Where To Buy Cologne: Is Ulta The Best Place?

Ulta Beauty offers a wide range of men's colognes, from fresh and citrusy to earthy and musky. The store provides a convenient Fragrance Finder tool to help customers find their preferred scent, with options to filter by brand, fragrance family, and price. Ulta's cologne collection includes well-known brands such as Chanel, Dior, Armani, and Gucci, as well as emerging brands like Valentino and Lake & Skye. The store also offers travel-size colognes, making it easy to try new fragrances or maintain your signature scent while on the go. In addition to colognes, Ulta provides aftershaves, body washes, shower gels, and deodorants in matching scents to create a long-lasting impression.

Top colognes at Ulta

Ulta offers a wide range of colognes, from woody and robust scents to fresh, citrusy notes. Here are some of the top colognes that you can find at Ulta:

Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette

This cologne is described as sexy, exciting, and masculine. It features notes of bergamot, pepper, and amber wood, creating a fresh, clean, and warm fragrance. With excellent longevity, projection, and sillage, it is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum Spray

A classy and elegant fragrance, Chanel Bleu de Chanel combines warm woods and citrus for a perfect everyday scent. It has a crisp and sensual blend of citrus, amber, cedar, Tonka bean, vanilla, and sandalwood. While it doesn't last as long as some may like, it is a safe choice that you can buy without smelling first.

Ralph Lauren Ralph's Club Eau de Parfum

Housed in a sleek gunmetal and black bottle, this aromatic woody cologne stands out with its unique blend of lavandin, clary sage, Virginia cedarwood, and vetiver. It offers a comforting, sophisticated, and masculine scent with above-average longevity and an affordable price range of $65.00 to $149.00 for different sizes.

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau Intense Pour Homme Eau de Parfum

This cologne is a well-rounded, fresh, and joyful fragrance perfect for spring and summer. It combines notes of grapefruit, mandarin, pink pepper, sea salt, juniper, rosemary, musk, guaiac wood, and amber wood. While it is relatively inexpensive, it is a polarizing scent that you should try before buying.

Burberry Brit for Men Eau de Toilette

A warm, sensual, and cozy fragrance, Burberry Brit for Men has excellent projection and is sure to make a lasting impression. With notes of mandarin, bergamot, cardamom, orris, ginger, nutmeg, rose, and woods, it is a safe and sexy choice that will draw compliments. However, it can be overwhelming in enclosed spaces.

Pros and cons of shopping at Ulta for cologne

Ulta Beauty is a popular retailer that offers a wide range of colognes and other beauty products. Shopping at Ulta for cologne has several advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

• Wide variety: Ulta offers a large selection of colognes across various brands, including well-known names like Versace, Armani, Valentino, Chanel, Dior, and Gucci. This makes it easier for customers to find a scent that suits their unique personality and preferences.
• Convenience: Ulta has both physical stores and an online shop, providing customers with the option to browse and purchase colognes from the comfort of their homes or while out shopping.
• Sampling options: In Ulta stores, customers are generally free to browse and sample different colognes at their own pace. This allows for a more sensory shopping experience, as customers can spray the colognes on paper strips or their skin to get a better idea of the scent.
• Helpful staff: While Ulta employees are described as helpful and ready to assist, they also give customers space to explore without hovering too closely, which can be relieving for some shoppers.
• Additional products: Ulta offers more than just cologne; they provide a range of bath, shower, and grooming products that complement their fragrance selections. This includes body washes, shower gels, deodorants, and aftershaves, allowing customers to create a long-lasting, cohesive scent.
• Online tools: For those who prefer to shop online, Ulta offers interactive tools like the Fragrance Finder, which provides personalized product recommendations based on individual preferences.

