The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Male Model Colognes

Creating your own cologne is a fun and easy way to develop a unique scent that no one else will be able to find in stores. The process is simple and affordable, and the end result is a bespoke fragrance that expresses your creative side. By making your own cologne, you can also avoid the synthetic fragrances and chemicals found in conventional colognes, which can contain toxins that are harmful to the body. All you need are some essential oils, alcohol, and a few other easily accessible ingredients, and you'll be well on your way to crafting your signature scent.

Choosing a fragrance

The first step is to understand the fragrance scale. Fragrances are made up of three classes of notes: top, middle, and base. The top note is the initial scent that hits the nose immediately after application, and it lasts from 15 minutes to 2 hours. Middle notes are the heart of the fragrance and are often the most prominent. They develop after the top note clears and can last 3-5 hours. Base notes are the final fragrance notes and are often the bolder notes that become more noticeable later in the day. They tend to last from 5 to 10 hours.

When choosing a fragrance, it is important to consider the ratio of these notes. A good starting point is 60% base notes, 30% middle notes, and 10% top notes. However, feel free to experiment and find the formula that works best for you.

When selecting a fragrance, it is also essential to consider the different types of scents available. Popular top notes include bergamot, orange, grapefruit, lemon, and basil. Middle notes often include floral or fruity tones, sometimes infused with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom. Popular heart notes include lavender, rosemary, black pepper, geranium, and juniper. Base notes often include vanilla, sandalwood, cedarwood, jasmine, and patchouli.

In addition to the different notes, there are also different concentrations of fragrances available. These include Eau Fraiche, Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, and Pure Perfume. Eau Fraiche typically contains 1-3% fragrance oils, while Eau de Cologne contains 2-5%. Eau de Toilette usually has 5-10% fragrance oils, and Eau de Parfum contains 10-15%. Pure Perfume is the most concentrated and expensive option, with 25-40% fragrance oil content.

When choosing a fragrance, it is important to consider your personality and the image you want to project. If you are a fan of the outdoors, you may prefer green and aromatic notes like basil, aniseed, and peppermint. If you are looking for a stylish and timeless fragrance, opt for woody accords like sandalwood and cedar. Oriental perfumes with amber and spicy notes can be sensual and impressive, while floral fragrances can be a great way to showcase your passionate personality.

Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment and try out different fragrances. Visit a department store or a fragrance counter and test out different scents. Spray one scent on each wrist and walk around the store, smelling the fragrances at various intervals. Remember, fragrance is a personal choice, so choose something that you like and that reflects your unique personality.

Supplies and ingredients

To make your own cologne, you'll need a combination of essential oils, alcohol, and water.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are the key ingredient in cologne, providing the scent. You can use a combination of different essential oils to create unique scent profiles, from woody and earthy to floral and citrusy. Here are some popular essential oils for cologne-making:

Calculating your fragrance load

The fun part about making your own cologne is that you can customise it with any fragrance you like. However, there is a little bit of math involved in determining how much fragrance oil to use depending on the total amount of cologne you want to make.

Firstly, choose a fragrance oil and refer to its IFRA statement (provided on the product page). Look for the "Perfume" category to determine the maximum amount of fragrance oil you can safely use. You may find it's unnecessary to use the full amount of fragrance allowed. In fact, true colognes use just a 2-4% fragrance load.

Next, decide how many total ounces you wish to make and determine how many ounces of fragrance oil and base you need. To calculate how much fragrance you need, multiply the total amount of cologne by the percentage of fragrance you want to use. Then, figure out how many ounces of base you need by subtracting the ounces of fragrance from the total ounces of cologne you want to make.

For example, if you want to make a 2.5 oz bottle of cologne and, according to the IFRA, you can use up to 15.44% fragrance in the "Perfume" category, and you choose to use the maximum amount allowed, you will need to do the following calculation:

• 5 oz x 0.1544 = 0.38 oz fragrance
• 5 oz total cologne – 0.38 oz fragrance = 2.12 oz base

Thus, for this 2.5 oz bottle, you will need 0.38 oz of fragrance and 2.12 oz of base.

