The Mystery Of Men's Cologne: What Does It Mean?

Men's colognes are often associated with earthy notes such as pine, musk, tobacco, wood, and leather. These scents are typically sharper and muskier than women's perfumes, which tend to be sweeter and more floral. While the specific chemicals and fragrances that comprise colognes can be identified, the reason why certain smells are considered masculine or feminine is more complex and may be related to biological factors or social conditioning.

The sense of smell is powerful and can trigger strong emotional responses and memories. It is important to note that the perception of scent is highly subjective and individual, with each person's unique body chemistry interacting with fragrances in different ways.

When it comes to wearing cologne, it is crucial to apply it properly to avoid overwhelming others. Applying cologne to pulse points and heat areas of the body allows the scent to be pushed throughout the day by body heat. Additionally, it is recommended to start with a small amount and reapply only when necessary, as others may still be able to smell it even if you can no longer detect it.

Why can't you smell your own cologne?

It's happened to all of us: you spray on a new cologne, and after a few minutes, the scent seems to vanish. But why is that?

Nose Blindness

The phenomenon is called "nose blindness" or "olfactory adaptation". It occurs when your nose gets used to a particular smell and stops noticing it. This happens very quickly, sometimes within a few breaths. It's not unique to humans; animals experience it too.

Scientists don't know exactly why our brains tune out certain smells, but it likely helped our ancestors to tackle life-threatening situations, find food, and so on. We're able to quickly identify strange smells and react to them.

How to 'Clear Your Nose'

If you want to get a fresh whiff of your cologne, you can try "nose-clearing techniques" like smelling coffee beans, a swatch of wool, or your un-fragranced forearm.

How to Avoid Overdoing It

To avoid overdoing it, start with one spray on your chest. As you become more familiar with the scent, you can add a few more sprays in different areas. Re-spray only when required, perhaps in the second half of the day.

How to Choose the Right Scent

The best method to find a new fragrance is to test if the perfume complements your natural body odour over the period of a day. Spray one scent on each wrist (and each inner elbow if testing four). Avoid smelling the cards department stores provide, as they only allow you to smell the top notes. Try to smell all the notes by walking around the store and smelling the fragrances at various intervals.

How to choose the right cologne

Choosing the right cologne can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. Here are some tips to help you select a scent that suits you and makes a positive, memorable impression on others.

Understand the Notes

Cologne notes refer to the different scents that make up a fragrance and can be categorised into three types: top, middle or heart, and base notes. Top notes are the initial scents you smell after spraying, often lighter and fresher fragrances such as citrus or floral, and they last for about 10 minutes to 2 hours. Middle notes form the core of the cologne and include spices like cinnamon and clove, along with some fruity scents. They can last for 3 to 5 hours. Base notes are the boldest part of the fragrance, becoming more noticeable as the day progresses, and can include scents like sandalwood, leather, smoke, etc. Understanding these notes is crucial as the scent will evolve throughout the day.

Seasonality

Choosing a cologne that suits the season is a great way to narrow down your options. For example, floral, green, citrus, and grass scents are perfect for summer and spring, while sandalwood, patchouli, amber, and oakmoss are ideal for autumn. During winter, opt for leather, spice, vanilla, and cinnamon-based fragrances.

Environment

Consider the setting in which you'll be wearing the cologne. For the office or a professional environment, opt for lighter notes like citrus or greens. Joseph Abboud's Modern Gentleman Cologne is a great choice for everyday office wear. On the other hand, for a night out with friends, you can experiment with stronger scents like Joseph Abboud's Dark Woods cologne.

Sample and Experiment

Don't be afraid to ask others about the cologne they're wearing if you like it. You can also consult online communities dedicated to men's lifestyle and colognes. Sampling different colognes is essential to finding the right one. Try one cologne at a time to determine which scent notes appeal to you, whether they are light and citrusy or spicier fragrances.

Application

When applying cologne, keep it simple, especially if you're new to it. One spray on your chest is usually enough to create a subtle and appealing scent. Avoid common mistakes like using too much, rubbing it into your skin (which kills the top notes), or spraying it on your clothes.

Storage

Remember that cologne can be damaged by heat and sunlight, so store it in a cool, dark place like your bedroom closet.

What makes a cologne manly?

While the definition of a "masculine scent" is elusive, there are certain characteristics that are commonly associated with men's colognes. Masculine fragrances tend to be sharper and muskier, often with spicy notes. They are also frequently defined by "outdoorsy" aromas and traditionally masculine elements such as wood, tobacco, and leather. Masculine colognes also tend to be heavier on the base notes, with scents like sandalwood, moss, vetiver, vanilla, tar, leather, smoke, tobacco, and musk.

