Choosing A Cologne: A Guide To Finding Your Signature Scent

Choosing a cologne can be a difficult task, but it's worth taking the time to find the right one. A person's scent is often closely associated with their presence, and wearing cologne can make you more attractive and boost your confidence. When choosing a cologne, it's important to consider the different types of fragrances available, such as fresh, floral, oriental, and woody scents. You should also pay attention to the concentration of the cologne, as this will affect its strength and longevity. It's a good idea to test different colognes on your skin rather than on fragrance cards, as the scent can change over time. When applying cologne, it's best to spray it on the heat areas of the body, such as the neck, wrists, and inside of the elbows.

Know the different types of cologne

Knowing the different types of cologne is essential to finding your signature scent. There are six primary types of cologne, each with different fragrance concentrations and uses. These are:

Parfum

Parfum has the highest concentration of fragrance, with 25-30% fragrance extract. It is the most expensive type of cologne and has the best longevity, lasting 10-12+ hours. Parfum is ideal for those who want a scent that will last all day and is suitable for various occasions.

Eau de Parfum (EDP)

Eau de Parfum has a fragrance concentration of 15-20% and is the second most concentrated type of cologne. It lasts for 8-10 hours and is a good balance between potency and longevity. EDPs are ideal for winter wear as they have greater projection and last longer than lighter fragrances.

Eau de Toilette (EDT)

Eau de Toilette is one of the most popular choices and has a fragrance concentration of 5-15%. It is a more affordable option and typically lasts 3-4 hours. EDTs are ideal for summer as the heat intensifies the cologne's notes. They are also popular among women due to their light and fresh finish.

Eau de Cologne (EDC)

Eau de Cologne has a low fragrance concentration of 2-4% and only lasts a couple of hours. It is a light and invigorating option, perfect for those who want a subtle scent. EDCs are kind to sensitive skin and are ideal for daytime use.

Eau Fraiche

Eau Fraiche is a rare type of cologne with a fragrance concentration of around 2-3%. It is aromatic, green, and citrusy, and its subtle and ultra-light formulation makes it ideal for those who want to wear cologne to the gym or other casual occasions.

Perfume Oils

Perfume oils are a less common type of cologne that is alcohol-free and diluted with carrier oils such as olive, coconut, or jojoba oil. They typically have a 20% essential oil concentration and are a more affordable option. Perfume oils are a good choice for those with sensitive skin.

Understand how to test colognes

Testing colognes is an important step in choosing the right one for you. Here are some tips to help you with the process:

• Test different colognes: Try out a variety of colognes to find one that suits your style and personality. You can visit department stores or makeup stores to test different options. Avoid buying cologne online if you haven't tested it beforehand.
• Spray on your skin: Instead of testing colognes on paper cards, spray them on your wrist or inner elbow to get a true sense of the scent. Each perfume or cologne has different "notes" that determine the overall scent, including base, top, and middle notes. These notes work together to create a specific smell.
• Refresh your palate: In between testing different colognes, smell something strong like coffee or tea to refresh your palate and avoid clouding your judgment.
• Wait before purchasing: The scent of a cologne can change over time as it interacts with your skin. Wait at least an hour and observe how the scent develops before deciding to purchase. You can also ask for sample vials to test the cologne over a few days.
• Seek opinions but trust your gut: Consider the opinions of others when deciding, but ultimately trust your own gut and choose a cologne that you like. Don't let someone else choose it for you.
• Buy a small bottle first: If you're new to cologne or trying a new scent, it's advisable to buy a small bottle first to see if you like it and how often you'll wear it.

By following these steps, you can confidently test and choose a cologne that suits your preferences and leaves a lasting impression.

Learn how to apply cologne

Now that you've chosen your cologne, it's time to learn how to apply it. Here are some detailed instructions on how to apply cologne like a pro:

• Always apply cologne to clean, dry skin, preferably right after a shower. This helps the scent last longer and mix well with your natural body odour.
• Hold the spray nozzle 3-6 inches away from your skin while applying. This ensures an even application and prevents the cologne from being too concentrated in one area.
• Start with a small amount. If you're new to wearing cologne, begin with one spray on your chest or wrist. You can gradually increase the number of sprays and application areas as you become more comfortable.
• Apply cologne to the heat areas of your body. These include the neck, lower jaw, wrist, forearm, inner elbow, and shoulder. These areas will help amplify the scent throughout the day.
• Re-apply sparingly. You can add more sprays to your wrists or pulse points if needed, usually during the second half of the day.
• Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin. While it may seem like a good idea to help the scent absorb, it actually breaks the molecular bond, weakening the fragrance.
• Do not spray and walk through the mist. Most of the cologne will fall to the floor, and you won't get an even application.
• Do not spray cologne on your clothes. The fragrance needs to mix with your natural body oils to develop its full scent, and it may also stain your fabric.
• Less is more. Fragrance should be discovered, not announced. People nearby should be able to smell your cologne subtly, not be overpowered by it.
• Store your cologne properly. Keep it away from heat, light, and oxygen by storing it in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a closet or even a refrigerator.

Know how to store cologne

Knowing how to store your cologne is essential to making the most of your purchase. Here are some detailed tips on how to properly store your cologne:

• Keep it away from direct light: Sunlight can damage the cologne bottle and its contents. Store it in a dark place like a closet or drawer.
• Maintain a consistent temperature: Avoid storing your cologne in places with extreme temperature changes, such as the kitchen or bathroom. Instead, opt for a hallway or living room closet.
• Avoid humid areas: Humidity can negatively affect the quality of your cologne. If possible, store it in a room with a dehumidifier.
• Refrigerate with caution: Storing cologne in the refrigerator can help maintain a consistent temperature. However, very cold refrigerators can damage the cologne, so exercise caution.
• Store in the original box: Keeping your cologne in its original box provides additional protection from heat and sunlight.
• Use travel containers: When travelling, transfer your cologne to smaller containers to reduce the risk of losing your entire bottle.
• Keep the bottle sealed: Always keep the bottle capped when not in use to minimise oxygen exposure and prevent evaporation.
• Avoid shaking the bottle: Shaking introduces excess air and oxidation, which can be harmful to the cologne's delicate chemical bonds and intricate mixtures.
• Store in a low shelf: Keeping your cologne on a lower shelf reduces the risk of breakage and spillage, preventing waste and strong scents in enclosed spaces.

Understand why you should wear cologne

Cologne is an invisible part of your personal style and it has a powerful effect on how people see and remember you. A good cologne can increase your attractiveness and your confidence.

You'll be more attractive to women

In choosing a mate, women are guided primarily by scent. A European study showed that while men tend to rely on visual cues, women are guided more by their noses. Women also have a better and more finely-tuned sense of smell than men.

You'll make deeper emotional connections

Smell is the most powerful sense. It is 150,000 times more sensitive than your vision and capable of detecting over a trillion unique odors. Smell also triggers memories better than any of the other senses because the olfactory bulb is directly connected to the limbic system, sometimes called the “emotional brain.” Powerful and unique scents create deep, emotional connections.

You'll seem sharp and put-together

We know that dressing well boosts your confidence. Wearing cologne enhances that feeling, as you’ll be confident that you not only look like a million bucks but smell like it too.

You'll be memorable

Even in non-dating and non-sexual encounters, your scent carries weight in the world.

Frequently asked questions