The term cologne is derived from the French Eau de Cologne, meaning water from Cologne, a city in Germany. However, the iconic scent was originally created in the late 1600s by an Italian apothecary named Giovanni Paolo Feminis, who had moved to Cologne. In contemporary American English, cologne has become a generic term for perfumes marketed toward men. The concentration of a cologne is usually quite weak, with a typical concentration of 2-5% essential oils.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Place of origin | Cologne, Germany |
Original creator | Giovanni Maria Farina (1685-1766) |
Year of creation | 1709 |
Original purpose | Medicine |
Original name | Aqua Mirabilis |
Original price | Half the annual salary of a civil servant |
Typical concentration | 2-5% |
Typical ingredients | Citrus oils, lavender, rosemary, thyme, oregano, tobacco, alcohol, water |
Modern usage | Generic term for perfumes marketed toward men |
What You'll Learn
- 'Cologne' is a generic term for masculine scents in North America
- The original Eau de Cologne was created by Giovanni Maria Farina in 1709
- The term 'cologne' can be applied to perfume for men or women
- In contemporary American English, 'cologne' typically refers to perfumes marketed towards men
- The best way to apply cologne is to target pulse points on the body
'Cologne' is a generic term for masculine scents in North America
The term "cologne" is used as a generic term for masculine scents in North America. While the origins of the fragrance lie in Germany, with the original Eau de Cologne being created in the city of Cologne, the term has evolved to encompass a wider range of scented formulations.
In contemporary American English usage, "cologne" has become synonymous with perfumes marketed towards men. This association is largely a result of advertising strategies that aimed to differentiate men's fragrances from hygiene products, which held feminine connotations. By using the term "cologne," American men could purchase perfume without feeling self-conscious about the perceived femininity of the product.
It is important to note that the distinction between cologne and perfume is not inherent to the fragrances themselves, but rather a construct of gendered marketing. The concentration of fragrance oils and the strength of the scent can vary across colognes and perfumes, and some fragrances are even marketed as unisex.
The cologne category includes a range of scents, from woody and aromatic to citrus and spicy options. These fragrances are designed to enhance one's personality and create a memorable impression on those around them. When choosing a cologne, it is essential to consider the context in which it will be worn and select a scent that aligns with one's preferences and complements their body chemistry.
While the term "cologne" may be predominantly associated with men's fragrances in North America, it is worth acknowledging that fragrance preferences are deeply personal and subjective. Scents that are considered masculine or feminine can vary across individuals, and the most important factor is finding a scent that suits one's unique taste and chemistry.
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The original Eau de Cologne was created by Giovanni Maria Farina in 1709
Farina's subtle fragrance became rapidly famous worldwide and was an indispensable accessory at all royal courts in the 18th century. The perfume was originally intended as a medicine, known as Aqua Mirabilis, or "amazing, wonderful and admirable water" in Latin, and was renowned for its soothing and healing qualities.
Farina chose to name his perfume after his new hometown, to honour the city of Cologne, and also because, at the time, there were very strict laws regarding foreign settlers. Farina was granted citizenship, and his creation of a sensation at the time contributed to Cologne's global fame.
The original Eau de Cologne is a spirit-citrus perfume with a delicate fragrance that reveals the finest citrus notes. The first whiff provides refreshing bergamot, followed by tender jasmine and violet, smoothed down by warm sandalwood and olibanum. It is elegant and never obtrusive, a timeless perfume for both men and women.
Today, the eighth generation of the Farina family still produces the original Eau de Cologne, and the formula remains a secret.
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The term 'cologne' can be applied to perfume for men or women
The term "cologne" is derived from the French "Eau de Cologne", which means "water from Cologne", a city in Germany. The iconic citrus and herby scent was originally created in the late 1600s by an Italian apothecary named Giovanni Paolo Feminis, who had moved to Cologne. It was intended to be a medicine, known for its soothing and healing qualities, rather than a perfume.
In contemporary American English, "cologne" has become a generic term for perfumes marketed towards men. However, the term can be applied to perfume for both men and women. In fact, the original Eau de Cologne was delivered to "nearly all royal houses in Europe", suggesting that it was not gendered at the time.
