The Alluring Power Of Cologne: Why Men Wear It

The use of cologne and perfume dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians, Persians, Indians, Chinese and Romans all incorporating fragrances into their daily lives. In these times, perfume was used for religious purposes, to anoint the bodies of the upper classes, and to cover up body odours – bathing regularly was an unpopular practice. The first recorded perfume maker was a woman called Tapputi, who worked as a chemist in Mesopotamia around 1200 BC. The first alcohol-based perfume was created for Queen Elizabeth of Hungary in the late 1400s, and the first bottle of eau de cologne was released by Giovanni Marina Farina in 1709.

Choosing the right cologne

Understand the Notes

Cologne notes refer to the different scents that make up the overall fragrance. There are typically three types of notes: top, middle, and base. Top notes are the initial, lighter scents that you smell immediately after spraying, such as citrus or floral fragrances. They tend to be temporary and last for about 10 minutes to 2 hours. Middle notes, also known as heart notes, are the core of the cologne and usually include heavier floral and spice scents. They can last for 3 to 5 hours. Base notes are the boldest and longest-lasting scents, often including scents like sandalwood, moss, leather, and smoke. They can last for up to 10 hours. Understanding these notes is crucial as the fragrance will evolve throughout the day, and what you smell first may not be the dominant scent later on.

Seasonality

Choosing a cologne that aligns with the season is a great way to narrow down your options. While some colognes work well year-round, such as those with floral scents, you may want to consider having different fragrances for each season. For example, during summer and spring, opt for lighter, fresher scents like florals, citrus, or aquatic notes. In winter, consider warmer, spicier notes like cinnamon, vanilla, or sandalwood.

Environment

Consider the environment and occasion when choosing a cologne. For the office or a professional setting, opt for lighter, more subtle fragrances that won't overpower your colleagues in close quarters. On the other hand, for a night out, you can experiment with stronger, bolder scents.

Sample and Trust Your Preferences

Don't be afraid to sample different colognes to find the one that suits you best. Try small samples or subscription services to test out various fragrances. Remember that cologne interacts with your body's unique chemistry, so it will smell different on everyone. Trust your preferences and choose a scent that you think smells good on you. Don't be afraid to ask others for their opinions or recommendations as well.

Application Tips

When applying cologne, less is more. Start with one spray on your chest, especially if you're new to wearing cologne. Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin as it can alter the scent by killing the top notes. Always apply it to your skin, not your clothing, as it is designed to work with your body's heat and oils.

How much is too much?

When it comes to cologne, the general rule is "less is more". Cologne should be discovered, not announced. It should be subtle enough that only those in close physical proximity can detect it. In practical terms, this means that one or two sprays are usually sufficient, and it's important not to go overboard by spraying multiple times in the same spot.

The type of cologne you're using will also determine how much is too much. Some colognes are stronger than others, so it's important to consider the concentration of the fragrance. Eau de parfum (EDP), for instance, is more concentrated and longer-lasting than eau de toilette (EDT) or traditional cologne. With a stronger fragrance, a single spray may be enough.

The way you apply cologne can also make a difference. It's recommended to apply it to areas of the body that produce heat, such as behind the ears, the base of the neck, the centre of the chest, and the inside of the wrists. This subtle heat will help to increase the intensity of the fragrance throughout the day. Spraying cologne on your clothing is also an option, but it should be done with caution as the scent can be more intense and may be off-putting to those around you.

If you're unsure about the strength of your cologne, it's always a good idea to ask for feedback. You can ask a family member or friend to smell-check you and let you know if it's too strong. If they can smell you from a few feet away, it's probably too much.

It's also important to be mindful of your surroundings. In close quarters, such as a classroom or office, it's best to use less cologne or even forgo it altogether out of respect for those who may be sensitive to strong scents.

Overall, the key to knowing how much cologne is too much is to use moderation and adjust the amount and application method based on the strength of the fragrance and the setting in which you'll be wearing it.

When is the best time to apply cologne?

The best time to apply cologne is after a shower, when your skin is still warm and your pores are open. This allows the cologne to better absorb into the skin, giving you a longer-lasting aroma.

It is also recommended to moisturize beforehand, as this helps the cologne absorb more efficiently. Cologne should be applied directly to the skin, rather than clothing, to allow it to mix with your natural oils and develop your signature scent.

Apply cologne to heated areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. The heat helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day.

It is important to note that cologne should be applied sparingly, as over-application can be overpowering. Start with a light application and re-apply if needed.

Where are the best places to apply cologne?

Knowing how and where to apply cologne is an art form. When done right, cologne can make you feel more attractive and confident. Here are some tips on where the best places are to apply cologne:

• Apply cologne to heated areas of your body. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent. The best spots to spray cologne on the body are the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows.
• Avoid spraying cologne directly on your face or on broken or irritated skin.
• If you are going to apply cologne to your clothing, spray it on a small area such as the collar or cuff, rather than all over your clothes. Keep in mind that some fragrances may interact with certain fabrics and cause stains or discolouration, so always test a small, inconspicuous area first.
• Target the pulse points: those places on your wrists and neck where you can feel your blood pumping through your veins. By applying cologne to these spots, you target the “warmest” points on your body, helping the scent perform to its fullest potential.
• Hold the bottle 3–6 inches from your body when spraying. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying; spraying any further than 6 inches and you will likely under-apply.
• Start with a light application. Choose one area like the neck or forearms and start with one spray. If you notice that your scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply.

Common mistakes to avoid

There are several mistakes commonly made by men when applying cologne. Here are some key points to keep in mind to avoid these pitfalls:

Spraying on Clothing

Avoid spraying cologne directly onto your clothes. This prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils, which gives it its unique character. Spraying on clothing can also cause the scent to fall flat and fail to develop through its scent stages. Additionally, some fabrics may be damaged by cologne.

Splashing on Skin

If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, avoid splashing it onto your skin. This can lead to over-application. Instead, place your finger over the opening of the bottle, tip it gently, and then dab the scent onto your body.

Mist Walking

Although it may seem like a good way to avoid over-application, spraying a cloud of cologne and then walking through it is ineffective. Most of the cologne ends up wasted on the floor, rather than on your body where it needs to be.

Rubbing into Skin

Resist the temptation to rub the cologne into your skin. Doing so breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing the scent to fade faster. If you're not spraying, simply dab the cologne onto your skin.

Over-Application

A subtle enhancement is all that's needed. Less is more when it comes to cologne. You don't want it to be overpowering. Start with a light application and ask a friend or partner for feedback if you need more or less.

Frequently asked questions