The Difference Between Men's Perfume And Cologne

The world of perfume can be confusing, with conflicting information about definitions and categories. One common misconception is that cologne is for men, while perfume is for women. However, the distinction between cologne and perfume is based on the concentration of oils in the fragrance, not gender.

In the past, the term cologne was used in North America for masculine scents, while perfume was used for feminine scents. Today, the gender distinction is becoming less important as consumers demonstrate a desire for personalisation and choosing fragrances that suit them. Some brands have adopted a focus on gender-neutral or genderless fragrances.

'Cologne' comes from the German city of the same name

Cologne, known as Köln in German, is a German city that is the fourth-most populous in the country. It is also the largest city in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and is part of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, the second-biggest metropolitan region by GDP in the European Union. The city is centred on the west bank of the Rhine River, about 35km southeast of the state capital, Düsseldorf, and 25km northwest of Bonn, the former capital of West Germany.

Cologne's medieval cathedral, the Kölner Dom, was the world's tallest building from 1880 to 1890 and is today the third-tallest church and tallest cathedral in the world. It was constructed to house the Shrine of the Three Kings and is a globally recognised landmark and one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in Europe. The cityscape is further defined by the Twelve Romanesque churches of Cologne.

Cologne is famous for Eau de Cologne, which has been produced in the city since 1709. "Cologne" has since become a generic term for similar scents. The fragrance was created by Italian expatriate Johann Maria Farina at the beginning of the 18th century. During that century, Eau de Cologne became increasingly popular and was exported all over Europe by the Farina family, who became a household name for the perfume.

In addition to its cultural significance, Cologne is also a major economic hub. It is home to several large companies, including the German flag carrier Lufthansa, Ford Europe, Toyota Motorsport GmbH, and several Kölsch breweries. The city also has five Rhine ports, the second-largest inland port in Germany and one of the largest in Europe.

'Perfume' is derived from the Latin phrase 'per fumus'

The word "perfume" is used to describe scented mixtures and is derived from the Latin phrase "per fumus", which means "through smoke". The Romans gave perfume its name, with the Latin word "per fumum", which translates to "through smoke".

The history of perfume dates back thousands of years, with the Mesopotamian civilization possibly being the earliest users of perfume. A woman named Tapputi was the first recorded chemist and perfume maker, as mentioned in a Cuneiform tablet dating back to the second millennium BC. The basic ingredients and methods of making perfumes were described by Pliny the Elder in his "Naturalis Historia". The Romans, Persians, and Arabs further refined the art of perfumery, which also existed in East Asia, although much of its fragrances were incense-based.

Over time, the process of making perfumes evolved, with the Persians and Arabs making significant contributions. Islamic cultures, in particular, played a crucial role by learning to extract fragrances through steam distillation and introducing new raw materials. The Hungarians introduced the first modern perfume in the 14th century, blending scented oils with an alcohol solution, known as Hungary Water.

Today, the word "perfume" is commonly associated with fragrances marketed towards women, while "cologne" is often used for men's fragrances, particularly in American English. However, the distinction is not inherent to the products themselves, but rather a result of marketing and cultural influences. The terms "fragrance" or "scent" are more gender-neutral alternatives.

The difference between the two is the concentration of oil

The difference between perfume and cologne is the concentration of oil. Oils (essential oils, fragrance oils, or perfume oils) are 100% concentrated oil and are the most concentrated fragrances you can purchase. They typically last 8 or more hours on the skin. Prices can vary for reasons such as the rarity of the plant or the amount of plant needed to produce each ounce of oil.

Perfume (or parfum) is approximately 20-30% essential and/or fragrance oil. Perfumes generally last 6-8 hours on the skin and are often more expensive than other options.

Eau de parfum (EDP) is approximately 15-20% essential and/or fragrance oil. You can expect it to last 4-5 hours and cost less than a perfume.

Eau de toilette (EDT) is approximately 5-15% essential and/or fragrance oil. They typically only last about 2-3 hours on the skin but are a more inexpensive option.

Eau de cologne (EDC) is approximately 2-5% essential and/or fragrance oil. It often will not last more than 2 hours on the skin but can also be a more inexpensive option.

The higher the concentration of oil, the longer the scent will last. Therefore, cologne is a more diluted version of perfume and will not last as long.

Gender norms in perfumery are rooted in history, culture, fashion, and gender roles in society

Gender norms in perfumery are deeply rooted in history, culture, fashion, and societal gender roles. For centuries, specific fragrances have been prescribed to each gender, and these norms have been perpetuated and reinforced by the fragrance industry through marketing and societal expectations.

Historically, men were associated with robust and woody scents, while women were linked to floral and sweet fragrances. This stereotype has been prevalent in the fragrance industry, with perfumes being marketed and labelled as either masculine or feminine based solely on the aroma chemicals they contain. For example, florals are typically associated with women, while musks are considered masculine.

However, these gender norms in perfumery vary across different cultures. For instance, in the Middle East, men often wear fragrances containing Polo and Old Spice, and they appreciate the scent of roses. In Brazil, women tend to prefer fresher, greener fragrances instead of the fruity-floral types popular in North America. These cultural variations in fragrance preferences are influenced by factors such as access to ingredients, environmental factors, and historical significance.

The fragrance industry has played a significant role in shaping and reinforcing gender norms. Marketing campaigns contribute to the perpetuation of gender stereotypes by associating specific fragrances with particular gender identities. Additionally, societal expectations influence the reinforcement of these norms, as individuals are exposed to segregated fragrance/gender types from an early age, leading to the formation of gender-based scent associations.

Despite the traditional gender norms in perfumery, there have been efforts to break down these barriers and create more inclusive fragrances. Niche fragrance brands have emerged, offering juices in neutral cylindrical bottles, and some companies have introduced gender-free fragrances. These initiatives challenge the binary nature of fragrance gender norms and encourage individuals to embrace the entire scented spectrum, regardless of societal expectations and marketing influences.

How to apply cologne

While the terms "cologne" and "perfume" are often gendered, with "cologne" being associated with men and "perfume" with women, this is not always the case. The distinction is largely based on marketing and cultural norms rather than any inherent difference between the two products. In fact, the terms "cologne" and "perfume" refer to the concentration of fragrance oils in a product, with "cologne" having a lower concentration and "perfume" having a higher one.

Now, here is a guide on how to apply cologne effectively without overdoing it:

• Apply to clean skin: Start with a fresh, clean canvas so that no sweat, sebum, or other buildup interferes with the perfume oils. It is recommended to apply cologne immediately after showering directly onto dry skin.
• Target pulse points: Apply cologne to the "warmest" points on your body, such as your wrists, neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. These areas generate heat and help diffuse the scent throughout the day, allowing it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away: Holding the bottle 3-6 inches from your body will ensure that you don't over or under-apply the cologne. This distance allows for a focused application without causing skin irritation from too much alcohol.
• Start with a light application: It's better to start with a single spray on one area, such as the neck or forearms. You can always add more later if needed. Ask a friend or family member for their opinion, as you can become accustomed to the scent and may not accurately judge the intensity yourself.
• Re-apply if needed: Depending on the type of cologne and the occasion, you may need to re-apply. When doing so, dab a small amount onto your pulse points.
• Avoid common mistakes:
• Do not spray cologne on your clothing as it may damage certain fabrics and prevent the scent from mixing with your natural oils.
• Avoid splashing or rubbing the cologne on your skin, as this can lead to over-application and faster evaporation.
• Do not spray a mist cloud and walk through it, as most of the cologne will end up on the floor rather than your body.

Frequently asked questions