Choosing The Right Cologne: A Guide For Beginners

Shopping for cologne can be a daunting task, especially if you're doing it online. However, there are some advantages to buying cologne online, such as the ability to make well-informed decisions and the availability of deals and discounts. When shopping for cologne, it's important to understand fragrance categorization and concentration levels. You should also be aware of the different fragrance families, notes, and layers, as well as the occasion and seasonality of the scent. Sampling fragrances before purchasing is recommended, and this can be done through buying samples, subscription services, or discovery sets offered by brands. Additionally, it's suggested to start with a signature scent and then expand your fragrance portfolio.

Know what you're looking for

Knowing what you're looking for is the first step in choosing a cologne. This means understanding fragrance categorisation and concentration levels. There are 14 "fragrance families", each evoking certain moods, energies, and feelings, and eliciting specific responses from those who smell them. For example, you wouldn't want to wear something heavy on musk, amber, and spice to a family reunion or during the warmer months. Understanding these categories will help you figure out which specific ingredients you like or dislike, or at least which families of scents you are most drawn to.

Concentration levels are also important. People who want something light should look for something under eight per cent concentration, such as Eau Fraiche (less than three per cent concentration), Eau de Cologne (three to five per cent), or Eau de Toilette (five to eight per cent). An Eau de Parfum (eight to 15 per cent concentration) is considered the sweet spot, offering higher sillage and longevity, so you won't need to reapply as often. Beyond Eau de Parfums, there are Parfums and Extraits, which can range from 15 to 40 per cent concentration and only require a single spritz.

You should also understand the different notes and layers of a fragrance. Notes refer to the individual elements that make up the final fragrance, such as sandalwood, musk, bergamot, rose, moss, and patchouli. These notes are arranged in three layers: top, middle/heart, and base. Top notes make the first impression and evaporate quickly, while middle/heart notes make up the bulk of the fragrance and last the longest. Base notes anchor the fragrance and give it depth and longevity.

Finally, it's worth considering the different occasions for which you'll be wearing cologne. You might want something subtle for everyday use, but a more unique fragrance for special occasions or date nights.

Study concentration levels

When shopping for cologne, it's important to understand the different concentration levels to find a scent that suits your needs. The concentration of a fragrance refers to the amount of perfume oil it contains, which affects its strength, longevity, projection, overall scent, and price. Here are the different concentration levels and their characteristics:

Eau Fraiche

Eau Fraiche has the lowest fragrance concentration, typically containing only 1-3% perfume oil. The rest of the composition is mostly water, with a small amount of alcohol or none at all. These colognes are ideal for warm weather and lighter days. They are also suitable for those with sensitive skin. Eau Fraiche colognes usually last for a couple of hours and have a soft projection.

Eau de Cologne (EDC)

Eau de Cologne has a slightly higher concentration than Eau Fraiche, ranging from 2-4% or 2-5% perfume oil. They contain more alcohol, which makes them lighter and less long-lasting. EDCs are typically used as refreshing, unisex fragrances for warmer weather. The longevity is usually around 2-3 hours, and they are ideal for quick refreshment during the summer. They are often described as sprays and are cheaper than Eau de Toilette.

Eau de Toilette (EDT)

Eau de Toilette is a popular choice for cologne concentration, with a fragrance oil concentration between 5-15%. It offers good projection and longevity of approximately three to five hours. EDTs are ideal for most skin types and can be worn during the day for various occasions and seasons. They usually come in larger bottles and are more affordable.

Eau de Parfum (EDP)

Eau de Parfum has a higher concentration of fragrance oil, typically ranging from 15-20% but can go up to 25%. It is stronger in scent and performance than EDT and is often used for fragrances worn during the evening or a night out. EDPs can last for four to six hours without needing to be reapplied. They are less expensive than Parfum due to a higher alcohol content.

Parfum

Parfum has the highest concentration of fragrance oils, ranging from 20-30% or even up to 40%. It has the longest staying power, typically lasting up to six to eight hours on the skin. Due to its high concentration, Parfum is more expensive and usually comes in smaller bottles. However, it requires less frequent application. Parfum fragrances are ideal for those who want a powerful and dominant scent.

Extrait de Parfum

Extrait de Parfum is the most concentrated form of fragrance available, with an essential oil concentration of 35-45%. It offers the best performance and longevity, making it the most expensive option. Extrait de Parfum fragrances are crafted from natural, rare, and precious ingredients, resulting in a unique and complex scent. Only a small amount is needed for each application, making it a luxurious and intense fragrance experience.

Understand fragrance families

When shopping for cologne, it's important to understand the different scent families to find the fragrance that's right for you. The four main fragrance families are floral, oriental, woody, and fresh, each with its own unique characteristics.

