Choosing The Right Cologne: A Guide For Her

Choosing a cologne for a guy can be a daunting task, but it's important to remember that fragrance is a powerful part of personal style that can boost confidence and attractiveness. When selecting a cologne, it's essential to consider the wearer's personality and preferences. Most men's fragrances fall into two categories: woody or clean scents. Woody fragrances feature notes like cedar or oak, while clean fragrances offer light, fresh-from-the-shower scents. To find the perfect cologne, it's advisable to visit a physical store and test different options. Paper blotters can be used for initial testing, followed by spraying a small amount on the forearm to observe how it interacts with the skin. It's crucial to give the cologne time to develop, as fragrances have different notes that unfold over time. Additionally, seeking samples to test at home can provide valuable insights into how a fragrance wears over time and how it's perceived by others.

Know his type: woody or clean

Woody fragrances are derived from woods, leaves, roots, and other natural aromas like spices or minerals. They are often described as warm, earthy, and sexy without being overpowering. Woody fragrances can be spicy, aquatic, fruity, or floral, and are suitable for day or night.

Clean fragrances are typically described as fresh and citrusy. They are usually more suitable for daytime wear and are often preferred by older gentlemen. Clean fragrances can have notes of lavender, coffee, citrus, and woody base notes.

When choosing a cologne, it is important to consider the individual's body chemistry and lifestyle. Woody fragrances are versatile and can be worn for various occasions, while clean fragrances may be more suitable for everyday use. Additionally, the concentration of the fragrance will determine its longevity, with higher concentrations lasting longer.

It is recommended to test different colognes to find the one that suits you best. Department stores are great for this purpose, as they offer a wide range of options to try. It is important to spray the cologne on the skin rather than clothing, as fragrances are designed to interact with the body's natural oils.

Understand your fragrance aspiration

Understanding your fragrance aspiration is key to choosing the right cologne. The first step is to determine your budget, as colognes can range from $25 to the multiple hundreds.

Next, you should consider the different types of colognes and the occasions for which you will be wearing them. For example, woody, citrus, or aromatic colognes are often worn as daily "signature scents", while spicy or leather options are better suited for specific occasions. If you're looking for an everyday scent, opt for something that is not too overpowering or expressive.

You should also consider the different notes that comprise a fragrance. Top notes are the initial, lighter smells that hit the nose immediately after application and can last from 15 minutes to 2 hours. Medium or heart notes are the main element of the fragrance and develop after the top note clears, lasting 3-5 hours. Base notes are the boldest scents that become more noticeable later in the day and can last up to 10 hours.

When choosing a cologne, it's important to test how it reacts with your body chemistry. You can do this by spraying different colognes on your wrists or inner elbows and giving the scent time to develop. Walk around the store or do something else for 30 minutes, then smell each cologne again to see how it has reacted with your body chemistry.

Finally, don't be afraid to try something new. Experimenting with different fragrances is part of the fun, and you may be surprised by what you end up liking.

Test it out

Testing a cologne is an important step in the buying process, as it allows you to see how it will react with your body chemistry. Here are some tips on how to test out cologne:

Testing on Paper Blotters

Paper blotters are small, white cardboard strips that you can spray cologne on to test its scent. They are simple, common tools for testing fragrances and are usually available for free at perfume stores. To test a fragrance using a paper blotter:

• Spray the fragrance twice in a downward motion in front of you.
• Swiftly pass the blotter through the fragrance's vapour cloud.
• Wave the blotter under your nose and inhale without touching your nose.
• Refer back to the blotter regularly to test its life cycle.

Testing on Skin

Testing a cologne on your skin is the best way to see how it evolves and how its oils react with your skin. However, you should only test one fragrance on your skin at a time, as testing multiple fragrances will contaminate one another and result in an unpleasant mix of scents. To test a fragrance on your skin:

• Spray the fragrance on your wrist or the back of your hand, respecting the correct spray distance.
• Leave it to dry naturally and do not rub it in.
• Inhale the fragrance without letting it touch your nose.
• Refer back to your wrist or hand over time to see how the scent evolves.

Additional Tips

• Avoid wearing fragrances when testing, as it can affect the results.
• Use coffee beans to neutralise odours between testing different fragrances.
• Test fragrances in the morning, as your sense of smell is usually sharper during this time.

Spend time with it

Spending time with a cologne is an important step in deciding whether it's the right one for you. The best way to do this is to test the cologne on your skin and see how it interacts with your body chemistry.

Firstly, it's important to note that you are the best person to determine which scent suits you. While it's good to ask for opinions from others, don't let them choose for you. Only if multiple people tell you a scent is off or a poor choice should you try something else.

When testing colognes, the maximum number of scents to try at once is four, but if you're just starting out, it's better to stick to two—one on each wrist, or one on each wrist and inner elbow. Avoid using the cards provided in department stores to smell the colognes, as these will only allow you to smell the top notes, and not how the cologne smells on you.

After applying the cologne to your skin, walk around the store and smell the fragrances at various intervals. Take notes on your phone or on paper about which you like and why.

It's also a good idea to refresh your palate with something strong, like coffee or tea, between smelling each cologne.

Once you've found a cologne you like, buy a bottle and start wearing it. Remember, wearing fragrance is a process, not a destination. Many men end up owning and loving dozens of scents, so don't feel you have to get it perfect with your first (or tenth) buy.

Make your purchase

Once you've found a cologne you like, it's time to make your purchase. If you're buying in-store, it's a good idea to ask for a sample vial to take home and try over the course of the week. This way, you can see how the cologne reacts with your body chemistry over time and in different environments. You can also ask a trusted friend or family member for their opinion.

If you're buying online, you can often find discounted fragrances on websites like eBay or discount sites. These could be from untapped testers, or they could be from someone else's impulse purchase or unwanted gift.

When it comes to the size of the bottle, if you're new to fragrances, it's best to start with a smaller bottle. That way, you can reduce the risk of buying a scent that you might not end up liking or wearing often.

It's also important to remember that colognes don't last forever. They have a use-by date, and fluctuations in temperature and exposure to light can cause them to deteriorate faster. So, when you get your cologne, be sure to store it in a cool, dark, and dry place, like a bedroom closet, to extend its lifespan.

Now that you know how to buy cologne for a guy, you can help him find a scent that suits his personality and style.

Frequently asked questions