The Burlap Bag: Men's Cologne Secrets Unveiled

Men's cologne in a burlap bag is a unique and memorable gift for any man. The Fixxer brand of men's colognes, for example, comes in a burlap bag with a sticker. The cologne itself is a solid cologne, which is highly concentrated and long-lasting, and comes in a small metal tin that is perfect for pockets and bags. The scent is described as masculine, with notes of fig leaf, mango, white sage, juniper, basil, cedarwood, cucumber, and amber.

The benefits of wearing cologne

A burlap bag is a rustic, durable, and versatile bag that can be used for a variety of purposes, including shopping, gift-giving, and decoration. Now, here are the benefits of wearing cologne:

You Appear More Successful and Sophisticated

Cologne is a great way to make a good first impression. The sense of smell is the strongest of the five senses and is closely linked to memory and emotion. A high-quality scent can help you appear more polished, refined, and put together, boosting your success in making powerful first impressions and cementing important relationships.

It's a Mark of Good Hygiene and Health

Cologne can enhance your sense of hygiene and positively impact your health. It can alleviate negative feelings associated with body odour and provide aromatherapy benefits such as easing stress, anxiety, or depression, and boosting relaxation, confidence, and energy.

It Makes You Stand Out from the Crowd

Having a signature scent sets you apart from others. A high-quality cologne with top, middle, and base notes will last throughout the day and leave a lasting impression on those around you.

It Helps You Focus

Certain colognes can have aromatherapy-like effects on the brain. For example, citrus scents can improve focus, while bergamot can elevate your mood.

It Fosters Emotional Connections

Smell is a powerful sense that is 150,000 times more sensitive than your vision. It is directly linked to the part of the brain that processes emotions and memories. A unique, high-quality cologne can help you build deep and lasting connections with those around you and even attract a romantic partner, as scent is a significant factor for women when choosing a mate.

The importance of scent

Scent is an incredibly powerful sense, with the ability to evoke strong memories and emotions. It is unique among the senses in its capacity to trigger deeply buried memories and feelings. A particular cologne, for example, can transport a person back to their childhood or remind them of a long-forgotten love. The sense of smell is also deeply connected to the brain's pleasure centres, making it an important factor in creating positive associations and enhancing overall well-being.

In addition to its impact on emotions and behaviour, scent also plays a significant role in personal hygiene and self-care. Body odour, for instance, is largely a result of bacteria on the skin breaking down sweat molecules, which produces an unpleasant smell. By using cologne, men can neutralise body odour and present themselves as clean, confident, and well-groomed.

The sense of smell also has a profound impact on social interactions. It is well known that a person's natural body scent can play a role in romantic attraction, but scent can also influence social interactions in more subtle ways. For example, a pleasant cologne can create a positive first impression, signal attention to personal hygiene, and even convey a sense of personal style or individuality.

Furthermore, scent can be used to create a sense of ambiance and enhance the overall experience in various settings. For instance, the scent of cologne can be used to create a relaxing and indulgent atmosphere in a spa or hotel, or to evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication in a high-end store. In a similar vein, cologne can be used to create a signature scent for a special event, such as a wedding or anniversary, adding to the memories and emotions associated with the occasion.

The different types of fragrances

Scent Families

The four main types are warm, woody, oriental, and fresh, each brought out by different combinations of fragrances. Fresh scents, like Davidoff Cool Water, rely on aquatic and citrus notes, while warm scents like DKNY's Be Delicious use more florals and juicy fruit scents.

Floral fragrances are one of the most popular and broadest families, with sweet and flowery scents using notes such as roses, jasmine, lilies, and peonies.

Oriental fragrances are warm, sweet, and spicy, often with notes of cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla, alongside jasmine, orchid, and orange blossom.

Woody fragrances are warm and mysterious, often favoured for evening wear, with scents like cedarwood, sandalwood, vetiver, and amber.

Concentration Levels

The concentration of a fragrance refers to the amount of perfume oil it contains relative to alcohol and water. Higher concentrations of oils mean the scent will last longer, and these fragrances are typically more expensive.

• Parfum or Extrait de Parfum has the highest concentration, with 15-40% fragrance, typically around 20-30%. It is the most expensive type and lasts the longest, often up to 8 hours. It has less alcohol, making it better for sensitive skin.
• Eau de Parfum (EDP) has the next highest concentration, with 15-20% fragrance. It is cheaper than parfum, lasts 4-5 hours, and is suitable for everyday wear.
• Eau de Toilette (EDT) has a concentration of 5-15% and is one of the most popular types. It lasts 2-3 hours and is considered more for daywear.
• Eau de Cologne (EDC) has a low concentration of 2-4% and a high alcohol content. The scent lasts for up to 2 hours, and it usually comes in bigger bottles.
• Eau Fraiche has an even lower concentration of 1-3%, and the remainder is mostly water. The scent lasts for up to 2 hours, and it is often used to freshen up.

Additionally, there is a category of Perfume Oils with a pure oil base and no alcohol or water. These can have fragrance concentrations of up to 20%, with a carrier oil making up the rest of the blend.

The men's cologne in a burlap bag mentioned earlier is an Eau de Parfum with a blend of fig leaf, mango, white sage, juniper, basil, cedarwood, cucumber, and amber.

How to select and buy cologne

Know the Basics

Before you begin your search for the perfect cologne, it's important to understand the basics of fragrances. Familiarize yourself with the different fragrance families and the moods, energies, and feelings they evoke. This will help you determine which scents are most suitable for different occasions and seasons. For example, fragrances with heavy notes of musk, amber, and spice are more suitable for dates or evening wear during winter. On the other hand, green and aquatic notes are ideal for summer.

