Smell is definitely an underrated sense. It can trigger so many things: happiness, fear, excitement, romance. Nothing is more sensual than a man in a scent that suits him just so. The memory sticks with us through the day. It’s part of why we steal your favorite clothes! Of course, buying a scent is easy, finding the right scent can be tough. In this guide, we’ll go through some tips and tricks of finding the right fragrance for you.

Why it’s an essential

Finding the right scent is more than just scooping up the first cologne you see at the department store. Your scent is a combination of many things; your own natural scent mixed with soaps, lotions, aftershaves, deodorant, etc. The soap you use is a good way of laying the groundwork for finding the right cologne. It’s much easier to decipher soap scents you enjoy as their fragrances are more straightforward than a cologne.

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How to choose your scent

EAU DU WHAT??

When you’re shopping for proper cologne, you’ll notice that the same bottle is three different prices at the same store. This isn’t a test. Each bottle is a different concentration of fragrance. Eau du Cologne is the weakest (3-8%) and is good if you want something extremely subtle and not overpowering. Be aware that Eau du Cologne will likely need to be reapplied throughout the day.  Most guys should start with Eau du Toilette (8-10%), which is your standard concentration and should last you most of the day no problem. And Eau du Parfum is the most concentrated (15-20%) and is your best bet for a memorable scent.

APPLICATION

There are a couple of ways to ensure your scent lasts throughout the day without being overpowering. The first is applying to pulse points on the body: wrist, neck and chest. If you use an Eau du Cologne, also apply just behind the ears. Another tip is to apply your cologne just after toweling off from a shower. Applying while the pores are still open allows the scent to really get into your skin. The last tip is to spray a little bit on your favorite pieces. Dress shirts, blazers, etc. Apparel fibers hold fragrance long after the first wear.

The right scent

Once you’ve decided a strength, now comes the tough part: picking a scent. One of the easiest ways to do this is to bring a loved one along. The sort of person you spend a lot of time around who you want to enjoy their time around you. Pick a scent that you’re both comfortable with and enjoy. Having more than once fragrance – a primary and a secondary, more subtle scent – is a good way of keeping your scent unique. When all else fails, remember how your soap smells. Those daily reminders of your favorite scents, again are a good guide.

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING

Don’t go overboard on the same scent. Mix things up between your soap, deodorant, and aftershave. Just maintain consistency of smells. If your aftershave is very musky and woody, pick soaps and deodorants that are similar. If you LOVE a minty soap, pick an aftershave with mint in it. These sorts of fragrances, again, are much easier to figure out and will point you in the right direction when it comes time to pick a cologne.

TELL ME:

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A SIGNATURE SCENT? DO YOU WEAR ONE AT ALL?