Cologne is a type of perfume with a light, pleasant smell. It is a perfumed liquid or solid made from fragrant essential oils and alcohol. It is also known as eau de cologne, which means water from Cologne (Germany) in French. Cologne is considered a kind of toilet water, which is less concentrated than perfume and can be applied more liberally.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type | Perfume |
Consistency | Liquid |
Scent | Citrus, flowers, or plants |
Application | Dabbed behind ears, on neck, or on wrists |
Concentration | 2–5% |
Ingredients | Essential oils, alcohol, water, extracts |
Synonyms | Cologne water, eau de cologne |
What You'll Learn
Cologne is a type of perfume
Cologne is considered a type of 'toilet water', which is less concentrated than perfume and can be applied more liberally. It is typically marketed towards men, especially in American English usage, but can be worn by both men and women.
Cologne was first mixed in 1709 by Giovanni Maria Farina, an Italian perfumer who had moved to Cologne, Germany. He named his fragrance Eau de Cologne in honour of his new hometown. The original formula contained a mixture of citrus oils, including lemon, orange, tangerine, and bergamot, and was delivered to nearly all royal houses in Europe.
Today, cologne can refer to a wide range of scented formulations with concentrations of 2-5% or more, depending on the type of essential oils or extracts used. It is often applied to the neck, behind the ears, or on the wrists.
The Expensive Truth Behind Versace Colognes
You may want to see also
It is a liquid that smells good
Cologne is a type of perfume, a liquid that smells good. It is meant to be dabbed on your neck, behind your ears, or on your wrists. It is considered a kind of toilet water, which is less concentrated than perfume and can be applied more liberally.
Cologne is a scented formulation typically composed of 2-5% essential oils or a blend of extracts, alcohol, and water. It is named after the city of Cologne in Germany, where it was first made. The original Eau de Cologne was created by Giovanni Maria Farina in 1709 and was used purely as a perfume. It was delivered to nearly all royal houses in Europe.
In modern times, cologne has become a generic term for perfumes marketed toward men, particularly in American English. However, cologne can be worn by both men and women. It is a liquid similar to perfume but not as strongly scented or long-lasting.
Cologne is also sometimes made into a cream or paste and formed into a semi-solid stick.
Hollister Cologne: Stubborn Lid, Strong Scent
You may want to see also
It is meant to be dabbed on the neck, behind the ears, or on the wrists
Cologne is a type of perfume, a liquid that smells good and is meant to be dabbed on the neck, behind the ears, or on the wrists. It is typically applied when one is getting dressed up for a night out.
Cologne is considered a kind of toilet water, which is less concentrated than perfume and can be applied more liberally. It is a generic term for scented formulations with a typical concentration of 2–5% and also more depending on its type of essential oils or a blend of extracts, alcohol, and water.
Cologne is often sold in small bottles and can be applied in small dabs or splashes. In hot weather, it can be dabbed on the temples and wrists for a refreshing effect. It is also available in a handy waxy push-up tube form, like a face-highlighting stick.
The term "cologne" comes from the French "eau de Cologne", meaning "water from Cologne", the city in Germany where it was first made.
The Longevity of Scents: How Long Does Cologne Really Last?
You may want to see also
It is composed of alcohol and fragrant oils
Cologne is a type of perfume, a liquid that smells good and is meant to be dabbed on your neck or behind your ears. It is considered a kind of toilet water, which is less concentrated than perfume and can be applied more liberally.
Cologne is composed of alcohol and fragrant oils. The alcohol used is typically a base of dilute ethanol (70-90%). The oils used are typically essential oils or a blend of extracts, including oils of citrus fruits like lemon, orange, tangerine, clementine, bergamot, lime, grapefruit, blood orange, bitter orange, and neroli. Other common oils used in cologne include lavender, rosemary, thyme, oregano, petitgrain (orange leaf), jasmine, olive, oleaster, and tobacco.
The original Eau de Cologne, created in 1709 by Giovanni Maria Farina, was a spirit-citrus perfume containing a mixture of citrus oils. It was used only as a perfume and was delivered to nearly all royal houses in Europe. Farina's formula remains a secret to this day and has been produced in Cologne since its creation.
In modern times, the term "cologne" has become a generic term for perfumes marketed toward men, particularly in American English. However, cologne can be worn by both men and women and is generally less concentrated and more affordable than perfume.
Applying Solid Cologne: Fulton & Roark Style Guide
You may want to see also
It is named after the city of Cologne in Germany
Cologne is a type of perfume, a liquid that smells good and is meant to be dabbed on your neck or wrists. It is typically made from a mixture of fragrant oils and alcohol. The word 'cologne' is derived from the French 'eau de Cologne', which means 'water from Cologne' in Germany.
The perfume originates from the city of Cologne in Germany, where it was first mixed by Johann Maria Farina (also known as Giovanni Maria Farina) in 1709. Farina was an Italian perfume maker who named his fragrance Eau de Cologne in honour of his new hometown. The original Eau de Cologne was a spirit-citrus perfume with a base of dilute ethanol and a mixture of citrus oils, including lemon, orange, tangerine, and bergamot.
The term 'cologne' has since become a generic term for scented formulations with a concentration of 2-5% or more, depending on the type of essential oils or blend of extracts, alcohol, and water used. In contemporary American English usage, the term 'cologne' often refers specifically to perfumes marketed toward men, although colognes can be worn by both men and women.
Creating Cologne Bottles: Glass Shaping Techniques
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Cologne is a type of perfume. It is a liquid that has a light, pleasant smell and is meant to be applied to the skin, typically behind the ears or on the neck.
Cologne is made from fragrant essential oils and alcohol. It is less concentrated than perfume, allowing for a more liberal application.
The word "cologne" comes from the French "eau de Cologne", which means "water from Cologne (Germany)". It was first manufactured in the city of Cologne, Germany in 1709.
Both men and women can wear cologne.