Cologne: Still Stylish Or Stale?

Is cologne out of style? Well, it depends on who you ask. Some people believe that cologne is no longer a part of the modern man's persona, while others argue that it is a timeless accessory that adds to a man's attractiveness, confidence, and overall impression.

Cologne, also known as Eau de Cologne, is typically used to describe masculine scents that are light, fresh, and fruity. It has a long history and is the oldest term for perfume, dating back to the 50s when it was created by a French perfumer. Today, the cologne market is big business, with sales of men's fine fragrances reaching nearly $1 billion in recent years.

While opinions vary, one thing is clear: too much cologne is never a good thing. Overpowering fragrances can be off-putting and even cause discomfort. The key to wearing cologne is moderation and ensuring it complements your natural body odour.

So, is cologne out of style? The answer may lie in finding a balance between making a statement and maintaining subtlety.

Cologne application

Applying cologne is an art form. It is important to apply cologne sparingly and strategically so that it lasts all day. Here is a guide on how to apply cologne correctly and effectively:

• Apply cologne immediately after showering directly onto dry skin. The shower cleanses your body of any other scents and opens your pores, which helps the scent absorb.
• Hold the spray bottle 3–6 inches from your body. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches away risks over-applying, and spraying any further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application.
• Apply cologne to heated areas of your body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.
• Start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and begin with one spray. If you notice that your scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply.
• Re-apply cologne if needed, especially if you are going out in the evening. When doing so, simply dab a little onto your pulse points.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Spraying the fragrance on your clothing. This prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils, which gives it its unique quality. It can also harm some fabrics.
• Splashing the cologne on your skin. If the fragrance does not have a spray nozzle, place one finger over the opening of the bottle, gently tip it upside down, and then dab the scent on your body.
• Spraying a mist cloud and walking through it. This method renders the cologne almost useless, as most of it ends up on the floor.
• Rubbing the cologne into your skin. This makes the scent fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance. If you are not going to spray, simply dab.
• Applying too much cologne. A man’s fragrance should be a subtle enhancement to his image. Less is more when it comes to cologne.

Tips for Choosing and Storing Cologne

• When choosing a cologne, opt for a scent that complements your natural body chemistry and fits your lifestyle in terms of how long the scent lasts.
• To make your cologne last longer, keep it in its original box, as light exposure can cause fragrances to deteriorate. You can also store them in a dark drawer or cabinet, avoiding direct sunlight.
• Fluctuations in temperature can shorten the lifetime of a fragrance, so avoid storing cologne in the bathroom or in your car, where temperatures can fluctuate rapidly.

Women's opinions

When it comes to specific scents, women's opinions vary. Some women prefer colognes with woody, aquatic, or citrusy notes that evoke an outdoorsy feel, while others are drawn to fresh and musky scents that smell like a "shower-fresh" man. Some women also enjoy unisex fragrances on men, as long as they don't smell too feminine.

In terms of specific colognes, here are some that have been mentioned by women as their favourites or ones they find attractive:

• Christian Dior Homme
• Ralph Lauren Collection Oud
• Atelier Cologne Bergamote Soleil
• Carolina Herrera for men
• Ralph Lauren Polo
• Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio
• Chanel Bleu de Chanel
• Davidoff Cool Water
• Gucci Guilty
• Dior Sauvage
• Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue
• BVLGARI Man in Black
• Tom Ford Noir
• Dolce & Gabbana The One
• Gucci Guilty Eau Pour Homme
• Tom Ford Grey Vetiver
• Kenneth Cole Mankind Hero
• Salvatore Ferragamo F by Ferragamo Black
• John Varvatos Artisan Black
• Amouage Reflection Man
• Gucci Pour Homme II
• Versace Eros
• Ermenegildo Zegna Uomo
• Acqua di Parma Colonia Pura
• L’Eau d’Issey
• Tom Ford Black Orchid
• Calvin Klein CK One
• Boss Bottled Night by Hugo Boss
• Creed Aventus
• Diesel Only the Brave
• Bleu de Chanel
• Tom Ford Grey Vetiver
• Dior Sauvage
• Chanel Allure Homme Sport
• Y by Yves Saint Laurent
• Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male
• Polo Ralph Lauren Red Rush

Choosing a cologne

Cologne is an important part of a man's personal style and can have a powerful effect on how people see and remember you. It is a complex mixture of raw materials, including extracts from natural sources or synthetic materials. These raw materials are dissolved in a solvent, usually alcohol, to preserve a pleasant concoction of scents.

The first step in choosing a cologne is to understand the different types available. The main categories are:

• Eau Fraiche: The most diluted version of fragrance, usually with 1-3% perfume oil in alcohol and water. This usually lasts for less than an hour.
• Cologne (Eau de Cologne): The oldest term for perfume, used in North America for masculine scents. It is light, fresh, and fruity, typically composed of 2-4% perfume oils in alcohol and water. It tends to be used for younger people and can last for about two hours.
• Toilette (Eau de Toilette): A light spray composition with 5-15% pure perfume essence dissolved in alcohol. This usually lasts for about three hours.
• Perfume (Eau de Parfum): Historically genderless, used to describe both men's and women's products. It contains 15-20% pure perfume essence and can last for about five to eight hours.
• Parfum: The most concentrated and expensive option. It is slightly oilier and is composed of 20-30% pure perfume essence. A single application can last up to 24 hours.

When choosing a cologne, it is important to take your time and not settle on something right away. You should fall in love with the fragrance and be confident wearing it. Ask for advice from salespeople and friends, but ultimately, the decision is yours. Understand the core notes of the fragrance and attach those to a specific mood or vibe that you want to emit. For example, if you want to feel comforted, a note like tonka bean or vanilla could be attractive.

