Finding The Perfect Cologne: A Guide For Men

Finding the right cologne can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. There are a few key things to keep in mind when searching for your signature scent. First, don't overthink it. While it's important to know your likes and dislikes, most colognes smell nice, so there's no need to stress. Trust your own scent judgement and choose something that you like, rather than trying to please those around you. However, do consider fragrances that your loved ones will enjoy as well.

The next step is to start testing different colognes. Department stores offer a wide variety of free-to-access cologne testers that you can spend time exploring. It's important to try out several samples before making a decision, as you want to find a scent that you can wear consistently without growing tired of it. When testing, pay attention to the different notes within a fragrance, as well as its origin and how it's created. This will help you appreciate the finer details of the product.

Finally, don't be afraid to build a collection of fragrances. You don't have to stick to just one signature scent. You can have a few different colognes that you wear at different times of the day, week, or year. Just make sure to stick to similar notes within your collection to maintain a sense of consistency. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to finding your perfect scent.

Understand concentration levels

When it comes to choosing the best cologne, understanding concentration levels is key. Concentration levels indicate the percentage of essential oils or perfume oils in a fragrance, with the rest consisting of alcohol or water. Higher concentration levels result in longer-lasting and more intense scents, while lower concentration levels produce lighter and more refreshing fragrances. Here's a detailed guide to help you understand the different concentration levels:

• Parfum: Parfum, also known as perfume extract, boasts the highest concentration level, typically ranging from 20% to 30% (or even up to 40% according to some sources). It is crafted with a complex blend of fragrance oils, absolutes, distillates, and other fragrant substances, resulting in a long-lasting and potent scent. Parfum is usually applied sparingly to pulse points like the wrists, neck, and behind the ears. Due to its high concentration, it tends to be the most expensive type of fragrance.
• Extrait de Parfum: Extrait de Parfum, or simply Extrait, has a similar concentration level to Parfum, often ranging from 15% to 25% (or 20% to 30% according to some sources). It is made using the same essential oils and aromatic compounds as Parfum but may have a slightly different composition. This concentration level provides a luxurious and long-lasting fragrance experience.
• Eau de Parfum (EDP): Eau de Parfum is a widely popular choice, with a concentration level ranging from 15% to 20%. It strikes a balance between intensity and longevity, making it suitable for everyday wear and special occasions. EDP fragrances typically last for 4 to 6 hours and are more accessible in terms of pricing compared to Parfum and Extrait de Parfum.
• Eau de Toilette (EDT): Eau de Toilette is a lighter version of a fragrance, with a concentration level ranging from 5% to 15%. It offers a more subtle and refreshing scent and is perfect for daytime use or warmer weather. EDTs are usually more affordable and may require reapplication throughout the day. They typically last for 2 to 4 hours.
• Eau de Cologne (EDC): Eau de Cologne is one of the oldest forms of fragrance, typically containing 2% to 4% aromatic compounds. It is crafted with a blend of citrus, herbal, and floral notes, resulting in a refreshing and light fragrance. EDCs are perfect for a quick pick-me-up or a post-shower splash and typically last for 1 to 2 hours.
• Eau Fraiche: Eau Fraiche is the lightest form of fragrance, with a concentration level of only 1% to 3%. It is composed of mostly water and a small amount of essential oils or aromatic substances, resulting in a subtle and fleeting scent. Eau Fraiche is perfect for those who prefer a delicate fragrance or live in hot and humid climates.

In addition to these main concentration levels, there are also other types of fragrances with varying concentration levels, such as aftershave, body lotion, and splash fragrances. These typically have lower concentration levels and are designed for specific purposes, such as grooming, skincare, or creating a subtle fragrance touch.

When choosing a cologne, it's important to consider your personal preferences and needs. If you want a strong and long-lasting fragrance, opt for higher concentration levels like Parfum or Eau de Parfum. For a lighter and more refreshing scent, go for lower concentration levels like Eau de Toilette or Eau de Cologne. Understanding these concentration levels will help you make an informed decision when selecting the best cologne for your needs.

Know the fragrance families

When it comes to finding the best cologne, it's important to know the fragrance families to help you choose the right scent for your preference. The fragrance wheel, invented by scent expert Michael Edwards, categorises four main scent families: woody, floral, amber (previously known as "oriental"), and fresh. Each family has its own unique characteristics and subfamilies, which can help you identify the fragrances you're drawn to.

The woody family includes warm and opulent scents, combining incense-like fragrances such as sandalwood and patchouli with drier notes like cedar. The subfamilies within this group are woods, mossy woods, and dry woods. Woody fragrances are a popular choice for evening wear, offering a mysterious and captivating scent.

The floral scent family is one of the most common and is often associated with feminine fragrances. This family includes fresh-cut flowers and powdery notes, with common notes such as rose, jasmine, and orange blossom. The subfamilies within the floral family are fruity, floral, and soft floral.

