Contents[Hide]

Cologne Buying Guide

The cologne  has always been a mainstay in perfecting one's style. Known for its heavy and rich mix of citric oils, the cologne has been popularised over the last three centuries throughout the world. Not only does it add a touch of class to any outfit, it also evokes the wearer's presence and hints at a distinct personality only discovered through a complex mixture of various scents.

How To Test Colognes

Before buying a cologne, the only way to test a cologne is to smell it. However, it is more complicated than just sniffing out a blotter card. Cologne makers use the musical metaphor of notes to describe a cologne's scents. Each cologne, like perfumes, consists of three sets of notes.

  • Low Notes: This is the initial smell of the cologne that you receive when it is first sprayed onto the blotter card. The notes are made up of light airy scents that evaporate very quickly but have the most impact on selling the cologne.
  • Middle Notes: This is the scent that takes over after 10-15 minutes when the low notes have completely dissipated.
  • Base Notes: This scent appears 45 minutes to an hour after the middle notes and is the most long lasting of the cologne. It can stay on the body for up to four hours and therefore the one that should appeal to the wearer's sense the most.

Cologne Pricing

Colognes are priced based on the complexity of their scents. The cheaper the cologne, the more common the ingredients and the less amount of notes. Colognes are also priced based on the name of the designer behind the product.

Classic Colognes

  • Cool Water by Davidoff  has been one of the most popular colognes in the last twenty years. It is considered a safe bet with its refreshing masculine scent which can appeal to men of all styles.
  • Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani  has an aroma of the outdoors with its scents reminiscent of the beach. It is a handy accessory for all casual occasions.
  • Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren  is what is known as a clean scent. The wearer gives off a "fresh out of the shower" feeling which can be great for daytime.
  • Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier  became an overnight sensation with its sharp "barbershop" scent that renders the wearer irresistible to women and free of sexual anxiety.
  • Envy by Gucci  has been called "sex in a bottle" and is a sophisticated scent to wear for a night out.

Colognes Based On Your Personality

Despite the fact that Eau de Cologne should mainly contain citrus scents, the term cologne has become so generalised that two other scents have also dominated the world of colognes. And among these three major scent type, three basic personality types can be appropriated.

Colognes Based On Your Skin Type

Each cologne smells differently on each person. Deciding factors include environment and diet but the most effectual one is skin type. The more oily the skin, the stronger the scent. The dryer the skin, the weaker the scent.

  • Oily skin represents an active body chemistry which will react with colognes and create stronger and longer-lasting scents. Oily complexion can also be a source of unpleasant odours if one perspires while wearing a cologne. Suitable colognes are lighter and summer-y scents such as Tommy Jeans by Tommy Hilfiger  and Kouros by Yves Saint Laurent. 
  • Dry skin dissipates cologne scents faster and therefore needs many reapplications throughout the day. Winter scents are suitable for this skin type for they are normally stronger and engineered to weather dry and cold environments. Examples are White Moss by Acca Kappa  and Black by Kenneth Cole. 
  • Sensitive skin runs the risk of developing spotty skin and allergic reactions when applied with colognes. It is advisable for the wearer to use colognes made from natural ingredients and avoid synthetic ones. An example would be Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren or anything from small health labels.

Cologne Ingredients To Avoid

Although all colognes boast fresh ingredients that are used for their scents, they all contain many artificial ingredients known to cause allergic reactions such as hives, rashes, dermatitis, and eczema. Ethyl acohol is the key ingredient for most cologne because it keeps the oils together. If you are allergic, it is best to stay away from colognes in general. Here are some other ingredients known to cause irritation:

  • Benzyl alcohol
  • Benzyl acetate
  • Benzaldehyde
  • Limonene
  • Linalool
  • A-pinene
  • Ethyl acetate
  • Acetone

Quick Picks

Pi by Givenchy 

Pi is the new scent for men that exploits the sexual appeal of intelligence. In a salute to the visionary male, Pi embodies the confidence of genius. An energetic, woody fragrance, symbolising man's spirit of conquest and expressing his natural sensuality. Includes citrus, aromatic, green, and floral notes. Great for casual and formal use.

212 by Caroline Herrera 

Take an olfactory trip with this distinct and elegant fragrance that imparts an enduring sensuality, inspired by the energy and international allure of New York. It comes impeccably attired in a bottle inspired by the world's most refined objects.

M7 by Yves Saint Laurent 

M7 is a modern interpretation of great men's classic fragrances. A sensual, intense, intriguing, and luxurious blend of bergamot, rosemary, mandarin is soothed with the warmth of agarwood, amber, musk and vetiver, for a fresh scent that exudes masculinity.

The One by Dolce & Gabbana 

A real man's fragrance. A spicy oriental perfume developed on the harmony of tobacco with refined boise notes.

Burberry Brit 

Epitomising the modern, British man, Brit For Men captures a relaxed elegance and effortless style. This fresh, oriental woody fragrance that blends juicy green mandarin and freshly cut ginger with wild rose and spicy hints of cedarwood to create a confident, sexy, masculine scent.

Dreamer by Gianni Versace 

Versace, the Dreamer, is an innovative clear and smooth blend between wild and aromatic plants including juniper, mugwort, and tarragon. An essential beginning allowing an almost immediate glimpse of the richness, refinement, highest quality of reach.

Bvlgari AQVA by Bvlgari 

Vibrant, pure and masculine, AQVA pour Homme blends aromatic freshness with an elegant Mediterranean touch.

Reaction For Men by Kenneth Cole 

Kenneth Cole Reaction is a men's fragrance that possesses a blend of musk, grapefruit, patchouli, mandarin, melon rind, green apple, and muguet. It is recommended for casual wear.

Related Guides

Deodorants and Antiperspirants

Razors and Brushes

Facial Moisturisers for Men

Aftershave

External Links