There are so many types of cologne scents available, which can make it hard to choose the one that you want to wear. We're here to help you navigate through the different types of cologne fragrances and teach you how to choose the cologne that works for you.
Understanding Fragrance Notes
If you want to understand the different types of cologne scents out there, you need to get down to the basics – fragrance notes.
There are three different types of cologne fragrance notes: top, middle and base notes. Understanding how to find the right cologne means understanding how these notes interact with each other and evolve during the day. Let’s take a closer look.
Top notes
Top notes offer the first impression – fresh and lively, often reminiscent of crisp citrus or invigorating herbs, and not long-lasting.
Middle notes
The heart and soul of a scent, giving it character and depth. Middle notes can range from floral softness to spicy and rich allure. They stick around longer, giving the fragrance its main body.
Base notes
The foundation of the scent with wood, musk or amber, base notes ensure your scent stays strong and persistent. These notes tend to stick around the longest, outlasting the top and middle ones. That means, at the end of a long day, all you’re left with are those base note fragrances, so choose ones that resonate with you.
Choosing Between the Different Types of Cologne Scents
Knowing how to choose a cologne isn’t just about picking the first one that smells good – it’s about finding a scent that's perfect for you.
Different types of cologne scents and fragrance families – citrus, woody, floral, amber and fresh – each give off their own personalities and moods. It's not just about the fragrance, but the emotion and character they bring out.
Here are the main fragrance families and what they’re all about:
Citrus scents
Citrus types of cologne scents are lively, bright, and energetic, packing in the essence of oranges, lemons, bergamot, and limes. Perfect for those who want to carry that electrifying summer energy, all day, every day.
If you’re looking to get some fresh citrus fragrance into your routine, use our Aqua Bergamot Premium Deodorant Body Spray, which balances zesty bergamot with herbal sage and juniper fragrance notes.
Woody scents
Woody types of cologne scents have notes of cedar, sandalwood, and pine, and are a timeless classic. It's a scent that tells everyone that you're grounded but never afraid to go on an adventure.
Floral scents
Floral types of cologne are all about natural fragrances of lavender, lilies and jasmine. Trust us – adding some floral notes are a sure way to show your confidence.
For a complex fragrance profile of lavender, mint and amber, use our Blue Lavender Premium Deodorant Body Spray, crafted to help turn heads for all the right reasons.
Amber scents
Amber types of cologne scents blend the warmth of vanilla with the richness of patchouli. It's that confidence you feel when you walk into a room and know you own it.
Fresh scents
Fresh types of cologne scents are understated and crisp. They capture the essence of a cool breeze or that first dive into the ocean on a hot day. With fresh scents, you're not just wearing a cologne, you're getting dressed with an attitude of effortless cool.
Want a little more info to help you find your signature cologne fragrance? Read our full guide to finding your fragrance family match.
Choosing the right cologne means finding a scent that's you.
How to Choose the Right Cologne
Now you know more about the different types of cologne scents and fragrance families, this will help you find your signature cologne scent. The next thing you need to do is get out there and find the types of cologne that resonate with you.
If you’re not sure how to find a cologne that suits you, we’ve got you covered. We’re finishing off our ultimate guide by teaching you how to pick a cologne that works for you. We’ve got three steps to help you find your signature cologne.
1. Sampling using paper strips
Trying out different types of cologne could get pretty pricey, but fortunately, there’s a way to find your new signature cologne without opening your wallet – we’re talking sampling. Head to a store with a fragrance counter and try a few different types of cologne scents.
Colognes can take a moment to release their fragrance. Rather than spritzing into the air, grab a paper test strip. Line up a few strips with some different types of cologne and give them a spritz. Wait a moment to allow the fragrance to settle and open up and give it a smell. If you like what you’re smelling, move on to Step 2.
2. Sampling using your wrist
If you’ve found a cologne that you like, spritz it on your wrist and allow it to settle for a moment. Why? Because your wrist is a pulse point – an area of the body which emits more heat.
When cologne comes into contact with the heat of your skin, it evolves, allowing the different types of cologne scents to develop and release.
3. Give it time
Once you’ve found a cologne scent that you like, it’s time to put it to the test. Remember those top, middle and base notes we mentioned earlier? As the day continues, you'll notice different types of cologne scents emerging, and you need to see if you resonate with all of them before committing to a whole bottle.
With the cologne spritzed on your wrist, go about your regular day. But, every now and then, check in on the fragrance to see how it's developing. If you still like the scent after a day, you might have just found your new signature cologne.
Go and find your signature cologne
We’ve given you the information on how to find the right cologne, so all you need to do is get out there and find it. Follow our steps, trust your nose, and before you know it, you’ll have found the one.
We’ve teamed up with world-renowned perfumers to create a range of deodorant body sprays, sticks and body washes in five incredible fragrance combinations. If you’re looking for fine types of cologne scents, check out the guide to our Fine Fragrance Collection.
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