You may ask yourself, what is cologne, exactly? Good question. We’re here with the fragrance know-how to help you discover everything you need to know about cologne. In this article, we’ll be looking at:
- The difference between perfume and cologne
- Typical cologne ingredients
- And, the ultimate question – what is the best cologne for men?
If you’re ready to take your fragrance game to the next level, you’re in the right place.
What is the Difference Between Perfume and Cologne?
Let’s start with the basics. What is the difference between perfume and cologne? Are they two different names for the same thing? Well, not exactly. To help clear things up, let’s take a look at the different types of perfumes and colognes out there:
Parfum
Parfum is the heavyweight of fragrances, has the highest cologne concentration levels and is often the most expensive. Its concentration typically hovers between 20% to 30% pure perfume extract. This means that it lasts longer, with some heavy-duty perfumes lingering on your skin for up to 24 hours.
Eau de parfum
Coming in second on the cologne concentration chart, eau de parfum generally has a concentration of about 15% to 20% perfume essence. It's a little less intense than pure perfume, lasting a solid 5 to 8 hours.
Eau de toilette
Eau de toilette is your everyday go-to. With a concentration of around 5% to 15%, It is perfect for those who don't want their scent to enter the room before they do. It's typically lighter and might require a little reapplication if you're heading out after work.
Eau de cologne
Now, onto eau de cologne. Its cologne concentration levels come in at around 2% to 4% of perfume oil mixed with alcohol and water. It's lighter, fresher and is perfect for when you just want that subtle hint of fragrance. It lasts around for about 2 to 4 hours.
Eau fraiche
Eau fraiche is at the bottom of the cologne concentration chart, with only 1% to 3% concentration, but it's perfect for a light, fleeting scent, especially useful during those hot summer days.
Cologne concentration levels are important to think about when you’re preparing for the day ahead. If you could use some help finding the cologne concentration to keep up with you, check out our full guide to cologne concentration levels.
Breaking Down Cologne Ingredients and Components
How long your cologne lasts doesn’t just come down to the cologne concentration levels but also the quality of the cologne ingredients that have been used. We’re here to shine a light on the cologne ingredients and components that leave you smelling irresistible.
Essential oil extracts
These cologne ingredients are what give your cologne its signature scent. From the boldness of cedarwood to the zest of bergamot, these fragrance extracts are derived from plants, spices and woods to capture the diverse range of scents and leave you smelling incredible.
Water
Not the most exciting of the cologne ingredients but just as necessary as the rest. It acts as a diluent, helping spread out and deliver those essential oils onto your skin without being overpowering.
Alcohol
It serves as a solvent in colognes, making sure the essential oils dissolve as they should. It helps to diffuse the scent once it hits your skin and then evaporates, leaving behind just the mesmerizing aroma.
In essence, cologne composition is a delicate dance of the different cologne ingredients where each plays its part, blending and diffusing to make sure you smell on point, no matter what the occasion.
What is the Best Cologne for Men?
It really comes down to you – your tastes, your lifestyle and your personality. If that’s sounding complicated, we’re here to help. Here are our tips for finding the best cologne for you.
What is the best smelling cologne? Easy – it’s the one that shows who you are.
Fragrance families & personal preference
We’ve already given you some tips on choosing a cologne concentration that can keep up with you, but if you’re looking to find the best-smelling cologne, you’re going to need to get familiar with the idea of fragrance families.
What are these exactly? Different products have different smells to help you make memories and associations. Like how the smell of sunblock at the beach brings up different feelings to the smell of warm cocoa by a bonfire.
That’s because those types of scents come from different fragrance families – distinct scent profiles, characterized by specific scent notes and moods that resonate with individual styles and memories.
Let’s take a look at some of the different fragrance families out there.
Citrus notes
Citrus cologne ingredients are like that first sip of ice-cold lemonade on a scorching summer day. Tangy lemons, zesty oranges and a bit of bergamot mystery. If you’re ready to get some citrus into your fragrance routine, try our Aqua Bergamot Premium Deodorant Body Spray.
Woody notes
Woody fragrance notes like sandalwood, cedar, and patchouli help create earthy, safe, familiar scents.
Floral notes
Floral fragrance notes may be traditionally viewed as feminine, but mix them right, and you get a scent that will have heads turning for all the right reasons. With cologne ingredients like lavender and jasmine, floral fragrances are sure to make a statement.
Ready to turn some heads with a complex floral fragrance? Try our Blue Lavender Premium Deodorant Body Spray, voted by Men’s Health as one of the best colognes of 2023.
Amber notes
Amber-scented cologne ingredients are rich, warm and always hitting the right notes. Smooth vanilla, spicy labdanum, and that cozy, "curl-up-by-the-fireplace" warmth make it the go-to for nights when you're out to impress.
Fresh notes
Fresh fragrance notes, like the smell of morning dew on grass, are clean, bright, and the perfect breezy companions for any occasion, helping you stay ready for whatever the day throws at you.
So back to that question – What is the best smelling cologne? Easy – it’s the one that resonates with you, boosts your confidence and shows the world what you’re all about. So when you come to choose your cologne, look for the fragrance families that speak to you.
If you could use some help choosing the best cologne for you, we’ve got you. Check out our guide to finding your signature scent.
It’s time to choose your cologne
We’ve come full circle – from decoding what cologne actually is to discovering what it’s made of. Remember, leveling up your fragrance game isn't about blending into the crowd. It's about finding that signature scent that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
Related Products
Give these a try
Related Articles
More Inspiration
More Inspiration
- slide 1
- slide 2
- slide 3