Finding The Perfect Cologne For Your Boyfriend

Choosing a cologne for your boyfriend can be a daunting task. Scent is strongly linked to memory and emotion, and it can be difficult to find the right balance between a fragrance that is long-lasting and one that is overpowering. It is important to know your partner well when selecting a cologne for them, as it should be something that they like to wear and that you like to smell. Taking inspiration from their current scent preferences is a good place to start, and you can also consider their personality and whether they prefer more extravagant or conservative fragrances.

How to choose a cologne for your boyfriend

Choosing a cologne for your boyfriend can be a tricky task, but if you follow these steps, you'll be able to pick a fragrance that he (and you!) will love.

Know His Personality

As Will Andrews, the head of fragrance for Hugo Boss, advises, it's important to "know your man really well" when choosing a fragrance for him. Consider his personality: is he extravagant or conservative? Does he like to stand out or blend in? All these factors can help guide your choice of cologne.

Take Inspiration from His Current Scent

If your boyfriend already wears cologne, you're off to a great start. Find out what he likes and build on that. Is it a woody or citrus scent? Knowing what he already enjoys will put you on the right path and ensure you don't waste your money on a random fragrance that he might not like.

Pick Something You Like, Too

While it's important to choose a cologne your boyfriend will like, don't forget that you'll be smelling it too! Pick something that he enjoys wearing and that you enjoy smelling. It's a two-way thing.

Sample Different Colognes

The best way to find a cologne you both like is to sample a few options. Head to a department store and try out a few fragrances. Spray one scent on each wrist (and each inner elbow if you're feeling adventurous). Walk around the store and smell the fragrances at various intervals to get a sense of how they develop over time. Take notes on your phone about which ones you like and why.

Choose a Signature Scent

A signature scent is one that captures your boyfriend's multifaceted nature and sense of self. Remember, colognes aren't just about smelling good; they're also about how they make him feel. Choose a scent that makes him feel like himself and boosts his confidence.

Apply the Cologne Properly

Once you've chosen the perfect cologne, make sure your boyfriend knows how to apply it properly. Cologne should be discovered, not announced. It should be applied to heat areas like the chest, neck, and wrists, and only one or two sprays are needed. Less is more!

Popular cologne brands for men

When it comes to choosing a fragrance for your boyfriend, it can be very tricky. It is important to know their personality and current scent preferences. It is also crucial to pick something that you like, as it will be a fragrance that you will smell often.

Chanel

Chanel offers a range of colognes, including Bleu de Chanel, which is perfect for those who want something low-key and subtle. It has notes of lemon zest, bergamot, mint, artemisia, lavender, pineapple, geranium, sandalwood, cedar, and tonka bean.

Gucci

Gucci Guilty Eau de Parfum Pour Homme is a unique cologne with a mix of hot chili pepper, patchouli, cedar, and a dash of florals. It offers a warm and spicy scent.

Hermès

The Hermès H24 Eau de Toilette is a fresh, green cologne with clary sage as the dominant note, offering an earthy and crisp fragrance. It also has notes of rosewood and narcissus, creating a rich and layered scent.

Giorgio Armani

Acqua Di Giò by Giorgio Armani is one of the most popular colognes for men. It has earthy and woody notes with masculine hints of green tangerine, persimmon, and rosemary.

Jean Paul Gaultier

Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier is a charismatic and sexy fragrance. It has a long-lasting effect and is often considered a hit by those who wear it.

Versace

Versace offers a range of colognes, including Eros and L'Eau D'Issey. Eros is a fun and charismatic fragrance with a fresh top note of mint, green apple, and lemon, and a woody base. L'Eau D'Issey is a versatile and classic scent with aquatic notes, making it perfect for all seasons.

Burberry

Burberry London is a mature and sophisticated scent, often associated with the holidays. It has poor longevity, lasting only 3-4 hours, but it adds a touch of modernity to a traditional scent.

Dolce & Gabbana

Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana has a classic, crisp, and clean scent with a citrus twist. It is long-lasting and only requires a couple of dabs on the neck and chest.

Ralph Lauren

Polo Black Collection by Ralph Lauren is a subtle yet sexy cologne. It has a soft and sweet scent while still maintaining a masculine fragrance.

Different types of colognes

When it comes to choosing a cologne, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to understand the different types of colognes available. Colognes can be classified based on their scent, concentration, and intended use.

Types of Colognes by Scent:

• Citrus Colognes: These colognes typically feature notes of lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, or other citrus fruits, offering a fresh and invigorating scent. Examples include Chanel Bleu de Chanel, Prada Luna Rossa Ocean, and Acqua di Parma Colonia.
• Woody Colognes: Woody colognes evoke a warm and earthy aroma, often featuring notes such as sandalwood, cedar, and vetiver. Examples include Dior Sauvage, Byredo Mojave Ghost, and Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme.
• Spicy Colognes: Spicy colognes add a kick of warmth and intensity, with notes like black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon. Examples include Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit de l'Homme, Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb Night Vision, and Ralph Lauren Polo Black.
• Fresh Colognes: These colognes offer a light and invigorating scent, often with aquatic or herbal notes. Examples include Jo Malone London Earl Grey & Cucumber, Chanel Platinum Égoïste, and Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio.
• Sweet Colognes: Sweet colognes feature gourmand notes such as vanilla, caramel, and tonka bean. Examples include Azzaro The Most Wanted, Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille, and Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle Fluidity Silver.

