Choosing The Right Cologne: A Guide For Beginners

what kind of cologne should i be using

Choosing the right cologne can be a daunting task, but it's an important part of your personal style and can make a powerful first impression. The sense of smell is the strongest of the five senses and is closely linked to memory and emotion. A unique, high-quality cologne can help you make a great first impression and foster deep, lasting connections with those around you. It can also boost your confidence and make you appear more sophisticated and successful. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of wearing cologne, how to choose the right one, and the art of applying it correctly.

Characteristics Values
When to wear cologne When around other people, e.g. at work, on a date, or to an event
When not to wear cologne In enclosed spaces, at culinary events, when planning to be physically active, at a funeral, or when trying to be muted
How to apply cologne Directly on dry skin, 3-6 inches from the body, on heated areas such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows
How much cologne to wear Less is more; start with a single spritz, test, and add more if needed
Where to buy cologne Department stores, online, or at fragrance stores
How to test cologne Use online research, cologne testers, or scent blotters to test fragrances before buying

shunscent

When to wear cologne

In general, wearing cologne is a great way to add to your allure and make a good impression on those around you. It is appropriate to wear cologne when you will be around other people, such as at work, on a date, or during social gatherings. It is also a good idea to wear cologne as part of your daily routine, adding a delightful fragrance that people will associate with you.

However, there are some situations where it is best to avoid wearing cologne. One important consideration is the amount of space you will have. If you know you will be in an enclosed space for a long period, such as on a commercial flight or road trip, it is best to skip the cologne as even a tiny amount can build up and become overpowering. Similarly, if you are going to be in close quarters with people who are sensitive to fragrances or have allergies, it is considerate to forgo the cologne.

Another factor to consider is the purpose of the event. If you are going to a wine tasting, culinary experience, or perfume shopping, it is best not to wear cologne as it can clash with the scents and flavours being showcased. In addition, there are times when it is more appropriate to be muted, such as at a funeral, and wearing cologne may be seen as trying to draw attention to yourself.

Lastly, it is important to consider your level of physical activity. If you are going to be engaging in activities that will cause you to sweat and develop a strong body odour, such as going to the gym or playing sports, it is best to save the cologne for after your shower.

By following these guidelines and using your best judgement, you can ensure that you are wearing cologne in a way that is pleasant and appealing to those around you.

shunscent

How much to wear

When it comes to cologne, the general consensus is that less is more. Even if your cologne smells fantastic, it's very easy to go overboard and apply too much. In fact, wearing too much cologne can be worse than no cologne at all. A strong scent can lead to coughing, trouble breathing, headaches, or nausea, and can even be a dealbreaker for some potential partners.

So, how much cologne is too much? According to experts, two to four sprays is the ideal amount. However, this can vary depending on the strength of your cologne. Spray colognes can be categorized by their concentration and staying power, with the higher the percentage of aromatic essence, the stronger the smell. For example, Eau de Colognes have a concentration of around 2-4% and are less potent, while Eau de Parfums have a concentration of 15-20% and are considered strong and long-lasting. Naturally, you will need more sprays of a cologne with a lower concentration than one with a higher concentration.

In addition to the strength of your cologne, the areas of the body that you apply it to can also impact how much you need. Cologne should be applied to the pulse points or warmest areas of the body, such as the wrists, neck, chest, shoulders, and inner elbows. These areas help to project the scent more efficiently, meaning that less fragrance is required. It's recommended to select just one or two of these areas to target, such as the wrists and neck.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin and avoid rubbing it in after application. If you're unsure if you're applying too much, ask a friend to give their honest opinion. Remember, it's always better to start with less and add more later if needed.

Where Did Safari Eau de Cologne Go?

You may want to see also

shunscent

Where to apply it

Knowing where to apply cologne is an important part of the art of fragrance application. Here are some tips on where to apply cologne:

Pulse points

Apply cologne to your pulse points. These are the areas of your body that produce a lot of body heat, such as your wrists, neck, inner elbows, and chest. The heat will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to develop a signature scent. The pulse points are considered the "warmest" points on your body, and applying cologne to these spots helps build the best projection/cast/sillage for your scent, helping it perform to its fullest potential.

Behind the ears

The area behind the ears is another spot that many men like to utilise.

The neck

If you're relatively sure your date's head may be close to your neck at some point during the evening, be sure to dab some cologne on your neck for good measure. Your date does not want to smell sweat, so add a medium amount to your neck. Cologne applied here mixes with your natural scent, creating a unique smell that is truly you.

Avoid sweat-prone areas

Keep cologne away from areas where you sweat excessively. If you tend to get body odour, don't use cologne as a way to mask it. Less appealing smells don't mix well with cologne, so it's best not to layer it on in the wrong areas.

