Colognes For Men: Avoid Skin Breakouts

When it comes to men's cologne, the options are endless. From fruity and sweet to woody and musky, there is a scent for every man and every occasion. But with so many choices, how do you know which cologne is right for you? And more importantly, how do you avoid choosing one that will cause skin irritation or breakouts?

The key to finding the perfect cologne is understanding the different types of fragrances and how they work with your body chemistry. Some colognes may be too strong or contain ingredients that can irritate your skin, leading to breakouts or other skin issues. To avoid this, it's important to test different colognes and pay attention to the ingredients and their effects on your skin.

Another factor to consider is the concentration of the fragrance. Colognes typically have a lower concentration of fragrance oils, while perfumes have a higher concentration. This means that colognes tend to be less intense and may be better suited for those with sensitive skin.

When choosing a cologne, opt for well-known brands that use high-quality ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals. Look for fragrances that are designed for sensitive skin or ones that are labelled as hypoallergenic or dermatologically tested. These colognes are less likely to cause skin irritation or breakouts.

Additionally, it's important to use cologne sparingly. Overusing cologne can not only be overwhelming for those around you but can also increase the risk of skin irritation. A light spritz goes a long way, and you can always reapply if needed.

By taking the time to understand your skin and the different types of colognes available, you can find a scent that makes you smell great without causing any skin problems. So, go ahead and spritz with confidence!

How to choose a cologne

Choosing a cologne is a very personal process, and it's important to select one that works with your natural body scent. Here are some tips to help you find the right cologne:

Understand the Different Types of Fragrances

First, familiarize yourself with the different types of fragrances available. The main categories are:

• Eau Fraiche: The most diluted form of fragrance, with 1-3% perfume oil in alcohol and water. It usually lasts for less than an hour.
• Cologne (Eau de Cologne): Typically used for masculine scents, these are light, fresh, and fruity, with 2-4% perfume oils. They tend to be used for younger people and last for about 2 hours.
• Toilette (Eau de Toilette): A light spray with 5-15% perfume essence, lasting about 3 hours.
• Perfume (Eau de Parfum): Historically genderless, with 15-20% perfume essence, and lasting for 5 to 8 hours.
• Parfum: The most concentrated and expensive option, with 20-30% perfume essence. It can last up to 24 hours and is slightly oilier.

Sample Different Colognes

The best way to find the right cologne is to sample different options and see how they complement your natural body odour over the course of a day. Go to a department store and spray one scent on each wrist (and each inner elbow if you're feeling adventurous). Avoid using the cards provided to smell the colognes, as they only allow you to smell the top notes. Instead, spray the cologne on your skin and walk around the store, smelling the fragrances at various intervals. Take notes on which ones you like and why.

Consider the Concentration

The concentration of perfume oil in a cologne will affect its strength and longevity. If you're new to fragrances, it's best to start with a lower concentration to see how your skin reacts. You can always increase the concentration once you find a scent you like.

Choose a Scent Family

Fragrances can be categorized into different scent families, such as woody, citrus, aromatic, spicy, or leather. Woody, citrus, and aromatic fragrances tend to be well-suited for daily wear and can become your signature scent. Spicy and leather options are more sensual and better suited for specific occasions.

Understand the Fragrance Lifecycle

Fragrances have a three-part lifecycle, consisting of top, medium, and base notes. The top note is the initial smell that hits your nose, lasting from 15 minutes to 2 hours. The medium note develops after the top note clears and can last up to 5 hours. The base note is the boldest part of the scent and becomes more noticeable later in the day, lasting from 5 to 10 hours.

Apply Fragrance Properly

When applying cologne, start with one spray on your chest. You can increase the number of sprays and application areas as you become more comfortable. Apply the cologne to heat areas of your body, such as your chest, neck, lower jaw, wrist, forearm, or inner elbow. Do not spray it on your clothes, as it won't mix with your natural oils or go through the different notes.

Less is More

Remember that cologne should be discovered, not announced. A gentle spritz is enough, and you should only apply more if needed during the second half of the day.

How to apply cologne

While searching for colognes that do not cause breakouts, it is important to note that there are many factors to consider, such as skin type, lifestyle, and the concentration of the cologne. Here are some tips on how to apply cologne correctly and effectively:

Choosing the Right Cologne

When selecting a cologne, it is essential to consider its concentration, as this will determine its strength and longevity. The weakest category, in terms of concentration, is "Eau Fraiche," with just 1-3% perfume oil. "Eau de Cologne" has a slightly higher concentration of 3-5%, while "Eau de Toilette" falls in the standard range with 5-8%. If you're looking for something stronger, opt for "Eau de Parfum" with 8-15% concentration. The highest concentration is "Parfum" or "Extrait de Parfum," which contains 15-30% or even up to 40% in some cases. Understanding these categories will help you make an informed decision about the intensity and duration of the fragrance you desire.

