Choosing The Right Men's Cologne: A Guide

Choosing a cologne can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. However, selecting a fragrance that suits your personality and occasion is an art that can be mastered with a few simple steps. From understanding the different types of fragrances and their notes to testing and purchasing, this guide will help you navigate the world of men's cologne and find your signature scent.

Understanding your fragrance aspiration

The first step in choosing a cologne is to understand your "fragrance aspiration". This may sound pretentious, but it simply means thinking about two key factors: when and where you'll be wearing the cologne, and how you want to come across.

Are you looking for a light and clean scent for everyday wear, or something stronger and more enticing for nights out? These big-picture descriptions will help you communicate with the salesperson and find the right cologne for you.

It's important to note that fragrance terminology can be confusing, and you don't need to get caught up in flowery product descriptions. As fragrance expert Jim Fine says, "It's not about ingredients... it's about what you want to smell like."

So, take your time and don't rush the process. Fragrance expert Marlen Harrison compares choosing the right cologne to choosing a good whiskey, a fine wine, or a well-made microbrew – it requires patience and time.

• Consider the occasion: Do you want a cologne for daily wear, special occasions, or nights out? Different fragrances are better suited for different occasions. For example, office scents tend to be lighter and more professional, while date scents are typically bolder and more sensual.
• Think about the time of day: Some fragrances are better suited for daytime use, while others are more appropriate for evening wear. Nighttime colognes tend to be stronger and more enticing.
• Reflect on your desired outcome: How do you want to make people feel when they smell your cologne? Do you want to boost your confidence, create a seductive atmosphere, or simply leave a pleasant impression? Different fragrances can help you achieve different outcomes.
• Sample different fragrances: Don't be afraid to try out different testers. Spray each cologne on a different part of your body to distinguish the fragrances better. However, avoid spraying more than four fragrances on your skin at once, as it can overwhelm your senses.
• Take your time: Don't rush into buying a cologne. Give it at least an hour to see how it mixes with your skin. You can also ask for sample vials to try the colognes over a week and get feedback from others.
• Be cautious of pushy salespeople: Salespeople may try to persuade you to buy the most expensive cologne. Take your time and don't feel pressured to buy something that doesn't feel right for you.

Remember, choosing the right cologne is about finding a scent that suits your personal taste and lifestyle. Don't worry too much about the terminology or trying to impress others. Focus on finding a fragrance that makes you feel confident and reflects your unique personality.

Shopping and testing

Where to Shop

When it comes to shopping for cologne, you have two main options: in-store or online. Shopping in-store is recommended if you are looking for a new signature scent, as it allows you to test different fragrances and get a sense of how they smell on your skin. Department stores and specialty stores like Sephora often provide sample vials, allowing you to try out the cologne over a more extended period.

On the other hand, buying cologne online is a convenient option once you know exactly what you want. You can also take advantage of online deals and discounts to get your favourite cologne at a lower price. However, when buying online, always check the seller's return policy, and only purchase from trustworthy retailers to avoid counterfeits.

Testing Tips

When testing colognes in-store, use paper blotters for the initial testing, and then narrow down your choices to two. Spray one on each forearm, avoiding the palm area, as your skin is cleaner there and won't be mixed with hand soap scents. This will give you a better sense of the cologne's smell and staying power.

It's important to take your time when testing colognes and not rush into a purchase. Give each cologne at least an hour to see how it mixes with your skin, and if possible, ask for samples to take home and try over a few days. This will allow you to see how the scent develops and get feedback from friends or a significant other.

Additionally, when testing, consider the type of scent you're looking for. Are you seeking a light and clean scent for everyday wear, or something stronger and more enticing for nighttime? Think about when and where you'll be wearing the cologne to help narrow down your choices.

Understanding Fragrance Notes

Fragrance notes are the individual layers that make up a cologne's complex smell.

• Top notes are the initial scent, usually light fragrances like citrus oils, that evaporate quickly (within 15 minutes to 2 hours).
• Heart or middle notes are the main elements that build up gradually and create a more complex aroma. Examples include lavender, rosemary, cinnamon leaf oil, and vanilla extract.
• Base notes are the longest-lasting scents, as they don't evaporate easily. These tend to be wood-related or musk scents.

