Finding a fragrance you love can be a daunting experience, whether you're a fragrance fanatic or new to scents. When you walk up to a fragrance counter, the only information you can gather about the scents in front of you is the appearance of the bottle, which, of course, tells you nothing. You're frequently left to sniff a few bottles from hundreds of available options with the assistance of an overbearing salesperson who is usually of no help at all.
A scent you adore can truly become an extension of yourself. But how do you go about finding one?
Whether you have a few minutes to research before hitting the stores or you're trying to pick the perfect scent on the fly, here are a few quick tips from fragrance experts to help you land a scent that you'll love for years and feels (and smells) like you dreamed it up.
Conduct your research
Sometimes, for lack of a better term, the best place to start is right under your nose. Consider your daily routine. What scents are you already fond of?
Smell scents correctly
The most important step in discovering your new favorite fragrance is, of course, trying it on. Spray it on a pulse point where your skin is naturally warm, such as your wrist or elbow, to allow the fragrance to warm up and reveal itself over time.
Study The Notes
Knowing the core notes in fragrance allows you to associate them with the mood or vibe you want to convey. Of course, different notes have different meanings for different people, but it's still possible to find a universally pleasing one that is especially meaningful to you. If you want to feel comforted, recalling the smell of your mother's baking may do so, so a note like tonka bean or vanilla may be appealing.
Cologne Types
The concentration percentage of all scents is used to classify them. This is the oil-to-water/alcohol ratio in the solution. Understanding the concentration allows you to not only select a scent but also determine how much to apply.
Eau de Parfum (EDP) - EDPs have concentrations ranging from 15-20%, with the average being around 15%. These are the most powerful scents for men, with shelf lives of up to six hours after application.
Eau de Toilette (EDT) - EDTs are typically 10% in concentration. These are more subtle scents that can last up to 4 hours after application.
Eau de Cologne (EDC) - EDCs have concentrations ranging from 3-8%, with the average being 5%. These scents are weaker, but they should still be detectable, albeit not for a long time.
Splash/Aftershave - concentrations range from 1-3%. These scents have the shortest shelf lives, lasting less than an hour after application.
When deciding which fragrance to buy, gentlemen, practice your concentration. This is the most important step, but in general, we recommend going with the top two colognes.
Below are a few examples that will help you choose. Some of these I personally wear and recommend.
Clinique Happy by Clinique is a Citrus Aromatic fragrance for men. Clinique Happy was launched in 1999. Top notes are lime, green notes, mandarin orange, lemon and sea notes; middle notes are freesia, jasmine, lily-of-the-valley and rose; base notes are cypress, musk, guaiac wood and cedar.
Fragrance Concentration: Eau de Toilette
Launched by the design house of Versace
This masculine fragrance has a blend of mint oil, italian lemon, green apple, tonka bean, geranium flower, vanilla, vetiver, moss, and cedarwood
Fragrance Concentration: Eau de Parfum
It is recommended for daily use
It is recommended for casual wear
Increase attraction and skin friendly fregrance.
Eros is the fragrance that interprets the sublime masculinity through a luminous aura with an intense, vibrant and glowing freshness obtained from the combination of mint leaves, Italian lemon zest and green apple.
Teakwood by Bath and Body Works for Men - 3.4 oz Cologne Spray
Fragrance Concentration: Eau de Cologne
DAVIDOFF COOL WATER is a classic fragrance and the first lifestyle brand to establish the territory of aquatic freshness.
Fragrance Concentration: Splash/Aftershave
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