Choosing A Cologne: A Beginner's Guide For Men

Choosing and applying cologne is an art form that can significantly impact a man's confidence, attractiveness, and self-perception. While most men don't put much thought into their signature scent, a well-chosen and properly applied cologne can enhance one's personal style and make a lasting impression. This guide will cover everything you need to know about selecting and applying cologne correctly, from understanding fragrance concentrations to finding your signature scent and avoiding common mistakes.

How to apply cologne to your skin

Applying cologne is more complex than simply spraying it on your skin. To get the most out of your cologne, there are several steps you should follow.

Firstly, you should always apply cologne to your skin, rather than your clothes. The oils in cologne are designed to be absorbed and mixed with your skin's natural oils, creating a unique scent. This process cannot occur if you apply cologne to fabric.

The best places to apply cologne are areas of the body that produce heat, such as behind the ears, the base of the neck, the centre of the chest, the inside of the wrist, the lower jaw, the forearm, the inner elbow, and the shoulder. The subtle heat provided by the body will increase the intensity of the fragrance throughout the day.

It is also important to remember that less is more. Overdoing it with cologne will give those around you a headache. Instead, apply sparingly, and allow others to discover your scent, rather than announcing it.

When applying cologne, do not rub it into your skin. This can cause the scent to distort and be absorbed by your skin faster. Instead, pat the cologne onto your skin.

To make your cologne last longer, apply it directly after a shower, when your pores are most open, allowing the cologne to seep into your skin. You should also moisturise beforehand, as cologne will evaporate more quickly on dry skin.

Finally, remember to store your cologne in a cool, dark, and dry place. Heat, humidity, and light can cause fragrances to break down.

How to avoid over-application

The fear of over-application is a common concern for many men. Most people have encountered or worked with someone who wore excessive amounts of cologne. Over-application can lead to coughing, trouble breathing, headaches, or nausea. It can also be off-putting to those around you, and in a 2016 survey, it was found that too much cologne was a reason for breaking up. So, how can you avoid over-applying your cologne?

Firstly, it is important to hold the spray bottle at the correct distance from your body. The recommended distance is generally between 3 and 6 inches. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches increases the risk of over-application, while holding it further than 6 inches away may result in under-application.

Secondly, start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and begin with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and apply another spray. You can always add more, but it's better to start with less to avoid over-application.

Thirdly, target the pulse points and warm areas of your body. These include the wrists, neck, chest, inner elbows, and forearms. These areas generate heat, which helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent. Avoid areas with too much friction, such as the crotch, armpits, and knees, as they can cause the scent to degrade.

Finally, don't be afraid to get a second opinion. It can be challenging to evaluate how you smell to others, so ask a friend or partner for their honest opinion.

By following these tips, you can avoid over-application and enjoy your cologne without overwhelming yourself and those around you.

How to make cologne last longer

It's frustrating when your cologne fades before you've even left the house. Luckily, there are several things you can do to make your cologne last longer. Here are some tips and tricks to help your fragrance endure:

Prep Your Skin

• Moisturise your skin: Hydrated skin is more likely to absorb your cologne. Apply an unscented body lotion or cream all over your body, focusing on the areas where you plan to spritz your cologne.
• Apply petroleum jelly: If you want the fragrance to linger all day, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) to your pulse points before spraying your cologne. The petroleum jelly acts as a barrier, preventing your body's natural oils from breaking down the fragrance.

Applying the Cologne

• Layer your scent: Use other scented products with the same fragrance as your cologne. Many brands offer complementary products such as body washes, deodorants, and body creams. Layering these products strengthens the fragrance and makes it last longer.
• Spray your pulse points: Pulse points are the warmest spots on your body, and they will help keep the scent strong. These include the nape of your neck, inside of your elbows, wrists, and behind your knees.
• Avoid rubbing your wrists: Contrary to popular belief, rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne breaks down the scent, causing it to fade faster.
• Mist your hair: Spraying cologne on your hair can boost its staying power, as hair is more porous than skin and holds onto the scent longer. If you're concerned about the alcohol in cologne drying out your hair, spray it on your brush or comb and then run it through your hair.
• Spritz your clothing: Applying cologne to your clothes can make the fragrance last longer, as it clings to the fabric until washed. However, be cautious, as some colognes may stain delicate fabrics. Always test on a small, inconspicuous spot first.
• Reapply when necessary: Carry a small travel-sized bottle with you for touch-ups throughout the day. Alternatively, spray some cologne on cotton swabs and store them in a plastic bag to use for discreet touch-ups.

Choosing the Right Cologne

• Select a heavy scent: Colognes with woody or spicy notes, such as cedar, patchouli, juniper, clove, ginger, or nutmeg, tend to be longer-lasting.
• Check the expiration date: Colognes with many natural ingredients may have a best-by date. Over time, these ingredients can turn, weakening or changing the scent.
• Store it properly: Extreme temperatures and direct sunlight can alter the ingredients in cologne. Store your cologne in a cool, dark, and dry place, like your bedroom drawer or closet. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, as the humidity from showers can affect the fragrance.