Types of Colognes by Concentration:

• Parfum: Parfum has the highest concentration of fragrance oil, typically around 20-30%, and can last for up to eight hours.
• Eau de Parfum: With a concentration of 15-20% fragrance oil, eau de parfum will last for approximately four to six hours.
• Eau de Toilette: This type of cologne contains 5-15% fragrance oil and will last for about two to three hours.
• Eau de Cologne: With a lower concentration of 2-4% fragrance oil, eau de cologne will typically last for around two hours.
• Eau Fraîche: Body mists and similar products fall into this category, with a low concentration of 1-3% fragrance oil, lasting for approximately one to two hours.

Types of Colognes by Intended Use:

• Day-to-Night Colognes: These versatile colognes can transition from daytime to evening wear, often featuring a blend of fresh and musky notes. An example is Chanel Bleu de Chanel.
• Nature-Inspired Colognes: These colognes take inspiration from natural, raw materials, such as Dior Sauvage, which captures the essence of a desert landscape.
• Clean Colognes: Clean colognes offer a fresh and crisp scent, like a walk in the forest after the rain. Aesop Hwyl is an excellent example of this type of cologne.
• Cozy Colognes: Perfect for snuggling up by the fire, cozy colognes feature warm and inviting notes, such as Tom Ford Oud Wood.
• Aquatic Colognes: Evoking the scent of the sea, aquatic colognes are fresh and masculine, like Prada Luna Rossa Ocean.

When choosing a cologne, it is also important to consider your boyfriend's personality and preferences. Does he prefer fresh and aquatic scents or something more woody and spicy? Taking into account his unique sense of style and the occasion for which you are buying the cologne will help you make the right choice.

How to apply cologne

So, you've bought the perfect cologne for your boyfriend, but how do you (or he) apply it?

Firstly, it's important to understand the different concentrations of cologne:

• Eau Fraiche: The lightest concentration of perfume oils (just 1-3% oil).
• Eau de Cologne: 3-5% concentration.
• Eau de Toilette: 5-8% concentration. This is the "standard" concentration.
• Eau de Parfum: 8-15% concentration.
• Parfum or Extrait de Parfum: The highest concentration (15-30%), but some go up to 40%.

The higher the concentration, the more expensive the cologne, but the better its sillage or cast (the scent trail it leaves). It's important to understand these categories before applying the cologne.

Now, onto the application:

• Apply to clean skin. This ensures that no sweat, sebum, or other buildup interferes with the perfume oils.
• Target the pulse points: the wrists and neck, where you can feel the blood pumping. These are the warmest points on the body, which helps the cologne perform to its fullest potential.
• Other pulse points include behind the ear, the bottom of the throat, inside the elbow, and behind the knee. For everyday use, the bottom of the throat is recommended, but for a night out, consider applying a small amount behind the ear.
• Apply from 6 inches away. This prevents too much alcohol concentration from reaching the skin, and ensures a focused spritz.
• Start with one spritz on each wrist, then rub your wrists on your neck. After a few wears, consider adding a second spritz if needed.
• Don't spray cologne onto your hair, as the alcohol can dry it out and cause damage.
• Avoid spraying cologne onto your clothing, as this can be overpowering.
• Be mindful that drinking, smoking, and eating certain foods will alter the smell of the cologne.

Where to buy cologne

When it comes to choosing a cologne for your boyfriend, it can be a tricky task. It is important to know his personality, whether he is extravagant or conservative, and his current scent preferences. With that in mind, here are some of the best places to buy cologne:

Department Stores

Department stores are a great option as they offer a wide range of fragrances from different brands, often including exclusive fragrances that you won't find elsewhere. They also tend to have flexible return policies, making it easier to exchange or return a fragrance if needed. Some popular department stores for cologne include:

• Nordstrom: Known for its flexible return policy and exclusive fragrances such as Chanel Paris Les Eaux De Chanel.
• Neiman Marcus: Offers a robust selection of fragrances from popular brands like Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, and Tom Ford.
• Bloomingdales: This department store offers an extensive selection of men's colognes, including popular options like Dior Sauvage, Bleu De Chanel, and Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille.

Online Retailers

Online retailers provide the convenience of shopping from home and often offer discounted prices. They are also a great place to discover new and exciting brands that may not be available at department stores. Some reputable online retailers for cologne include:

• Fragrancenet: Offers discounted prices and a wide range of samples from popular brands.
• FragranceX: A great site to find discontinued fragrances, with a loyalty program that rewards you for your purchases.
• Sephora: Features a fragrance quiz to help you find the right scent, and a generous return policy for gently used fragrances.
• Scentbird: A subscription service that allows you to choose from a variety of designer and niche fragrances each month.
• Ulta: Offers a loyalty program with rewards and returns, and organizes fragrances by scent families, making it easier to navigate.

Discounted Fragrance Retailers

If you're looking for a bargain, discounted fragrance retailers are a great option. These stores offer genuine designer fragrances at more affordable prices. Some popular options include:

• Perfumania: Carries a large variety of discounted fragrances from top designer brands, both online and in over 100 physical locations.
• Fragrance Outlet: One of the nation's largest retailers with over 100 stores, offering genuine designer fragrances at discounted prices, including brands like Calvin Klein, Dior, and Gucci.

Frequently asked questions