When choosing a cologne, pay attention to the middle and base notes, as these will linger the longest, and make sure to select scents that you enjoy.

Spending quality time with the cologne

• Ask for sample vials of the scents you like best and take them home to try over the course of a week. This will give you a better sense of their staying power, and you can ask a friend or partner for their opinion.
• When testing a cologne, use paper blotters to do a first pass, then narrow it down to two that you can spray on your forearms. Your forearms offer more mass, so you have a larger area to smell, and your skin is usually cleaner there.
• When applying cologne, hold the bottle at least 3 inches away from your body. If you hold it any closer, you risk over-applying, and if you spray from further away, you may under-apply.
• Apply cologne to pulse points and naturally warm areas of your body, such as your neck, wrists, and inner elbows. These areas emit heat throughout the day, allowing the cologne to interact with your body chemistry and create a unique, pleasurable aroma.
• Reapply cologne to your wrists throughout the day to freshen up your scent.
• Avoid rubbing cologne into your skin, as this can change the way the top notes smell and cause the scent to fade faster. Instead, dab it on your wrists and neck.
• Store your cologne in a cool, dark, and dry place, as heat, humidity, and light can cause fragrances to degrade.

Making your purchase

Once you've found your signature scent, it's time to make your purchase. Here are some tips to help you get the best deal and ensure a positive buying experience:

• Sample before you buy: Don't be afraid to try out different testers during your shopping trip. Fragrance is highly personal, so it's important to test how a particular cologne complements your natural body odour before committing to a purchase. Spray each cologne on a different part of your body, such as the top of your forearm, to distinguish the fragrances better.
• Take your time: Resist the temptation to buy on the spot. Give the cologne at least an hour to mix with your skin and see how it evolves. You can also ask for sample vials to take home and try over a few days to get a better sense of their staying power.
• Shop around: You can often find the same cologne at a discounted price on online discounters or auction sites. However, be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as they may be counterfeit products.
• Read reviews: Check out reviews on reputable websites or forums to get unbiased opinions about the cologne you're interested in. Fragrance enthusiasts often share their thoughts and ratings on platforms like Fragrantica, Base Notes, Now Smell This, and the r/fragrance subreddit.
• Compare prices: Don't settle for the first price you see. Compare prices across different retailers, both online and offline, to find the best deal. Keep an eye out for sales, promotions, and discount codes that can help you save money.
• Consider the return policy: Always check the return policy before purchasing, especially when buying online. Ensure you understand the terms and conditions, including any time limits, shipping costs, and whether opened or used products can be returned.
• Buy from reputable sources: To avoid counterfeit or low-quality products, purchase your cologne from trusted retailers or directly from the perfume company's website. This ensures the authenticity and quality of the product.
• Look for gift sets: If you're buying cologne as a gift or want to treat yourself, consider purchasing gift sets. These often offer better value and may include additional products such as aftershave, shaving kits, or travel-sized bottles.

Where to wear your fragrance

When choosing a cologne, it's important to consider where you plan on wearing it. Different fragrances are better suited to different situations and environments.

If you work in an office, you'll want a lighter, breezier fragrance that gives off a professional smell—something masculine yet sophisticated. These scents tend to be suited to daytime wear and are designed to boost the wearer's confidence and make them feel empowered. Examples include Prada L'Homme For Men Eau De Toilette Spray and Parfums de Marly Layton.

For casual wear, a fragrance can be worn during the day or at night. These are designed to be easy to wear and pleasing to most people. Examples include Christian Dior Sauvage Eau De Toilette Spray and Parfums de Marly Layton.

Date scents are designed to be bolder and more masculine, usually worn at night. These fragrances are sensual and seductive and are designed to attract the opposite sex. Examples include Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit de L’Homme and Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male.

When choosing a cologne, it's also important to consider the time of year. Summer fragrances are made up of lighter notes such as citrus and florals, while winter fragrances use intense base notes such as wood and tobacco.

Frequently asked questions