Choosing The Right Cologne: A Guide For Beginners

Choosing a cologne can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. The most important thing to know is the scent pyramid: top, heart, and base notes. Top notes are what you smell immediately and dissipate the fastest; the heart is the core of the scent and what you smell after the cologne has dried down; and the base notes are the core smell that stays on your skin the longest.

When choosing a cologne, it's important to pick one that complements your natural body chemistry and fits your lifestyle in terms of how long the scent lasts. You should also consider the different fragrance families and their seasonality: what works in winter fragrances differs from the best summer scents, and the same goes for fall and spring.

Don't be afraid to ask others what scent they're wearing if you like it, and don't forget to try before you buy. It's also worth noting that you should apply cologne sparingly and strategically so that it lasts all day.

How to test colognes

Testing colognes is an important step in finding the right fragrance for you. Here is a guide on how to test colognes:

Research

Start by researching different colognes online. Think about which scents might appeal to you. You can use a fragrance wheel or a scent finder quiz to help narrow down your preferences. Consider the different fragrance families and their seasonality: fresh or aquatic notes for summer, tobacco and leather for winter, patchouli, musk, and vanilla for fall, and floral or citrus for spring.

Test

Once you have a few options in mind, head to a department store or order fragrance testers online. You can also visit a store that offers scent blotters, which are small cardboard strips that absorb the fragrance. When testing, spray the cologne on your skin, as fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin. Apply one type of cologne to each wrist, and if testing more than two, spray onto your inner elbows as well. Avoid testing more than four at a time, as this can confuse your sense of smell.

Evaluate

Give the colognes time to develop. Walk around the store or wait about 30 minutes, then smell each fragrance again. Notice how each smell has developed once it has had a chance to mix with your body chemistry. In between each sniff, try smelling something different to cleanse your nostrils, such as coffee.

Purchase

If you still love a particular cologne after the evaluation period, it's a good indication that you will enjoy owning and wearing that scent.

Remember, choosing a cologne is a personal journey, and it's important to find a fragrance that suits your taste and preference. Don't be afraid to ask for opinions from close friends or family members, but ultimately, trust your own nose and go with what makes you feel confident.

How to apply cologne

Now that you've chosen your cologne, it's time to learn how to apply it. Here are some tips to ensure you apply the right amount and make the scent last all day:

• Always apply cologne directly onto dry skin immediately after showering. The shower cleanses your body of any other scents and opens your pores, helping the scent absorb better.
• Hold the spray nozzle 3-6 inches away from your skin when applying. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, while spraying from further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application.
• Apply cologne to the heated areas of your body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent.
• Start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply just one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply. You can also ask a close friend or family member for their opinion to ensure the application is appropriate, as you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often.
• Re-apply cologne if needed, especially if you're going out in the evening. Simply dab a little onto your pulse points.
• Don't spray the fragrance on your clothing. This prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, which gives the cologne its unique quality. It can also prevent the scent from going through its different stages, resulting in a flat and monochrome scent. Additionally, some fabrics may be harmed by the fragrance.
• Avoid splashing the cologne onto your skin. If your fragrance 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.
• Don't spray a mist cloud and walk through it. While this may seem like a way to prevent over-application, most of the cologne ends up on the floor, rendering it useless.
• Don't rub the perfume into your skin. Rubbing it in can actually make the scent fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance. If you're not going to spray, simply dab it on.
• Avoid applying too much cologne. Fragrance should be a subtle enhancement to your image. Start light and don't be afraid to ask a friend or loved one if you need to adjust the amount.

How to buy the right cologne

Choosing the right cologne can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect scent that complements your natural body chemistry and suits your preferences:

Understand the Basics of Fragrances

Fragrances are typically classified as colognes or perfumes, with colognes having lower concentrations of essential oils and perfumes having higher concentrations. Masculine fragrances tend to work well with the sharp and musky body odour of males, while feminine fragrances complement the softer and ambery body odour of females.

The scents within a fragrance can be categorised into four scent families: fresh/nautical, floral, woody, or amber. These scent families are further divided into three types of notes: top notes, middle/heart notes, and base/bottom notes. When you wear a cologne, the scent changes over time as the different notes evaporate. Top notes are the initial, lighter smells that fade first, followed by the middle notes, and then the base notes, which are the boldest and last the longest.

Know Your Preferences

Before selecting a cologne, it's helpful to understand what types of scents you are attracted to. Do you prefer woody, spicy, fresh, or citrus fragrances? Knowing your preferences will help you narrow down the options.