Choose one or two spots

You don't have to put cologne on every pulse point; in fact, if you do so, your scent will probably be overwhelming for those around you. Choose a few spots and keep it subtle.

shunscent

How to apply it

How to Apply Cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. When done properly, it can make you feel more attractive and confident. However, if not applied properly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly. Here are some tips on how to apply cologne correctly and effectively:

  • Apply to clean skin: Cologne should be applied immediately after showering, as this will ensure that your skin is free of any other scents and that your pores are open, helping the scent absorb better. Completely dry your skin before spraying cologne.
  • Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away: Holding the bottle too close can lead to over-application, while holding it too far away may result in under-application. The ideal distance is 3-6 inches from your body.
  • Apply to heated areas: Apply cologne to areas of your body that generate heat, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to blend with your body chemistry to create your signature scent.
  • Start with a light application: It's better to start with a small amount and increase if needed. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. If the scent fades quickly, choose another area and apply there the next time. You can always ask a close friend or family member for their opinion if you're unsure about the application.
  • Re-apply if needed: Depending on the type of cologne, you may need to re-apply, especially if you're going out in the evening. When re-applying, dab a small amount onto your pulse points.
  • Avoid common mistakes:
  • Do not spray cologne on your clothing, as this prevents it from mixing with your natural oils and can harm certain fabrics.
  • Avoid splashing cologne on your skin, as this can lead to over-application. Instead, place your 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, as this renders the cologne almost useless, with most of it ending up on the floor.
  • Do not rub the cologne into your skin, as this can make the scent fade faster by breaking the molecular bond in the fragrance. Simply dab it on if you're not going to spray.
  • Remember, less is more. A man's fragrance should be subtle and not overpowering.

shunscent

How to choose the right cologne

Choosing the right cologne is an important part of your personal style and can be a powerful way to make a great impression. Here are some tips on how to choose and use cologne to suit your needs.

Know When to Wear It

Cologne is generally suitable for most social occasions, such as work, dates, or social clubs. However, there are some situations where it is best avoided. For example, enclosed spaces like flights or road trips, culinary experiences, perfume shopping, or any activity that will make you sweat, like the gym or hiking. It is also best to avoid wearing cologne to more muted occasions, like funerals, or when you want to be less noticeable, like job interviews.

How to Apply It

The general rule of thumb is to apply cologne to your skin, not your clothes. The heat of your body will slowly release the fragrance throughout the day. Apply cologne after a shower, directly to dry skin. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body and spray onto the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. Start with a light application and add more if needed. You can also reapply in the evening if going out, by dabbing a little onto your pulse points.

How Much to Wear

The general consensus is that less is more when it comes to cologne. You don't want to overpower people with your scent. Start with a single spritz and test it. Ask a friend if it is too much or too subtle. You can always add more, but it is harder to rectify an over-application.

Choosing the Right Scent

There are many different cologne scents, and it can be a long and expensive process to sample them all. An easy way to choose is to go for a scent that complements products you already use, like soap, deodorant, or body wash. The most common scent categories are musk, citrus, wood, and fruit. You can also layer scents, starting with a base layer of soap, then a complementary body wash and lotion, followed by deodorant, and finally, cologne.

How to Test

It is important to test cologne to see how it reacts with your body chemistry. Firstly, research colognes online and narrow it down to a few you think you will like. Then, test these fragrances using scent blotters, which are small pieces of cardboard that absorb the fragrance. Spray two or three times onto the blotter and give it a sniff. Once you have narrowed it down to a few, test them on your skin. Spray one type on each wrist and, if testing more, on your inner elbows. Give the scent 30 minutes to develop and then smell again. If you still like it, it's a good choice for you.

Making Your Cologne Last

Cologne does not last forever and is best kept in its original box, away from direct sunlight. Fluctuations in temperature can shorten its lifetime, so avoid storing it in the bathroom or in your car.

Frequently asked questions

You can wear cologne whenever you're going to be around other people. It's a good idea to wear cologne to work, on a date, or to any social event. However, avoid wearing cologne when you know you'll be in an enclosed space for a long time, such as on a flight or in a cramped office.

Apply cologne directly to your skin, not your clothes. Spray the cologne onto heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body and start with a light application—you can always add more if needed.

Less is more when it comes to cologne. Start with a single spritz and then ask a trusted friend for their opinion. You can always add another spritz if needed, but it's important to avoid wearing too much cologne, as it can be overpowering.

Choose a cologne that complements your natural body chemistry and fits your lifestyle. Consider the different scent categories, such as floral, musk, citrus, wood, or fruit, and select a cologne that mixes well with your soap, deodorant, or other products. It's also important to choose a high-quality cologne that will last throughout the day.

Cologne can help you make a good first impression and appear more sophisticated and refined. It can also boost your confidence and foster emotional connections, as smell is the sense most closely linked to memory and emotion. Additionally, cologne can improve your hygiene and health by reducing stress and boosting relaxation and confidence.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment