Personal Fragrance Spending: Is Cologne A Luxury Or Necessity?

Cologne is a type of perfume with a fragrance concentration of 2-4% perfume oil. It is one of the lightest and most affordable fragrances, lasting around two hours. Cologne is typically applied directly to the skin, with the neck, chest, and pulse points being popular areas of application. When choosing a cologne, it is important to consider factors such as longevity, scent preference, and budget.

How to apply cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. Done properly, it can boost your confidence and make you feel more attractive. Done incorrectly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades too quickly. Here is a guide on how to apply cologne correctly.

Preparation

Before applying cologne, it is important to shower, as this will cleanse your body of any other scents and open your pores, helping the scent absorb. Make sure your skin is completely dry before applying cologne.

Application

Hold the spray bottle 3–6 inches from your body and apply a light amount of cologne to heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. The heat will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

It is generally recommended to spray cologne directly onto your skin rather than your clothes. This is because fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin, enhancing and prolonging the scent. Applying cologne to your clothing can also cause staining or discolouration. However, if you prefer to apply cologne to your clothing, it is best to spray a small area such as the collar or cuff.

Amount

The key to applying cologne is to start with a light application and build up if needed. You should only need one or two sprays, and you want the cologne to complement your own scent, not drown it out. A cologne should be discovered, not announced.

Common Mistakes

There are several common mistakes to avoid when applying cologne:

• Spraying the fragrance on your clothing
• Splashing the cologne on your skin
• Spraying a mist cloud and walking through it
• Rubbing the cologne into your skin
• Applying too much cologne

How to test your cologne

Testing cologne is an important step in the process of buying a new fragrance. It ensures that you know how the cologne will react with your skin's natural chemistry. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to test cologne:

Start with Blotters:

Use paper blotters (the strips of absorbent, porous paper found near fragrance display bottles) as the first step in testing a new cologne. Spray the blotter with two or three quick sprays in a downward motion, creating a cloud of fragrance. Pass the blotter through the cloud and let it absorb the scent. Wave the scented blotter under your nose, being careful not to touch it, and inhale.

Try on Skin:

After testing a few fragrances on blotters, choose one to test on your skin. Spray the cologne on your wrist or the back of your hand with two spritzes in a downward motion. Drop your hand to your side and wait for at least 30 seconds to let the scent settle on your skin. Once it has dried slightly, bring your hand up and inhale the scent without touching your nose to your skin.

Take Your Time:

Your perception of a fragrance can change over time as it interacts with your body's natural chemistry. After testing a cologne on your skin, wait 15-30 minutes and then smell your wrist or hand again to see how the fragrance has developed. You may also want to test fragrances earlier in the day, as our sense of smell is usually sharpest in the morning.

Mind Your Senses:

When testing fragrances, it is easy to overload your sense of smell. To avoid this, avoid wearing other fragrances, and limit yourself to testing no more than three scents on blotters in one day. Use olfactory palate cleansers, such as coffee beans, to reset your nasal receptors between fragrances.

By following these steps, you can effectively test colognes and find one that suits your personal preferences and reacts well with your body chemistry.

How to make your cologne last

Application

• Apply after a shower: The best time to apply cologne is after a shower, as the remaining moisture on your skin helps the scent to latch on.
• Moisturise beforehand: Applying lotion or moisturiser prevents dryness and provides a smoother base for the fragrance to adhere to.
• Apply to pulse points: Spray cologne on your wrists, neck, inside of elbows, calves, ankles, and behind the knees. These areas are warmer and help the scent to remain strong and develop fully.
• Apply to the top of your ears: The oilier your skin, the better it will hold fragrance.
• Dab, don't rub: Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this can cause the top notes to fade faster, resulting in a less potent scent.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body: Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, and any further than 6 inches will likely result in under-applying.
• Start with a light application: Choose one area to spray, such as the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. If the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply.
• Layer with similar or matching products: Using complementary products will remove competing scents, allowing your cologne to stand out.
• Avoid spraying on clothes: Spraying cologne directly onto your clothes can damage the garment and cause the scent to dissipate quickly due to airflow.
• Avoid over-applying: Simply spraying more cologne will not make the smell last longer and may cause people to dislike your scent.
• Avoid the "spray and walk" method: Spraying cologne into the air and walking into it wastes product and causes the scent to evaporate quickly.

Storage

• Keep it away from the bathroom: Store your cologne in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures or humidity.
• Keep it in its original box: Light exposure can cause fragrances to deteriorate over time.

Other Tips

• Reapply if needed: Depending on the type of cologne, you may need to reapply, especially if you are going out in the evening.
• Spray your comb or brush: Lightly spray a small amount of cologne onto your brush or comb before styling your hair.

How to choose the right cologne

Choosing the right cologne is an important part of a man's personal style. It can make you feel more attractive and confident. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to choose the right cologne:

Understand the Different Types of Colognes

Firstly, it is important to understand the different types of colognes available in the market. The six primary types of colognes are Parfum, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne, Eau Fraiche, and Perfume Oil. Each type varies in terms of fragrance concentration and optimal uses. Parfum, for example, has the highest concentration of essential oils, ranging from 25-30%, and can last up to 10-12+ hours. On the other hand, Eau de Cologne has a lower concentration of 2-4% and may only last for a couple of hours. Understanding these distinctions will help you select a cologne that suits your style, budget, and the occasions you plan to wear it.