How to test and choose the right cologne

Testing and choosing the right cologne is a process that requires time and patience. Here is a detailed guide to help you select the perfect scent:

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the world of colognes, it is essential to understand the basics of fragrances. Colognes are typically categorised into different groups based on their concentration of perfume oils:

• Eau Fraiche: The most diluted form, containing 1-3% perfume oil, and lasting less than an hour.
• Cologne (Eau de Cologne): Light and fresh, with 2-4% perfume oil, lasting about 2 hours.
• Toilette (Eau de Toilette): Light sprays with 5-15% perfume oil, lasting for about 3 hours.
• Perfume (Eau de Parfum): Contains 15-20% perfume oil, lasting for 5 to 8 hours.
• Parfum: The most concentrated and expensive option, with 20-30% perfume oil, lasting up to 24 hours.

Determining Your Preferences

The first step in choosing a cologne is to identify the scents you already love and enjoy. Consider the smells you encounter in your daily life, such as the coconut shampoo at your gym, the fresh scent of your body wash, or the mineral smell of your laundry. These familiar scents can serve as a great starting point for finding your ideal cologne.

Researching and Testing Colognes

Once you have an idea of the scents you prefer, it's time to research specific colognes that incorporate those notes. Utilise online resources like Fragrantica.com or Basenotes.com to explore fragrances with your desired notes.

When you've narrowed down your options to a few potential colognes, it's important to test them on your skin to see how they react with your body chemistry. Department stores are ideal for this purpose, as they offer a wide variety of fragrances to sample.

• Start by spraying one type of cologne on each wrist (and inner elbows if testing more than two).
• Avoid testing more than four fragrances at once, as it can confuse your sense of smell.
• Give the colognes time to develop by waiting for about 30 minutes. During this time, walk around the store or do something else to allow the scents to mix with the oils on your skin.
• After 30 minutes, smell each cologne again to notice how it has developed and evolved.
• To reset your nostrils between sniffs, try smelling something different, like coffee.

Making the Final Decision

If you still love a particular cologne after the development period, it's likely a good choice for you. However, don't be afraid to ask for opinions from close friends or family members, as they can provide valuable feedback. Remember, the key is to choose a fragrance that you truly love and feel confident wearing.

Additionally, consider the occasion and environment in which you'll be wearing the cologne. For example, a sexy musk may be more suitable for a night out, while a lighter floral or citrus scent might be more appropriate for a professional setting.

Applying the Cologne Properly

Once you've found your perfect cologne, it's essential to apply it correctly:

• Apply cologne directly to dry skin, preferably right after a shower.
• Hold the spray bottle 3-6 inches away from your body to avoid over-application.
• Start with a light application, choosing one area like the neck or forearms, and gradually increase if needed.
• Apply to heated areas of your body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows, as the heat helps diffuse the scent.
• Re-apply if needed, especially if you're going out in the evening.

Storing Your Cologne

To ensure your cologne lasts longer, store it in its original box or a dark drawer or cabinet. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or fluctuations in temperature, as this can cause the fragrance to deteriorate.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to choosing and wearing the right cologne, enhancing your attractiveness and confidence.

The difference between types of fragrances

The world of fragrances can be quite daunting, especially with the many different types available. The difference between these types of fragrances lies in their concentration of perfume oils, which determines their strength and longevity. Here is a detailed description of each type to help you understand the differences:

Eau Fraiche

Eau Fraiche is the most diluted version of a fragrance, usually containing only 1-3% perfume oil. As a result, it lasts for a very short duration, often less than an hour. This type of fragrance is typically a mixture of perfume oil, alcohol, and water.

Eau de Cologne (EDC)

Also known as simply "cologne", this type of fragrance has a slightly higher concentration of perfume oil, ranging from 2-4%. Eau de Colognes are typically light, fresh, and fruity, and are often marketed towards younger people. They tend to last for about two hours.

Eau de Toilette (EDT)

Eau de Toilettes have a relatively higher concentration of perfume essence, ranging from 5-15%. This places them in the middle of the fragrance road. EDTs usually come in a light spray form and last for approximately three hours, making them suitable for daywear.

Eau de Parfum (EDP)

Eau de Parfums have a higher concentration of perfume essence, typically ranging from 15-20%. This type of fragrance is historically genderless and is suitable for both men and women. EDPs can last for up to eight hours and are perfect for everyday wear, making them one of the most common fragrance types.

Parfum

Parfum, also known as "pure perfume" or "extrait de parfum", has the highest concentration of fragrance, ranging from 20-30% (although some sources state it can go up to 40%). It is the most expensive and longest-lasting type of fragrance, with a single application lasting up to 24 hours. Parfum is slightly oilier than other types and is known to be better for those with sensitive skin.

Frequently asked questions