Some of us don’t know the basics of fragrance. Normally, fragrance is divided into two kinds, oil-based and alcohol-based.
Most fragrances that fall under the oil-based category are normally called perfumes, while the alcohol-based fall under eau de toilette.
Colognes are a different story. The term is loosely used to sell perfume for men. Instead of a large oil-based ingredient, cologne contains a mixture of oils, alcohol and water. Eau de toilette, literally “toilet water,” is lighter than both cologne and perfume.
There are several ways to choose which is good for you. One important aspect is geography. If you stay or live in a tropical country like the Philippines, colognes and eau de toilettes are advisable. The heat and humidity affect the scent. Oil-based fragrances are typically stronger, so wearing a strong cologne or perfume in the daytime can assault the nose. But if you move around a cold office the whole day, maybe a light perfume would do.
Acidity of the skin also affects the scent it gives off. Have you ever wondered why some colognes or perfume smell differently when others wear it? That’s the acidity of the skin at work. I, for one, am acidic, therefore, I tend to use alcohol-based colognes. The only time an oil-based fragrance works for me is when I go out at night for parties and events. But even that needs careful consideration, if it involves dancing the night away.
Here are some suggestions for fragrance that one can wear during these still-hot days.
1. Eternity Summer for Men by Calvin Klein
The scent is light enough that almost anyone can wear it. Whether you sweat in the gym or just have coffee in the mall, this gives off that fresh, just-out-of-the-shower scent.
2. Ralph Lauren Big Pony Collection #3
Among the four sets being sold, #3 is a favorite of mine because it is perfect for Philippine weather. When I sweat, the scent doesn’t change, unlike some perfumes that emit a pungent odor when mixed with sweat.
Both of these are citrus-based scents that exude that shower-fresh feel. Perfect for day wear.
3. Diesel Fuel for Life
I just love this new scent category introduced to the market about five years ago. It’s called urban scent. This Diesel cologne is perfect for day and night use. It doesn’t have that citrus scent like Eternity or Big Pony, but it too can be worn in a hot country like ours. This type of cologne is geared for the man on the go, whose life merges from day to night.
4. DKNY for Men
This sexy combination of wood, spice and floral scent is again ideal for urbanites. You can wear it from the office straight to the club—smooth and sexy. You know how some colognes make you feel a little gay? This doesn’t.
5. Shiseido Zen for Men
Some colognes can make you feel like you belong to the rich and famous. This is one of them. It’s the only cologne I know that combines citrus, wood and musk—very sexy yet fresh. I just love the way the scent plays with your mind depending on what your doing, who you’re with or what you’re trying to exude.
6. Bulgari Pour Homme Extreme
A must-have for the discerning man of today. I use this at night either to impress people or just to make me feel powerful. Trust me, I attract the right people with this scent.
The idea of wearing colognes is not to smell like everyone else, but to extend your personality and leave a good impression for people to remember you by. An important tip for men: Lightly spray your hand with cologne, too. That way when you shake hands, you leave your scent behind.
And when you find yourself spending the night with someone special, leave a little scent on the bed. So when the person hugs the pillow, it will remind him or her of you. Caution, though: The memories you leave will depend entirely on you.