Sample Different Colognes

Don't be afraid to try out different colognes before making a purchase. You can visit a department store or a specialised fragrance shop to test a variety of scents. Spray one type of cologne on each wrist (and inner elbows if testing more than two) and give the scent time to develop. Walk around the store or wait for about 30 minutes, and then smell each cologne again to see how it reacts with your body chemistry.

Consider the Occasion and Season

Think about the occasions and seasons when you plan to wear the cologne. Some fragrances are better suited for specific times of the year. For example, warming tobacco, leather, and spice notes are ideal for winter, while green and aquatic notes are perfect for summer. If you want a versatile scent, look for colognes with universal appeal or consider having multiple fragrances for different seasons.

Seek Opinions but Trust Your Nose

While it's helpful to listen to salespeople's advice and ask your friends' opinions, ultimately, you have to love the fragrance you choose. Don't be pressured into buying a cologne just because someone else likes it. Trust your instincts and select a scent that makes you feel confident and suits your personality.

Apply the Cologne Properly

Once you've found the right cologne, make sure to apply it correctly. Spray it directly onto dry skin, holding the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body. Apply it to heated areas of your body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. Start with a light application and reapply if needed. Avoid spraying the cologne on your clothes, as this can prevent it from mixing with your natural oils and may stain certain fabrics.

How to make cologne last

While cologne is designed to be long-lasting, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your fragrance stays fresh and potent for as long as possible.

Firstly, cologne should be stored correctly to prolong its shelf life. Keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a bedroom closet, as rapid heat fluctuations and sunlight can cause the fragrance molecules to break apart. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, as changes in temperature and humidity can spoil the cologne.

Secondly, apply your cologne to heated areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. The heat will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to blend with your body chemistry, creating your signature scent.

Thirdly, avoid applying cologne directly to your clothing. Cologne is designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin, so applying it to your skin will enhance and prolong the scent. Applying it to your clothes can also cause staining or discolouration.

Finally, reapply your cologne if needed, especially if you're going out in the evening. Simply dab a small amount onto your pulse points.

By following these simple tips, you can make your cologne last longer and enjoy its fragrance for many years.

How to choose a signature scent

Choosing a signature scent can be a daunting task. It's important to select a fragrance that suits your body chemistry, personality, and lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you choose your signature scent:

Understand the Basics of Fragrances

Familiarize yourself with the different types of fragrances available, such as cologne, perfume, eau de toilette, and parfum. These vary in terms of the concentration of fragrance oils and how long they last. Cologne, for example, typically contains 2-4% perfume oil and lasts around two hours, while parfum can have up to 30% perfume oil and can last up to 24 hours.

Know the Fragrance Notes

Fragrances are typically composed of three types of notes: top notes, middle or heart notes, and base notes. Top notes are the initial scents that you smell immediately after application and dissipate quickly. Middle notes are the main elements of the fragrance that develop after the top notes and can last for several hours. Base notes are the boldest scents that develop last and linger for the longest duration. Understanding these notes will help you identify the fragrances that appeal to you.

Determine Your Preferred Scent Families

Fragrances can be categorized into several scent families, such as fresh/nautical, floral, woody, or amber. You may prefer certain scent families over others, so it's worth exploring fragrances from each family to find your favorite.

Sample Different Fragrances

Don't be afraid to try out different fragrances before settling on one. Visit a department store or fragrance shop and test various colognes on your skin. Spray one type of cologne on your wrist or inner elbow and give it time to develop—about 30 minutes. This will allow the fragrance to interact with your body chemistry and give you a true idea of how it will smell on you. You can also order fragrance samples online to test at home.

Consider the Occasion and Season

Think about when and where you'll be wearing your signature scent. Certain fragrances are more suitable for specific seasons or occasions. For example, fresh and aquatic notes are popular in spring and summer, while warming spices and tobacco are more common in winter fragrances.

Seek Recommendations and Opinions

Asking for recommendations from salespeople or friends can be helpful, especially if you're new to the world of fragrances. However, ultimately, you have to love the fragrance you choose. If you're not confident about making the decision yourself, listen to others' advice, but make sure you fall in love with the scent before committing to it.

Understand the Application

Once you've chosen your signature scent, it's essential to know how to apply it correctly. Apply cologne to heated areas of your body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. Start with a light application and reapply if needed. Avoid spraying cologne on your clothes, as it may stain or damage them, and always store your fragrance in a cool, dark place to prolong its shelf life.

Frequently asked questions