Applying Cologne

• Clean Skin: Ensure that you apply cologne to clean skin, preferably right after a shower. This allows the perfume oils to interact effectively without interference from sweat, sebum, or other buildup.
• Pulse Points: Target areas on your wrists and neck where you can feel your pulse. These are the warmest points on your body, and applying cologne to these spots helps build the best projection and cast for your scent.
• Distance: Hold the cologne bottle about 3-6 inches away from your skin when applying. This ensures a focused application without over or under-concentrating the fragrance.
• Less is More: Start with a single spritz on your wrists and rub them on your neck. You can always add more sprays later if needed. Remember, cologne should be discovered, not announced.
• Avoid Rubbing: Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this can break the molecular bond, making the scent weaker.
• No Spray and Walk: Do not spray the cologne into the air and walk through it. This method results in most of the fragrance dropping to the floor, wasting the product.
• No Clothing Application: Refrain from spraying cologne onto your clothes. The fragrance needs to mix with your natural body oils to develop its notes optimally. Additionally, the oils in the cologne may stain your fabrics.
• Skin Type: Consider your skin type when applying cologne. Fragrances tend to linger longer on individuals with oily skin compared to those with drier skin. Adjust the amount of cologne applied accordingly.
• Lifestyle: Be mindful of your lifestyle choices, such as drinking, smoking, or eating certain foods, as they can alter the scent of your cologne. For example, wearing a strong cologne while dining at an Indian restaurant may result in an interesting mix of aromas.
• Storage: Store your cologne in a cool, dark, and dry place, like a bedroom closet. Rapid heat fluctuations and sunlight can cause the fragrance molecules to break apart, reducing the shelf life of your cologne.

How to make cologne last longer

There are several things you can do to make your cologne last longer. Here are some tips to help you smell great all day long.

Before Application

• Check the concentration level: Colognes with a higher concentration of oils tend to have a stronger fragrance and last longer.
• Moisturize your skin: Hydrated skin absorbs cologne better, so apply a light, fragrance-free lotion or cream before applying cologne.
• Apply petroleum jelly: Petroleum jelly acts as a barrier between your skin and the cologne, preventing complete absorption and making the scent last longer.

Application

• Apply right after a shower: Your pores are most open right after a shower, allowing cologne to seep into your skin and giving you a longer-lasting aroma.
• Apply to pulse points: Spray cologne on your chest, neck, lower jaw, wrists, forearms, inside of your elbows, and behind your knees. These warm areas will help the scent develop and linger.
• Don't rub your skin: Rubbing your wrists together can break down the scent, making it disappear faster.
• Layer your fragrance: Use complementary products such as soaps, aftershaves, and body balms to remove competing scents and strengthen your cologne.
• Avoid over-application: Stick to a spritz or two, as too much cologne can be overpowering.
• Mist your hair: Your hair is more porous than your skin and can hold the scent longer. Spray some cologne on your hair or apply it to your brush or comb.
• Spritz your clothing: The natural oils in your skin can cause the scent to wear off, but applying cologne to your clothes will make it last until you wash them.

Storage

• Store in a cool, dry place: Heat, humidity, and direct sunlight can alter the chemicals in your cologne, affecting its scent and longevity.
• Keep it in its original bottle: Transferring your cologne to a different bottle can expose it to air and cause it to evaporate.
• Check the expiration date: Colognes with natural ingredients can turn bad over time, weakening or changing the scent. Check the bottom of the bottle or label for the expiration date.

The difference between cologne, eau de toilette, eau de parfum, and perfume

The main difference between cologne, eau de toilette, eau de parfum, and perfume is their concentration of oil in alcohol and water, which determines their lasting power and price.

Cologne (or Eau de Cologne) is the oldest term for perfume and is used in North America for masculine scents. Light, fresh, and fruity, it typically contains 2-4% perfume oils in alcohol and water. It tends to be used in fragrances for younger people and usually lasts for about two hours.

Eau de Toilette (or Toilette) is a light spray composition with 5-15% pure perfume essence dissolved in alcohol. The term comes from the French "faire sa toilette," which means "getting ready." Eau de Toilette usually lasts for about three hours and is considered daywear.

Eau de Parfum (or Perfume) is historically genderless and used to describe both men's and women's fragrances. It contains 15-20% pure perfume essence and lasts for about five to eight hours. Perfumes have the highest fragrance concentration and demand the highest price. They are ideal for those with sensitive skin as they contain less alcohol and are less likely to dry out the skin.

Parfum is the most concentrated and expensive fragrance option. Derived from the Latin "per fumum" (through smoke), it is slightly oilier and composed of 20-30% pure perfume essence. A single application of parfum can last up to 24 hours.

While the terms "cologne" and "perfume" were once genderless, modern marketing has led to the misconception that colognes are for men and perfumes are for women. However, this is not inherently true, and men can wear perfume just as women can wear cologne.

The different types of cologne notes

Fragrance notes are the individual scent layers of ingredients that make up a cologne. They are typically categorised into three types: top notes, heart or middle notes, and base notes. Each note plays a specific role in the cologne's development and longevity, and they work together to form the basic character of the cologne.

Top Notes

Top notes, sometimes referred to as head notes, are the first scents you detect after spraying a cologne. They play a role in setting first impressions and usually consist of lighter and smaller molecules, such as citrus scents like lemon, orange, and bergamot, as well as light floral scents like lavender and rose. Basil and anise are also commonly used as top notes. Top notes usually evaporate quickly, lingering for only the first five to fifteen minutes.

Heart or Middle Notes

Heart notes make up the "heart" of the cologne and are sometimes referred to as middle notes. They retain some of the top notes' aroma while introducing new scents to deepen the experience. Heart notes make up around 40-70% of the total scent and last longer than top notes, appearing as the top notes start to fade and remaining evident for the full life of the cologne. Heart notes include full-bodied, aromatic floral oils like jasmine, geranium, neroli, and ylang-ylang, as well as spices like cinnamon, pepper, pine, lemongrass, black pepper, and cardamom.

Base Notes

Base notes, along with middle notes, form the foundation of the cologne. They help boost the lighter notes while adding depth and resonance. They are rich, heavy, and long-lasting, kicking in about 30 minutes after application and working together with the middle notes to create the cologne's scent. Base notes sink into the skin, so their scent lingers the longest, often for six hours or more. Popular base notes include vanilla, amber, musk, patchouli, moss, and woody notes like sandalwood and cedarwood.

Frequently asked questions