Choosing The Right Cologne: How You Smelling?

Choosing a cologne can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider, such as the different fragrance families, fragrance notes, and oil concentrations. The four main fragrance families are warm, woody, oriental, and fresh. Within these families, there are various notes that create unique and complex scents. For example, fresh fragrances typically consist of citrus, water, and green notes, while oriental fragrances are warm and spicy, often containing notes of cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla. Understanding these fragrance families and notes can help individuals find a scent that suits their personality and preferences.

In addition to fragrance families and notes, it is important to consider the concentration of perfume oil in a cologne, as this affects its strength and longevity. The different types of cologne, from weakest to strongest, include Eau Fraiche, Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, and Parfum. Choosing the appropriate concentration depends on how long an individual wants the scent to last and how intense they want it to be.

Finding the right cologne also involves considering factors such as skin chemistry, storage, and the time of year. Skin chemistry, which includes factors like stress, diet, and medication, can alter the way a cologne smells on an individual. Storing cologne in a cool, dry place, such as a nightstand drawer, can help preserve its quality. Additionally, rotating colognes with the seasons can ensure that the scent is appropriate for the time of year.

How to make your cologne last longer

Finding the perfect cologne can be a daunting task. Once you find the right scent, you'll want to make it last as long as possible. Here are some tips to help you make your cologne last longer:

Do: Moisturize Beforehand

Before applying cologne, it is important to ensure that your skin is properly hydrated. Dry skin will absorb the perfume oils, causing the scent to wear off more quickly. To prevent this, use an unscented moisturising cleanser and body lotion to hydrate your skin and create a better base for your cologne. For best results, moisturise immediately after showering.

Don't: Spray Directly Onto Your Clothes

While it may be tempting to spray your cologne directly onto your clothes, this can damage the garment, especially if the cologne is alcohol-based. Additionally, the scent will dissipate more quickly due to airflow. Instead, hold the bottle about six inches away and spray directly onto your skin.

Do: Layer Your Fragrance

Using complementary products such as soaps, aftershaves, and body balms from the same fragrance line can help enhance the longevity of your cologne. This also removes competing scents from your aroma repertoire, allowing your cologne to stand out.

Don't: Overapply

While it may seem logical that applying more cologne will make the smell last longer, overdoing it will only result in front-loading the scent. Chances are, you'll still lose the scent by the same time, but you will have overwhelmed everyone around you. So, keep it to a spritz or two, and you can always reapply later if needed.

Do: Apply Right After You Shower

Contrary to what one might think, the perfect moment to apply cologne is just after stepping out of the shower. This is when your pores are most open, allowing the cologne to seep into your skin and giving you a longer-lasting aroma.

Don't: Keep the Bottle in the Bathroom

Heat, humidity, and bright light can speed up the breakdown of your cologne. Instead, store your cologne in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as your nightstand drawer or dresser.

How to store your cologne to make it last

Storing your cologne correctly is essential to making it last longer. Here are some tips to ensure your cologne stays fresh and potent:

Keep it in a Cool, Dark Place

Heat, humidity, and light can break down the cologne and alter its composition. Therefore, it is best to store your cologne in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a cupboard. Keeping it in the box it came in can also help prolong its life. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, as the humidity from the shower or bath can cause oxidation and change the scent or colour.

Keep the Bottle Sealed

Oxygen is perfume's worst enemy. Always keep the bottle sealed when not in use, as leaving it open for even a few hours can cause the mixture to evaporate and break down.

Avoid Shaking the Bottle

Shaking the perfume bottle can introduce unwanted oxidation and break the delicate chemical bonds in the fragrance.

Keep it in the Original Bottle

The original bottles are designed to be airtight and have a specific spray head to disperse the right amount of scent and prevent contamination with air. Decorative bottles may be attractive, but they are not ideal for preserving the fragrance.

Store in an Airtight Container

For extra protection, you can store the cologne in its original box and then place it in an airtight container, preferably opaque. This will ensure minimum oxidation levels and protect the fragrance from harmful rays.

Maintain a Constant Temperature

Keep your cologne away from extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Aim to store it at around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Check for Discolouration

Discolouration can indicate that something has gone wrong with your cologne. Natural fragrances will darken over time, but their smell should remain unchanged. Synthetic fragrances should not discolour or turn oily; if they do, it's a sign that the scent may deteriorate.

How much cologne is too much cologne?

The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the strength of the cologne, the environment in which it is being worn, and individual body chemistry. Here are some guidelines to help you find the right balance and avoid applying too much cologne.

Firstly, it's important to understand the different types of cologne and their varying strengths. The most common types are Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Parfum. Eau de Cologne is a light choice with only 2-4% perfume oil, lasting around 2-3 hours. Eau de Toilette, with 5-15% perfume oil, offers a longer-lasting scent, typically lasting 4-7 hours. Eau de Parfum, with 10-20% perfume oil, is the strongest type, lasting up to 8 hours.

