Pick The RIGHT Scent... Not Just ANY Scent
You have to use some common sense when it comes to scents! Nobody wants you to leave a telltale trail as you walk down the hallway, telling everyone where you've been and where you are headed. They also do not want the entire boardroom to smell like you, no matter how good you smell.
A scent is something personal that only you and those in your immediate vicinity should be aware of, like using that "inside voice" your mom always used to remind you about. It is a subtle salute and finishing touch to the rest of you good grooming habits.
Eau de huh?
What's with the funny name? It's actually not just some fancy label placed on the product. Most fragrances are diluted with ethanol, which evaporates rapidly and allows the smell to emanate from your skin. The name of the scent refers to the amount of fragrance oil it contains:
- Perfume extract: 20%-40% aromatic compounds
- Eau de parfum: 10-30% aromatic compounds
- Eau de toilette: 5-20% aromatic compounds
- Eau de cologne: 2-3% aromatic compounds
As the percentage of aromatic compounds decreases, generally the intensity and longevity of the scent decreases.
Selecting a scent
Since scents dissipate over time, they do not smell the same from start to finish. They can be broken up into three separate smells, typically referred to as "notes". You will need to experience them all to know exactly what you're buying. Follow these steps:
1. Smell the scent on a blotter card. This is the "top note".
2. Wait 10 - 15 minutes and smell the card again. This is the "middle note".
3. After another 45 minutes to an hour, smell it one more time. This is the "base note", the longest-lasting scent.
Matching skin type
You know what the notes smell like, but picking a scent is also a very personal thing. The way a fragrance smells will change from guy to guy because of the difference in the chemical reaction that takes place due to varying skin properties. Both pH and skin type play a role in how you will smell.
Oily Skin - Skin high in natural oil can interact to create longer-lasting, more powerful scents. To counteract this effect, wear less cologne and opt for lighter fragrances. Go for the ones developed for summertime wear that have more citrus and floral tones.
Dry Skin - Without the right amount of natural oil, the scent will dissipate faster, so it must be applied more frequently to keep the aroma flowing. However, the dissipating effects can dry out your skin. What to do? Opposite of those with oily skin, try the winter scents. Typically they are stronger and are formulated to last longer in drier conditions.
Sensitive Skin - Follow the same rules listed under Dry Skin, but look for products that list all-natural ingredients. They will be free of synthetic fragrances that may irritate your skin.
Switch it up
Different times of year and different occasions may be better suited to certain scents, so there's no need to pick one as your "signature". Try out several that you like (or that simply seem to "drive them wild") and keep a well-stocked grooming cabinet, so you are ready for any occasion!
Go back