Choosing And Wearing Your Signature Scent: A Daily Guide

Knowing how to wear cologne is an art that can be quickly mastered. Fragrance plays a crucial role in how others perceive and remember you, so it's an integral part of your personal style. Whether you want to increase your attractiveness or boost your confidence, you need to know how to use cologne correctly. This includes knowing how to choose a great fragrance, where and when to use it, how much to use, and how to store it.

Where to apply cologne on the body

Knowing where to apply cologne is key to wearing cologne every day. The best spots to spray cologne on the body are heated areas, including the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. These areas help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body. Spraying any closer than 3 inches away risks over-applying, and spraying further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application.

It is recommended to apply cologne to one or two areas of the body, such as the wrists and neck, rather than all over. This ensures that the scent isn't overwhelming and that less fragrance is required.

Additionally, it is important to note that the armpits and behind the knees are warm areas of the body but are not usually ideal for applying cologne.

When applying cologne, avoid rubbing it into the skin as this can damage the molecules and cause them to dissipate faster. Instead, simply spray or dab the cologne onto the desired areas.

How much cologne to use

The amount of cologne to use depends on the fragrance's strength and your skin type. As a general rule, it's better to use less cologne than too much. Cologne is designed to be subtle, so start with a small amount and add more if needed.

The first step is to understand the different types of cologne and their concentrations. The concentration of a cologne determines its strength and longevity. The different types of cologne are:

• Eau Fraiche: The lightest concentration (1-3% oil).
• Eau de Cologne: A slightly higher concentration (3-5%).
• Eau de Toilette: The standard concentration (5-8%).
• Eau de Parfum: A stronger concentration (8-15%).
• Parfum or Extrait de Parfum: The highest concentration (15-30%, sometimes up to 40%).

Knowing the concentration of your cologne will help you determine how much to use. For example, an Eau de Parfum will likely require fewer sprays than an Eau de Toilette.

The next step is to consider your skin type. Fragrances tend to cling longer to people with oily skin, while drier skin may soak up the scent more quickly. Adjust the amount of cologne you use accordingly.

When applying cologne, it's recommended to target the pulse points or warmest areas of the body. These areas include the neck, wrists, inside of the elbows, behind the ears, and the bottom of the throat. These areas project the scent more efficiently, meaning you'll need less cologne.

As a guide, two to four squirts of cologne are usually enough. Start with one spritz on each pulse point, and then assess whether you need more. Remember, it's better to start with less and add more than to use too much and have to wash it off.

Finally, remember that your sense of smell adapts quickly, so you might not notice the scent of your cologne after a while. Ask a friend or partner for their opinion if you're unsure.

When to wear cologne

Firstly, avoid wearing cologne if you know you'll be in an enclosed space for a prolonged period. Commercial flights, road trips, dentist appointments, and cramped offices are examples of this. Even a small amount of cologne can become overwhelming in such spaces. Secondly, skip the cologne when fragrance matters a lot, such as at a wine tasting or culinary experience. It's best not to smell like anything in these situations. This also applies to perfume shopping, as you don't want to clash with or overpower other fragrances.

Thirdly, avoid wearing cologne during activities that typically lead to perspiration, such as going to the gym, hiking, or playing sports. Even the best cologne will eventually be overpowered by body odour. Instead, apply cologne after you've finished the activity and had a shower. Finally, there are times when it's best to be more muted with your fragrance, such as at a funeral or a job interview. While you may want to make an impression, you don't want it to be that you've used too much cologne.

It's also important to consider the type of cologne you're wearing and whether it's suitable for the occasion. For example, a light and airy scent may be perfect for summer, but a stronger, spicier cologne might be more appropriate for winter. Similarly, the cologne you wear to the office might not be the best choice for a night out at a club. If you're looking for a signature scent, choose one that fits your personal lifestyle and habits.

Choosing the right cologne

• Understand the different types of fragrances: Familiarize yourself with the various options available, such as Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, Eau Fraiche, Eau de Cologne, and Parfum or Extrait de Parfum. These labels indicate the percentage of aromatic essence in the fragrance, affecting its longevity and price.
• Sample different colognes: Spray colognes from a distance onto sample cards and decide which scents you like. Consider the season, as fresh and light fragrances are better for summer, while stronger scents with notes of wood or spice are ideal for winter.
• Test the cologne on your skin: Spray a sample on your wrist and leave it for a day to observe how it interacts with your natural oils and develops over time. This will give you an idea of what it's like to wear the cologne regularly before purchasing it.
• Understand fragrance breakdown: Colognes have top notes, mid-notes, and base notes, each of which dries up at different intervals, changing the fragrance over time. Top notes last 15-120 minutes, mid-notes can last 30 minutes to 5 hours, and base notes can stick around for 2-8 hours or more.
• Choose the fragrance yourself: Colognes can smell different on different people due to their unique body chemistry. It's essential to test the fragrance on yourself before making a purchase.
• Consider your skin type: Fragrances tend to cling longer to individuals with oily skin, while drier skin may absorb the scent more quickly. Adjust the dose of cologne accordingly.
• Layer your scents: Start with a base layer, such as a scented soap. Follow up with a complementary body wash and lotion. Then, add a deodorant layer, and finally, apply your cologne. Layering helps the scent last all day.
• Match your cologne with your existing scents: Consider the scents of your soap, deodorant, and other grooming products. Choose a cologne that mixes well with these scents to create a harmonious fragrance combination.

Storing cologne

Keep it in a Dark Place

Avoid storing your cologne in direct sunlight or anywhere it can be reached by sunlight. Sunlight can damage the cologne bottle and its contents. Generally, colognes tend to last longer when stored in darker places. A closet or a drawer is a good storage option. If you want to display your cologne bottles, opt for a curio cabinet inside a closet or a dark corner of your bedroom.

Maintain a Consistent and Moderate Temperature

Keep your cologne in a place with a consistent temperature, away from extreme heat or cold. Avoid storing it in areas with fluctuating temperatures. Aim for a temperature of around 60°F. The kitchen and bathroom are not suitable storage spaces, as they are subject to temperature changes and high humidity. Instead, choose a closet in a hallway or living room.

Keep it Dry

Water can damage cologne, as humidity affects its chemical composition. Store your cologne in a dry place, and avoid humid areas. If you have a dehumidifier in your bedroom, this can be a great place to keep your cologne.

Store in the Original Bottle and Packaging

It is best to store your cologne in its original bottle and packaging. Breaking the seal of the fragrance bottle can introduce dust, air, and other particles that may cause condensation, mold, or bacteria. If the bottle is cracked or the lid is broken, transfer the cologne to a new bottle as soon as possible.

Avoid Shaking the Bottle

There is no need to shake your cologne bottle before use, as this can introduce unwanted oxidation and break delicate chemical bonds. The contents of the bottle have been finely produced to have the same notes and chemical composition from top to bottom.

Store in Sealed Bottles

Keep your cologne packaged and sealed until the first use. Once opened, cover and seal the bottle properly and store it back in its box. This will prevent evaporation and reduce scent loss.

Frequently asked questions