• Leather: Often described as smelling like oak or other types of wood, with subtle burnt notes or hints of tobacco.
• Tobacco: Derived from fresh tobacco leaves, this note is sweet and pairs well with warm spices and vanilla.
• Wood: Warm and earthy, especially oak, oud, and cedar. Sandalwood, on the other hand, can be crisp, clean, and bright.
• Musk: A very woodsy fragrance that is earthy and unique. It complements vanilla, citrus, and other musky scents.
• Allspice: Warm and spicy, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It goes well with vanilla and earthy scents.
• Cedar: A unique, slightly prickly scent with herbal, woody, and cooling undertones. It pairs well with rosemary and some florals, like jasmine.
• Rosemary: A full-bodied, pine needle-like scent that pairs well with other herbal and floral notes, such as lavender.
• Oakmoss: Reminiscent of the forest, with mushroom, earthy, woody, smoky, and leathery hints. It blends well with herbal, citrus, woody, and floral fragrances.
• Sandalwood: Sweet and rich, with earthy and woody notes, and a hint of florals. It complements clean notes like citrus and fruit, as well as herbal scents and warm spices.
• Rum spice: Sweet and warm, with notes of caramelized sugar, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon. It blends well with vanilla, allspice, lavender, and juniper.
• Lavender: A calming, floral, organic, and fresh scent. It pairs well with earthy fragrances like oakmoss, cedarwood, and sandalwood, as well as citrus and fruit.
• Black pepper: Spicy, clean, and crisp, it adds a pleasing touch to fragrances with citrus, spice, and deep herbal notes.
• Vetiver: A pungent, organic scent with hints of dried grass, fresh soil, citrus fruit, and soapy notes. It blends well with woody scents, citrus, and florals.
• Patchouli: Sweet, earthy, and exotic, with a hint of spice. It pairs beautifully with sandalwood, vanilla, cedarwood, bergamot, and jasmine.
• Ginger: Bright, spicy, crisp, and clean. It is often blended with bergamot, citrus, cedarwood, clove, and juniper.
• Eucalyptus: A strong, cool, herbal, and soothing scent, perfect for hot, muggy days. It blends well with cedarwood, floral scents, ginger, citrus, juniper, and other herbs.
• Cinnamon: Warm, fruity, and slightly peppery, with notes of vanilla. It complements spicy, floral, and citrusy fragrances.
• Cumin: Deeply pungent, organic, slightly nutty, spicy, and bold. It goes well with earthy notes, spice scents, citrus, and herbal aromas.
• Sage: Warm, earthy, and herbal, often associated with Thanksgiving dinner. It blends well with spice notes, florals like jasmine, and citrus scents like lemon, orange, and grapefruit.
• Bergamot: Clean and citrusy, often compared to orange or tangerine. It pairs well with floral and citrus notes, pepper fragrances, and herbs.
• Lemon: Bright and sunny, it pairs well with florals like lavender, herbal fragrances like thyme, and wood scents like sandalwood.
• Amber: Warm, with vanilla and patchouli notes. It blends well with spice fragrances like cinnamon and clove, as well as woody and earthy aromas.
• Costus: Musky, reminiscent of aged wood. It pairs well with warm, woodsy fragrances, herbs, and florals like jasmine and lavender.
• Hay: Sweet, earthy, and grassy, it blends well with woody notes like patchouli and sandalwood, as well as citrus and herbal scents.

When choosing a cologne, it is important to remember that scents are very personal. What one person finds appealing, another may find offensive. Additionally, the same scent can smell different on different people due to unique body chemistry. Therefore, it is essential to test and find a fragrance that suits your individual chemistry and preferences.

How to apply cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. Done properly, it can make you feel more attractive and confident. Done incorrectly, and you risk over-application or a scent that fades almost immediately. Here are some tips on how to apply cologne correctly and effectively:

• Apply cologne directly to clean, dry skin immediately after showering. The shower cleanses your body of any other scents and opens your pores, which helps the scent absorb.
• Hold the spray bottle 3-6 inches from your body when applying. Any closer and you risk over-applying; any further and you will likely under-apply.
• Apply cologne to heated areas of your body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.
• Start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and apply cologne there the next time. You may want to ask the opinion of a close friend or family member, as you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often.
• Re-apply cologne if needed, especially if you are going out in the evening. When doing so, simply dab a little onto your pulse points.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not spray cologne on your clothing. This prevents it from mixing with your natural oils and developing its unique quality. It can also prevent the scent from going through its different stages and may stain or damage certain fabrics.
• Do not splash cologne on your skin. If the fragrance does not have a spray nozzle, place one finger over the opening of the bottle and gently tip it upside down before dabbing the scent on your body.
• Do not spray a mist cloud and walk through it. This method renders the cologne almost useless, as most of it ends up on the floor.
• Do not rub the cologne into your skin, as this will make the scent fade faster by breaking the molecular bond in the fragrance. If you are not going to spray, simply dab.
• Do not apply too much cologne. A man's fragrance should be a subtle enhancement to his image. Less is more when it comes to cologne.

How long does cologne last?

The duration of a cologne's scent depends on several factors, including the type of cologne, the number of sprays, and the areas of application.

Colognes are classified based on their perfume oil concentration, which determines their longevity. The categories include Eau Fraiche, Cologne/Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, and Parfum. Eau Fraiche, with 1-3% perfume oil, lasts for about an hour, while Parfum, with 15-30% perfume essence, can last up to 24 hours. Cologne/Eau de Cologne typically lasts for about 2 hours, Eau de Toilette for around 3 hours, and Eau de Parfum for 5 to 8 hours.

The number of sprays and the areas of application also influence how long a cologne's scent lingers. Applying cologne to heat areas of the body, such as the chest, neck, and wrists, helps the scent trail and can make it last longer. Additionally, storing cologne properly is crucial for preserving its freshness and longevity. It should be kept away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity, and preferably in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Furthermore, the fragrance notes of a cologne play a role in its longevity. Top notes, which are the initial scents, typically last from 15 minutes to 2 hours. Medium or heart notes develop after the top notes and can last for 3-5 hours. Base notes, which are the boldest and most noticeable later in the day, tend to last from 5 to 10 hours.

Overall, the longevity of a cologne can vary from a few hours to a full day, depending on its concentration, application, and storage conditions.

Frequently asked questions