Strategies For Dealing With Unwanted Colognes

There are many ways to deal with cologne you don't like. You could try layering it with another fragrance to mask the scent, or use it as a room spray or air freshener. You could also get creative and use it to scent stationery, or spray it on your bedding or laundry. If you want to get rid of it, you could swap or gift it to someone who might like it, or sell it online.

Sell it online

If you have a cologne that you don't like, one option is to sell it online. Here are some tips to help you with the process:

Know Where to Sell

You can sell your cologne on various online platforms, including eBay, Amazon, Facebook groups, Poshmark, Mercari, and Reddit. These platforms provide convenient ways to reach potential buyers and facilitate the selling process.

Determine a Reasonable Price

When setting a price for your cologne, consider selling it for around 20-40% of the original retail price. You can ask for a slightly higher price if the bottle is unopened or partially full. Be mindful that if you're selling on a platform that charges fees or requires you to cover shipping costs, you'll need to factor those expenses into your pricing.

Provide Detailed Information

Be transparent and detailed in your listing. Include information such as the brand, bottle size, amount of cologne remaining, and any relevant notes about the condition of the bottle or packaging. Providing clear and accurate information will help set the right expectations for potential buyers.

Take Attractive Photos

Presentation is essential when selling online. Take multiple clear photos of the cologne bottle from different angles, ensuring that the lighting is good and all relevant details are visible. Consider including a photo of the box or any accompanying items that come with the cologne. Well-presented listings are more likely to attract buyers.

Describe Why You're Selling

Be honest about why you're selling the cologne. Mention that it's a fragrance you didn't personally like, but acknowledge that scent preferences are subjective. You can also mention that you're open to swaps or trades if someone is interested in exchanging fragrances.

Package and Ship Carefully

Once you've made a sale, package the cologne securely to ensure it arrives safely at its destination. Use appropriate padding and consider including a note thanking the buyer for their purchase. Ship the item promptly and provide tracking information if possible, as this enhances the buyer's experience and can lead to positive feedback.

Selling cologne online can be a great way to recoup some of your costs while also ensuring that the fragrance goes to someone who will appreciate it. By following these steps, you can effectively reach potential buyers and make the selling process smooth and enjoyable.

Give it away to friends or family

If you have a cologne that you don't like, giving it away to friends or family is a great option. Here are some detailed suggestions to help you with this:

Identify Suitable Recipients

Start by considering your friends and family members who might appreciate the cologne. Think about their age and personal preferences. Perhaps you have a friend who is a fan of unique fragrances or a family member who is always eager to try new scents. You could also ask around and see if anyone is interested in trying something new. This way, you can find the perfect match for your unwanted cologne.

Host a Swap or Exchange Party

If you have a variety of unused colognes or other items, consider hosting a swap or exchange party. Invite your friends and ask them to bring items they no longer use, such as clothing, accessories, or other beauty products. During the party, everyone can browse each other's items and exchange them for something they like. This way, you can give away your cologne and maybe even find something new that you'll enjoy.

Create Gift Baskets or Care Packages

You can create thoughtful gift baskets or care packages for your friends or family members. Combine the cologne with other complementary items such as soaps, lotions, or bath products. You can even add a personal touch by including a handwritten note or a small gift that aligns with their interests. This way, you're not only giving away the cologne but also creating a meaningful gift that shows your thoughtfulness.

Offer Samples or Travel-Sized Bottles

If you have friends or family members who are hesitant to commit to a full-sized bottle, offer them samples or travel-sized bottles of the cologne. This way, they can test it out without feeling obligated to use the entire bottle. You can provide small vials or atomizers filled with the cologne, making it convenient for them to try. This is also a great option if you have multiple friends who are interested in trying the scent.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask

Sometimes, the simplest solution is to directly ask your friends or family members if they would like to have the cologne. They might be delighted by the offer, especially if they are curious about trying new fragrances. You can also mention that you have other options if they are not interested in that particular scent. By simply asking, you open up a conversation about fragrances and might even discover new scents that you'll both enjoy.

