The Power Of Scent: Elevating Men's Cologne Game

Men's colognes are complex mixtures of raw materials, including extracts from natural sources or synthetic raw materials. They are dissolved in a solvent, usually alcohol, to preserve a pleasant concoction of scents. The higher the concentration of oils, the stronger the fragrance.

The term cologne is often used to describe scents for men, but it actually refers to the oldest type of perfume, used in North America for masculine scents. Light, fresh, and fruity, colognes typically have a low concentration of oils and don't last very long.

There are many different types of colognes, including Eau Fraiche, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and Parfum. Each has a different concentration of oils and, therefore, a different strength and longevity.

When choosing a cologne, it's important to consider your personal preferences and the occasion for which you'll be wearing it. You may want a bold and aromatic cologne to help you stand out, or a subtle and fresh cologne for everyday use.

Additionally, the way you apply cologne can affect its longevity. Spraying it on dry skin, holding the nozzle a few inches away, and applying it to heat areas of the body can help the scent last longer.

Ultimately, the best cologne for you is one that complements your natural body odour and makes you feel confident and attractive.

How to choose a cologne

Understand the Basics

Before you start your search for the perfect cologne, it's important to familiarise yourself with some fragrance fundamentals. The first thing to know is the scent pyramid: top, heart, and base notes. Top notes are the initial scent you smell and they dissipate the fastest; the heart notes are the core of the scent and develop after the cologne has dried down; and the base notes are the scents that stay on your skin the longest.

It's also helpful to know the different types of fragrances:

• Eau Fraiche: The most diluted version of fragrance, usually lasting less than an hour.
• Cologne (Eau de Cologne): A light, fresh, and fruity fragrance, typically lasting about 2 hours.
• Toilette (Eau de Toilette): A light spray composition that usually lasts for about 3 hours.
• Perfume (Eau de Parfum): Contains 15-20% pure perfume essence and lasts for about 5 to 8 hours.
• Parfum: The most concentrated and expensive fragrance option, lasting up to 24 hours.

Know Your Preferences

When choosing a cologne, it's important to select something that you personally like and that suits your unique body chemistry. Scientific studies suggest that you can naturally select the cologne that works best with your body scent. Don't let others choose for you, but do consider the opinions of others to reinforce or question your decision. Fragrances combine with your natural body scent to form a memorable and attractive olfactory experience.

Understand Fragrance Families and Seasonality

Fragrances can be broadly categorised into families such as woody, citrus, aromatic, spicy, floral, aquatic, and more. Understanding these families and their seasonality can help you choose a cologne that suits your preferences and the time of year. For example, warming fragrances with notes of tobacco, leather, or spice are ideal for winter, while green and aquatic notes are perfect for summer.

Sample and Test

The best way to find the right cologne is to sample and test different options. Department stores are great for this purpose, as they offer a wide range of fragrances to try. Spray one scent on each wrist and inner elbow (up to four scents at a time) and walk around the store, smelling the fragrances at various intervals. Take notes on your phone or journal about which scents you like and why. It's also helpful to ask close friends and family, especially women, for their opinions on the samples.

Consider Mass Appeal vs Niche

When choosing a cologne, you may want to weigh the pros and cons of mass-market fragrances versus niche fragrances. Mass-market fragrances are typically more affordable, mass-produced, and designed for a wide audience. Niche fragrances, on the other hand, are usually made from more expensive or higher-quality ingredients and are created for a more selective customer who wants a distinctive scent.

Application Tips

Once you've found your signature scent, it's important to apply it properly. Start with one single spray on your chest, and as you become more comfortable, you can add a few more sprays in different areas. Apply the fragrance to heat areas of your body, such as your chest, neck, lower jaw, wrist, forearm, inner elbow, and shoulder. Re-spray only when required, usually in the second half of the day. Remember, less is more—fragrance should be discovered, not announced.

