A man's cologne is an essential part of that man's style. While most men are not comfortable going out to buy cologne, they will often find that they are not satisfied with what they buy. This is because many men will just take the first guy the person at the counter suggests instead of taking the time to get something that is perfect for them. In this FAQ we will answer some general questions that can help you find a scent for you.
What are the main categories when it comes to cologne?
There are, in general, three cologne categories spice, green, and citrus. Spice colognes tend to have seasoned smells, often associated with spices and leather. Old Spice is the most common example of a spicy cologne, although another recent example is Obsession for Men. Green colognes will usually be sweeter and may contain hints of fruit or anise. In the case of citrus colognes, these are by far the most popular because they smell fresh, as if the man had just gotten out of the shower.
There are so many options! How can I avoid becoming overwhelmed?
So, what do you want to smell like? Fruit or spice? In general, your dress style and attitude can be reflected in your cologne. For example, if you are going for a sporty look, then spicy colognes will probably not work for you. Spicier colognes tend to feature vintage, elegant men. Modern elegance tends to be associated with green colognes while a casual or sporty look will be complemented by a citrus cologne.
How can I make sure I like a cologne before I spend my money?
Do not be afraid to take some samples home. It usually takes some time before you narrow down the scent that is best for you. Instead of spending your money immediately on a fragrance, take some samples home and try them out for a week, alternating different scents. You will find that, over time, some scents will definitely grow on you while you will shy away from others.
Where should I apply cologne when sampling different scents?
In general, use the insides of your wrists and the crook of your elbows to test out different scents. Spraying scents on top of each other is usually not a good idea if you want to get to know different colognes and settle on your favorite.
What's wrong with my new fragrance? It isn't kicking in!
Scents, especially spicier fragrances, will need time to react to your skin and to your body heat. In general, you will want to wait about fifteen minutes to find out what your cologne smells like. That scent will be similar to what the cologne will smell like for the rest of the day, allowing you to judge and distinguish one cologne from the other.
Are expensive colognes really worth all that money?
The best colognes will usually cost between $150 and $200, while inexpensive colognes will have been mass made and not be as well-made because of mass manufacturing. In general, pricier colognes are not worth the money. Anything above $200 will usually be marked up, since even the most expensive ingredients shouldn't cost that much.