types of notes in a fragrance are top, medium, and base notes. Top notes are the initial, lighter smells that linger for 15 minutes to two hours. Medium notes are the main elements that develop after the top notes and can last up to five hours. Base notes are the boldest scents that develop last and can be detected all day.

When choosing a cologne, it's also important to consider the different fragrance families and their seasonality. For example, warming fragrances with notes of tobacco, leather, or spice are ideal for winter, while green and aquatic notes are perfect for summer.

The key to finding the right cologne is to take your time, experiment, and trust your instincts. Fall in love with the fragrance, and don't be afraid to ask for advice from salespeople or friends.

Choosing a scent that complements your natural body chemistry

Choosing a cologne can be a daunting experience. The only information you have about the scent is how the bottle looks, which tells you nothing about how it smells. But choosing the right cologne can be an important part of your personal style. A good cologne can make you feel more attractive and confident.

• Think about your daily life: What scents do you already love? If you are new to fragrances, consider the distinctive smells that you enjoy in your life, especially in products you use on your body. For example, do you like the coconut shampoo at your gym, or the soft and mineral smell of your clothes after laundry? You can search for fragrances with those notes.
• Consider your environment: Think about the mood and lifestyle that you want to convey, and choose a fragrance family that lends itself to it. For example, a sexy musk might be more suited to a night out than an office environment. Lighter floral or citrus scents might be more welcome in a professional environment than woody or spicy scents.
• Understand fragrance families and their seasonality: What works in a winter fragrance (warming tobacco, leather, or spice) differs from the best summer scent (green and aquatic notes). Likewise, a fall fragrance might include patchouli, musk, and vanilla, while spring scents tend to be floral or citrus.
• Know the different types of notes: Fragrances almost always contain three types of notes: top notes, medium notes, and base notes. Top notes are the initial, lighter set of smells that linger on the skin soon after application. Medium notes are the "main" elements of the fragrance that usually include heavier scents like spices or florals. Base notes are the boldest scents that develop last and can be detected all day.
• Test the cologne: Testing a cologne before you buy it is important to see how it will react with your particular skin chemistry. Research colognes online, and use the fragrance colour wheel to think about which scents might be appealing to you. Use cologne testers or scent blotters to initially test fragrances. Once you have narrowed it down to a few fragrances, test them on your skin. Spray one cologne type on each wrist, and if you're testing more than two, spray onto your inner elbows as well.
• Consider your skin type: Fragrances tend to cling to men with oily skin longer than those with drier skin, which seems to soak up the scent. When experimenting with cologne, assess which skin type you have, and adjust the dose of cologne accordingly.
• Be mindful of your lifestyle: Drinking, smoking, and eating certain foods will alter the smell of your cologne. For example, wearing too much cologne in a restaurant that serves Indian food will result in your cologne mixing with the scent of the food.
• Ask for opinions: While you are the best person to determine which scent suits you, you can use the opinions of others to reinforce or question your decision. If multiple people tell you your scent is a poor choice, you should try something else.
• Don't be afraid to ask: If you truly like a scent that someone else is wearing, ask them which one it is. Once you know which fragrances you like, you can do your research on each one to find something similar.
• Try before you buy: If you're going to commit to something, then you need to know that it's a winner. Luckily, most brands offer some sort of sample-size tester.

Remember, choosing a cologne that complements your natural body chemistry is a process of discovery that can become an enjoyable journey.

Applying cologne to pulse points

When applying cologne to pulse points, it is best to spritz or dab a small amount onto the desired area and then use your wrist to press it into the skin, ensuring the cologne sits below the skin. This will help the scent to develop over time and prevent it from dying away throughout the day.

It is recommended to apply cologne to just one or two pulse points, especially if you are a beginner. For everyday use, applying cologne to the bottom of the throat (neck) is a good option. However, if you are going out to a noisy social event, you may want to apply a small amount behind your ears so that people can smell it when they lean in to speak to you.

It is important to note that the warmth of the body and the intensity of the pulse points are not the only factors affecting the strength and longevity of a fragrance. Skin type also plays a role, with fragrances lasting longer on oily skin compared to drier skin. Additionally, it is recommended to keep the skin well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using moisturising lotion, as this can help to prolong the scent.

The difference between fragrance, perfume, eau de toilette, and cologne

The main difference between fragrance, perfume, eau de toilette, and cologne is their concentration of oil in alcohol and water, which in turn determines how long the smell lasts.