When applying cologne, it's crucial to consider the environment and the people around you. As the saying goes, "if you can smell yourself a little, others can smell you a lot." If you can still smell your cologne a couple of hours after application, you may be wearing too much, and those around you might be overwhelmed. It's worth noting that our noses can get accustomed to a scent, blocking it after a while, but this doesn't mean that others can't smell it.

Additionally, the type of cologne you choose should be appropriate for the season. A heavy winter cologne might feel too intense during a hot summer night, while a refreshing summer scent might clash with the heady aromas of winter. It's a good idea to keep at least two colognes in rotation to suit different seasons.

Another factor that determines how much cologne is too much is your skin type and body chemistry. Dry skin can strip the top notes of a cologne, causing it to wear off more quickly. Applying cologne right after a shower or after using an unscented lotion can help protect the integrity of the scent and make it last longer. Additionally, stress, diet, medication, and age can all affect how a scent interacts with your skin, so if a cologne doesn't seem to suit you anymore, it might be time to try something new.

In terms of application, it's generally recommended to apply cologne to pulse points, such as the neck and wrists, as these areas are the warmest on the body. Two to four sprays are typically sufficient, depending on the strength of the cologne. Avoid reapplying when you can no longer smell it, as others around you may still be able to.

In conclusion, finding the right amount of cologne involves considering the strength of the cologne, the environment, your skin type, and the people around you. Remember, less is often more when it comes to cologne, and it's better to err on the side of subtlety than to overwhelm yourself and others with a strong scent.

How to choose a cologne that suits your skin

Choosing a cologne that suits your skin is an important part of your personal style. Here are some tips on how to select a cologne that complements your skin:

• Understand your skin type and pH level: Knowing whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, as well as your pH level (basic or acidic), can guide you towards fragrances that will complement your unique skin chemistry. For example, oily skin tends to retain scents longer and pairs well with oriental or heavy fragrances, while dry skin may benefit from more citrusy or woody notes.
• Consider the fragrance families: Fragrances are typically categorised into families such as floral, woody, oriental, leather, fruity, musky, sweet, aromatic, and fresh. Explore these different families to discover the scent profiles that resonate with you.
• Test the cologne: When testing a cologne, apply it to your pulse points and allow it to develop on your skin for a few hours. Observe how the scent evolves and ask for feedback from others before making a final decision.
• Choose the right fragrance strength: Fragrances come in different strengths, such as Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Cologne, which indicate the concentration of perfume oil and how long they typically last. Choose a strength that aligns with how long you want the scent to last and how often you plan to reapply it.
• Store it properly: Cologne does not have an infinite shelf life, and heat, humidity, and light exposure can cause it to deteriorate faster. Store your cologne in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and avoid keeping it in the bathroom or your car, where temperature fluctuations can affect its longevity.
• Apply it correctly: Spray cologne on dry skin, preferably right after a shower, holding the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body. Apply it to heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows, as the heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day.
• Avoid over-application: Start with a light application and ask for feedback from others to ensure you're not applying too much. Fragrance should be discovered, not announced, so people who are close by should be able to smell your cologne without being overpowered by it.

How to choose a cologne that suits the season

Choosing a cologne that suits the season is a great way to ensure you're always wearing the right fragrance. While some people stick to one fragrance all year round, others like to switch it up as the seasons change. Here are some tips on how to choose a cologne that suits the season:

Spring

Spring is a season of renewal, with warmer weather and blooming flowers. To embrace this awakening, opt for light and floral fragrances with fruity notes. Peonies, orchids, and cherry blossoms are perfect choices for this time of year. You can also go for classic or modern eaux de cologne, green fragrances, or fresh eaux.

Summer

As the temperatures rise in summer, it's time to relax and enjoy the sunny days. Choose incredibly fresh fragrances with citrus notes for their refreshing feel. Lavender and green tea are also great choices for their invigorating and thirst-quenching effects. Marine notes are particularly interesting in summer as they remind us of sea spray. You can also opt for sweet and exotic fragrances for a tropical yet seductive result.

Autumn/Fall

As the leaves start to change colour and fall, the season turns deeper and more saturated. This is the time for warm, enveloping fragrances with strong scents that have woody and spicy notes. Musk, sandalwood, and vanilla are the ultimate notes to warm things up during this season. You can also go for fresh and green scents or woody, leathery, or spicy fragrances.

Winter

Winter is the perfect time for rich and bold scents with warm notes. Amber, cinnamon, and musk are ideal for their comforting and soothing effects. This is also the season for gourmand fragrances, with notes of caramel, vanilla, honey, and even cotton candy. Citrus and other fruity scents are also reflective of the winter season and the holidays it brings, such as Christmas and New Year's. Spicy scents, such as cinnamon or cardamom, can bring a wonderful warmth to the crisp winter air.

Remember, when choosing a cologne for the season, it's important to consider your own personality, tastes, and preferences as well. Let your feelings guide you and reveal who you are through your fragrance choices.

Frequently asked questions