Discover Dollar Shave Club's Cologne Offerings: A Trial Guide

Dollar Shave Club offers a range of colognes, called Blueprint, that can elevate your shaving experience. The collection includes six unique scents, such as Sea Spray & Melon, Citrusy Bergamot & Lavender, and Cedar & Spicy Cardamom. Each cologne is available in a 50 mL bottle, and you can try all six fragrances in smaller 15 mL bottles. The colognes are reasonably priced, and Dollar Shave Club also provides a range of subscription plans and starter kits to help you find your favourite scent without breaking the bank.

Dollar Shave Club cologne: how to get a sample set

Dollar Shave Club offers a range of colognes as part of its Blueprint collection. The collection features six premium scents, split into two categories: The Fresh Collection and The Warm Collection. Each scent is free of synthetic dyes, parabens, and sulfates.

The Fresh Collection is a spring- and summer-ready line, with a fruity and woody aroma. It includes the following three scents:

• Blueprint 101: Sea Spray & Melon
• Blueprint 102: Citrusy Bergamot & Lavender
• Blueprint 103: Lemon, Moss & Amber

The Warm Collection is perfect for fall and winter, with fragrances that exude warmth and masculinity. It includes the following three scents:

• Blueprint 201: Cedar & Spicy Cardamom
• Blueprint 202: Cacao, Vanilla & Suede
• Blueprint 203: Sandalwood & Vetiver

You can purchase sample sets of these colognes, known as the Fresh Collection and the Warm Collection, respectively. Each collection contains three 15 ml trial-sized bottles of the respective scents and is priced at $35. This option allows you to test the fragrances before committing to a full-sized bottle.

To purchase a sample set, simply visit the Dollar Shave Club website. You can edit, pause, or cancel your subscription at any time through your account.

Blueprint 101, 102, 103: what to expect from each cologne

The Blueprint 101 cologne is a light and refreshing scent with notes of sea spray and melon. It is perfect for a weekday at the beach. The fragrance is also infused with patchouli, but not the hippie kind.

The Blueprint 102 cologne is a crisp and put-together combination. It features notes of bergamot, lavender, and white musk. The result is a relaxed, classic fragrance with a contemporary twist.

The Blueprint 103 cologne is a complex and substantial fragrance with notes of pepper, citrus, and moss. It is refined yet earthy, striking a perfect balance between contrasts.

The entire Blueprint collection from Dollar Shave Club is designed with affordability and inclusivity in mind. The fragrances are packaged with blueprint-style drawings of buildings that embody the spirit of each scent.

How to choose the right cologne for your skin type

Choosing the right cologne can elevate your style and boost your confidence. It's an intimate and personal experience that can leave a lasting impression. To find the perfect cologne, you need to consider your skin type and how different fragrances interact with your body chemistry. Here are some tips on how to choose the right cologne for your skin type:

Understand Your Skin Type

The first step is to determine your skin type. Is your skin oily or dry? Dark or fair? These factors will influence how long a scent lasts on your skin and which fragrances will complement your unique body chemistry. For example, oily and dark skin tends to retain scents longer and pairs well with heavier, spicier fragrances. On the other hand, dry, fair, and acidic skin may benefit from lighter, fresher scents like citrus, green, or floral notes.

Choose the Right Fragrance Family

Colognes are typically categorised into fragrance families such as floral, woody, oriental, leather, fruity, musky, sweet, aromatic, and fresh. Understanding these different fragrance families will help you discover the scent profiles that resonate with you. For instance, if you're an adventure lover, you might opt for a fresh scent reminiscent of the great outdoors. Or, if you're a confident man, you might prefer a woody cologne with notes of sandalwood or cedar.

Test the Fragrances

Once you've researched the different fragrance families and identified a few that you're interested in, it's time to test them out. Start by using cologne testers or scent blotters to get an initial impression. Then, when you've narrowed it down to a few options, test the fragrances on your skin. Apply them to your pulse points and give them time to develop—about 30 minutes should be enough. Observe how the scent evolves and ask for feedback from others to get a true idea of what each cologne will smell like on you.

Consider the Season and Occasion

When choosing a cologne, think about the time of year and the occasion. Lighter, fresher scents are typically better for warmer months and daytime events, while richer, deeper scents are more suitable for cooler evenings or special occasions. You might also want to consider different scents for different seasons, as cologne can evaporate more quickly in hot weather.

Sample Before You Buy

Don't be afraid to sample a variety of fragrances before making a purchase. You can order fragrance testers online or visit a store to test a range of colognes. Take your time to explore the different options and don't be afraid to seek advice from a sales assistant or fragrance expert. Remember, the final choice rests with you—choose a cologne that you're comfortable with and that reflects your unique style and personality.

