Colognes And Friendships: Scented Boundaries

There are many reasons why a person may choose to wear cologne. Some people are drawn to the scent of cologne, finding it mysterious and sexy. Others may enjoy the feeling of rebellion that comes with wearing a scent typically associated with the opposite gender. Sharing cologne with a friend or partner can be a nice way to feel connected to them, especially if you haven't seen them in a while. Additionally, some people may find that cologne has a longer-lasting scent and is less likely to cause headaches or nausea compared to perfume.

Gifting cologne to a female friend

If you're looking to avoid any romantic connotations, you might want to consider a fresher and less heavy fragrance. Unisex fragrances that are clean and border on complete neutrality might be a good option. Mugler Cologne or CK One, for example, are sporty and youthful but still subtle. Knowing your friend's detailed fragrance tastes and being outspoken about your platonic relationship can also help avoid any misunderstandings.

Alternatively, you could consider giving a scented candle instead of cologne. This option may be better if you're unsure about your friend's preferences or if you want to avoid any potential romantic implications. Another idea is to give a gift card to a fragrance store so that your friend can choose their own scent.

At the end of the day, it depends on the nature of your friendship and how well you know each other. If you have any doubts, it might be better to choose a different gift altogether.

Wearing men's cologne as a woman

Uniqueness and Intrigue

Wearing a men's cologne can make you stand out and add an air of mystery. People will wonder what you're wearing, and you'll get compliments for smelling so good without it being immediately obvious why. It's an unexpected choice that can make you feel like a rebel, even if you don't consider yourself a tomboy.

Clean and Fresh

Many women find men's colognes to be cleaner and fresher than typical women's fragrances. These colognes often have notes like vetiver, lemon, and nutmeg, giving them a just-out-of-the-shower scent. They also tend to be less heavy and suffocating, avoiding the headache-inducing intensity of some feminine fragrances.

Versatility and Longevity

The fragrances are often perfect for any season and can be layered to create your own unique scent. They also tend to last longer, sticking to your clothes and skin for an enduring aroma.

Confidence and Power

Wearing a men's cologne can boost your confidence and make you feel more powerful. The subtle yet lingering scent can give you an extra sense of assurance when interacting with others or taking on new challenges.

Attraction

Believe it or not, wearing a men's cologne can even help attract potential mates. When someone smells something they like, they associate it with positive feelings. So, wearing a men's cologne can be an effective way to make a good impression and draw people towards you.

Breaking Gender Norms

The division between "women's" and "men's" fragrances is often just marketing. In reality, fragrances are more about how they interact with your skin chemistry than any inherent gender. Wearing a men's cologne challenges these arbitrary divisions and allows you to embrace scents that simply smell good to you.

Sharing cologne with a female friend

If you are thinking of sharing cologne with a female friend, it is important to consider your relationship and whether there could be any misinterpretations of your gesture. While one person may view it as a simple gift, the other may assume romantic interest. Being clear about your intentions and choosing a fragrance that is fresh, clean, and inoffensive can help to avoid any potential confusion.

Additionally, it is worth noting that some people may have different reactions to certain fragrances. While some floral fragrances can be too intense and heady, causing headaches, unisex or masculine fragrances tend to be cleaner and less likely to evoke such reactions.

Ultimately, if you and your female friend want to share cologne, go for it! Fragrance is a personal choice, and if you both enjoy the same scent, there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to share and enjoy it together, regardless of any gender labels on the bottle.

Unisex fragrances

When it comes to fragrances, the lines between what is considered masculine and feminine are often blurred. Unisex fragrances are versatile and can be a great way to experiment with different scents.

There are many reasons why someone might opt for a unisex fragrance. Firstly, they are often cleaner and fresher, giving the wearer a feeling of being fresh out of the shower. Secondly, they can be delightfully unexpected and evoke a sense of mystery. Wearing a scent that is typically associated with the opposite gender can be seen as rebellious and unique. Unisex fragrances also tend to have a longer-lasting effect and are perfect for layering to create a signature scent. They are also more versatile, working well in any season.

Some popular unisex fragrances include those from the Replica line by Maison Margiela, such as "By the Fireplace" and "Lazy Sunday Morning." Jo Malone's "Lime, Basil & Mandarin" is another well-known unisex scent, offering a warm and citrusy aroma. For those who enjoy sandalwood, "Moonmilk" by Stora Skuggan is a great option, providing a unisex fragrance with a slightly masculine edge. If you're looking for something more affordable, "Wood Sage and Sea Salt" by Jo Malone offers a similar scent at a lower price point.

Ultimately, the choice of fragrance is a personal one, and there is no reason why someone shouldn't wear a scent typically associated with the opposite gender. Fragrances are often arbitrarily assigned a gender, but this doesn't mean we have to abide by those labels. So, whether you're a man or a woman, don't be afraid to experiment with different scents and find what works for you.

Layering fragrances

Base Layers

Fragrance gift sets often come with scented body washes or shower gels, which can be used as a base layer. Alternatively, you can use scented body oils, moisturisers, or skincare products as your base.

Prepping Skin

Moisturising your skin before applying fragrances helps them stick and ensures that the scent lasts throughout the day.

Strengths

When layering fragrances, it is important to consider the power and concentration of the perfumes or colognes. Combining different strengths will ensure that no scent is overpowering. Finding the right balance may require some experimentation.

Application

When applying fragrances, concentrate the sprays on areas where you can feel your pulse, such as your wrists, behind the ears, and the inside of your elbows. These areas emit the most heat, allowing for better scent diffusion.

Choosing Fragrances

When choosing fragrances to layer, select scents that you are attracted to and comfortable with. Then, find complementary fragrances to blend and create your unique combination. Remember, there is no right or wrong when it comes to fragrance layering, so feel free to experiment!

• Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Incenso + Ostens Impression Rose Oil: The delicate rose scent of Ostens Impression Rose Oil pairs well with the dark, smoky incense from Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Incenso.
• Guerlain Spiritueuse Double Vanille + Guerlain Rose Cherie: Guerlain Rose Cherie is a skin scent that, when layered with Double Vanille, creates a perfect sweet fragrance.
• Carolina Herrera Gold Myrrh Absolute + Sunspel Neroli Sun: The heavy and sweet notes of Carolina Herrera Gold Myrrh Absolute are balanced out by the bright, orangey scent of Sunspel Neroli Sun.

The Science Behind Fragrance Combinations

Fragrances are typically categorised into four types: Flora, Oriental, Woody, and Fresh. These categories can be further divided into subcategories and plotted onto scent wheels, which can be used as a guide for layering fragrances. Using scent wheels can help you blend fragrances based on their chemical compositions.

Frequently asked questions