The amber (oriental) family features warm, sensual, and exotic scents, including herbs, spices, and dry powdery resin notes. Vanilla, myrrh, and anise are commonly found in this family. The subfamilies are soft amber, amber, and woody amber. These fragrances are perfect for creating a seductive and luxurious atmosphere.

The fresh family is characterised by bright, herby, citrusy, clean, and oceanic notes, often with underlying woodsy bases. Citrus fruits like lemon, mandarin, and bergamot are commonly used, as well as white flowers and bergamot. The subfamilies include aromatic, citrus, green, and water. Fresh fragrances are ideal for those who want a zesty and vibrant scent.

When choosing a cologne, it's essential to consider your preference for different scent families and their subfamilies. You can explore different combinations of notes within each family to find the perfect fragrance that suits your taste and the occasion.

Understand notes and layers

Notes are the individual elements of a cologne that, when combined, form a unified fragrance. They are the building blocks of a cologne and contribute to its overall scent profile. Notes are typically classified into three categories: top notes, heart/middle notes, and base notes. Each note plays a specific role in the cologne's development and longevity.

Top notes are the initial scents that you smell when you first spray or apply cologne. They are the lightest and most volatile notes and usually last for about 5 to 15 minutes. Examples of top notes include citrus scents such as lemon, orange, and bergamot, as well as light floral scents like lavender and rose. Top notes provide the first impression and can make a strong impact.

Heart or middle notes make up the "heart" of the cologne. They typically appear as the top notes start to fade and can last for the full life of the cologne. These notes retain some of the top notes' aroma while introducing new scents to deepen the experience. Middle notes usually make up around 70% of the total scent and last for about 2 to 3 hours. Examples include full-bodied floral oils like jasmine, geranium, and ylang-ylang, as well as spices like cinnamon and black pepper.

Base notes are the scents that you smell once the middle notes have evaporated. They are the longest-lasting notes, providing depth and warmth to the cologne. Base notes are typically rich and heavy, kicking in about 30 minutes after application and lasting for 6 hours or more. Popular base notes include vanilla, amber, musk, patchouli, and woody notes like sandalwood and cedarwood.

When shopping for a cologne, it's important to consider not just the top notes but also the middle and base notes to get a complete understanding of the scent. The combination of notes in a cologne can evoke specific moods or vibes, and some notes may have different meanings to different people. Additionally, certain notes are more commonly associated with specific seasons, such as warming tobacco, leather, and spice for winter, and green and aquatic notes for summer.

Test, test, and test again

Testing is an important part of the process of finding the best cologne for you. While it's important to know your own likes and dislikes, and to trust your own scent judgement, it's also vital to try out several different samples before making your final decision.

Department stores are a great place to test a variety of colognes, as they offer hundreds of free-to-access testers. You can spend an entire afternoon testing out different scents, and by the end of the day, you'll have a much better idea of what you like and what you should avoid.

It's also a good idea to wear your fragrance every day and to ensure you spray enough of it so that it maintains its longevity. This will help you assess your attraction to the scent and whether it could become your signature cologne.

Pro tip: don't buy a large bottle of cologne to start with. Most fragrance houses offer smaller bottles and samples that you can use to test your enjoyment of the scent before committing to a larger bottle.

Know the difference between cologne, eau de toilette, and perfume

When it comes to finding the best cologne, it's important to know the difference between cologne, eau de toilette, and perfume. These terms refer to the concentration of perfume oils in a fragrance, which determines its strength and longevity. Here's a detailed breakdown of each:

Cologne, or Eau de Cologne (EDC), is the oldest term for perfume and is commonly used in North America for masculine scents. It typically contains 2-4% perfume oils and has a light, fresh, and fruity scent. EDCs are often designed for younger people and usually last for about 2 hours.

Eau de Toilette (EDT) is a light spray composition with a concentration of 5-15% perfume essence. It usually lasts for about 2-3 hours and is considered more suitable for daytime wear. EDTs are generally cheaper than EDPs and are one of the most popular types of fragrances available.

Perfume, or Eau de Parfum (EDP), is historically genderless and can be used to describe both men's and women's products. EDPs contain 15-20% perfume essence and typically last for 5-8 hours. They are more expensive than EDTs but offer better value due to their higher concentration and longer-lasting scent.

It's worth noting that the duration of a fragrance can vary depending on individual body chemistry and environmental factors. The pH of the skin, for example, can affect how long a scent lasts, with oily skin prolonging the fragrance and dry or acidic skin causing it to evaporate faster.

In addition to these three main categories, there are also higher concentrations like Parfum or Extrait, which contain 20-30% perfume essence and can last up to 24 hours. These are the most concentrated and expensive fragrance options, often coming in smaller bottles due to their high value.

Frequently asked questions