Creating Luxury Solid Colognes: A Guide For Men

Solid cologne is a wax-based scent that can be applied directly to the skin, offering a more subtle and long-lasting fragrance than traditional colognes. In this guide, we will explore the process of making high-end solid cologne for men, covering topics such as choosing the right ingredients, blending techniques, and application methods to help you create a sophisticated and enduring fragrance.

Choosing the right essential oils

• Fragrance Notes: Fragrance notes refer to the different layers of a fragrance, including top notes, middle notes, and base notes. Top notes are the first scents you notice after application, but they fade quickly. Middle notes blend the scents together and form the heart of the fragrance. Base notes are the longest-lasting scents that linger on the skin. When creating a cologne, it's important to combine these notes in the right proportions. A good starting point is to use 10-15% top notes, 25-30% middle notes, and 55-65% base notes. However, feel free to experiment and adjust the ratios to create your desired scent.
• Masculine Scents: When crafting a cologne for men, it's essential to select essential oils that evoke masculine scents. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, certain essential oils are commonly associated with masculinity. These include earthy, woodsy, spicy, and citrus scents. For example, cedarwood and sandalwood provide a woodsy aroma, while clove and white fir add a spicy kick. Wild orange and lemon contribute a citrusy freshness.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, choosing the right essential oils comes down to your personal preference. Consider the environments in which you'll wear the cologne. Do you want something fresh and energetic for daytime activities, or a richer, deeper aroma for evenings out? Perhaps you need a versatile scent that can smoothly transition from the office to a night out. You can also experiment with blending different scent profiles to create a unique signature fragrance.
• Skin Safety: When selecting essential oils, it's important to choose natural oils and avoid harsh chemicals to minimise the risk of skin irritation. Opt for essential oils that are safe for direct skin application and free from artificial fragrances and toxins.
• Longevity: Consider the longevity of the scent when choosing essential oils. Some essential oils have stronger staying power than others. For a long-lasting cologne, look for essential oils with base notes that linger on the skin for extended periods.

Blending the oils

Firstly, it is important to understand the fragrance scale. The top notes are the first thing you will smell, followed by the middle notes, and finally, the base notes, which are the longest-lasting. The ratio of these notes is important for achieving the desired scent. A good starting point is 60% base notes, 30% middle notes, and 10% top notes. However, you can adjust these ratios to create a more personalised fragrance. For example, a ratio of 20% base, 50% middle, and 30% top notes is also suggested.

When choosing your essential oils, consider the type of scent you want to create. For woody, slightly sweet scents, cedarwood is a good option. If you prefer romantic florals, jasmine, rose, or ylang-ylang are ideal choices. Remember that the final fragrance will be diluted and blended, so it may differ from the initial scent of the essential oil.

Once you have chosen your essential oils, it is time to start blending. Add the oils one by one and mix them together. It is recommended to use no more than 30 drops in total, and if one scent is stronger than the others, use less of it. After you have achieved your desired blend, add two ounces of alcohol to the mixture.

For a well-rounded fragrance, consider combining base notes such as sandalwood, tonka bean, violet leaf, and vanilla with middle notes like geranium, ylang-ylang, rose, and lotus flower. Top off your fragrance with essential oils such as lavender, neroli, magnolia, and mandarin.

After blending, let the fragrance sit for 48 hours. It is recommended to refrigerate the mixture for two weeks, and then shake it well to ensure the molecules are mixed.

Creating your own cologne allows you to express your creativity and develop a unique scent that suits your taste. By understanding the fragrance scale and experimenting with different essential oils, you can design a long-lasting and appealing fragrance.

Applying the cologne

Applying solid cologne is a simple process, but doing it correctly will enhance the fragrance's staying power and projection. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply solid cologne for the best effect:

Warm It Up: Start by gently swiping your finger over the surface of the cologne to collect a small amount on your fingertip. This will help to warm up the wax-based scent and make it easier to apply.

