Choosing The Right Cologne: A Guide For Beginners

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. If not done properly, it can lead to either over-application or a scent that fades almost immediately. Here are some tips on how to apply cologne effectively:

- Apply cologne directly to dry skin immediately after showering. This helps the scent absorb better.

- Hold the spray bottle 3-6 inches from your body. Spraying any closer than 3 inches risks over-application, while spraying further than 6 inches may result in under-application.

- Apply cologne to heated areas of your body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry.

- Start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and begin with one spray. If the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time.

- Re-apply cologne if needed, especially if you are going out in the evening. Dab a small amount onto your pulse points.

- Avoid common mistakes such as spraying the fragrance on your clothing, splashing it on your skin, or rubbing it into your skin, as these can affect the scent and longevity of the cologne.

How to choose the right cologne

Choosing the right cologne can be a difficult task, especially with the plethora of options available. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you select the perfect cologne for yourself:

Understand the Notes

Colognes are composed of different notes, which are the individual scents that make up the overall fragrance. These notes can be classified into three categories: top, middle, and base notes. Top notes are the initial scents you smell after spraying, and they tend to be lighter and fresher, such as citrus or floral fragrances. Middle notes, or heart notes, form the core of the cologne and last for a few hours. Common middle notes include spices like cinnamon or clove. Base notes are the boldest part of the cologne, becoming more noticeable as the day progresses, and often include scents like sandalwood, moss, and leather. Understanding these notes is crucial, as the scent will evolve throughout the day.

Know Your Skin Type

Your skin type plays a significant role in how a cologne will smell on you. Variables such as diet, stress, and your body's pH balance can all influence the fragrance. Oily skin, for example, can create longer-lasting and more powerful scents due to the increased active chemistry. However, too much oil can lead to an unpleasant odour. In this case, opt for lighter fragrances and apply less cologne. Dry skin, on the other hand, breaks up cologne faster, so you may need to reapply more frequently. "Winter" colognes, designed for colder seasons, are a good choice for dry skin as they tend to be stronger and last longer.

Choose the Right Occasion

Just as you would dress for the occasion, your cologne should also be chosen with the context in mind. Opt for lighter, citrus scents for the office or a professional setting. For a night out, you can experiment with stronger, bolder fragrances. Each cologne falls under a "family," such as woody, citrus, floral, or oriental, which can give you an idea of when to wear it.

Sample Before Buying

It is essential to try a cologne before committing to a purchase. Scents can react differently with your body chemistry, so what smells good on paper might not have the same effect on your skin. Sample the cologne on your wrist or elbow and let it develop for a few hours to get a true sense of the fragrance.

Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, choosing a cologne is a personal decision. Trust your instincts and go with what you think smells good on you. Everyone has unique preferences, and no two people will perceive a scent in the exact same way. If you're unsure, you can ask for advice from salespeople or friends, but make sure you love the fragrance before buying it.

Learn the Lingo

Familiarize yourself with the different types of fragrances and their concentration levels. Terms like aftershave and cologne refer to these concentration levels and determine how long a scent will last. Eau Fraiche, for example, is the weakest and lasts for about 1-2 hours, while parfum has the highest concentration and will fill the room for hours.

By following these steps, you can navigate the world of colognes and find the perfect scent (or scents!) that suit your personality, preferences, and occasions.

How to apply cologne to your body

Applying cologne is an art form. It is important to know how to apply it correctly to avoid over-application or a scent that fades too quickly. Here are some tips to help you apply cologne to your body effectively and make the scent last longer:

Apply to Clean Skin

Start by applying cologne to clean, dry skin. It is best to apply cologne immediately after showering as this helps cleanse your body of any other scents and opens your pores, allowing the scent to absorb better.

Hold the Bottle 3-6 Inches Away

When spraying cologne, hold the bottle about 3 to 6 inches away from your body. Holding the bottle too close can lead to over-application, while spraying from too far may result in under-application.

Target Pulse Points and Warm Areas

Apply cologne to your pulse points and naturally warm areas of your body, such as your neck, wrists, chest, and inner elbows. These areas emit heat throughout the day, helping the scent to diffuse and allowing it to meld with your body chemistry. Avoid areas with too much friction, such as the crotch, armpits, and knees, as they can cause the scent to degrade.

Start with a Light Application

It is better to start with a light application and then increase as needed. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and begin with one spray. If you find that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and add an additional spray the next time you apply.

Reapply if Needed

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

Avoid Common Mistakes

There are a few common mistakes to avoid when applying cologne:

• Do not spray the fragrance on your clothing, as this prevents it from mixing with your natural oils and can harm certain fabrics.
• Avoid splashing or rubbing the cologne on your skin, as this can lead to over-application and cause the scent to fade faster.
• Do not spray a mist cloud and walk through it, as most of the cologne will end up on the floor instead of your body.
• Do not apply too much cologne. Remember, less is more, and you want your fragrance to be a subtle enhancement.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you apply cologne to your body correctly and make the most of your chosen scent.

How to avoid common mistakes when applying cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. Done properly, it can make you feel more attractive and confident. However, there are some common mistakes that people make when applying cologne. Here are some tips on how to avoid them:

Don't Spray on Your Clothes

Spraying cologne on your clothes prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, which gives cologne its unique quality. It can also cause the scent to become flat and monochrome, and it may damage certain fabrics. Instead, spray it directly onto your skin, holding the bottle about 3 to 6 inches away.

Don't Splash It On

If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, avoid splashing it onto your skin. This can lead to over-application. Instead, place one finger over the opening of the bottle, tip it upside down, and gently dab the cologne onto your skin.

Don't Walk Through a Mist Cloud

Although it may seem like a way to prevent over-application, spraying a mist cloud and walking through it is incredibly wasteful and ineffective. To get the most out of your cologne, it needs to be applied directly to your skin.

