Whether you're trendy. sporty or romantic, there's a scent for you. But wear your cologne properly, or one sniff could turn people off.
When it comes to men's fragrances, the trick is to remember that a little goes a long way. While wearing scent can make a man feel confident or more attractive to the opposite sex, wearing it wrongly can be a bit of a stinker in social circles. Haresh Sharma, resident playwright of The Necessary Stage (TNS), had a "sneeze attack" during a recent meeting with important sponsors. One of the men present wore too much cologne and, as a result, "my nose started to run, and my eyes got red and itchy," he recalls. With a laugh, he adds that it was lucky that Alvin Tan, TNS' artistic director, was there to do the talking. Chew Lysun, brand manager of Aramis and Designer Fragrances, reveals that men often waste their money by wearing fragrance incorrectly. Their biggest mistake is "wearing a 'rojak' of as many as five different scents".
This can include pairing their perfume with aftershave, shower gel, soap or hairspray in different scents. This obscures the main scent, or even spawns a new, unpleasant smell. You may spend $100 on a designer fragrance,only to get a mixed-up scent. Here is a guide to wearing scent:
What's the right way to wear a fragrance?
The traditional method is to put a couple of drops on your hands and pat onto your neck. You can also dab or spray it on pulse points behind the ears and knees and on the wrist. Avoid making enemies. Stick to two sprays or dabs, max.
Do I still have to wear a deodorant?
A cologne can only mask body odour (BO), while deodorant prevents it. If you have BO, a deodorant should be an essential part of your personal hygiene regime. To prevent a clash of scents, use a scented deodorant from the same fragrance line, or a fragrance-free variety.
How often should I reapply my scent?
About every five or six hours, but more often if you perspire a lot. One make to make a cologne last longer is by layering it with a shower gel or soap, deodorant and aftershave from the same range. It will create a subtle, yet lasting scent.
Should I change my fragrance for day and night?
Lighter fragrances or summer versions with citrus notes like bergamot and orange are better for daytime and hot climates. A woody, heavier scent containing wood and amber will stand out better in a smoky bar or crowded nightclub.
What can I wear on a hot date?
Look for fragrances like DKNY Red Delicious which has sensual ingredients. Vanilla is said to encourage intimacy, ylang ylang has aphrodisiac properties and tuber rose can make you feel heady and happy.
Help! My cologne gives people a headache.
Change to a more subtle fragrance or use less. Instead of applying cologne to the neck area, dab some behind the knees - it's less likely to overpower because the smell will waft upwards. If it's your colleagues who are complaining, a bowl of coffee beans on your desk helps to absorb the scent.
How do I find a scent that suits me?
Other than going to the fragrance counters for a sniff test, most brands also hold workshops for customers. After finding out basic information about your current scents and lifestyle, a fragrance consultant uses the information to selecta range of perfumes for a blind test. There is no obligation to buy.
Can I wear my girlfriend's perfume?
Yes, if it contains unisex notes like orange, lemon and bergamot. Estee Lauder White Linen is targeted at women, but is popular with men who like its clean, crisp notes. If you are worried about smelling "feminine", stick to perfumes with fewer floral or sweet notes and more musky qualities.
Should I change my fragrance as I get older?
For a more mature or serious vibe, try a spicy and woody cologne. If you prefer a youthful, vibrant image, choose a lighter cologne with more citrus notes.
Should I wear my scent every day, or just for special occasions?
While people may not be able to tell when you're not wearing cologne, they probably can tell when you do. And if wearing a fragrance helps to lift your mood and help you feel good, why not make it a daily luxury?
Glossary Of Terms
If you are a male wanting to avoid being malodorous, there are some scent essentials to know beyond scratch and sniff. Scent comes in different levels of intensity. Fragrances that have a high concentration of essential oils - which give each scent its distinctive smell - last longer on the skin than those with a higher proportion of alcohol and water. Of course, the longer lasting the scent is, the more expensive it is, too. Better that, though, than a cheap reek.
» Cologne: The lightest type of scent, with concentration levels of 3 to 7 per cent. Dab it on after a steamy shower. Lasts one to two hours.
» Eau de toilette (EDT): Stronger concentration of 8 to 14 per cent. Here's a tip: Squirt into the air ahead of you, then walk through the mist for a clingy, subtle aroma. Lasts two to four hours.
»Eau de parfum (EDP): Splash on pulse points such as the wrist or neck. Concentration: 15 to 18 per cent. Lasts four to six hours.
» Perfume extract: The most intense concentration of 18 per cent and above; pong at its most powerful. Dab it on a pulse point. Lasts six to 12 hours.
How To Apply
» Splashing: Pour on the palms of your hands and spalsh on your skin.
»Spraying: Squirt it on your clothes, hair and skin.
»Dabbing: All you macho types, be careful how you do this, as too dainty and it ends up looking quite a feminine gesture.
»All-over shampoo: Gentle cleansing agents for both hair and body. Leaves skin clear and fresh.
»Aftershave lotion: This contains a protective antiseptic. Put it on after shaving to prevent ingrown hair and to soothe any razor burns. Some brands have a great smell, too.
»Aftershave balm: Similar to aftershave lotion but as it is usually alcohol-free, it's good for dry or sensitive skin.
»Shaving gel: Prepares skin for shaving by helping the razor glide over it. Prevents nicks and burns. Also lifts the hair for a closer shave and speeds up the process.
»Shaving foam: Same purpose as the shaving gel.
»Shaving cream: Same purpose as the shaving gel except that it is used for a more traditional shave. Put it on with a shaving brush. Ideal for tougher beards.
»Shaving brush: Use it to slap on the shaving cream. Traditionally made from badger bristles.
Labels: cologne, deodorant, Eau de parfum, eau de toilette, EDP, EDT, fragrances, perfume, Perfume extract, scents, sneeze attack
