Cologne leaves a man feeling polished and shows he cares about his personal style. Every guy has different preferences regarding his cologne; some men gravitate towards fresh or aquatic scents, while others opt for woody or spicy choices. There are many types of cologne available to choose from, each with a different blend of notes and accords as well personalities ranging from sporty to sophisticated. If you’re looking for a signature scent, consider where you’ll be wearing this cologne and what effect you want to have on those around you.
Deciding on a signature scent may seem overwhelming at first, but knowing what scents complement your body chemistry can make the process easier. Deciding on the colognes intended purpose and the occasions you plan to wear it for may also help with choosing the right one. Regardless of the type of fragrance, the best colognes are well-balanced in composition, have the perfect amount of sillage, and last for at least five hours.
Composition
Colognes typically are made up of top, middle, and base notes, which refer to the stages of scents you experience when smelling a fragrance. Cologne’s top notes are what you detect first, and they only usually last up to 30 minutes. Once the top notes dissipate, the middle notes come out and typically linger for the longest of the notes. Finally, you are left with the base notes, which are lighter and complete the fragrance. The best colognes often feature a combination of many top, middle, and base notes, all of which complement each other and are properly balanced.
Sillage
Cologne’s sillage refers to the trail it leaves behind after you’ve left the room. Many men wear cologne mainly for the sillage, to leave an impression on others. Cologne either has weak or strong sillage, and the degree of sillage often depends on the quality of the cologne.
Lower-quality colognes typically have weak or no sillage, while higher-quality colognes have stronger sillage. However, cologne with too much sillage can be overwhelming and repulsive to others. The best colognes have the perfect amount of sillage which is just enough to make a statement while preserving a hint of mystery.
Longevity
The longevity of cologne refers to how long the scent lasts overall. This often depends on the quality of the cologne itself and its reaction with your skin. Nobody wants to spend money on cologne with poor longevity, even if the fragrance is appealing.
Every cologne is different, and cologne that lasts six hours on one person may only last three hours on another. However, the best colognes have reputations for providing at least five hours of longevity due to the high quality of their perfume oils.
Types of Cologne
Fresh Cologne
Fresh colognes are ideal for spring and summer months, but they’re also suitable for casual or sport wear on a daily basis. They feature clean, crisp top notes such as lemon or pineapple with intoxicating middle notes like violet and verbena, followed by often warmer base notes such as sandalwood and tonka. Fresh colognes should always remain light and keep you feeling refreshed throughout the duration of the fragrance.
Aromatic Cologne
Aromatic cologne is known for its intoxicating, grass-like fragrance with a blend of well-blended plant notes. They often have spicy or citrusy top notes followed by earthy middle notes such as sage or geranium and warm or musky base notes. Aromatic colognes smell fresh and often very intense but should work well for casual or evening settings without being overwhelming to those around you.
Warm & Spicy Cologne
A favorite with men of all ages, warm and spicy colognes are versatile enough to wear at the office or out and about in the evening. They typically feature spicy top notes such as cinnamon or nutmeg with sharp floral or citrus middle notes followed by woody base notes. Quality warm and spicy cologne should come across as sensual, intoxicating, and masculine without ever being loud or obnoxious.
Woody & Earthy Cologne
Ideal for men who cherish the outdoors, woody and earthy colognes exude adventure and independence. They suggest a hint of ruggedness, yet are casual enough for daily wear. These colognes typically feature fresh top notes such as citrus or vetiver laced with sweet middle notes like iris or pear, followed by nature-inspired base notes such as cedar or sage. Woody and earthy colognes are very masculine and ideal for casual purposes.