The Art Of Wearing Cologne: A Beginner's Guide

Knowing how to wear cologne is an art form. When applied correctly, cologne can make you feel more attractive and confident. However, when applied incorrectly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly. To start wearing cologne, it is important to first choose a scent that complements your natural body chemistry and fits your lifestyle in terms of how long the scent lasts. You should also be aware of the different types of fragrances available, such as Eau Fraiche, Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, and Parfum, which vary in terms of their concentration of perfume oils and how long they last. When applying cologne, it is recommended to apply it directly to the skin, rather than clothing, as this allows it to mix with your natural oils and develop a unique scent. Pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, and chest, are ideal areas to apply cologne as the heat from these areas helps the fragrance to diffuse throughout the day. It is also important to apply cologne sparingly and to avoid rubbing it into the skin, as this can cause the scent to fade faster.

Choosing the right cologne for you

The right cologne for you will depend on your body chemistry, the types of scent notes you find appealing, and where you plan to wear it.

Testing colognes

Department stores are a great place to test colognes. When testing, ensure you don't buy until you're ready, as it's easy to fall for the first note. The maximum number of scents to try at once is four, but if you're just starting out, it's recommended to test only two (one on each arm).

Spray one scent on each wrist (and each inner elbow if testing four). Avoid using the cards provided to smell the colognes, as these will only allow you to smell the top notes and not how the cologne smells on your skin.

Take time between smelling each cologne, and refresh your palate with something strong, like coffee or tea. Try to smell all the notes, as the scent will change over the next few hours.

Walk around the department store and smell the fragrances at various intervals, making notes on your phone or on paper about which you like and why.

Types of cologne

Colognes fall into different categories, depending on their concentration of perfume oils:

• Eau Fraiche: The most diluted version of fragrance, usually with 1-3% perfume oil in alcohol and water. Usually lasts for less than an hour.
• Cologne (Eau de Cologne): Oldest term for perfume, used in North America for masculine scents. Light, fresh, and fruity, typically composed of 2-4% perfume oils in alcohol and water. Tends to be used in fragrances for younger people. Usually lasts for about 2 hours.
• Toilette (Eau de Toilette): A light spray composition with 5-15% pure perfume essence dissolved in alcohol. Usually lasts for about 3 hours.
• Perfume (Eau de Parfum): Historically genderless, used to describe both men’s and women’s products, and is the best term for describing a fragrance. Contains 15-20% pure perfume essence and lasts for about 5 to 8 hours.
• Parfum: A corruption of the Latin phrase "per fumum" (through smoke). The most concentrated and expensive of all fragrance options. Slightly oilier, parfum is composed of 20-30% pure perfume essence. A single application can last up to 24 hours.

Choosing a scent

When choosing a scent, consider the following:

• Top notes: The initial, lighter smell of the fragrance that hits the nose immediately after application to the skin. The top note lasts from 15 minutes to 2 hours. Typical top notes are various light floral scents, citrus, fruity scents, powdery scents, marines and aquatics, and spices such as cinnamon.
• Medium notes: Also referred to as the middle or heart notes. The middle note showcases the main element of the fragrance. Middle notes develop after the top note clears and can last 3-5 hours after being sprayed. This is in addition to the top note; they build off each other. Heart notes most often include heavier floral scents such as jasmine, or green scents such as grass or stone. Spice scents such as cinnamon and clove can appear here, along with fruity scents as well.
• Base notes: The last to develop, these scents are often the bolder notes of the scent, becoming more noticeable later in the day. Base notes lay the foundation and will determine how long the fragrance lasts on your skin. They tend to last from 5 to 10 hours. Typical base notes are sandalwood, moss, vetiver, vanilla, tar, leather, smoke, tobacco, and musk.

Tips for choosing a cologne

• Scientific studies suggest that a man can naturally select the cologne that works best with his natural body scent.
• Don't let others choose a cologne for you. Use the opinions of others to reinforce or question your decision.
• Don't blind buy (purchase a cologne on someone's recommendation without trying it yourself).
• Choose different colognes for different occasions. Many men prefer to wear one cologne during the day, at work, and a completely different one when they go out.
• Choose a cologne that smells good to you and that you like. You don't have to buy an expensive cologne for a good-smelling fragrance.
• Don't mix cologne with other smells. You shouldn't wear cologne with strongly-scented deodorant or aftershave.
• Don't reapply too often. You'll quickly grow used to the smell of your cologne, to the point where you might think it's completely worn off, but other people will still be able to smell it.

