Choosing The Right Cologne: A Guide For Men

Choosing a cologne can be a tricky business. There are so many options out there, and it's hard to know where to start. But it's worth putting in the effort to find the right one for you – cologne can increase your attractiveness and your confidence, and it's an invisible part of your personal style. It can also foster deeper emotional connections with people, as smell is our most powerful sense and is capable of triggering memories better than any of our other senses. So, how to choose? Well, it's important to take your time and not rush into a decision. You have to fall in love with the fragrance. Ask for advice, but ultimately, you have to love the fragrance you're wearing. You could take a fragrance finder quiz, which will recommend colognes based on factors such as fragrances you already like, your preferred scent family, and how you want your cologne to make you feel. When you've found a few contenders, it's time to test them out. Spray some on your wrist and ask yourself: does it smell good to you? If so, you can try wearing it for a day to see how it works with your body chemistry. Remember, every fragrance smells different on every person. And when you do wear it, less is more – you don't want to overpower people with your scent.

Choosing a signature scent

How to Choose a Scent

When choosing a cologne, it's important to remember that everyone's skin chemistry is different, so a scent that smells good on someone else might not smell the same on you. The only way to know for sure is to test the cologne on your own skin.

The first step is to determine which scent families you are initially attracted to. These could include fresh, floral, woody, or amber scents. From there, you can narrow it down to specific notes within those scent families that you particularly enjoy. Some common fragrance notes include:

• Bergamot
• Jasmine
• Sandalwood
• Lemon
• Musk
• Cinnamon
• Lavender
• Mint
• Ginger
• Amber
• Vanilla
• Patchouli
• Cedarwood
• Vetiver
• Tobacco
• Pineapple
• Sage
• Grapefruit
• Pink pepper
• Orchid
• Magnolia
• Ylang-ylang

Once you have an idea of the types of scents you like, you can start testing colognes. The best way to do this is to visit a department store and use their fragrance testers or scent blotters. Spray a small amount of the cologne on your wrist or inner elbow, and give it about 30 minutes to develop and mix with the oils on your skin. Walk around the store and smell the fragrance at various intervals to see how it changes over time.

If you still love it after 30 minutes, it's a good indication that you'll enjoy owning and wearing that scent. You can also order fragrance samples online to test at home.

How to Apply Cologne

When you've found your signature scent, it's important to apply your cologne correctly to avoid over-application. Here are some tips:

• Apply cologne directly to clean, dry skin, preferably right after a shower.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin when spraying.
• Apply to heated areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. These areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day.
• Start with a light application - one spray on the neck or forearm is usually enough. You can always add more sprays if needed.
• Re-apply if necessary, especially if you're going out in the evening.
• Avoid spraying cologne on your clothes, as this can prevent the scent from mixing with your natural body oils and developing your signature scent. It can also stain or damage certain fabrics.

When to Wear Cologne

While you may be eager to show off your new signature scent, there are some times when it's best to avoid wearing cologne:

• Job interviews
• To mask another smell
• On a long flight or other forms of public transportation
• At the gym
• Funerals
• First dates, especially if you're meeting the person for the first time or doing an active date like hiking

Storing Your Cologne

Cologne does not have an infinite shelf life, and fluctuations in temperature and exposure to light can shorten its lifespan. To make your cologne last longer, store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and in its original container.

How much to apply

The amount of cologne you should apply depends on the strength of the fragrance, the occasion, and personal preference. It's important to strike a balance between a subtle, attractive scent and an overwhelming, unpleasant sensation. Here are some tips on how much cologne to apply:

• Start with a light application: It's better to start with one or two sprays and then slowly build up to four or five sprays if you want a stronger aroma.
• Consider the occasion: If you're at the office, it's better to be conservative with your cologne. For parties or dinners, you can opt for a stronger scent.
• Target pulse points: Apply cologne to pulse points like your wrists, neck, inner elbows, and chest. These areas generate heat and help diffuse the scent throughout the day.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away: Holding the bottle too close can lead to over-application, while spraying from too far may result in under-application.
• Reapply when needed: Cologne is a lower-strength fragrance, so you may need to reapply every few hours or before going out in the evening.
• Avoid overdoing it: Instead of spraying all your cologne at once, use fewer sprays and reapply more often to maintain a subtle scent with staying power.
• Don't rub it into your skin: Rubbing the cologne into your skin can change or diffuse the scent and make it fade faster. Instead, spray and allow it to air dry.
• Don't spray and walk: Spraying the cologne into the air and walking through it is ineffective as most of the fragrance drops to the floor or is lost to the air.
• Be mindful of others: Avoid applying too much cologne, as it can lead to coughing, trouble breathing, headaches, or nausea in both you and those around you.

When to wear it

When to wear cologne

Cologne is an invisible part of your personal style and can have a powerful effect on how people see and remember you. It can increase your attractiveness and boost your confidence.