Cons:

• Overpowering scents: Some colognes may be too strong or overpowering, especially in small spaces or warm weather. This can be a problem for both the wearer and those around them.
• Limited longevity: Some colognes offered at Ulta may not last as long as expected, requiring reapplication throughout the day.
• Cost: Certain colognes at Ulta can be expensive, with prices ranging from $65 to $160 for a single bottle. This may be a significant expense for some shoppers, especially if the cologne does not meet their expectations.
• Limited sampling: While Ulta offers sampling options, some customers may not be able to test the cologne on their skin before purchasing, as scent preferences can vary based on individual chemistry.
• Limited selection for specific preferences: While Ulta offers a wide variety of colognes, those with specific preferences, such as vanilla-based colognes, may find their options limited.

Tips for choosing the right cologne

Choosing the right cologne is a very personal journey. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect scent for yourself.

Understand the different types of fragrances

Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between the different types of fragrances available. These include:

• Eau Fraiche: The most diluted version of fragrance, usually with 1-3% perfume oil in alcohol and water. Typically lasts for less than an hour.
• Cologne (Eau de Cologne): Oldest term for perfume, used in North America for masculine scents. Light, fresh, and fruity, composed of 2-4% perfume oils in alcohol and water. Usually lasts for about 2 hours.
• Toilette (Eau de Toilette): A light spray composition with 5-15% pure perfume essence dissolved in alcohol. Usually lasts for about 3 hours.
• Perfume (Eau de Parfum): Historically genderless, used to describe both men’s and women’s products. Contains 15-20% pure perfume essence and lasts for about 5 to 8 hours.
• Parfum: The most concentrated and expensive of all fragrance options. Composed of 20-30% pure perfume essence. A single application can last up to 24 hours.

Understand the different types of notes

Fragrances are made up of different layers of scents, known as notes, which evaporate at different rates. These include:

• Top note: The initial, lighter smell of the fragrance that hits the nose immediately after application. Lasts from 15 minutes to 2 hours. Typical top notes include light floral scents, citrus, fruity scents, and spices such as cinnamon.
• Medium/heart note: The middle note showcases the main element of the fragrance. Develops after the top note and can last 3-5 hours. Includes heavier floral scents such as jasmine, green scents such as grass, and fruity scents.
• Base note: The last to develop, these are the bolder notes that become more noticeable later in the day. Typical base notes include sandalwood, moss, vetiver, vanilla, smoke, tobacco, and musk.

Sample the cologne

The best way to find the right cologne for you is to sample it. Department stores are great for this purpose. Spray one scent on each wrist (and each inner elbow if sampling four). Avoid smelling the colognes on the cards provided, as these only allow you to smell the top notes. Take your time and smell the fragrances at various intervals.

Choose a fragrance that suits the occasion

Different colognes are suited to different occasions. Woody, citrus, or aromatic colognes, for example, are well-suited to daily wear. Spicy or leather options are sultrier and better suited to evenings or date nights.

Choose a fragrance that suits your personality

Your choice of cologne should reflect your personality. If you are an energetic, athletic person, you may prefer a brighter, citrusy scent. If you are looking for a cozy, everyday scent, you may prefer something with woody or vanilla notes.

Consider the price

More expensive colognes are not necessarily better. The price of a cologne is often influenced by the brand and marketing rather than the quality of the ingredients.

Apply the cologne correctly

When applying cologne, start with one single spray on your chest. You can then add more sprays in different areas as you become more familiar with the scent. Apply the cologne to heat areas of the body, such as the neck, lower jaw, wrist, forearm, and inner elbow. Do not spray the cologne onto your clothes, as it will not mix with your natural body oils or react with your skin.

How to apply cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. Done properly, it can make you feel more attractive and confident. Done improperly, and you risk over-application or a scent that fades almost immediately. Here is a guide on how to apply cologne:

• Apply cologne immediately after showering, directly onto dry skin. Showering cleanses your body of any other scents and opens your pores, helping the scent absorb.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body. If you spray the bottle too closely, you risk over-applying. Any further, and you may under-apply.
• Apply cologne to warmer areas of the body, like pulse points, inner elbows, neck, chest, and forearms. 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, like the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. If your scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply. You can ask a friend or family member for their opinion, as you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often.
• 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.