Don't Rub It In

Rubbing cologne into your skin can make the scent fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance. If your cologne doesn't have a spray applicator, simply dab it onto your skin and let it dry.

Don't Overapply

A man's cologne should be subtle and understated. It should complement and enhance your style, not overpower it. Remember, less is more. Start with a light application and reapply as needed.

Other Tips

• Apply cologne after showering, as this will help cleanse your body of any other scents and open your pores, allowing your skin to better absorb the scent.
• Focus on your body's hot spots, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day.
• Be mindful of your skin type, as fragrances tend to cling to oily skin longer than dry skin.
• Consider your lifestyle and the types of activities you engage in, as drinking, smoking, and eating certain foods can alter the smell of your cologne.

How to test cologne before buying

Testing cologne before buying is an important step in the process of finding your signature scent. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to test cologne before committing to a purchase:

Testing Fragrances with Blotters:

The first step in testing a cologne is usually to use a blotter, also known as a paper smelling strip or mouillette. These are typically white pieces of cardboard or card that you can find next to tester bottles at a fragrance counter. They are porous enough to absorb the cologne and give you an initial impression of the fragrance.

To use a blotter effectively, follow these steps:

• Bend the end of the blotter strip upwards to prevent the fragranced end from touching any surfaces when you put it down.
• Hold the blotter away from you and spray the cologne in a downward motion onto the strip, being careful not to get any on your hands, clothes, or the table.
• Spray once or twice, being consistent with the number of sprays for each cologne you test.
• Handle the blotter only by the unscented end.
• Pass the scented end of the blotter under your nose, without touching it, and inhale lightly to perceive the first, or top, notes.
• Take the blotter away and then bring it back to your nose to notice how the fragrance changes to reveal the 'heart' and 'back notes'.
• Store the used blotters separately to prevent cross-contamination, and to allow you to refer back to them later in the day to observe how the fragrance develops over time.

Testing Fragrances on Your Skin:

While blotters are a great first step, it's important to test cologne on your skin as well, as the warmth of your skin and your natural oils will react with the cologne to create a unique scent.

Here's how to test cologne on your skin:

• Choose one or two fragrances that stood out to you from the blotter test.
• Spray the cologne on your wrist, holding the bottle not too close and not too far away.
• Allow the cologne to dry naturally without rubbing it in.
• Inhale the fragrance without touching your wrist to your nose.
• Wait for at least 30 minutes and then smell the cologne on your wrist again to see how it has evolved and blended with your body chemistry.
• If you like how the cologne smells and reacts with your skin over time, it's a good indication that it could be the one for you.

Additional Tips:

• Limit the number of scents you test at one time to around three, as the brain can't easily distinguish between more than that.
• Shop for cologne in the morning, as your sense of smell is typically sharper then.
• Avoid wearing any fragrances when you go to test new ones, as it can interfere with the results.
• If you want to neutralise odours between tests, try smelling your skin or clothes, rather than coffee beans, which scientific tests have shown to be ineffective.
• If possible, get a take-home sample of the cologne you're interested in to see how it works for you in different settings and around different people.
• Explore smaller, niche brands that specialise in fragrance and use natural products, rather than big designer brands.

How to make cologne last longer

Cologne is a great way to boost your confidence and leave a lasting impression. However, it can be frustrating when your favourite scent fades away within a few hours of application. Here are some tips to help your cologne last longer:

Apply Right After a Shower

The best time to apply cologne is immediately after a shower when your skin is still damp. The moisture on your skin gives the cologne something to latch on to, strengthening its staying power. Additionally, your pores are more open after a shower, allowing the cologne to seep into your skin and giving you a longer-lasting aroma. Remember to let the cologne dry off completely before getting dressed to avoid staining your clothes.

Moisturise Beforehand

Applying an unscented moisturiser or lotion to your skin before spraying cologne can make a significant difference in its longevity. Dry skin soaks up perfume oils, causing the scent to disappear quickly. By moisturising, you create a smoother and more hydrated base for the fragrance to adhere to, preventing it from evaporating as quickly.

Target Pulse Points

Pulse points are areas where veins and arteries are closer to the surface of the skin, making them warmer than the rest of your body. These include the wrists, neck, inside of the elbows, and back of the knees. Applying cologne to these areas helps the scent remain strong and develop fully, allowing it to linger on your skin for a more extended period.

Avoid Rubbing

Contrary to popular belief, rubbing cologne into the skin can "bruise the scent," causing it to break down faster. Instead, lightly dab or spray the cologne onto your pulse points. This gentle application method preserves the integrity of the fragrance's notes and helps it last longer.

Store Properly

To preserve the potency and aroma of your cologne, it's crucial to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Heat, humidity, and light can accelerate the breakdown of your fragrance, so avoid storing it in the bathroom. Keep it on your nightstand, in your bedroom, or closet instead.

Spray on Clothes and Hair

In addition to applying cologne to your skin, you can also spray a small amount on your clothes and hair to make the scent last longer. The microfibers in your clothes can hold the scent, allowing you to radiate your signature aroma throughout the day. For your hair, spray a small amount on your comb or brush before styling to impart a lasting scent without drying it out.

Layer Your Fragrances

To create a unique and enduring scent profile, try layering different fragrances. Apply the strongest, most potent fragrance first, then delicately layer it with a milder one. Consider using different fragrances from the same brand to ensure compatibility between scents.

Don't Overapply

While it may be tempting to think that spraying more cologne will make it last longer, overdoing it will only result in front-loading the day. Chances are, you'll still lose the scent by the same time, but with the added effect of overwhelming those around you. So, keep it to a spritz or two, and you can always reapply later if needed.

Frequently asked questions