Cologne And Confidence: Try-Hard Or Just Hard?

The term tryhard is used as an insult to describe someone who values winning over enjoyment when playing a game or participating in an activity. In the context of wearing cologne, the term tryhard may be used to describe someone who is trying too hard to impress others by wearing too much cologne or a particular type of cologne. On the other hand, some people may use the term tryhard as an excuse for their own lack of success or as a way to discredit those who are more skilled or knowledgeable than them. Ultimately, the perception of whether wearing cologne makes someone a tryhard depends on individual perspectives and the specific context in which the term is used.

How to apply cologne correctly

Choosing a Cologne

Before you can master how to apply cologne, you must first select the right one. The fragrance you choose will depend on your personality and mood, the occasion, and the impression you want to make.

When testing out new colognes, it's important to spray correctly. Avoid pumping the cologne directly at the paper blotter, as this will result in an unpleasant, strong, alcohol-fuelled scent. Instead, spritz a couple of pumps into the air and then wave the blotter into the dissipating fragrance.

If you know the type of aroma you enjoy (e.g. woodsy, oriental, spicy, citrusy), you can often determine which fragrances you'll like by looking at the colours. For example, blue or frosty white bottles tend to indicate cool and fresh scents, whereas black or dark brown bottles will be leathery or musky.

When testing colognes on your skin, it's a good idea to use coffee beans to eliminate strong fragrances and help you distinguish between scents.

Where to Apply Cologne

The best places to apply cologne are the pulse points or warmest areas of the body. These include the wrists, neck, chest, shoulders, and inner elbows. These areas project the scent more efficiently, meaning less fragrance is required.

How to Apply Cologne

Apply cologne to clean, dry skin straight after a shower. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin when spraying. Two to four squirts are usually enough. Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin after application.

If you're using a cologne without a spray nozzle, remove the cap and gently tip the bottle to apply to your pulse points. Avoid patting or applying with your fingers, as this will affect how the scent projects.

How Much Cologne to Use

Remember, subtlety is key. People beyond an arm's length away shouldn't be able to detect your cologne. If you've applied it correctly, they will get a subtle whiff and will want to get closer to smell it better.

Storing Your Cologne

Where you keep your cologne can impact the smell and longevity of the scent. Avoid leaving your cologne in an area exposed to rapid changes in temperature or direct sunlight, as this will cause the fragrance to break down faster. Instead, store your cologne in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as your bedroom closet.

Cologne as a turn-on

Wearing cologne is a great way to enhance your natural scent and can be a real turn-on for potential partners. However, it's important to remember that cologne should be discovered and not announced, meaning it should be subtle and not overpowering. Here are some tips to make sure your cologne is a turn-on:

Choose the Right Cologne

The first step is to choose a cologne that suits your taste and body chemistry. Body chemistry plays a crucial role in how a particular cologne will smell on you. What smells good on someone else may not smell the same on you. It's a good idea to test out different scents before settling on one. You can ask for samples at fragrance counters or buy small bottles to experiment with.

Apply Cologne Properly

Once you've found the perfect cologne, it's essential to apply it correctly. Avoid spraying it directly onto your skin or clothes. Instead, hold the bottle a few inches away and spritz it onto your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and chest. These areas are warmer and will help the fragrance evolve throughout the day. You can also apply a small amount behind your ears and on the backs of your knees and ankles if you want the scent to waft up subtly. Remember, less is more when it comes to cologne application.

Consider the Occasion

While you may love your cologne, it's important to be mindful of others and their potential sensitivity to strong scents. Avoid wearing cologne to places with scent-free policies or small, enclosed spaces like airplanes. You can also adjust the amount you apply depending on the occasion. For example, you might wear a lighter amount during the day and a more generous amount for a night out.

Maintain Good Hygiene

Cologne should enhance your natural scent, not mask it. Make sure to maintain good hygiene by showering regularly, using deodorant, and wearing clean clothes. This will ensure that your cologne mixes with your natural pheromones and creates an attractive, signature scent.

Get Feedback

If you're unsure about your cologne application, don't be afraid to ask for feedback. Ask a trusted friend or partner if they can smell your cologne and if it's too strong or just right. They can help you find the perfect balance and ensure that your cologne is always a turn-on, never a turn-off.

The amount of cologne to wear

When it comes to cologne, the general consensus is that less is more. Wearing too much cologne can be overpowering and off-putting to those around you. The key is to apply just enough so that people need to be close to you to smell it. This is often referred to as the "scent circle" or "sillage". As one Redditor puts it, "Cologne should be discovered, not announced".

