Eau de Cologne
Originally, ‘cologne’ referred to a traditional recipe which consisted of citrus and herb notes with subtle base notes for anchoring. It is the oldest term for men’s perfume and is often used in North America for masculine scents. Eau de Cologne usually last for around two hours and typically come in bigger bottles as the wearer will use more of it. They are great for a ‘freshen up’ type of wear and tend to be used in fragrances for younger people.
Latest Eau de Cologne
Eau de Toilette
Originating from the French term “faire sa toilette” which means ‘getting ready’, eau de toilette is one of the most popular types of men’s perfume. It is often considered as daywear because of its lightness, with approximately 5-15% pure perfume essence dissolved in alcohol. Because of this lighter touch, an eau de toilette fragrance is usually sold in spray bottles as the wearer can apply more liberally.
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Eau de Parfum
The best term used to describe a fragrance, eau de parfum is historically genderless and can be used to describe either a women’s or men’s perfume. Though they are made to last all day (approximately 5-8 hours), eaux de parfum are designed to be subtle and not too overpowering. They contain 12-20% pure perfume essence and are thought to be better for sensitive skin than other fragrance types.
Latest Eau de Parfum
Parfum
Taken from the Latin ‘per fumum’ which means ‘through smoke’, parfum is the most concentrated of all men’s fragrance options, which makes it the most expensive. Because of this, it is often sold in ‘stopper’ bottles as it is too strong and expensive to use as an all-over spray. It is composed of 20-30% pure perfume essence and is slightly oilier with more sillage, which could transfer onto someone else with a hug. Often considered good for sensitive skin as it contains far less alcohol, so is less likely to dry out the skin.
Latest Parfum
How to apply men’s perfume
Applying a perfume is a subtle art that can significantly enhance your presence and leave a lasting impression. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply it effectively:
Choose the Right Time: Perfume is best applied after a shower or bath when your skin is clean and slightly damp. This allows the fragrance to better adhere to your skin and last longer.
Select the Right Spot: Identify the pulse points on your body where the blood vessels are closest to the skin’s surface. These points emanate heat, which helps to diffuse the scent. Common pulse points include the wrists, neck, chest, and behind the ears.
Don’t Rub: Many people make the mistake of rubbing their wrists together after applying fragrance. This actually breaks down the scent molecules and can alter the fragrance’s composition. Instead, lightly dab or spritz the fragrance onto your pulse points and allow it to dry naturally.
Keep it Light: Less is more when it comes to applying perfume. A couple of spritzes or dabs are usually sufficient to create a subtle and alluring aura. Overapplication can be overwhelming and may even repel rather than attract.
Consider the Season: In warmer weather, fragrances tend to evaporate more quickly, so you might need to reapply throughout the day. Conversely, in colder weather, fragrances linger longer on the skin. Adjust your application accordingly to ensure the right balance.
Layering: To enhance the longevity and depth of the scent, you can use matching or complementary scented products such as shower gels, body lotions, or aftershaves from the same fragrance line. This layering technique can create a more cohesive and long-lasting olfactory experience.
Be Mindful of Sensitivities: Keep in mind that some people may be sensitive or allergic to certain fragrances. If you’re going to be in close quarters with others, it’s considerate to apply your eau de toilette sparingly to avoid overwhelming their senses.
Storage: Properly storing your perfume can help preserve its quality and longevity. Keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, and tightly seal the bottle when not in use to prevent evaporation and oxidation.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you apply your perfume in a way that accentuates your presence without overpowering those around you, leaving a lasting and memorable impression.