Apply to Pulse Points: Dab the cologne onto your pulse points, which are areas where the blood vessels are close to the skin. These include your wrists, the base of your throat, behind your ears, and inside your elbows. These spots emit heat, helping to diffuse the scent throughout the day.

Don't Rub, Just Pat: Resist the urge to rub the cologne into your skin, as this can break down the fragrance molecules and reduce its intensity. Instead, gently pat the cologne onto your skin to maximise its longevity.

Layer Up: For a more robust scent, consider layering the cologne in different areas. Apply a light touch to your chest or even the backs of your knees. These areas aren't immediately noticeable but will add to the overall fragrance profile as you move throughout the day.

Reapply if Necessary: Solid cologne is designed to last, but depending on your activities, you may need to reapply during the day. Its portability makes it easy and discreet to touch up your scent on the go.

Additionally, there are a few secret tips to make your solid cologne last all day:

• Keep your solid cologne in a cool, dry place to preserve its integrity. High temperatures and direct sunlight can melt or degrade the wax and oils, weakening the scent over time.
• Apply a moisturiser before your cologne to lock in the scent and slow down its absorption. Choose a fragrance-free moisturiser to ensure it doesn't interfere with your cologne.
• If you want to refresh your scent without reapplying, try wiping the applied areas with a damp cloth, or keep a small fabric or handkerchief dabbed with your cologne in your pocket.

Making it last

Making your cologne last longer is all about preparation and application. Here are some tips to ensure your scent sticks around:

Preparation:

Firstly, when making your cologne, consider using a fragrance-free moisturiser as your base. This will help to lock in the scent and slow down its absorption, prolonging its wear. You can also add an antioxidant like vitamin E or rosemary antioxidant to extend the shelf life of your cologne.

Application:

• Apply your cologne to pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, behind your ears, and inside your elbows. These spots emit heat, which helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day.
• Apply your cologne to oily skin. The best time to apply is after showering and moisturising.
• Don't rub it in! Instead, gently pat the cologne onto your skin to maximise its longevity.
• Layer up by applying a light touch to your chest or the backs of your knees. These areas add to the overall fragrance profile as you move.
• Reapply if necessary. Solid colognes are designed to last, but you may need a midday touch-up after a workout or a long day at the office.
• Keep your cologne in a cool, dry place, as high temperatures and direct sunlight can melt or degrade the wax and oils, weakening the scent.

Refreshing:

• If you want to boost the fragrance without reapplying, try wiping the applied areas with a damp cloth. This can reactivate the scent slightly, making it more noticeable.
• Keep a small piece of fabric or a handkerchief dabbed with your cologne in your pocket to boost the fragrance throughout the day.

Storing the cologne

Storing your cologne correctly is essential to ensure its longevity and preserve its scent. Here are some detailed tips for storing your high-end solid cologne:

• Use Glass Containers: When making or storing cologne, always use glass containers or bottles. Glass is the best material for preserving the integrity of the cologne and preventing leakage.
• Choose Dark-Coloured Glass: To protect the potency of the essential oils in your cologne, opt for amber or dark-coloured glass bottles. Dark glass helps prevent light damage and UV rays from breaking down the oils over time.
• Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Keep your cologne in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a drawer or cabinet, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This will help maintain the integrity of the cologne and prevent the wax and oils from melting or degrading.
• Use a Protective Case: If you plan to carry your cologne with you, place it in a small tin or box that will protect it from sunlight and heat when you're on the go.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: High temperatures can negatively impact your cologne, causing the wax and oils to melt or degrade. Therefore, avoid storing your cologne in extremely hot places, such as a car during summer or a room with direct sunlight.
• Prolonged Shelf Life: Proper storage can extend the shelf life of your cologne. For example, a well-stored roll-on cologne can last up to a year, while a spray cologne can last up to six months.
• Moisturise First: To enhance the longevity of your cologne, apply a fragrance-free moisturiser before applying your cologne. This helps lock in the scent and creates a barrier that slows down the fragrance's absorption, making it last longer.

Frequently asked questions