You can wear cologne whenever you want, but it's important to use it sparingly. A tiny amount is enough to make your body smell nice, without overwhelming the room.

Some people wear cologne every day, while others reserve it for special occasions or socialising. You can wear cologne to work, on a date, to a religious service, or to a book club. It's a good idea to make it part of your daily routine.

However, there are some situations where it's best to avoid wearing cologne. These include:

• Enclosed spaces, such as commercial flights, road trips, dentist appointments, or cramped offices.
• Culinary experiences, such as wine tastings or fine dining.
• Perfume shopping.
• Activities that will make you sweat, such as going to the gym, climbing mountains, fishing, hiking, or playing basketball.
• More muted occasions, such as funerals, job interviews, or first dates.

Daytime vs Evening/Night

There are different types of cologne for daytime and evening/night-time wear.

Daytime fragrances are generally "fresh" and smell "clean". They may remind you of shower gel, soap, fabric softener, baby powder, or deodorant. These fragrances are safe and can be worn anytime, anywhere.

Evening/night-time fragrances are more "sexy" and musky, sweet, or mysterious. They are ideal for date nights, bars, clubs, dinner restaurants, or evenings at home.

Performance

Some fragrances can last a long time, so it's a good idea to think ahead. Some people use cheaper, less long-lasting colognes during the day and re-apply after lunch. They then put on a night-time fragrance at the end of the work day.

Seasonality

The time of year can also influence your choice of cologne. For example, warming tobacco, leather, or spice fragrances are ideal for winter, while green and aquatic notes are perfect for summer. In fall/autumn, fragrances with patchouli, musk, and vanilla are popular, while spring calls for floral or citrus scents.

How to apply it

How to Apply Cologne

Now that you've chosen your cologne, it's time to learn how to apply it. Here are some general guidelines to help you get the most out of your fragrance:

• Apply to clean skin: Start by applying cologne to clean, dry skin, preferably right after a shower. This ensures that your skin is free of any other scents and allows the pores to open up, helping the fragrance absorb better.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away: When spraying, hold the bottle about 3 to 6 inches away from your skin. Holding it any closer may result in over-application, while spraying from further away may lead to under-application.
• Target heated areas: Apply cologne to the heated areas of your body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas generate heat, helping to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allowing it to blend with your body chemistry to create your signature scent.
• Start with a light application: It's better to start with a light application and gradually increase if needed. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and begin with a single spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area to spray the next time.
• Re-apply if needed: Depending on the type of cologne and the occasion, you may need to re-apply during the day or before going out in the evening. When re-applying, dab a small amount onto your pulse points.
• Avoid common mistakes: There are a few common mistakes to avoid when applying cologne. Do not spray it onto your clothing, as this prevents it from mixing with your natural oils and can damage certain fabrics. Instead, apply it directly to your skin. Also, avoid splashing or rubbing the cologne onto your skin, as this can lead to over-application and cause the scent to fade faster.

By following these tips, you'll be able to apply your cologne effectively and create a pleasant and memorable scent experience for yourself and those around you.

How to select a scent

Selecting a scent is a very personal choice, and it's important to take your time to find a fragrance that suits you. Here are some tips to help you choose the right cologne:

Understand the Fragrance Families

Colognes typically fall into four scent families: fresh/nautical, floral, woody, or amber. Within these families, fragrances are further categorised into top, middle/heart, and base/bottom notes. Top notes are the initial scent you smell, followed by the middle notes, and then the base notes, which linger for the longest time. Familiarise yourself with these fragrance families and identify the notes that appeal to you.

Know the Classics

It's a good idea to know the classic scents to have a framework to pick your signature scent from. Classic scents are also a safe choice as they have stood the test of time and are often well-liked.

Consider Seasonality

Different fragrances are more suitable for different times of the year. For example, warming notes like tobacco, leather, and spice are ideal for winter, while green and aquatic notes are perfect for summer. For fall, consider musk, patchouli, and vanilla, and for spring, opt for floral or citrus scents.

Weigh Mass Appeal Against Niche

Mass-market fragrances are more affordable and safer choices as they are designed for mass consumption. However, you may end up smelling like someone else. Niche fragrances, on the other hand, are more expensive and unique but may not have universal appeal.

Sample Before You Buy

Don't buy a cologne without trying it first. Test how the perfume complements your natural body odour over a day. Department stores are great for this purpose. Spray one scent on each wrist and each inner elbow (two scents maximum) and walk around the store. Take notes on how the scent changes over time and which ones you like.

Ask for Opinions

While it's important to choose a scent you love, don't be afraid to ask for opinions from trusted friends. They can give you honest feedback and help you decide if a particular scent suits you.

Apply it Properly

When applying cologne, always spray it on your skin, not your clothes. Your body heat will help release the fragrance throughout the day. Apply cologne right after a shower when you are clean, and start with a small amount—you can always add more later.

Frequently asked questions