Smell is the last memory to fade. It is arguably the most important feature when curating your brand. Your cologne can be the perfect finishing touch to any ensemble, but finding the right one is overwhelming. The many options and opinions will always make you question your decision. Let us walk you through everything you need to purchase your next signature cologne.

Understand the Notes

A great place to start your research is understanding which smells you enjoy. How would you like to represent yourself? How about you transport yourself to a beach vacation with key notes of sandalwood and mandarin e orange? The possibilities are endless. Most fragrances combine a family of scents that create a scent profile. You have many options, with scent families ranging from citrus to spicy fern. The goal is to craft a combination that will excite all five senses. Don’t forget to harmonize your other scented products. Your lotions, shampoos, and cologne should all be working together.

Fragrance Guidelines

It is important to understand the concentrations of fragrances. There is a scale that classifies a scent’s strength, concentration, and wear. From highest concentration to lowest, the scale lists perfume, Eau de Perfume, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne, and Eau Fraiche. Perfume has a 20 to 30 percent concentration and can last up to 8 hours. While Eau Fraiche lasts up to 2 hours with a 3 percent or less concentration. Keep in mind that a high concentration will also correlate with a high retail price. As for the application, you want to spray onto moisturized skin and let it set.

Signature Scent Recommendations

The two scents traditionally associated with men are wood and citrus. A well-known, refreshing citrus cologne is Acqua di Parma. It is described as a versatile scent that vibes in any scenario. The next scent that we highly recommend is known as the best luxury cologne for men. Sauvage Elixer by Dior is the perfect combination of floral, spices, and citrus. This scent will have you turning heads. Our last recommendation is for the busy man who doesn’t have time to reapply. Creed Aventus is classified as the best long-lasting cologne. The scent settles nicely on the skin and lasts all day.

Understand Your Goal

Your signature scent is a subtle and intimate way to reveal the type of person you are. The fragrance you wear plays a crucial role in how people perceive you. Your cologne should turn you into your ideal self. What is your goal? Perhaps you’re looking to attract a potential partner? If that’s the case, you have many options to play with. You can choose a scent that comes off as playful or another that is more intimate. A good recommendation is to take an online fragrance finder quiz. It will give you insights on your taste and options for a potential purchase.

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Designed to offer a comprehensive and insightful look into the world of elevated man, The Collar provides you with expert advice and thoughtful insights on all the topics you care about. It features a wide range of topics covering everything from lifestyle and fashion to travel and culture. The Collar is a meticulously curated weekly anthology that caters to the refined taste of the modern gentlemen.