How to apply cologne: a step-by-step guide

Applying cologne is an art form. If not done properly, it can lead to either over-application or a scent that fades quickly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply cologne correctly and effectively:

Step 1: Choose the right cologne

Research colognes online and narrow down your options to a few scents that you think you might like. You can use the fragrance colour wheel to help you decide.

Step 2: Test the cologne

Once you have a few options in mind, test the colognes using scent blotters, which are small, white cardboard strips that help you smell the scent without putting it on your body. Spray the cologne onto the blotter two or three times in a downward motion.

Step 3: Test the fragrance on your skin

After narrowing down your options to two to four fragrances, test how they react to your skin's chemistry by spraying one cologne type on each wrist. If you're testing more than two, spray onto your inner elbows as well.

Step 4: Give the scent time to develop

Wait for around 30 minutes and then smell each cologne again. In between each sniff, smell something different, like coffee, to cleanse your nostrils. Notice how each smell has developed once it's had a chance to work with your body chemistry.

Step 5: Take a shower

Before applying cologne, take a shower to cleanse your skin and open your pores, providing a good base for the cologne.

Step 6: Dry off

Completely dry your skin.

Step 7: Apply the cologne

Hold the spray bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body and spray it onto one or two spots, such as your neck, wrists, behind your ears, or your chest. These areas produce a lot of body heat, which will cause the fragrance to continue to smell good all day long.

If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, use the dabbing method. Cover the open bottle with your finger, tip the bottle, then right the bottle and put it down. Dab the liquid on your finger in the area where you wish to apply the cologne.

Step 8: Don't rub it in

Rubbing the cologne into your skin changes the way it smells and makes the scent fade faster. Instead, just spray or dab it on and let it dry on the skin.

Step 9: Don't mix cologne with other smells

Avoid wearing cologne with strongly-scented deodorant or aftershave, as the smells might not go well together.

Step 10: 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. You probably don't need to apply cologne more than once a day.

Where to buy cologne

Dollar Shave Club offers a range of colognes, including Blueprint 101, 102, 103, 201, 202, and 203. You can try all six in 15 ml bottles.

The best colognes for long-lasting fragrance

Finding a cologne that lasts can be tricky. The strength of a fragrance is determined by its formulation and the amount of perfume oil used. The concentration of fragrance within a scent is what will ultimately determine its strength. The stronger the formula, the longer the scent will linger on your body.

Your standard Eau de Toilettes (EDT) have 5% to 10% perfume oil concentration, while heavier Eau de Parfums (EDP) boast a concentration of upwards of 20% to 30%. Just above that is Parfum, or Extrait de Parfum, which hovers around 40% perfume oil. The higher the concentration level, the purer the fragrance, as there's less alcohol.

With that in mind, here are some of the best colognes for long-lasting fragrance:

Tom Ford Noir Extreme

This cologne is an eau de parfum, so it has a higher concentration of fragrance. Tom Ford's colognes are known for their intensity, and this version of the brand's Noir cologne turns the intensity up with a shot of peppery spices and night-blooming jasmine. It eventually dries down to a smooth woody finish with dried flowers and a bourbon sweetness.

Ralph's Club Elixir

Ralph's Club Elixir is another long-lasting eau de parfum. It starts off with a fresh, citrusy top note and dries down to reveal a richly layered fragrance with notes of dried lavender, leather, and balsam tree bark.

Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Parfum Intense

This cologne, with its earthy and woody fragrance family, is said to last 6+ hours. It has a very long-lasting scent with notes of blue juniper berries, lavender, and patchouli.

Armani Code Eau de Toilette

Although this cologne is an eau de toilette, which typically has a lower concentration of fragrance, it is still worth mentioning as a long-lasting option. It has bright citrus notes of green mandarin from Italy, with a heart of lavandin and a base of warm tonka bean absolute and cedarwood.

Dollar Shave Club Blueprint 103 and 203

Dollar Shave Club offers a range of colognes called Blueprint. Blueprint 103 is a clone of Sauvage, which is known for its long-lasting fragrance. It has notes of lemon, moss, and amber. Meanwhile, Blueprint 203 is a sandalwood and vetiver scent that is also said to have good performance.

Honorable Mentions

Other long-lasting colognes include Fueguia 1883, an artisanal fragrance brand with exotic and botanical ingredients; Maison Margiela 'REPLICA' By the Fireplace Eau de Toilette, a smokey, luxurious, and long-lasting scent; and Acqua di Gio, a fresh scent that is known to stick around for quite a while.

Frequently asked questions