Smelling Awesome Without Cologne: A Guide To Natural Scents

There are many ways to smell good without using cologne. One way is to use scented skincare products such as body washes, oils, and moisturisers. Another way is to use essential oils like lavender, geranium, and cedarwood, which can be diluted with carrier oils such as almond, sesame, or jojoba. Floral or botanical waters, such as rose water or cucumber mist, can also be used as a natural fragrance. It is also important to maintain good hygiene by showering daily, wearing deodorant, and brushing your teeth at least twice a day. In addition, eating a healthy diet and drinking enough water can help improve body odour.

Choose a shampoo with a subtle scent

Choosing a shampoo with a subtle scent is a great way to smell awesome without having to wear cologne. Hair diffuses scent like crazy, so using a scented shampoo is an easy way to ensure you smell good all day.

When choosing a fragranced shampoo, it's important to consider your fragrance preference. What smells good to one person may not smell good to you, so it's a good idea to do a sniff test before committing to a particular shampoo. Some popular fragrance families include tropical, floral, fresh, fruity, and spicy. You can also opt for a shampoo with a subtle, woody scent, such as sandalwood.

In addition to fragrance, you should also consider your hair type and texture when selecting a scented shampoo. For example, if you have low-porosity hair, you'll want to choose a shampoo that uses lightweight serums to moisturize and soothe your strands. On the other hand, if you have high-porosity hair, you can typically handle heavier oils and butters.

• Oribe Shampoo for Magnificent Volume: This shampoo has Oribe's signature Côte d'Azur fragrance, a blend of citrus, white florals, and woodsy notes.
• Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo: This shampoo smells like a high-end perfume, with top notes of orange flowers, pink grapefruit, and honeysuckle, and base notes of white musk and tonka bean.
• Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Detox Shampoo: This shampoo leaves your hair with the warm, light scent of almonds and orange peel.
• Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo: This shampoo has an invigorating peppermint scent that will make your scalp feel extra clean.
• Cake Beauty Cake Beauty Moisturizing Shampoo: This shampoo smells like coconut cream pie, with key scent notes of strawberry, coconut, crème fraiche, and caramel.
• Kristin Ess The One Signature Shampoo: This drugstore shampoo has a rich sandalwood and amber scent.

Remember, it's important to choose a shampoo that not only smells good to you but also aligns with your hair's specific needs.

Use a natural deodorant

Natural deodorants are formulated to eliminate odour without the use of synthetic or artificial ingredients found in traditional deodorants and antiperspirants. They are a great option for those with sensitive skin or for those who are mindful of the high alcohol content in many fragrances for men.

Natural deodorants typically contain plant-based ingredients and natural fragrances like botanical extracts and essential oils to mask body odour. They also include ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot, cornstarch, and vegetable-derived glycerin to help absorb moisture.

• Ingredients: Look for deodorants with mostly natural ingredients, including essential oils for fragrance and natural moisture absorbers like baking soda, arrowroot, and cornstarch. If you have sensitive skin, consider using arrowroot as a moisture-absorbing alternative to baking soda, which can sometimes irritate the skin.
• Scent: Ensure that the essential oils that create the fragrance are lower on the deodorant's ingredients list to avoid potential irritation. If you have very sensitive skin, opt for an unscented deodorant.
• Trial and error: Finding the right natural deodorant may involve some trial and error. Everyone has a unique body chemistry, so a particular natural deodorant may work well for one person but not for another. Try a range of scents and ingredients until you find one that suits you.
• Application: Natural deodorants come in various formats, including sticks, creams, roll-ons, and sprays. Sticks are the most similar to traditional deodorants and are ideal for those new to natural deodorants or who prefer the ease of use of a stick. Creams, on the other hand, tend to be messier and more difficult to apply but are the original format in the natural deodorant world. Roll-ons and sprays are compact and easy to apply, and they don't leave marks on your clothes. Ultimately, the choice of format comes down to personal preference.
• Reapplication: Unlike traditional antiperspirants that promise 24-hour protection, natural deodorants don't last as long. Some may need to be reapplied throughout the day or after strenuous activity.
• Patch test: Before using a new natural deodorant, it's recommended to do a patch test by swiping a small amount on your inner upper arm for a few days to ensure it doesn't irritate your skin.
• Ursa Major Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant: This deodorant has a smooth, gel-like consistency that glides on the skin like a conventional deodorant. It has a unisex scent and is good for suppressing odour and absorbing moisture.
• Piper Wai Natural Deodorant Cream: This baking-soda-free deodorant uses charcoal and tapioca starch to absorb sweat and control odour, with essential oils like citrus and mint providing a light, pleasant scent.
• Native Sensitive Cotton & Lily Deodorant: Native offers a sensitive line that uses arrowroot powder and magnesium to neutralise scent and absorb moisture. It comes in a wide range of scents and doesn't cause redness or stinging.
• Real Purity Roll-On Natural Deodorant: This deodorant is fragrance-free and uses vegetable glycerin and aloe to absorb moisture. It's a cult favourite among those looking for a natural option.
• Dove 0% Aluminum Cucumber & Green Tea Deodorant Stick: Dove has expanded into natural deodorants, offering a zero-percent aluminium option in familiar scents like cucumber and green tea.
• Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant Stick: This deodorant has notes of bergamot, French lavender, cypress, and eucalyptus, providing a subtle scent that lasts throughout the day.
• Native Deodorant in Eucalyptus & Mint: Native's deodorant comes in an array of fresh scents and includes coconut oil and shea butter in its formula, making it less drying than other natural deodorants.