Knowing when to wear cologne

It is also important to be aware of how your body's natural oils and odours interact with your cologne. For example, if you're going clubbing, applying lots of cologne might not be the best idea, as your natural body odour mixed with cologne may be worse than just your natural body odour.

Some people are allergic to cologne, so it is important to be sensitive to this when sharing indoor spaces with others, such as in an office.

You should wear cologne because it makes you smell good, feel good, and act confident. It is also important to choose different colognes for different occasions. Many men prefer to wear one cologne during the day and at work, and a different one when they go out. A lighter, citrus-based scent is often recommended for afternoons and workplace environments, while a stronger scent with spice undertones or musky notes is better for the night.

When applying cologne, it is best to do so after a shower, as the hot water cleanses your skin and opens your pores, providing a good base for the cologne. It is also important to hold the bottle a few inches away from your body when spraying, and to start with a light application. You can always add more, but it is difficult to remove cologne once it's been applied.

Applying cologne to the right areas

Pulse Points

Apply cologne to your pulse points. These are areas of your body that emit a lot of body heat. The heat will help diffuse the scent throughout the day, allowing it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent. The best spots to spray cologne include your neck, chest, wrists, forearms, and inner elbows.

Heated Areas

Apply cologne to heated areas of your body. The heat will help the scent last throughout the day. Focus on areas such as your neck, chest, lower jaw, wrist, forearm, inner elbow, and shoulder.

One or Two Spots

Choose one or two spots to apply cologne. Applying cologne to every pulse point may result in an overwhelming scent for those around you. Keep it subtle and apply sparingly.

Avoid Sweaty Areas

Avoid applying cologne to areas where you sweat excessively. Cologne is not an effective way to mask body odour. Instead, it may mix with less appealing smells and create an unpleasant combination.

How much cologne to apply

The amount of cologne you apply depends on the strength of the fragrance, the occasion, and personal preference. It's important to remember that cologne should be discovered, not announced. In other words, people nearby should be able to smell your cologne without being overpowered by it.

It's best to start with one or two sprays and build up if necessary. For a lighter fragrance, such as a citrus or floral cologne, one or two sprays should be enough. For a stronger scent, such as a woody or musky fragrance, you may want to start with two or three sprays.

Where to Apply?

Apply cologne to your pulse points or the warmest parts of your body. These areas produce a lot of body heat, which will help the fragrance continue to smell good all day long. The best spots include the neck, wrists, chest, lower jaw, forearms, inner elbows, and shoulders. Choose one or two of these spots to avoid an overwhelming scent.

Hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your skin when spraying. If you hold the bottle any closer than 3 inches, you risk over-applying, and spraying any further than 6 inches away will result in under-application. If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, use the dabbing method. Cover the bottle opening with your finger, tip it upside down, then right it and put it down. Dab the liquid onto your chosen area.

Reapplication

You may need to reapply cologne during the day, especially if you're going out in the evening. Simply dab a small amount onto your pulse points, like your neck or wrists.

Common mistakes to avoid when applying cologne

There are several common mistakes that people make when applying cologne. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

• Applying too much cologne: A man's cologne should be subtle and understated. It should complement and enhance your style, not overpower it. Remember, less is more when it comes to cologne. Start with a light application and reapply as needed.
• Rubbing the cologne into your skin: Rubbing the cologne into your skin can make the scent fade faster and change how it blends with your natural aroma. Instead, simply spray or dab it on and let it dry.
• Splashing the cologne onto your skin: If your cologne does not have a spray nozzle, avoid splashing it onto your skin. This can lead to over-application. Instead, place one finger over the opening of the bottle, gently tip it upside down, and then dab the cologne onto your skin.
• Spraying a mist cloud and walking through it: While this method may seem like it prevents over-application, it is wasteful and ineffective. To get the most out of your cologne, it needs to be applied directly to your skin.
• Spraying the cologne onto your clothing: Cologne should be applied to your skin, not your clothes. By spraying it onto your clothing, you prevent it from mixing with your natural oils, which gives the scent its unique quality. Spraying cologne onto clothes can also damage or stain the fabric.
• Not testing the cologne before buying: It is important to test a cologne before purchasing it to see how it reacts with your body chemistry. Use cologne testers or scent blotters to initially test fragrances, and then test the fragrance on your skin to see how it develops over time.
• Storing the cologne improperly: Cologne has a limited shelf life and can deteriorate over time. To extend its lifespan, store it in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a bedroom closet. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or fluctuations in temperature, as this can shorten its lifetime.

Frequently asked questions