The World Of Colognes: A Beginner's Guide

Colognes, or eau de colognes, are a type of fragrance with a low concentration of perfume oils, typically between 2% and 5%. They are often thought of as masculine scents, but feminine colognes also exist. Colognes usually come in large bottles and need to be applied regularly, as they only last for around two hours. They are also relatively inexpensive compared to other fragrances.

Cologne Concentration

The concentration of a cologne refers to the percentage of aromatic or essential oils in the fragrance. The higher the concentration of oils, the longer the scent will last on the skin. The concentration also affects the price of the cologne, with higher concentrations being more expensive.

There are several types of cologne concentrations, each with its own unique characteristics:

Cologne/Perfume Oil

This type of cologne has a concentration of 20% and above. It is a blend of pure aromatic oil with other "carrier" (non-aromatic) oils. It usually comes in a small vial with a roll-on applicator and is applied to the pulse points: wrists, neck, and behind the ears. Due to its high concentration, a little goes a long way, making it more expensive per ounce than a spray. The scent tends to stay very close to the skin, making it ideal for close encounters rather than for making an impact at a distance.

Solid Cologne

Solid cologne is made by mixing parfum with wax. It doesn't have an established percentage range of aromatic oil content, but it is typically similar to parfum or eau de parfum. It is applied to the pulse points and has a long-lasting scent that develops over time, in tune with the wearer's body chemistry. Solid colognes are compact, travel-friendly, and inexpensive.

Eau de Parfum (EDP)

Eau de Parfum has an essential oil concentration of 15-20% or 15-25%. It is one of the most popular fragrance concentrations and is known for its strong scent and performance. The higher concentration of oils makes it longer-lasting, typically around 6 to 8 hours, and more expensive than other types.

Eau de Toilette (EDT)

Eau de Toilette typically has an essential oil concentration of 5-15%. It is another popular choice, offering a balance between affordability and concentration. The scent tends to be less intense and may fade more quickly, making it suitable for those who want to smell nice in the morning but don't want the fragrance to be too overpowering throughout the day. EDT usually comes in larger bottles and is cheaper.

Eau de Cologne (EDC)

Eau de Cologne has a low concentration of essential oils, typically 2-4%. It is a light and refreshing scent that is ideal for warmer weather. Due to its low concentration, it is weaker, lighter, and less long-lasting, usually lasting up to 3 hours. EDC is often considered a masculine formula, but there are also feminine eau de colognes available. It is typically sold in large bottles and requires regular applications throughout the day.

Eau Fraiche

Eau Fraiche is the most diluted type of cologne, with an essential oil concentration of 1-3%. The main ingredient is water, giving it a fresh and subtle scent. It is perfect for those who want a delicate fragrance that is not too heavy. However, it only lasts for a couple of hours at best.

Cologne vs Perfume

Colognes are fragrances, and the term is often used interchangeably with perfume. However, there are differences between the two.

Perfumes are a combination of alcohol, water, and fragrance oils, applied to the body to create a pleasant fragrance. The type of perfume is determined by the ratio of water, oil, and alcohol in the mixture. The higher the concentration of oil, the stronger the scent and the longer it will last. Perfumes have a higher fragrance concentration than colognes, usually lasting around six to eight hours.

Colognes, or 'Eau de Cologne', are a lighter version of perfumes, with a lower concentration of oil (2-4%). The scent does not last as long, usually lingering for two to three hours. They often come in larger bottles as more of the fragrance needs to be applied, and they are cheaper than perfumes.

The terms 'perfume' and 'cologne' are often gendered, with 'perfume' typically being used for women's fragrances and 'cologne' for men's. However, this is a result of modern marketing, and men can wear perfume, and women can wear cologne. Fragrance is for everyone, and a person should wear whatever makes them feel confident.

There are other types of fragrances, too, including body sprays, deodorants, and antiperspirants, as well as different categories of perfumes and colognes, such as Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and Eau Fraiche, which vary in terms of fragrance concentration and strength.

Cologne History

The history of cologne can be traced back to the ancient Romans, who founded the city of Colonia Agrippina in the 1st century CE. It was established as a Roman colony on the left bank of the Rhine River and became the capital of the Roman province of Germania Inferior. During the Middle Ages, Cologne flourished as it was located on one of the most important trade routes between eastern and western Europe. It was a member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful trade union, and its merchants had extensive connections and varied trade. The city was also a significant ecclesiastical centre and a hub of art and learning, with prominent scholars such as Albertus Magnus, Thomas Aquinas, and John Duns Scotus teaching in its schools.

In the 18th century, Cologne became known for Eau de Cologne, a perfume created by Italian expatriate Johann Maria Farina. The city's medieval fortifications were replaced by ring roads in the 19th century, and Cologne continued to grow and prosper, becoming an important railway centre. However, World War II brought devastation, with 91 out of 150 churches destroyed and nearly all dwellings in the old town damaged.

Today, Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany and the largest city in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It remains an important cultural, economic, and transportation hub, known for its vibrant carnival celebrations and diverse industries, including insurance, media, and high technology.

Cologne Application

Colognes are a type of fragrance with a lower concentration of perfume oils, usually between 2% and 5%. They are often associated with men, but there are also feminine colognes available. Due to their lower concentration of perfume oils, colognes are cheaper and less likely to irritate sensitive skin. However, they don't last as long as other fragrances, and more of the product needs to be used.

Now that we know what colognes are, let's discuss how to apply them:

When applying cologne, it's important to remember that a little goes a long way. Start by applying a small amount to your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and chest. These areas emit heat, which helps to activate the fragrance and diffuse it into the air around you. You can also apply cologne to your hair or beard, as these areas can also hold scent well.

When applying cologne to your wrists, avoid rubbing your wrists together. This can break down the fragrance molecules and affect the scent. Instead, apply the cologne to one wrist and then gently tap your wrists together to transfer the scent.

It's best to apply cologne after showering, as the moisture will help the fragrance absorb into your skin. You can also apply moisturiser before your cologne to help it last longer. Just be sure that the moisturiser doesn't have a strong scent that could interfere with the cologne.

If you're applying cologne before putting on your clothes, be careful not to spray it directly onto your clothes as this can cause staining. Instead, spray the cologne onto your skin and then put on your clothes.

To ensure your cologne lasts throughout the day, you may need to reapply it periodically. Keep a small bottle with you so that you can reapply as needed.

When storing your cologne, keep it in a cool, dry place and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, as this can break down the fragrance.

Finally, remember that everyone's skin is different, and colognes may smell different on different people due to individual body chemistry. So, it's always a good idea to test a small amount on your skin before committing to a full bottle.

Cologne Scents

Colognes are a type of fragrance with a concentration of perfume oils that typically falls between 2% and 5%. They are often associated with men's grooming and are usually cheaper than other types of fragrances such as eau de parfum and parfum.

The term 'cologne' comes from a traditional recipe that used herb and citrus notes with little anchoring with base notes. Colognes are also known as 'EDC' and typically have a high alcohol content. They are designed to be used generously and are usually sold in larger bottles.

The scent of a cologne will generally last for up to two hours, making it ideal for daywear.

Some popular cologne fragrances include aquatic, smoky, soapy, floral, fruity, and woody scents.

Frequently asked questions