So, how much is too much? As a general rule, you should only need a few sprays of cologne to last you throughout the day. The number of sprays will depend on the strength of the cologne, but as a rough guide, two to four sprays should be enough. Be sure to spray from a distance of at least a few inches away from your skin, and don't spray directly onto your clothes as this is a big no-no. Instead, focus on your pulse points - the warmer areas of your body where your heartbeat is felt more easily, such as your wrists, neck, and chest. You can also try the crooks of your elbows, the base of your throat, and behind your ears.

If you're still unsure, don't be afraid to ask someone else for their opinion. It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to cologne!

Natural body odour vs cologne

Natural body odour and cologne are two very different things, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. While cologne can be used to enhance one's natural scent, it is important to remember that personal hygiene is crucial. Even the most expensive cologne cannot disguise poor hygiene.

Natural Body Odour

Natural body odour is influenced by a combination of factors, including genetics, diet, and personal hygiene practices. When an individual sweats, the moisture mixes with the natural bacteria on their skin, resulting in a distinct smell. This scent can either complement or clash with the cologne they are wearing. Additionally, certain compounds in body odour, such as androstenone and androstenol, can interact with cologne ingredients, either enhancing or masking the cologne's scent.

Some people believe that natural body odour, including pheromones, can convey information about an individual's diet, hormones, emotional state, and health. However, in modern society, not maintaining proper hygiene and having a noticeable body odour is often frowned upon and considered a sign of mental health issues. Therefore, most people opt for regular showering and the use of deodorant or antiperspirant to control sweat and odour.

Cologne

Colognes, on the other hand, offer a wide range of fragrance families, including floral, oriental, woody, fresh, and citrus scents. When choosing a cologne, it is essential to consider your body chemistry and how the cologne will interact with your natural body odour. Testing colognes on the skin, rather than relying solely on scent strips or bottles, is the best way to determine if a cologne suits you.

Additionally, the occasion and season should be taken into account when selecting a cologne. Lighter, fresher colognes are typically more suitable for warm weather, while deeper, richer colognes are ideal for colder months or formal events. Seeking expert advice, experimenting with different fragrances, and paying attention to compliments received can also help in finding the perfect cologne that complements one's natural body odour.

In conclusion, while natural body odour provides insights into an individual's biology and health, societal norms often dictate the need for maintaining proper hygiene and managing body odour. Cologne, when chosen correctly, can enhance one's natural scent, creating a unique and enjoyable olfactory experience. However, it should not be relied upon solely to disguise poor hygiene practices.

The different types of cologne

There are six primary types of cologne, each with different fragrance concentrations and uses: Parfum, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne, Eau Fraiche, and Perfume Oil.

Parfum

Parfum has the highest concentration of fragrance oils, typically containing 25-30% fragrance oil. This makes it the most expensive type of cologne. Parfum is long-lasting and can be worn for up to 10-12 hours or more. Due to its high concentration, a little goes a long way, so despite the higher price, it can offer good value for money.

Eau de Parfum (EDP)

Eau de Parfum typically contains 15-20% fragrance oil. It is a popular choice as it balances potency and longevity with wearability and price. EDPs are suitable for winter wear as they have greater projection and last longer than lighter fragrances. They typically last for 6-10 hours.

Eau de Toilette (EDT)

Eau de Toilette is a versatile and popular choice, containing 5-15% perfume extract. EDTs are more affordable and are often favoured by women due to their light and fresh finish. They are ideal for summer as the higher temperatures can intensify the cologne's notes. EDTs typically last for 2-4 hours.

Eau de Cologne (EDC)

Eau de Cologne is a light and invigorating option with a low fragrance concentration of 2-4%. It is suitable for those who want to smell clean and natural. EDCs are usually water-based, making them kind to sensitive or dry skin. However, they need to be topped up regularly and typically last for 2 hours or less.

Eau Fraiche

Eau Fraiche is one of the rarest types of cologne, with a very low fragrance concentration of around 1-3%. It is perfect for those who want a subtle and delicate fragrance without an overpowering scent. Eau Fraiche typically lasts for only 1-2 hours.

Perfume Oils

Perfume oils are alcohol-free and made from various fragrant essential oils diluted with carrier oils such as olive, coconut, jojoba, argan, or sweet almond oil. They are ideal for those with sensitive skin. The concentration of fragrance oils in perfume oils can vary, but typically they contain up to 20% fragrance oil. Perfume oils offer good value for money and are a low-risk option for those wanting to switch up their scent. They typically last for up to 4-6 hours.

Frequently asked questions