Fragrance

Fragrance is a generic, unisex term for any smelly substance made up of a certain amount of fragrance oil diluted in alcohol and water. The most diluted version of a fragrance typically has one to three per cent perfume oil in alcohol and water and lasts for less than an hour.

Cologne (Eau de Cologne)

Cologne is the oldest term for perfume and is used in North America for masculine scents. Light, fresh and fruity, colognes typically contain two to four per cent perfume oils in alcohol and water. They are usually worn by younger people and last for about two hours.

Eau de Toilette

An eau de toilette is a light spray composition with five to 15 per cent pure perfume essence dissolved in alcohol. It usually lasts for about three hours.

Perfume (Eau de Parfum)

Perfume is historically genderless and used to describe both men's and women's fragrances. It contains 15 to 20 per cent pure perfume essence and lasts for about five to eight hours.

Parfum

Parfum is the most concentrated and expensive of all fragrance options. Slightly oilier, parfum is composed of 20 to 30 per cent pure perfume essence and can last up to 24 hours.

How to choose a cologne that suits you

When choosing a cologne, it's important to select a fragrance you love. Think about the other distinctive smells you enjoy, especially in products you use on your body, and look for fragrances with similar notes. You should also consider whether you want a scent that others will notice or one that is just for you.

It's also worth noting that every fragrance smells different on every person, so it's important to test a cologne to see how it interacts with your natural body odour.

How much cologne is too much?

When it comes to cologne, less is more. The golden rule is that cologne should be discovered, not announced. In other words, people should only be able to smell your cologne when they are in close physical contact with you.

The sense of smell is incredibly powerful and sensitive. It is 150,000 times more sensitive than your vision and capable of detecting over a trillion unique odours. It is also closely linked to memory and emotion. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of how much cologne you are applying and how it may affect those around you.

The amount of cologne that is too much will depend on the strength of the cologne itself. Some colognes are much stronger than others, so it is important to assess the strength of your cologne before applying. If you are unsure, ask a friend or family member to smell-check you.

As a general rule, one or two sprays of cologne should be enough. Apply the cologne to areas of the body that produce heat, such as the neck, chest, and wrists. The subtle heat provided by the body will increase the intensity of the fragrance throughout the day.

If you are in close quarters with others, such as in an office or classroom, it is best to use less cologne or none at all. Consider how little fragrance you would want all of your classmates or colleagues wearing and be respectful of their personal space.

Spraying cologne on your clothing is not recommended, as it does not allow the fragrance to mix with the oils of your body and project its notes in the intended order. Additionally, the oils in cologne can stain fabrics.

The best way to know if you are applying too much cologne is to simply ask those around you. If people can smell you from a few feet away, it is safe to say you are wearing too much.

How to make your cologne last

So, you've found your signature scent, and now you want to make it last. Here are some tips to make your cologne linger longer:

Apply Right After a Shower

Post-shower is the best time to apply cologne. The remaining moisture on your skin gives the scent something to latch on to, strengthening its staying power. Plus, your pores are more open, allowing the cologne to seep into your skin and giving you a longer-lasting aroma. Just remember to let it dry off before getting dressed to avoid any stains on your clothes or jewellery.

Moisturise Beforehand

Applying an unscented lotion or moisturiser before spritzing on your cologne can make a big difference. The petroleum jelly composition holds fragrances longer than when applied to dry skin. It creates a smooth base for your fragrance to adhere to, and the moisturiser helps your skin retain the scent for a more extended period.

Spray on Pulse Points

Target your pulse points, such as the nape of your neck, inside your elbows, wrists, and the back of your knees. These areas react to the natural changes in your body temperature, helping diffuse your signature scent across your body throughout the day. Spraying your ankles and calves with cologne also causes the smell to rise.

Layer Your Fragrance

Use complementary products like soaps, aftershaves, and body balms with similar or matching scents. By removing competing scents, you can enhance the bouquet of your cologne and make it last longer.

Store It Properly

Keep your cologne bottle away from direct sunlight, in a cool, dry place like your bedroom or closet. Heat, humidity, and light can break down your favourite scents, altering their chemical composition, aroma, and colour.

Don't Overapply or Rub

Resist the temptation to overapply cologne, as this can be overwhelming to those around you. Keep it to a spritz or two, and if you need more, you can always add another spritz later in the day. Also, avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this can "bruise the scent," causing it to break down faster.

Frequently asked questions