There are some common mistakes to avoid when applying cologne:

• Do not spray the fragrance on your clothing. This prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, which gives it its unique quality. It can also prevent the scent from going through its scent stages, rendering it flat and monochrome. Additionally, spraying a fragrance directly on clothing can harm some fabrics.
• Do not splash the cologne on your skin. If using a fragrance without a spray nozzle, place one finger over the opening of the bottle and gently tip it upside down before dabbing the scent on your body.
• Do not spray a mist cloud and walk through it. This method renders the cologne almost useless, as most of it ends up on the floor.
• Do not rub the perfume onto the skin. Rubbing the cologne in actually makes the scent fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance. If you are not going to spray the fragrance, simply dab it on.
• Do not apply too much cologne. A man's fragrance should be a subtle enhancement to his image. Less is more when it comes to cologne—you do not want it to be overpowering.

Best cologne for different occasions

Ulta is a great place to start your search for cologne, with a wide range of fragrances to choose from. They offer colognes from well-known brands such as Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Dior, and Gucci, as well as emerging brands like Le Labo and Byredo. The reviews on their website can also be helpful in deciding which cologne to buy.

Now, let's get into the best colognes for different occasions.

Work and Everyday Wear

For the office or everyday wear, you'll want something subtle and light, with an aromatic undertone. Citrus scents are a great choice as they create a fresh and uplifting atmosphere. However, they don't last as long, so keep a travel-sized bottle handy for a midday touch-up.

Some recommendations include:

• Chanel Platinum Égoïste: A fresh, green fragrance with notes of lavender, rosemary, and sage.
• Ralph Lauren Ralph's Club Eau de Parfum: An aromatic woody cologne with notes of lavandin, clary sage, and vetiver.
• Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette: A fresh, clean, and masculine scent with notes of bergamot, pepper, and amber wood.
• Givenchy Gentleman: A modern classic that's woody and aromatic without being overpowering.

Special Occasions and Date Nights

For special occasions like weddings or date nights, you'll want a cologne that's a bit more bold and memorable. These fragrances should have good longevity and projection so they last throughout the event.

Some recommendations include:

• Chanel Bleu de Chanel: A classy, sensual fragrance with notes of citrus, amber, cedar, and tonka bean.
• Ralph Lauren Polo Black: A bold fusion of iced mango, lemon, and tangerine with woody notes.
• Dior Homme Eau de Toilette: A warm, woody, and comforting scent with a touch of sexiness, featuring notes of Atlas cedar, patchouli, and vetiver.
• Creed Aventus: A best-selling fragrance with crisp top notes of apple and bergamot, and heart notes of birch and patchouli.

Social Events and Nights Out

For social events and nights out, you can experiment with bolder and spicier fragrances. These occasions are a great opportunity to stand out and make a statement with your scent.

Some recommendations include:

• Paco Rabanne 1 Million Eau de Toilette: A spicy and cool fragrance with notes of blood mandarin, peppermint, cinnamon, and leather.
• Tom Ford Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum: A sophisticated scent with notes of leather, jasmine sambac, and cardamom.
• Versace Eros: A sexy and sensual fragrance with notes of vanilla, mint, lemon zest, and green apple.
• Gucci Guilty Pour Homme: A complex and woody aromatic cologne with notes of lavender, lemon, juniper, and musk.

Casual Weekends and Relaxing

For the weekends, you'll want something easy and relaxed. Reach for the classics or fresh and earthy fragrances that will make you feel good whether you're running errands or enjoying a walk in the park.

Some recommendations include:

• Tom Ford Oud Wood: A warm and cozy fragrance featuring the precious oud wood, combined with cardamom, sandalwood, and vetiver.
• Aesop Hwyl: A fresh and earthy scent that evokes a walk in the forest with notes of thyme, elemi, pink pepper, and cypress.
• Byredo Mojave Ghost: An unusual woody cologne with notes of sandalwood and violet, creating a soft, floral, and powdery scent.
• Le Labo Santal 33: A popular fragrance from Le Labo, known for its musky and fresh notes.

No matter the occasion, it's important to choose a cologne that suits your personality and the vibe you want to convey. Don't be afraid to experiment and try something new!

Frequently asked questions