Most men commit a number of mistakes while selecting a fragrance and wearing cologne. A fragrance can say a lot about you, because very often people will recognize it upon meeting you, and it might make a lingering impression. However, a few of these common mistakes by men can ruin the whole experience of scent-wearing for themselves and the people around them. Knowing what these are, and how to avoid them, will take your game in fragrances to the next level and make it an integral part of your personal style.
Application Overkill
When it comes to cologne for men, one of the more common mistakes to make is over-applying their fragrance. This more often than not leads to the fallacy that the more cologne, the longer-lasting the fragrance. Much like in any other aspect of life, too much can be a bad thing-intrusive and repulsive to the people around you. A great fragrance is always subtle. You want people to notice how you smell, not be overwhelmed by it. A few sprays on pulse points, like the wrists and neck, are usually enough to create an attractive aura that lasts long enough without overpowering.
Wearing the Wrong Scent for The Occasion
The second mistake most guys make when attempting to smell well is wearing one fragrance for all occasions, anytime of the year, and under any circumstances. Fragrances have their different identities; just as one would select different clothes to wear for different occasions, the idea is simply to choose an appropriate scent. Lighter, fresher fragrances should be worn during the day and into warmer months, while heavier, spicier fragrances are better reserved for evening events or colder months. You wouldn’t want to wear a deep, musky scent to a daytime brunch or a citrusy cologne to a formal dinner. A fragrance that befits the situation is the one which will ensure you make just the right statement.
Not Layering
One of the strongest guns in your arsenal of fragrances is layering, and this is something very few pay heed to. Guys usually pick on a single scent and don’t really care or notice if any other products being used, for example, deodorant or shower gel complement or clash with the particular cologne. When choosing grooming products, try and use products from the same fragrance family, as this will help amplify and extend the wear of the fragrance. However, beware of over mixing scents. This can get very frustrating, especially if one is using a body wash with a strong smell that competes with your cologne. You try to live by complementing or matching products toward cohesiveness in your scent profile, rather than conflict.
Not Storing It Properly
It might sound relatively incidental, but one of the most common mistakes with guys is in the way you store your fragrance. The fragrances can be ruined after a certain time due to heat and light and moisture. Store your cologne in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Try not to let it be exposed to air as much as possible. Placing it in the original box will protect the scent from changes that may expose it to too much air. Treating your cologne with care will make it last and remain the way it is.
Not Testing Fragrances Before Buying
Buying fragrance is supposed to be an experience entailing patience and a little exploration. Many guys commit the heinous crime of buying cologne solely by reputation of a brand or from reading reviews online, without testing, and find themselves with a scent that does not live up to expectations or their personality. The smell of a fragrance is often very different on tester paper or in a bottle than the smell it will be on your skin. Always test a fragrance before buying and give it time to settle. A perfume will evolve over a few hours when it works with your body chemistry, so make sure you like the way it will settle before committing to purchase.
Forgetting About the Importance of Personal Scent
Perhaps the most forgotten area of fragrance is your personal scent. The oils in your skin can affect how a fragrance will develop. Men with oilier skin types may find that their fragrance lasts longer, while those with drier skin may find that their scent fades more quickly. To extend the life of your fragrance, try moisturizing your skin before applying cologne. Since fragrances tend to last longer on well-moisturized skin, apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to help lock in the scent and let it last through the day. This may also lead to a better understanding of your body’s natural scent profile and make wiser decisions in choosing and applying cologne.
Wearing fragrance is an art, and avoiding these common mistakes will have your scent fit as a signature part of your personal style. Applying just the right amount to choosing just the perfect scent for whatever occasion, fragrance is a potent tool that can express who you are. This way, through your selection and care of cologne, proper testing, and consideration of skin chemistry, you will be guaranteed that your fragrance is an asset and not a distraction. When done right, anywhere you go, a nice, long-lasting impression is sure to be left.