How to apply cologne

Applying cologne is more of an art than a science. It's about making a statement and expressing your personality without saying a word. A good cologne can boost your confidence, influence moods, and leave a lasting impression. Here are some tips on how to apply cologne correctly:

• Start with a Clean Slate: Take a shower and wear clean clothes before applying cologne. The fragrance will mix with your body odour, creating a unique, personalised scent.
• Don't Overdo It: Apply cologne in moderation. Less is more. Start with one or two sprays and build up as desired. Remember, some people are sensitive to strong smells.
• Apply to Pulse Points: Pulse points are areas of the body that produce more heat, such as the neck, wrists, and behind the ears. These areas help distribute the fragrance, giving you a longer-lasting scent. Apply cologne to two or three of these points, not all of them.
• Wait for it to Dry: After applying, let the cologne dry on its own. Don't rub your wrists together or touch the area, as this can alter the scent.
• Reapply as Necessary: One application should last throughout the day, but if needed, reapply no more than once daily. Your nose gets accustomed to smells, so while you may not smell the cologne, others might.

Other Tips:

• Hair Application: Spraying cologne on your hair can help extend the longevity of the fragrance, but be mindful that cologne contains alcohol, which can dry out hair.
• Skin vs. Clothes: Cologne is typically applied to the skin, as the warmth and blood flow help the fragrance evaporate and activate the scent. However, it can also be applied to clothes to make the scent last longer.
• Types of Cologne: Eau de parfum has a higher concentration of fragrance oils and lasts longer than eau de toilette or eau de cologne. Woody and oriental fragrances tend to have a longer-lasting effect due to their heavy base notes.
• Storing Cologne: Store cologne in a cool, dry, and dark place to keep it smelling great and lasting longer. Exposure to light, heat, or humidity can affect the fragrance.
• Using in Summer: In hot and humid climates, use lighter fragrances sparingly. Opt for fresh, floral, or citrusy scents and apply them to your pulse points or clothes.

How to make cologne last longer

There are several ways to make your cologne last longer. Here are some tips to ensure your scent stays with you throughout the day.

Before Application

• Check the concentration level of your cologne. The higher the concentration, the longer the scent will last. Perfume has the highest concentration, lasting up to eight hours.
• Take a shower. The steam opens your pores, allowing your skin to absorb the cologne, and giving you a longer-lasting aroma.
• Moisturize your skin. Hydrated skin will absorb and hold onto the cologne better. Use an unscented moisturizer or one with a complementary scent to your cologne.
• Apply petroleum jelly to your pulse points. This creates a barrier between your skin and the cologne, preventing your body's oils from breaking down the fragrance.

Application

• Layer your fragrance. Use other scented products with the same or complementary scents, such as body washes, deodorants, and creams.
• Apply to pulse points. These include your neck, lower jaw, forearms, inside of your elbows, wrists, and behind your knees. These areas are warmer, helping the scent remain strong and fully develop.
• Spritz your hair. Hair is more porous than skin, so the scent will last longer. If you're concerned about the alcohol in the cologne drying out your hair, spritz your brush or comb and run it through your hair instead.
• Spray your clothing. The natural oils in your skin can cause the scent to wear off, but it will cling to fabric until washed. Test the cologne on a small area first, as it may stain delicate fabrics.

Maintenance

• Reapply when necessary. Carry a small, travel-sized bottle with you for touch-ups.
• Store your cologne properly. Keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place, as extreme temperatures and direct sunlight can alter the ingredients and scent. Avoid storing it in the bathroom due to the humidity from showers.
• Check the expiration date. Colognes with a lot of natural ingredients may turn bad over time, weakening or changing the scent.

The difference between cologne and perfume

While the terms "cologne" and "perfume" are often used to refer to men's and women's fragrances, respectively, the actual difference between the two is based on the concentration of fragrance oils.

Perfumes are the most concentrated form of fragrance, typically containing 20-30% aromatic compounds in an oil or alcohol base. This high concentration means that a little perfume goes a long way and can last up to 24 hours on the skin. Due to the higher concentration of oils, perfumes also tend to be more expensive than other types of fragrances.

Colognes, on the other hand, are a much lighter form of fragrance, containing only 2-8% aromatic oils in an alcohol base. This makes them perfect for everyday wear and ideal for warmer months when heavier fragrances might feel too overwhelming. Because they are more diluted, colognes are also cheaper than perfumes. However, this dilution means that colognes generally fade much faster than perfumes and may only last for a couple of hours after application.

Other types of fragrances include eau de parfum (EDP), which has a concentration of 15-20% and lasts around 8 hours, and eau de toilette (EDT), which has a concentration of 5-15% and lasts 3-5 hours.

