How to Find the Right Cologne

Fragrance, via perfumes, colognes, and other similar delivery systems continue to be popular. However, today’s discerning woman prefers a certain type of scent. She often wants something that describes her personality and reflects her lifestyle. She doesn’t want anything too heavy that will linger, leaving the wrong scent behind when she exits the room. Finding the right cologne can be difficult if a woman doesn’t know how to go about the process.

Instructions

1. Determine the types of colognes you liked previously. If floral scents were a favorite in the past, chances are good that those type of scents are still good for you, even if they have a slightly new or modern flair.

2. Shop for fragrances in the middle of the day. Research indicates that the sense of smell is at its peak then. Clear your nose between scents by sniffing coffee or coffee beans. That keeps the scents from overlapping.

3. Pay attention to the cologne’s package; not just its scent. A lot of thought goes into packaging a product. Manufacturers try to match everything about the cologne’s presentation to give the buyer a clear picture of the scent. For example, scents that are bottled in deep amber well-defined bottles often feature a heavier, woodsy scent while those displayed in pale pastel fancy bottles are lighter and more airy.

4. Solicit an expert’s assistance to narrow down cologne choices. There are hundreds of colognes on the market today and it is virtually impossible to review them all. However, experts in the field of scent can help narrow down the field if they understand the type of scent desired.

5. Try the cologne on the skin as well as on a test card. Scents take a while to develop (between 15 and 20 minutes) so the initial smell that is experienced on the skin will change over time as it mixes with the body chemistry. That is why having the test card is important. It allows you to review the scent as it was initially presented, while the scent on the skin represents how it will smell as it processes.

6. Obtain samples of colognes of interest. Live with them for a period of time before making a decision whether or not to make a purchase. The initial response may well be different than the final one.

7. Solicit the opinions of friends and family about the cologne. What you smell on your own body isn’t necessarily an accurate representation of what others smell.

8. Determine how well the cologne will layer with other skin or bath products that you might want to use. If it doesn’t layer well, it may not be the best choice to make.

9. Consider changing cologne with the seasons. The natural elements like heat, humidity, and cold can change the way a cologne smells. Lighter scents are generally better for spring and summer months because they grow a bit heavier in the heat and humidity. Deeper scents work in the fall and winter because the cold often diminishes their intensity.

Tips & Warnings

• The best place to try on scent is on the inside of the wrist and/or at the bend of the elbow.

• Limit the number of colognes tried on the skin. Otherwise they begin to run together and skew the scent.

• Use cologne right out of the shower for the best exposure.

• Don’t wear any fragrance when shopping for a new scent because mixing scents together will throw everything off.

• Avoid any type of scented skin or hair care product that might interfere with the sense of smell.

• Don’t wear jewelry of any kind in the area that will be used for testing the scent.

• Avoid heavy scents for the workplace. Colleagues may not the cologne lingering in the air.

• Never rub cologne into the skin. The process will ruin its natural scent.

• Don’t spray cologne in the hair. It will dry it out and cause frizz.

• Never spray cologne directly onto jewelry or clothing. It can stain or ruin the finish.