Remember, when choosing a natural deodorant, read the ingredients carefully and opt for those with mostly natural, plant-based components.

Opt for floral or botanical waters

Opting for floral or botanical waters is a great way to smell awesome without having to use cologne. Floral waters are made by combining water with fragrance or essential oils and preservatives. They are often used as a natural alternative to traditional perfumes or colognes, offering a lighter and softer fragrance.

One way to use floral or botanical waters is to choose a hydrosol, which is a pure product of hydro-distillation or steam distillation. Hydrosols contain the water-soluble compounds of the plant, such as acids, esters, monoterpenols and other alcohols. These compounds are gentle, anti-inflammatory, and healing, making them ideal for skincare. They also have a beautiful, natural fragrance that can be used on its own or combined with essential oils to create a unique scent. When choosing a hydrosol, look for one that is 100% distilled plant material with no added water, aroma, essential oil, or preservative. Some popular options include rose, orange blossom, and lavender.

Floral and botanical waters can be used in various ways to enhance your scent. You can use them as a natural perfume or cologne, applying them directly to your skin. They can also be used as a facial toner or body spray, providing a refreshing and aromatic experience. Additionally, floral waters can be added to your bath or used as a hair mist for a subtle scent that lasts.

When selecting floral or botanical waters, consider choosing natural and organic options that align with your scent preferences. You can also create your own floral water by mixing witch hazel, water, and your preferred essential oils in a spray bottle. This allows you to customise your scent and control the ingredients used.

By opting for floral or botanical waters, you can enjoy a pleasant and harmonious fragrance that enhances your natural scent without the need for cologne.

Wear scented moisturiser

Moisturiser is a great way to nourish your skin and smell good without cologne. The market for men's moisturisers is growing, and there are now many products that offer subtle, masculine fragrances.

When choosing a scented moisturiser, opt for natural, lightly fragranced lotions that provide a gentle, long-lasting scent. Avoid overpowering fragrances, especially if you have sensitive skin. Look for products with natural, organic ingredients and essential oils, which offer a wide array of scents and are less likely to irritate your skin.

You can find scented moisturisers with notes such as sandalwood, cedarwood, cardamom, coconut, aloe vera, almond, vanilla, and citrus. Some brands to consider include Every Man Jack, Nivea Men, Jack Black, Old Spice, and Acqua di Parma.

To get the most out of your scented moisturiser, remember to exfoliate your skin regularly to remove dead skin cells. This will allow the moisturiser to absorb more effectively and enhance the fragrance. Apply the moisturiser after showering, and gently massage it into your skin for added relaxation.

By choosing a scented moisturiser, you can keep your skin healthy and hydrated while also smelling awesome without the need for cologne.

Choose the right fabrics

The clothes you wear have a significant impact on how you smell. Here are some tips on choosing the right fabrics to keep you smelling fresh:

Opt for Natural Fabrics

Natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, linen, and bamboo are breathable and allow sweat to evaporate, reducing odour. These fabrics absorb moisture and provide an unfavourable environment for bacteria, preventing them from multiplying and causing body odour. Blended fabrics, such as a mix of natural and synthetic fibres, can also offer the best of both worlds by combining breathability and moisture-repelling properties.

Avoid Synthetic Fibres

Synthetic fibres, like polyester, are often tightly woven, trapping sweat and moisture close to your skin. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to body odour. Synthetic fabrics are also oleophilic, meaning they attract the oily substances in your sweat, further encouraging bacterial growth. While synthetic fabrics are effective at wicking away moisture, they may not be the best choice for odour control.

Care for Your Clothes

Proper care for your clothing is essential. Storing your clothes in a well-ventilated area, using fabric fresheners, and airing them out between wears can help maintain a fresh aroma. Understanding laundry care symbols and following the care instructions can prolong the lifespan of your garments and keep them smelling pleasant.

Choose the Right Detergent

The choice of laundry detergent can also impact how your clothes smell. Opt for natural or lightly scented detergents if you prefer a milder aroma. Additionally, using a powerful laundry detergent, such as those with odour-fighting ingredients, can help eliminate stubborn odours and keep your clothes smelling fresh all day.

Frequently asked questions