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!

What to Know Before You Buy a Men’s Fragrance

Men’s fragrances have long been a favorite gift and personal care product for many men. However, men’s scents should be understated. They should be noticeable to the wearer and subtlety noticeable to those in his close proximity but they should not fill up a room or worse yet precede the wearer into the room. Men’s scents should reflect their personalities and be the final touch on any well groomed man. All of this can be hard to achieve but with a few rules and a good selection of fragrances, it is possible to find just the right personal fragrance.

Finding the Right Scent

Finding the right fragrance is, in part, a chemistry experiment. Bottled fragrances smell different on each individual because they react with the wearer’s unique skin properties and pH balance. There are some general rules that can be applied to different skin types although the specific scent will be individualized. For example, fragrances worn on people with oily skin tend to smell more strongly and last longer than on people with dry skin. If you have sensitive skin then look for products made from all natural ingredients that will be less likely to irritate your skin.

There is no need to pick one scent and wear it every day of the year. You can change your scent depending on your mood or the season, just as you change your clothes. Before you purchase a fragrance, it is important to understand the different types available.

There are four main types of fragrance classification that are based on the amount of fragrance oil contained in the scent. The four categories include: perfume extract (20-40% aromatic compounds), Eau de Parfum (10-30% aromatic compounds), Eau de Toilette (5-20% aromatic compounds) and Eau de Cologne (2-3% aromatic compounds). As a general rule, the higher the concentration of aromatic compounds in the fragrance, the more intense and long lasting the scent is on your skin.

What Kinds of Scents Are There for Men?

Men’s fragrances come in a wide variety of scents suitable for any man. Some popular scents include lemon which is clean and refreshing and sandalwood which has a little spice for a sensuous scent. Some companies manufacture different blends specifically for men. For example, California North has a signature scent for men that is spicy but not overwhelming. Other popular scents include blends with a woody undertone such as cypress, juniper or cedar.

The right scent can be the proper finish to your grooming regimen and help set the mood for your day. A fresh citrus scent can be invigorating and help motivate you to stay on task and do the work of the day while a spicy sensual scent can make an evening more romantic. So, if you are looking to purchase a new fragrance for yourself or for the man in your life then consider the many different scents of men’s fragrances available and consider purchasing more than one to meet all the different aspects of a man’s life.