Explore The Ultimate Guide To Men's Cologne

Men's cologne is a great way to express your personality and complement your personal style. With a wide range of options available, from woody and earthy scents to fresh and citrusy notes, finding the perfect fragrance can be a fun and rewarding experience. Popular brands such as Giorgio Armani, Dior, and Jean Paul Gaultier offer an array of choices, with department stores and online retailers providing convenient shopping options. Whether you're looking for a classic cologne or something more unique, there's a scent out there to suit your taste and budget.

Department stores

One advantage of buying cologne from a department store is the opportunity to test and compare different fragrances. You can take your time to browse the selection, spray a small amount on tester strips or your skin, and decide which scent you prefer. This hands-on experience can be especially helpful if you are new to colognes or looking for a new signature scent.

Additionally, department stores often offer gift sets or special promotions, especially during the holiday season. These sets typically include the cologne along with complementary products such as aftershave, body wash, or deodorant. Gift sets can be a great way to explore a new fragrance or to give as a present to someone special.

When visiting a department store to purchase cologne, it is a good idea to know the type of scent you are looking for. Are you seeking something woody and robust or fresh and citrusy? Knowing your preferred fragrance family can help streamline the selection process. Additionally, be sure to compare prices and look for any available discounts or promotions to get the best deal.

Online

There are many online stores that sell men's cologne. Some of the larger, more well-known stores include:

• FragranceNet.com: This website has been operating since 1997 and offers discounts of up to 80% off retail prices. They offer free shipping on orders over $100 and have a large selection of designer brands.
• FragranceX.com: This website offers same-day free shipping and guarantees 100% authentic fragrances. They also have a 5-star customer rating and over 20 million satisfied customers.
• Sephora: Sephora offers a range of top brands, exclusive and niche scents, and gift sets for men. They also offer free shipping for customers who sign in.
• Walmart.com: Walmart offers a wide range of men's cologne fragrances, including well-known brands such as Versace, Calvin Klein, and Dior. They also offer a variety of price ranges, with options available for under $10.

In addition to the larger stores, there are also some smaller, more specialized online stores that offer men's cologne, such as fragranceoutlet.com and perfume.com. These stores often carry a wide range of premium brands and offer competitive pricing and discounts.

Unisex fragrances

One popular option is Santal 33 by Le Labo, a woody blend of cardamom, iris, leather, cedarwood, and sandalwood. It's one of the brand's most popular unisex fragrances and can be found at Nordstrom. For those who enjoy the scent of tobacco and hay, Le Labo also offers The Noir 29, which includes notes of bergamot, cedar, musk, and vetiver.

In addition to these, there are several other popular unisex fragrance options. Calvin Klein's CK One Platinum Edition, Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille, and Byredo's Gypsy Water are some well-known choices. These fragrances can be found at various retailers, including online and in-store.

Dossier also offers an impressive range of unisex fragrances inspired by designer perfumes. Their collection includes impressions of Chanel's Bleu de Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana's Light Blue, Gucci's Bloom, and Jo Malone's Wood Sage & Sea Salt, among others. With up to 40% off on Black Friday, it's a great opportunity to explore new scents.

Lastly, Caswell-Massey provides an extensive selection of unisex fragrances with unique notes. Their collection includes the Lake Fragrance Tonic, a blend of citrus and fresh herbs, and the Almond Eau de Toilette, offering warm woods with hints of citrus and musk. With a sale currently ongoing, it's an excellent time to explore their offerings.

Popular brands

There are several popular brands of men's cologne, including Chanel, Dior, Ralph Lauren, Creed, and Armani.

Chanel's Bleu de Chanel is a popular choice for men, with its fresh, clean, and sensual scent featuring notes of citrus, labdanum, sandalwood, and cedar. It is versatile and can be worn during the day or at night. Dior's Sauvage is another well-known fragrance known for its earthy and woody notes inspired by nature. Ralph Lauren's Polo Black is a classic fragrance that combines bold notes of iced mango, lemon, tangerine, sandalwood, and patchouli. Creed Aventus is a best-selling fragrance with crisp top notes of apple, blackcurrant, pineapple, and bergamot, along with heart and base notes of birch, patchouli, vanilla, and musk. Giorgio Armani's Acqua di Gio is a timeless scent inspired by the ocean, featuring a blend of cypress, musk, bergamot, neroli, rosemary, and patchouli.

Other popular brands include Tom Ford, known for his Oud Wood and Tobacco Vanille fragrances; Le Labo, with their Santal 33 and Another 13 colognes; and Byredo, with fragrances like Bibliothèque and Mojave Ghost. Additionally, Calvin Klein has several well-known colognes, such as Eternity for Men and CK One.

These brands offer a range of fragrances that cater to different preferences and occasions, allowing men to find their signature scent or build a "cologne wardrobe."

Application tips

Where to apply cologne

It's important to apply cologne to your skin, not your clothing. Your body chemistry affects the smell of the fragrance, and the warmth of your skin allows the scent to disperse naturally. Apply cologne to your pulse points – the areas where blood vessels are closest to the skin, and which emanate more heat. These include the neck, chest, wrists, forearm, inner elbow, and shoulder.

How much to apply

Less is more. You want your cologne to be discovered, not announced. Three to four sprays are usually enough.

When to apply

Apply cologne after a shower, when your skin is still warm and your pores are open. This will help the cologne to soak into the skin and last longer.

Reapplication

If you need to reapply cologne, it's a good idea to do so under your clothes again. If this is too difficult, stick to your wrists and neck.

Storing cologne

Store cologne in a cool, dark, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity.

Frequently asked questions