Floral fragrances are one of the most common families, often featuring in women's perfumes, although they are also used in some men's colognes. These scents evoke the smell of fresh-cut flowers or have a powdery note to them, making them perfect for spring and summertime wear. Common notes include roses, jasmine, lilies, and peonies.

Oriental fragrances are rich, exotic, and opulent, often featuring herbs, spices, or dry, powdery, resin notes. This family is commonly described as exotic and seductive, with sweet, warm notes like cinnamon, vanilla, and musk. Oriental fragrances can be further divided into soft oriental, with soft floral notes mixed with incense and warm spices, and woody oriental, with earthy notes like patchouli and sandalwood blended with spicy and sweet notes.

Woody fragrances are warm, mysterious, and captivating, often favoured in aftershaves. These scents are wood-based, featuring notes like cedarwood, sandalwood, vetiver, and amber. Woody fragrances can be divided into mossy woods, with an earthy, sweet undertone, and dry woods, which have a smoky, leathery aroma.

Fresh fragrances are clean and bright, often featuring herby, citrusy, or oceanic notes. They are more commonly used in men's colognes than women's perfumes and are often paired with spicy notes to create a robust fragrance. Common notes include mandarins, bergamot, lavender, and woody scents.

When choosing a cologne, it's worth considering which fragrance family you are most attracted to. You can then explore the different notes within that family to find a scent that suits your personal style and complements your natural body chemistry.

Know where to shop and do your research

When it comes to shopping for cologne, it's important to know where to look and to do your research beforehand. This will ensure that you make a well-informed purchase and find a fragrance that suits your preferences and needs. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

Firstly, it's worth familiarising yourself with the different types of retailers and the advantages of each. Department stores, such as Nordstrom, offer a range of designer brands and often provide free shipping and returns, making it convenient for shoppers. On the other hand, dedicated fragrance retailers like FragranceNet and FragranceX offer significant discounts, sometimes up to 80% off, on designer and niche brands. These sites are great if you're looking for a bargain. For those who want to try out different colognes without committing to a full bottle, subscription services like Scentbird are a good option, offering monthly samples for a fixed price.

Secondly, take advantage of the wealth of information available online. Read reviews, browse social media for recommendations, and utilise fragrance community sites like Fragrantica, Basenotes, and Parfumo. These sites offer a treasure trove of knowledge, with ratings, comparisons, and in-depth discussions about different colognes. You can also learn about fragrance families, notes, and layers, which will help you understand the different types of scents and make more informed decisions about which colognes to try.

Additionally, don't be afraid to order samples before committing to a full-sized bottle. Many sites offer small sample vials for a few dollars, allowing you to test out a scent for a week or so. This is a great way to explore new fragrances without breaking the bank. Some brands even include sample vials with your purchase, giving you the option to return the unopened full-size bottle if you're dissatisfied.

Lastly, when shopping online, it's important to be cautious and only purchase from secure, legitimate retailers. While sites like Amazon can offer great deals, especially with Prime, it's important to do your research and stick to verified retailers or items sold and fulfilled by Amazon to avoid the risk of counterfeit products.

Try before you buy

Trying cologne before buying it is a sensible approach, especially given the financial investment that fragrances can demand. There are several ways to sample colognes before committing to a full-size bottle.

Firstly, many brands offer sample vials of their fragrances, which can be purchased for a few dollars each. These tiny vials allow you to wear a scent for a week or so, giving you a good idea of how it smells on your skin and how it makes you feel. Some brands, like Diptyque, include a sample vial with your purchase, allowing you to try the scent before opening the full-size bottle. If you are dissatisfied, you can return the unopened bottle within a certain timeframe.

Another option is to explore fragrance subscription services. These services send you small-volume vials of different fragrances at regular intervals, allowing you to try a variety of options before committing to a full-size bottle. Some popular fragrance subscription services include LuxSB, Scentbird, and Luxury Scent Box.

Additionally, some brands offer discovery sets, which include a selection of their best-selling or themed fragrances. These sets often come with a discount code for a full-size bottle, making it a cost-effective way to explore different scents. For example, DS & Durga offers a "Greatest Hits" set featuring their best-selling fragrances, as well as custom sets where you can choose the scents that appeal to you the most.

If you prefer to try colognes in person, department stores and fragrance boutiques typically offer samples that you can test before purchasing. You can also take advantage of free shipping and returns offered by some online retailers, such as Nordstrom, to try colognes at home and return any that you don't like.

Lastly, browsing fragrance community sites and encyclopedias, such as Fragrantica, Basenotes, and Parfumo, can provide valuable insights and reviews from fragrance enthusiasts. These sites allow you to research fragrances based on notes, brands, ratings, and other factors, helping you make a more informed decision before purchasing.

Frequently asked questions