In modern times, more and more women are wearing men's fragrances and enjoying it. Some sources suggest that wearing a men's fragrance can make a woman feel more confident and powerful. It can also be an exciting and empowering experience, allowing women to express their individuality and stand out from the crowd. Additionally, some women may be attracted to men's cologne due to its unique scent, which can blend woods, spices, and sweet florals to create an aroma that is both masculine and feminine.
While some may argue that wearing a traditionally men's cologne as a woman may be strange, many women who wear men's cologne report receiving compliments from others. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what makes one feel happy. As one source states, "fragrance has no gender. Marketing is."
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In contemporary American English, 'cologne' typically refers to perfumes marketed towards men
The term "cologne" has a rich history that dates back to the late 1600s. It was originally created by an Italian apothecary named Giovanni Paolo Feminis, who later moved to Cologne, Germany, the city that inspired the name of this fragrance. While it was initially intended as a medicine, it evolved into a perfume with a unique citrus and herbal scent.
Over time, the term "cologne" has taken on different meanings and usages. In contemporary American English, it has become a generic term for perfumes marketed towards men. This usage is largely influenced by gendered marketing tactics, which associate certain fragrances with masculinity or femininity. However, it's important to note that the same fragrance can be worn by people of any gender, and some fragrances are even designed to be unisex.
The distinction between "cologne" and "perfume" is not just about marketing. There are also differences in concentration and affordability. "Cologne" often refers to a less concentrated and more affordable version of a popular perfume. This is because colognes typically have a lower concentration of fragrance oils, usually ranging from 2-5%, while perfumes have a higher concentration, resulting in a stronger and longer-lasting scent.
While the usage of "cologne" to refer to men's fragrances is prevalent in American English, it is not universal. In other cultures and languages, such as in British English, the term "aftershave" is more commonly used for fragrances marketed towards men. Additionally, in the fragrance industry and among enthusiasts, the terms "cologne" and "perfume" may be used to describe the concentration of fragrance oils rather than gender.
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The best way to apply cologne is to target pulse points on the body
The term "cologne" typically refers to a perfume marketed toward men, although it can be unisex. The best way to apply cologne is to target pulse points on the body. Pulse points are areas where your heart pulse can be felt, and they include the neck, armpits, knees, wrists, and behind the ears. These areas of the body allow for the most even distribution of scent because the skin there is warmer. When applying cologne, hold the bottle three to six inches away from the skin and spritz or lightly dab the cologne onto the pulse point. Do not rub your wrists together after applying cologne, as this can alter the chemistry of the fragrance.
The amount of cologne applied depends on its concentration and fragrance power. For example, Eau de Parfum (EDP) is typically a concentration of 15-20% and has a shelf life of up to six hours after application. In contrast, Eau de Cologne (EDC) has a concentration of 3-8% and a weaker fragrance. For EDPs, one or two spritzes are usually enough, while EDCs may require a few more spritzes. It is important to remember that less is more when it comes to cologne, as too much can be overpowering.
The best time to apply cologne is after a shower when the pores are open, allowing the formula to sink into the skin and last longer. It is also important to apply cologne to clean, dry skin and not to clothing, as the oils in the cologne can damage fabrics. Additionally, cologne should not be used to mask body odour, as this will only make the smell worse. It is recommended to have a few different colognes for different seasons and occasions, such as one for spring/summer and another for winter/fall, as well as one for office/formal settings and another for going out.
The original Eau de Cologne was created in the city of Cologne in 1709 by Giovanni Maria Farina, an Italian perfume maker. It was a spirit-citrus perfume containing oils of lemon, orange, tangerine, and other citrus fruits, and it was used only as a perfume, delivered to royal houses in Europe. Today, Eau de Cologne has become a generic term for scented formulations with a concentration of 2-5% or more, depending on the type of essential oils or blend of extracts, alcohol, and water used.
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Frequently asked questions
Cologne is a weaker category of fragrance with a lower concentration of oils, typically 2-5%. Perfume is more concentrated and longer-lasting, with an oil concentration of 15-20%.
The iconic scent was created in the late 1600s by Italian apothecary Giovanni Paolo Feminis, who moved to Cologne, Germany, to seek his fortune. It was originally a medicine called Aqua Mirabilis, known for its soothing and healing qualities.
Some popular colognes for men include Dior Sauvage Elixir, Bleu de Chanel EDP, and Paco Rabanne One Million Parfum. These colognes are known for their fresh and enticing scents, often with citrusy or woody notes.