Cologne Basics

Cologne can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Most men make the mistake of thinking they need to choose a single scent for themselves. The truth is modern colognes enhance your sartorial decisions and add dimension to the way you present yourself to the world. Therefore, just as you have more than one pair of shoes, you should have more than one scent to call upon.

Knowing cologne basics so that you choose the right scent for the right occasion is, perhaps, the most underrated of skills. If you choose wisely and apply sparingly, only a few people will know and appreciate your olfactory considerations. Choose poorly and apply liberally and you’ll saunter through the day leaving expensive contrails of eau de too much behind you as others hold their breath.

So, be an expert scent wearer by following our guide to cologne basics.

cologne faq

Where to wear it?

Wearing cologne to work is generally acceptable, but cologne almost becomes a necessary fashion accessory when going out at night. A light citrus-based scent is perfect for an afternoon outing, but a special evening out calls for a stronger scent with spice undertones or musky notes that will mix with your own natural pheromones.

Where to spray it?

Cologne basics stipulate that applying cologne strategically is more important than you think. A little under each ear ensures that a woman leaning in close to talk will take note of your scent. Your face and chin are the obvious spots, but your chest is the best location for the cologne to mix with your own natural scent and slowly make itself known as it wafts toward your collar.

When to wear it?

You’ll need more than one cologne since what you apply for the daylight hours simply won’t meet the mood and atmosphere of the night. A light citrus scent or woods-based scent are perfect for daytime activities, like work. Nighttime, however, requires a scent with deeper mystery. Thus, you’ll want to use a cologne with spicy notes or a musk-based scent.

How much to wear?

Treat your cologne as a secret you share with only a few people -- or at least those within your close personal space. Apply a very sparse amount under each ear and on your torso. You may not think this is enough, but cologne actually mixes with your body and intensifies over time. Far too many men make the mistake of applying more because they cannot smell it when they first spray it on, or they shake out a palm full because think they need more. The truth is: A well-chosen cologne applied in small amounts will get your more attention than if you bathed in it.

Dab on these cologne basics...

Spice

John Varvatos Vintage

First introduced in 2006, John Varvatos Vintage is the perfect scent for a romantic evening. A mix of tamarind leaves, herbs and dates, with spice, woods, leather, and vanilla, Vintage is a modern masculine scent.

Woods

Burberry London for Men

A mature scent suitable for business occasions and daytime use, Burberry London for Men conjures an old-world mix of bergamont, cinnamon, pepper, lavender, port, mimosa, moss, tobacco leaf, leather, and opoponax.

Musk

Gucci Pour Homme II

Undeniably modern, incontrovertibly masculine... Gucci Pour Homme II combines black tea, bergamot, tobacco, cinnamon, wood, and musk that creates a subtle musk surely meant for the night.

Citrus

LaCoste Elegance

A light, mature scent with plenty of floral fragrance notes mixed with citrus create an almost effortless second skin. This is a daytime scent meant to be worn with ease. Splash on just a bit before heading out the door and you’ll be fine all day.

common scents

Cologne often gets a bad reputation from all those would-be lotharios out there overcompensating with scents in a vain attempt to make up for other shortcomings. But real men do wear cologne; they just don’t pour it over themselves. Take a moment and think about who you are and what you do. Where will you wear your new cologne? More importantly, who will get close enough to you to notice your scent? Always remember: Choose wisely and apply sparingly.