• Understand fragrance families and their seasonality: Some fragrances are better suited for certain times of the year. For example, warming tobacco, leather, or spice fragrances are ideal for winter, while green and aquatic notes are perfect for summer.
• Don't be afraid to ask others about the scent they are wearing: If you like someone's fragrance, ask them about it! This can help you discover new fragrances or find something similar.
• Know the classics: Knowing the best classic scents gives you a framework to pick your own fragrance.
• Weigh mass appeal against niche: With a mass-market fragrance, you risk smelling like someone else, but it is usually safer and less expensive. Niche fragrances, on the other hand, are more distinctive and bold but may not have universal appeal.
• Consider your motives: What is your goal with a signature scent? How do you want it to impress others? These questions can help you find a fragrance that suits your personality and the image you want to project.
• Try before you buy: It is important to test a fragrance before committing to it. Most brands offer sample-size testers, or you can purchase small amounts from sites like LuckyScent.

Finally, when applying cologne, less is more. Fragrance should be discovered, not announced. Spray the perfume on dry skin, preferably right after a shower, and hold the nozzle 3-6 inches from your skin. Start with one spray on your chest, and then add more sprays in different areas as you become more comfortable. Apply the fragrance to heat areas of your body, such as your chest, neck, and wrists, as your body heat will push the scent throughout the day.

Fragrance types

There are several types of fragrances, each with unique characteristics and ingredients. Here are the main fragrance types:

Fresh Fragrances

Fresh fragrances typically consist of citrus, water, and green notes, creating refreshing, zesty, and vibrant scents. Citrus-based fragrances often feature lemon, mandarin, and bergamot, while water fragrances evoke aquatic notes like sea spray. Fresh green fragrances capture herbal and leafy scents, offering a crisp and uplifting aroma. They are sometimes referred to as aromatic fougère fragrances and are crafted with notes of lavender, rosemary, or basil.

Floral Fragrances

Floral fragrances are one of the most popular and diverse families. Any fragrance with a sweet and flowery scent falls into this category, using notes such as roses, jasmine, lilies, and peonies. Floral fragrances can range from light and delicate to complex and intense.

Oriental Fragrances

Oriental fragrances are warm, sweet, and sometimes a little spicy. This luxurious family includes floral oriental, soft oriental, and woody oriental variations. Perfumes and aftershaves in this category are rich and sensual, often featuring interesting notes of cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla, blended with jasmine, orchid, or orange blossom.

Woody Fragrances

Woody fragrances offer a warm, mysterious, and captivating scent, often favoured for aftershaves. They are crafted with wood-based notes like cedarwood, sandalwood, vetiver, and amber, perfect for evening wear. Woody fragrances are divided into two types: mossy woods, with an earthy and sweet undertone, and dry woods, which often have a smoky and leathery aroma.

Aquatic Fragrances

Aquatic fragrances capture the essence of the sea and ocean, offering a fresh and invigorating scent. They are often described as marine or oceanic and can include notes that evoke the seaside, such as sea salt, seaweed, or driftwood.

Gourmand Fragrances

Gourmand fragrances are inspired by food and beverage notes, evoking scents that are sweet, savoury, or spicy. They can include notes such as vanilla, chocolate, coffee, or spices, creating fragrances that are indulgent and comforting.

Leather Fragrances

Leather fragrances capture the essence of supple leather, offering a sophisticated and sensual aroma. They often blend notes of suede, tobacco, and musk to create a warm and inviting scent. Leather fragrances are perfect for those seeking a unique and memorable fragrance.

Tobacco Fragrances

Tobacco fragrances evoke the rich, earthy aroma of cured tobacco leaves. They often blend notes of leather, spices, and woods to create a sophisticated and slightly smoky scent. Tobacco fragrances are ideal for those who appreciate complex and nuanced aromas.

Spicy Fragrances

Spicy fragrances capture the warmth and intensity of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and pepper. They offer a bold and captivating scent, perfect for making a statement. Spicy fragrances can be blended with sweeter notes to create an intriguing contrast.

Vanilla Fragrances

Vanilla fragrances offer a sweet, warm, and comforting scent. They can be blended with other notes to create unique variations, such as vanilla and tobacco or vanilla and floral combinations. Vanilla is a versatile note that adds depth and softness to any fragrance.

These fragrance types provide a diverse range of options to suit different tastes and occasions. Each type has its own unique character, allowing individuals to express their personality and enhance their overall style.

Fragrance application rules

The general consensus is that cologne should be applied sparingly. One or two sprays are usually enough, and these should be applied to the neck and/or chest area. This ensures that the cologne is only noticeable to those in close proximity, such as during a hug.

Where should I apply cologne?

The best places to apply cologne are the pulse points: the insides of the elbows, back of the knees, chest, and sides of the neck. These areas are naturally warm and moist, allowing the cologne to develop and be enjoyed. Another good application site is the wrists, but it is important not to rub the wrists together after application, as this can cause the top notes of the cologne to fade and evaporate.

Applying cologne after a shower or bath is ideal, as fragrance adheres to the skin best when there is some moisture involved. It is also recommended to apply cologne post-shower as the steam from the shower can affect the freshness of the cologne.

It is best to avoid applying cologne directly to hair, as the alcohol in eau de toilette can dry and damage hair strands. It is also recommended to avoid rubbing cologne into the skin, as this can cause the top notes to fade and result in a stiff and lifeless scent. In addition, it is important to be cautious when applying cologne to clothing, as it may stain certain fabrics, such as silk.

Yes, layering cologne with complementary scented products, such as body lotion or oil, can create a more powerful scent. However, it is important to avoid layering multiple bold fragrances, as this can be overpowering and cause headaches.

Frequently asked questions