Sample Before You Buy

When it comes to selecting a cologne, it's crucial to take your time and sample different options before making a purchase. Many brands offer sample-size testers or discovery sets that allow you to try out a variety of scents at a low cost. You can also purchase sample vials from sites like Luckyscent, FragranceNet, and Scent Split. This way, you can wear a scent for a week or so to determine if it's the right fit for you.

Explore Smaller Brands

While well-known brands might be more recognizable, that doesn't always equate to higher quality. Smaller brands that specialize solely in perfumes often work with natural products and offer unique, high-quality fragrances. These brands may provide a more personalized and specific scent that stands out from the crowd.

Understand Your Preferences

Take the time to understand your preferences and the types of scents that appeal to you. Do you prefer fresh and simple fragrances, or are you open to more complex and spicy options? Consider the core notes that you find appealing and the moods or vibes you want to associate with your cologne. For example, if you want to feel comforted, you might opt for notes like tonka bean or vanilla.

Test It on Your Skin

Don't just spritz the cologne on a test strip—make sure to try it on your skin. Skin chemistry plays a significant role in how a fragrance develops and changes over time. Ask for take-home samples if possible, as this will allow you to see how the cologne interacts with your unique body chemistry throughout the day.

Get a Second Opinion

Consider bringing a trusted friend or partner when you go scent shopping. Others may pick up on nuances in the fragrances that you might miss, and they can provide valuable feedback on how the cologne reacts with your skin.

Understand Seasonality

Different fragrances are more suitable for specific seasons. For winter, look for fragrances with warming notes like tobacco, leather, or spice. In contrast, summer calls for lighter, aquatic, and green notes. For fall, consider fragrances with patchouli, musk, and vanilla, while spring is the perfect time for floral or citrus scents.

Know the Classics

Familiarize yourself with classic cologne scents to have a solid framework for choosing your signature scent. These timeless fragrances have stood the test of time and often offer a sophisticated and well-rounded scent profile.

Weigh Mass Appeal Against Niche

When selecting a cologne, consider the balance between mass appeal and niche fragrances. While a mass-market fragrance may be more affordable and widely liked, you risk smelling like someone else. Niche fragrances, on the other hand, tend to be more unique and allow you to have a signature scent that stands out. However, they usually come at a higher price point.

Understand Your Motives

Think about why you want a signature scent and how it aligns with your personality and the image you want to project. Are you looking for a scent that oozes sex appeal, or do you want something more subtle and sophisticated? Understanding your motives will help you choose a cologne that truly suits your needs and personality.

Try Before You Buy

When you've narrowed down your options, make sure to try the cologne before committing to a purchase, especially if it's a significant financial investment. Opt for the smallest "full-size" version first, as sampling a fragrance for a few days or weeks can be very different from wearing it continuously for months.

Understand Fragrance Longevity

Keep in mind that not all colognes are created equal when it comes to longevity. Some fragrances may last for only a few hours, while others can endure for an entire day. Consider how long you want your cologne to last and choose an option that aligns with your preferences.

Read Reviews

Take advantage of online communities and reviews to gather insights and opinions from other fragrance enthusiasts. Sites like Fragrantica, Parfumo, and Base Notes offer a wealth of information and reviews from experienced perfume connoisseurs. Additionally, checking reviews from customers on retail sites like Amazon can provide valuable insights into the longevity, pricing, and overall satisfaction with a particular cologne.

Understand the Different Types of Colognes

Colognes come in various forms, such as sprays or solid colognes. Solid colognes, like the one packaged in a burlap bag by the brand Fixxxer, offer a convenient and leak-proof option for travel. They are designed to be easily portable and provide a long-lasting fragrance throughout the day.

Consider the Presentation

If you're purchasing cologne as a gift or want to treat yourself, consider the presentation and packaging. Cologne presented in a burlap bag, such as the Fixxxer brand, adds a rustic and chic touch to your purchase. Burlap bags are also environmentally friendly and biodegradable, making them a sustainable choice.

Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, trust your instincts when selecting a cologne. Choose a fragrance that you genuinely love and that aligns with your tastes and preferences. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations and guidance from salespeople, but make sure the final decision is yours.

Where to Buy Cologne

You can purchase cologne from various retailers, including department stores, specialty fragrance shops, and online platforms. Online shopping provides the advantage of a vast selection and the convenience of having the cologne delivered directly to your doorstep. However, if you prefer to test the fragrances in person, a physical store might be a better option.

Ask for Recommendations

Don't be afraid to ask others for recommendations, especially if you know someone who shares your taste in fragrances. You can also seek advice from salespeople or fragrance experts, who can guide you based on your preferences and help you navigate the different options available.

Have Fun with It!

Remember, choosing a cologne should be an enjoyable experience. Take your time, explore different options, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Finding the perfect cologne is a journey of discovery, and you might be surprised by the fragrances that resonate with you.

Rules for application

• The burlap bag is designed for easy transport, so you can take the cologne with you on the go and apply it throughout the day as needed. Keep the cologne in your gym bag, pocket, or carry-on bag to ensure you always smell your best.
• The cologne has a light scent when first applied but will last all day. The beeswax in the cologne acts as a time-release carrier, slowly diffusing the fragrance over time.
• Apply the cologne to your neck and wrists, which will help the scent last for several hours.
• If you are using other scented products, such as beard oil or beard balm, ensure that the scents complement each other and do not clash.
• When storing your cologne, keep it in a cool, dry place, as extreme temperatures can affect the longevity of the scent.
• If you are crafting your own cologne, you can create a burlap courier bag by combining a burlap sack and rope. This bag can provide additional storage space for your cologne and other items.

Frequently asked questions