How to Choose and Wear Cologne
Faced with an array of pretty bottles, choosing a cologne can be overwhelming. But a few careful sniffs and a little research can help you select the best fragrance for yourself or that someone special in your life. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Take inventory of the fragrances you already wear. If you are like most people, your shower soap, body lotion and hair shampoo are already scented. Make a note of any of these fragrances that you particularly like, or that are noticeable when you wear them. You will want to select a cologne that is similar to that fragrance.
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2
Visit a department store cosmetics counter to test a few fragrances. Use the test strips provided so you can sample the smell and discard it, rather than wearing several scents on your arm.
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3
Narrow your selection to two or three fragrances. Ask the cosmetics counter person for a sample vial of these. Most counters at large department stores will provide you with two or three complimentary samples to help you make a decision.
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4
Apply one of the sample scents to your pulse points. It will be easiest to smell the fragrance when it's applied to your wrists. Avoid rubbing your wrists together as this will break down the cologne. The initial scent is what you smelled on the test strip, but this will scent will change for each person based on body chemistry.
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Wait 15 minutes and take a whiff of your wrists. This is what the cologne will smell like on you. Continue sampling the smell throughout the day both to check on how the cologne may have changed and also to see how long the fragrance lasts. Also, ask a friend to sniff you to see what it smells like to other people.
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Select the sample you liked the best. On a daily basis, apply a small amount of the cologne on your pulse points (both wrists and behind your ears) as well as the nape of your neck. Reapply every few hours as necessary. For sprays, a light spritz on your chest and hair will have a lasting effect.
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Tips & Warnings
Although it's tempting to buy a large bottle, most people will not use an entire bottle within a year. Purchase a smaller bottle and keep it stored out of direct light to keep the cologne from going bad.
Don't get cologne on your clothing as it may stain or discolor certain fabrics.