You can easily adjust your recipe to make as much or as little cologne as you want by determining the total ounces you wish to make and calculating the percentages accordingly. Remember that the base can hold a maximum of 30% fragrance regardless of the IFRA limit.

You do not need to use the maximum amount of fragrance allowed in the "Perfume" category. Likewise, you do not need to use the maximum amount of fragrance that the base can hold. We recommend making a small test batch to determine your ideal fragrance load. Make a tester bottle for each new fragrance you want to use, as every fragrance is different.

Never go over the amount recommended by the IFRA. Keep in mind that the base can only hold up to 30% fragrance.

Note that this recipe uses "Cologne" as a general term to describe a men's body spray. True eau de cologne has a fragrance load of only 2-4%.

Mixing your cologne

Understanding Fragrance Notes

Before mixing your cologne, it's important to understand fragrance notes. Notes are divided into three classes: top, middle, and base. Top notes are the first scents you notice after application, but they fade quickly. Middle notes, or heart notes, emerge later and blend with the top notes. They are often the dominant scents in a fragrance. Base notes are long-lasting and develop over time, providing an earthy foundation for the fragrance.

Choosing Your Essential Oils

When selecting essential oils for your cologne, consider the desired scent profile. For a woody or earthy scent, you can choose from a variety of essential oils such as cedarwood, sandalwood, or vetiver. If you prefer a citrus scent, options include wild orange, lemon, or bergamot. You can also add spice or floral notes to create a unique blend.

Blending the Essential Oils

The blending process involves mixing and matching different essential oils to create a harmonious scent. It's important to experiment and find the right combination of notes that work well together. Start with a small amount of each essential oil and adjust the ratios until you achieve the desired scent. You can follow suggested blends or create your own unique combinations.

Calculating Your Fragrance Load

To ensure your cologne is safe and effective, it's important to calculate the correct fragrance load. True cologne typically uses a 2-4% fragrance load. To determine the amount of fragrance oil needed, multiply the total volume of cologne by the desired fragrance percentage. Then, subtract this amount from the total volume to find out how much base you need.

Once you've calculated the amounts, it's time to mix your cologne. Use a funnel pitcher to combine the perfume base and fragrance oil. Stir the mixture with a whisk, then pour it into your chosen spray bottle. Label the bottle accordingly, and your DIY cologne is ready to use!

Storing Your Cologne

It is recommended to use glass bottles, preferably amber or dark-coloured, to store your cologne. Store it in a cool, dark place to maintain its potency and prolong its shelf life.

Storing your cologne

Choose the Right Storage Space:

• Avoid direct sunlight: Sunlight can damage the cologne bottle and its contents. Store your cologne in a dark place, such as a closet or drawer.
• Consistent temperature: Extremes of hot and cold temperatures can affect the quality of your cologne. Keep it away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
• Avoid humid areas: Humidity can negatively impact the quality of your cologne. Do not store it in the bathroom due to the humidity from showers or baths.
• Refrigerator storage: Some people store cologne in the refrigerator to maintain a consistent temperature. However, ensure your refrigerator is not too cold, as very low temperatures can damage the cologne.

Select the Right Storage Container:

• Original bottle: It is best to keep your cologne in its original bottle, as these are designed to be airtight and protect the fragrance from contamination.
• Boxes: Store your cologne boxes to provide additional protection from heat and sunlight. Keep the bottles in a box before placing them in a closet or on a shelf.
• Travel containers: For travel, purchase smaller bottles or transfer a small amount to an empty container. This reduces the risk of losing your entire bottle of cologne while travelling.

Prevent Damage:

• Keep the cap on: Always keep the bottle sealed when not in use. Exposure to oxygen can cause the scent to dilute and oxidize.
• Avoid shaking: Shaking the bottle introduces excess oxygen and can break delicate chemical bonds, altering the fragrance.
• Limit applicators: Reusable applicators can introduce bacteria and oils into the bottle. Opt for spraying instead, and if using an applicator, choose disposable ones.
• Handle with care: Keep fragile bottles off high shelves to prevent them from falling and shattering.

Frequently asked questions