Swap it for another fragrance

Swapping your unwanted cologne for another fragrance is a great way to offload fragrances you no longer enjoy. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Ask Your Friends and Family

Before going online, it's worth checking if anyone in your immediate environment is interested in a swap. This can save you time and effort, and you might be able to negotiate a quick and easy trade.

Online Communities

If no one in your immediate circle is interested, there are several online communities where you can list your cologne for swapping. These include:

• Facebook Groups: Fragrance Trade, Swap & Sales
• Reddit: r/fragranceswap
• Fragrantica: Perfume Exchange Section

Be Descriptive

When listing your cologne for a swap, be as descriptive as possible. Include details such as the brand, size, condition, and any unique qualities of the fragrance. This will help potential swappers make an informed decision and increase your chances of finding a match.

Be Open to Different Scents

Keep an open mind when it comes to the fragrances you're willing to swap for. You might discover a new scent family that you enjoy. For example, if you didn't like the sweetness of a gourmand fragrance, you could try swapping for something crisp and fresh or woody and earthy.

Consider Trading Multiple Fragrances

If you have multiple colognes that you're looking to swap, consider bundling them together as a lot. This can make the swap more appealing to someone who might not be interested in just one fragrance but would value the opportunity to try several new scents.

Remember, swapping fragrances is a great way to explore new scents and connect with other fragrance enthusiasts. Enjoy the process and happy swapping!

Use it as a room freshener

If you have a cologne that you don't like, there are several ways to use it as a room freshener.

Firstly, you can take dry cotton balls and place them in a container, such as a bowl. Then, spray the cologne over the cotton balls or soak them in the cologne for a stronger effect. This will fill your space with a pleasant aroma.

Another option is to spray the cologne directly into the air around your room, especially in the restroom, to freshen up the air. You can also spritz it onto lamp shades, as the heat from the light bulb will help disperse the scent. However, avoid using an oil-based cologne for this method, as it may cause ignition.

Additionally, you can create your own air freshener by placing baking soda in a jar and adding a few sprays of cologne. This will deodorize the room and release a subtle fragrance.

If you want to add a gentle fragrance to your clothes, you can spray a handkerchief or tissue with cologne and place it in your wardrobe, drawers, or laundry basket. This will give your clothes a subtle scent without being too overwhelming.

Finally, if you want to freshen up your bedding, you can spray the cologne onto your pillows, sheets, and covers. It is advisable to do this earlier in the day and let the bedding air out so that the sharp alcoholic notes can dissipate, leaving a calming scent.

Spray it on your sheets and bedding

If you have a cologne that you don't like, there are several things you can do with it besides throwing it away. One option is to spray it on your sheets and bedding. This can be a great way to use up a cologne you don't enjoy wearing, as the scent will be subtle and may even help you relax. To do this effectively, spritz the cologne on your bedding earlier in the day and let it air out so that the sharp alcoholic notes can dissipate, leaving only the calming scent. This is an excellent option for aromatic perfumes in particular.

Linens hold scents very well, so spraying your cologne on your sheets, covers, or even your couch covers and drapes can be a great way to use up a fragrance you don't like. You can also try layering the cologne with other scented products to create a unique fragrance. For example, you can layer it with scented lotions to help bring out a certain note or suppress the one you don't like. One-note lotions are great for this purpose, and they also help the cologne last longer.

If you're feeling creative, you can even try layering perfumes on top of each other. You may be surprised by the new fragrance that emerges due to the interplay of the accords. For instance, layering a cloyingly honeyed fragrance with a clean, fresh scent might result in a perfume that is just sweet enough without being overwhelming.

Another option is to repurpose the cologne as a room freshener. If you find the scent pleasant, even if you don't like wearing it, you can use it to freshen up your room or any other closed space. Take some dry cotton balls in a container, such as a bowl, and spray the cologne over them. You can also soak the cotton balls in the cologne for a stronger effect. This will fill your space with a pleasant aroma without being overwhelming.

Frequently asked questions