Understand How the Notes Work

Cologne notes make up the overall scent of a cologne and can be thought of as its "lifecycle" after application. There are typically three types of notes: top notes, middle notes (or heart notes), and base notes. Top notes are the initial scents you smell after spraying a cologne, and they tend to be lighter and fresher, lasting from 10 minutes to 2 hours. Middle notes form the core of the cologne and can last from 3 to 5 hours. Base notes are the boldest and longest-lasting, developing as the day progresses and lasting up to 5 to 10 hours. Understanding how these notes work together will help you make an informed decision when choosing a cologne.

Know Which Scents are Best for Each Season

Choosing a cologne that aligns with the season is a great way to narrow down your options. Certain colognes work well year-round, such as floral scents for summer and spring. However, you may want to consider having a signature scent for each season. For summer, opt for light and fresh scents like florals, greens, citrus, or grass. In winter, choose warmer and spicier scents like sandalwood, patchouli, amber, or oakmoss.

Consider Your Environment

In addition to the changing seasons, your environment and the occasions you'll be wearing the cologne should also be considered. For the office or a professional setting, opt for lighter and more subtle notes like citrus or greens. For a night out, you can be more flexible and experiment with stronger scents.

Sample Different Colognes

Don't be afraid to try out different colognes before making a purchase. Many stores offer small samplers or subscription services that allow you to test out various colognes. Sampling colognes will help you discover which scent notes you prefer and make an informed decision about which cologne is right for you.

Avoid Harmful Ingredients

When choosing a cologne, it is important to be mindful of the ingredients used. Unfortunately, there is little to no regulation of the ingredients in fragrances, and many colognes contain harmful substances such as parabens, glycols, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic dyes. Opt for natural or organic colognes that are free from these potentially harmful ingredients to avoid skin irritation and adverse side effects.

How to buy the right cologne

Cologne is a powerful tool that can increase your attractiveness and confidence. It is an invisible part of your personal style that can have a profound effect on how people see and remember you. However, with so many options available, choosing the right cologne can be challenging. Here is a guide to help you navigate the world of cologne and select the perfect scent for yourself:

Understand the Different Types of Colognes

Firstly, it is essential to understand the different types of colognes available. The six primary types are Parfum, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne, Eau Fraiche, and Perfume Oil. Each type varies in terms of fragrance concentration, longevity, and price. For example, Parfum has the highest concentration of fragrance oil (25-30%) and offers the longest-lasting scent, typically lasting 10-12+ hours. On the other hand, Eau de Cologne has a lower concentration (2-4%) and only lasts for a couple of hours, making it a light and invigorating option. Knowing these distinctions will help you select a cologne that suits your needs and preferences.

Know the Fragrance Families and Notes

Familiarize yourself with the fragrance wheel developed by Michael Edwards, which categorizes scents into broad families such as "Woody," "Floral," "Green," "Aquatic," and "Aromatic." Understanding these categories will help you narrow down your options and find scents that align with your tastes. Additionally, learn about fragrance notes, which are the individual elements that comprise the final fragrance. Notes can include sandalwood, musk, bergamot, rose, moss, patchouli, and more. Fragrances are composed of top notes (initial impression, evaporates first), middle/heart notes (bulk of the fragrance, lasts the longest), and base notes (anchor the fragrance, provide depth and longevity).

Consider Concentration Levels and Longevity

When choosing a cologne, consider how long you want the scent to last. This is determined by the concentration of perfume oils in the cologne. If you prefer something light and subtle, opt for an Eau Fraiche or Eau de Cologne, which have lower concentrations and last for a shorter duration. For a longer-lasting scent, choose an Eau de Parfum or Parfum, which have higher concentrations and can last for several hours.

Sample and Test Different Colognes

Don't be afraid to sample and test different colognes before making a purchase. Department stores are great for this purpose, as they offer a wide variety of options. Spray one scent on each wrist and inner elbow (up to four scents at a time) and walk around the store to see how the fragrances develop over time. Take notes on your phone about which scents you like and why. It's important to try a cologne on your skin rather than relying on paper testers, as fragrances react differently with each person's unique body chemistry.

Choose a Signature Scent

Start by selecting a signature scent—a fragrance that you wear most often and that people associate with you. This scent should be something that makes you feel confident and suits your personality. Once you've found your signature scent, you can begin to build a portfolio of additional fragrances for different occasions and seasons.

Apply Cologne Properly

When applying cologne, less is more. Start with a light application and reapply if needed. Spray the cologne on your skin, preferably after a shower, holding the bottle 3-6 inches away. Apply it to heated areas of your body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. The heat from these areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day. Avoid spraying cologne on your clothes, as it may stain or damage them.

Understand the Economics of Perfumes

The price of a cologne is not always indicative of its quality. While more expensive colognes may contain higher-quality ingredients, the cost is often influenced by marketing and brand image. Major brands create perfumes that are part science and part marketing, aiming for a familiar feel across their products. Additionally, the amount of perfume oil concentrate in a fragrance also drives the price.

Explore Niche Fragrances

In addition to designer fragrances, consider exploring niche fragrances. These are created by industry artists using more expensive or higher-quality ingredients and are aimed at a selective audience seeking unique and bold scents. Niche fragrances tend to be more expensive, but they offer a distinctive and artistic olfactory experience.

Frequently asked questions