The best colognes for men

Choosing a cologne can be a daunting task, but it's important to remember that the perfect fragrance doesn't exist. It's all about what you respond to and what the scents evoke for you.

Chanel Bleu de Chanel

Described as fresh, clean, and sensual, this long-lasting fragrance from Chanel includes notes of citrus, labdanum, sandalwood, and cedar. It can easily transition from day to night, making it a versatile option.

Dior Sauvage

Inspired by nature and its raw materials, this scent from Dior is earthy and woody with warm notes of bergamot, pepper, and amberwood. It's a great choice for those who want to bring the outdoors inside.

Ralph Lauren Polo Black

A bold fusion of iced mango, lemon, and tangerine combined with sandalwood, sage, and patchouli noir, this scent from Ralph Lauren is perfect for making a statement. It's a classic that stands the test of time.

Aesop Hwyl

Aesop's Hwyl stands out among rich and musky perfumes with its fresh and earthy scent. It's like taking a walk through the forest on a foggy morning, with notes of thyme, elemi, pink pepper, cypress, suede, geranium, vetiver, frankincense, and cedar.

Creed Aventus

This best-selling fragrance from Creed features crisp top notes of apple, blackcurrant, pineapple, and bergamot, with heftier heart and base notes of birch, patchouli, vanilla, and musk. It's inspired by the life of a historic emperor and is meant to symbolize strength, power, and success.

Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò

A classic scent that has stood the test of time, Acqua di Giò is a fresh, coastal fragrance that's masculine without being too heavy. It combines notes of bergamot, neroli, green tangerine, jasmine, rosemary, and patchouli for a sophisticated finish.

Nautica Voyage

This affordable option from Nautica has earned a cult following for its subtle, fresh, and long-lasting scent. It evokes crisp, cool water with its blend of green apple, cedar, and florals, making it a great choice for those who want a simple and uncomplicated fragrance.

Mugler A*Men Fantasm

This unique and alluring fragrance from Mugler blends woody bergamot with sweet chocolate, making it a rare masculine gourmand. It's an excellent option for a nighttime fragrance and offers a nice, even spray when you get the hang of the bottle.

Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb

Despite its grenade-shaped packaging, Spicebomb is a sophisticated and delicate scent. It opens with a punch of black pepper and purple florals, then fades into a nicely balanced blend of citrus and leather. It's an inviting and energizing fragrance that's perfect for everyday wear.

Gucci Guilty Pour Homme

Gucci Guilty Pour Homme takes an unexpected but clean and alluring combination of rose, chili pepper, and cedar. It's a rich, sensual, and aromatic experience, perfect for making an impression during date night or at a late-night party.

Versace Eros

Looking for something light and energetic? Versace Eros combines soaring notes of lemon and mint with base notes of cedar, sandalwood, and patchouli, resulting in a coastal and alluring scent that lives up to the brand's sexy image.

Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club

Imagine yourself in a dimly lit jazz club with the perfect cocktail, surrounded by cigar smoke and leather chairs. This scent from Maison Margiela captures that atmosphere with notes of pink pepper, rum, and tobacco. It's perfect for cozying up during the fall and winter months.

Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt

This coastal scent from Jo Malone is woody and a little chilly, evoking a breezy day by the water. It's a toned-down aquatic fragrance with notes of ambrette seeds, sea salt, and sage, making it a great choice for those who want a fresh and clean scent.

D.S. & Durga Debaser

There's nothing else quite like Debaser, one of D.S. & Durga's most well-known fragrances. It's downright tropical, featuring coconut, fig, and tonka bean, with hints of smoke, salt, and sweat that make it seductive and multidimensional. It's the perfect scent for feeling like a rich guy on vacation.

Le Labo Santal 33

Santal 33 is an iconic and refined fragrance that deserves its cult-like following. The opening punch of sandalwood is iconic, and the lower notes of cardamom, iris, and leather accord keep it spicy and layered. It's simply too good to pass up.

Amouage Search

This nautical fragrance from Amouage is a fresh take on citrus, smoke, and sun-baked earth. It's an investment, but each spritz lasts an eternity, making it well worth the price. It's a great choice for those who want to microdose the life of an explorer.

Frequently asked questions