These days, a distinct scent for a man is kind of a necessity. A scent is like a signature that lingers on your clothes, and stays in the minds of the people you meet.
With that in mind, here’s a list of things to be on the lookout for when it comes to colognes and perfumes – from scent construction, to choosing and wearing cologne.
Fragrance Construction
Colognes and other fragrances are constructed of top notes, middle notes, and base notes. These scents work together to create the complete scent.
- Top Notes are the first impression that the scent will give you, usually bold scents. Words like ‘crisp’, ‘fresh’ and ‘citrus-y’ are common, and powerful extracts are usually used here. The top notes will not last very long, and give way to the middle notes.
- Middle Notes can consist of soft floral notes that usually last less than 30 minutes.
- Base Notes are the lasting subtle scent that a fragrance leaves on you, and can emerge about 30 minutes to an hour after you apply.
These notes together create the layered story that colognes tell. Does the cologne start with a blast of fresh citrus, and then give way to a smoky woodsy note? A basic understanding of these notes can help anyone distinguish a “just okay” cologne from an “oh wow” one.
Wearing Your New Cologne
One of the most common problems when wearing cologne is the application. Tips on wearing cologne:
- The wrist and neck are ‘pulse points’ where your body generates the most heat, and the cologne will emanate outward from your body.
- Cologne worn on the chest is kept away from the air, and will linger throughout the day and night.
- Don’t hit yourself again if you can’t smell it. That’s the idea. It’s only supposed to be noticeable once you get up close and personal.
- Don’t wear a powerfully scented deodorant with your cologne.
- The combination of heat and sweat greatly amplifies the smell of your cologne; apply sparingly on hot days.
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