Every guy wants to smell great, whether for our own self-esteem or for the ladies’ pleasure. However, looking for the right scent is easier said than done. It’s not merely a matter of picking any fragrance and putting it on. To make your search easier, here are several tips on choosing the right cologne to fit your style.
Tip #1: Look for easy access
It doesn’t really matter where you look for cologne—what matters is your access to the scents. Look for a store that lets patrons sniff fragrances through tester bottles or paper strips. Additionally, if a salesperson says a scent is a bestseller, don’t get it—unless you want to smell like everyone else.
Tip #2: Bring or find a female companion
No, the saleslady doesn’t count since she’s trying to sell you something. Ask one of your gal pals to accompany you. If you’re feeling a bit more audacious, ask the babe hovering nearby. Take note though—women browsing for male colognes might be shopping for their boyfriends.
Another point: if you’re going to spontaneously make friends with said cutie, consider if she’s someone you think you’d get along with. If you’re an urban yuppie and she’s more of a bohemian “free spirit”, the scent she’d pick might not be something you’d agree with.
Tip #3: How to smell cologne samples
Here’s how you test scents:
- Start your test by spraying the scent on paper strips. This lets you test more fragrances versus applying them to your skin.
- Spray the cologne away from you and then wave the paper around to let it dry.
- Smell the strip; if you like it, set the strip aside.
- To clear your nose of the previous scent, sniff the can of coffee beans provided by the salesperson.
- Gather all the scents you liked, and then test them again–this time by spraying the cologne on your skin.
- Choose the scent you like best on your skin.
Tip #4: Understand your skin type
To find the cologne suitable for you, you need to find out more about your skin type.
- Oily skin, when combined with cologne, can trigger a reaction in your skin that can cause longer-lasting scents. However, too much oil can cause an unattractive smell. Because of this, people with oily skin should put on less cologne and use lighter scents.
- Dry skin needs more cologne. But instead of daubing on the stuff more often, use stronger scents to prevent the skin from drying out.
- Sensitive skin is similar to dry skin, but you should avoid colognes that use synthetic fragrances to avoid irritating your skin.
Tip #5: Style is everything
The rule of thumb in scents and clothing is this: the more formal your overall style, the stronger the scent. So if your style is anything but formal, look for milder cologne fragrances. If you suit up like Barney Stinson, you need a crisper scent that would match and enhance your style.
Tip #6: How to put on cologne
The objective in putting on cologne is to smell nice, but you should only be smelled by people in really close proximity and not pervade the room. That being said, you should spray your cologne twice for every application, ideally on the neck or chest area.
The same guideline applies even your cologne doesn’t come with a spray. Put your finger on the bottle’s opening, tilt the bottle, and then apply the cologne using your finger, either on your neck, your inner wrist, or behind your ears. Do this twice.
About the Article:
This article was brought to you by Tim. Tim works in the fashion industry and has written many articles with fashion tips and guides to choosing mens fragrances.
