Your masculinity naturally doesn't stop at a nice hairstyle and a tough Beard or clean-shaven Face. After getting ready in front of the mirror and putting on your favorite outfit, there's one more thing waiting for you to make you feel completely like the man. Spraying on a nice scent. Besides wanting to feel like a top man, you also want to distinguish yourself as a man with your own style. Your own footprint in society. A specific scent helps you greatly in finding your own style.
What do you put on? A aftershave, eau de cologne, eau de toilette or eau de parfum? Isn't it complicated for a man to choose a nice scent? You naturally want to smell good and preferably for as long as possible. We will explain the differences between all types and which suits your preference.
Choosing a scent for men
To immediately clear up a misunderstanding, you never choose a aftershave when you're going to buy a scent. A aftershave is only intended for after the Shaving, as the name literally says. It closes the pores and disinfects the skin immediately. Yes, a aftershave can smell nice but contains so few fragrance components that you won't smell it for long. And in that sense, the essential difference between all other types is actually already evident, namely the percentage of fragrance components that a scent contains.
Concentration of Fragrance makes the difference between eau de cologne, eau de toilette and eau de parfum
Eau de cologne, eau de toilette and eau de parfum all contain Fragrance. The difference lies in the concentration. Every scent is made based on a Fragrance and then diluted with water or alcohol. How much this scent is eventually diluted determines the percentage of Fragrance in the scent and thus also what name is given to it. A eau de cologne, eau de toilette, and a eau de parfum could therefore have the same scent but differ in strength.
Eau de cologne
The eau de cologne is the least strong Fragrance and contains a concentration of 2-3% Fragrance. This scent dissipates quite quickly and is no longer noticeable after a maximum of two hours.
A eau de cologne is one of the oldest types of perfumes that, for example, in the 60s and 70s was the only thing men used to smell nice. Nowadays, eau de cologne is much less known and popular than eau de toilette and eau de parfum.
Eau de toilette
The eau de toilette is very popular and contains 5-10% Fragrance. It is already somewhat stronger in scent than eau de cologne and also lasts a bit longer. Eau de toilette is reasonably affordable and therefore also very popular. There is a lot of choice for men looking for a fragrance. A eau de toilette will not last all day and will need to be reapplied more frequently. You can smell a eau de toilette for about three hours. Perfect for men looking for a scent but who don't like strong perfumes.
Eau de parfum
About the General the strongest variant of regular perfumes. Eau de parfum contains a concentration of 10-20% of Fragrance. Some variants remain noticeable for up to eight hours. It is also the most popular variant. It is often considerably more expensive than eau de toilette due to the higher concentration. You also need less of it to smell good, making it somewhat more sustainable, depending on how much you use, of course.
Fragrance
Besides eau de parfum, there is also regular Fragrance. With a concentration of 20-40%, this is the strongest fragrance form you can get. It is also the most expensive variant. It is noticeable for up to 24 hours and cannot be sprayed because it is less diluted. Fragrance is dripped onto the skin. You only need a few drops to smell strong all day.
Composition of Fragrances in Fragrance
The concentrations of Fragrance we are talking about are, of course, all blends of different fragrance types. Each Fragrance consists of notes that can be divided into three groups:
Top notes
The top notes are the Fragrances you smell when you apply a Fragrance on your skin. The first impression. The Fragrances that distinguish a Fragrance for you from another. These Fragrances dominate for a few minutes and disappear the fastest. Typical top notes are Citrus, bergamot, lavender, and lemongrass.
Heart notes
The heart notes begin to be noticeable when the top notes have disappeared. Usually after about 10 minutes. It is considered the most important part of a Fragrance. Typical heart notes are jasmine, roses, apple, raspberry, cinnamon, and pepper.
Base notes
These Fragrances are the last to remain and can be smelled the longest. These notes are the foundation of the fragrance. Typical base notes are cedarwood, vanilla, and sandalwood.
Fragrances
Finally, you can categorize all Fragrances in the different notes into Floral, oriental, Fresh, and woody.
How to best use a Fragrance
Did you know that your skin has a certain pH value and that a Fragrance smells a little different on your skin than on someone else's skin? This also determines how long a Fragrance remains noticeable. That is why smelling a Fragrance on a paper strip in the store is never the best way to choose a Fragrance. There is a good chance it will smell different on your skin.
You can't change that, of course. However, you can get the most out of a fragrance if you use Fragrance correctly. We give you some tips.
Spray, dab, or rub Fragrance?
Spraying is the answer! Rubbing or dabbing can break down the molecules of the Fragrances, causing the fragrance to disappear. Spray from about 20 centimeters away onto your skin. Let the Fragrance absorb.
Spray Fragrance in the right place and leave your Apparel alone
Fragrance is activated by heat and chemical reactions. Spraying it on your Apparel is therefore of little use. Moreover, it is bad for your Apparel. Preferably spray the Fragrance after showering before you get dressed. Your pores are still open, allowing the Fragrances to be well absorbed by the skin. The best places to apply your Fragrance are spots where you can feel your heartbeat well. The best places are mainly on the temple, behind the earlobe, the throat, the inside of the wrist, and the elbow.
Do not use too much Fragrance
We know, the temptation is great to spray some extra Fragrance. Sometimes you think the Fragrance no longer smells because you can't smell it yourself. This is not true. Your brain gets used to the scent, so you don't smell it after a while. Other people can still smell it. So don't spray too much.
Get to work
You know the differences between types of perfumes and how to best use a Fragrance. Now you probably feel like spraying on a nice scent to define your own masculine style. Can't find a suitable scent? Or maybe you don't want a well-known Fragrance that almost all men use.
At The Alpha Men, we have a number of nice Fragrances of very good quality. Get inspired and choose a scent that suits you! Check the webshop for delightful Fragrances. Choose from Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Parfum.