The Modern Man's Guide To Fragrance Etiquette

Types of Fragrances

Fragrance is a generic term used for perfumes. There are different categories like EDP or Eau De Perfum containing somewhere around 15% to 20% of concentrated oils making them long lasting fragrances. While in Eau De Toilette (EDT), there is 5% -15% pure perfume essence dissolved in alcohol. In colognes, EDC, there is 2%-5% perfume oils mixed with alcohol and water. It fares to last for a few hours and is generally light and perfect for everyday use.

Notes

Any perfume that you wear has a few key components such as, fragrance (aromatic oils), alcohol and water. It has three layers of distinguishable notes, i.e. top notes, heart notes and base notes. The three part life-cycle of your perfume has top notes that get detected at first and disappear faster. Top notes form the initial smell impression that you notice, as soon as you apply any perfume. It can last for around 15 minutes to up to two hours, depending on the type of perfume that you are using. 

Generally, the top notes for men comprise of light, floral, fruity, aquatic and citrus notes. Then come the middle notes, which form the core of any fragrance. They don’t really show up until the top notes settle. Middle notes of a perfume can last for 3 to 5 hours. They also react with your body chemistry to produce a different type of fragrance. Middle notes comprises of fruity and spicy aromas majorly.  This is what decides the price of your perfume.

Lastly, the base notes are what are responsible for the lingering fragrance.

Typical base notes for men's fragrance are comprised of vetiver, vanilla, leather, smoke, sandalwood, tobacco, musk and more.

Choosing the best perfumes

Having said that, most of the perfumes fall under four main categories-Floral, Fresh or Aquatic, Musk and Woody. Scientific studies have suggested that men should wear perfumes that go well with their body chemistry. Apply 2 different scents on each of the wrist and smell it after some time. Like after 15 minutes, 30 minutes and even 2 hours. This is how you can detect or choose the best fragrance for you. Don’t go by what you like when you sniff it, soon after applying as you will be able to sense only the top notes, which anyway don't last long. What you smell after 2-3 hours is the the final scent that the fragrance creates by reacting with your body. That should be your determining factor.

What To apply

If you have heard that fragrances are too much for wearing to work, you heard wrong. You just need to wear the right fragrance in the right amount while going to work. Citrus based fragrances or Oriental and aquatic fragrances are better during the daytime while you are at work. 

The Man Company Eau De Parfum in Vibe is an elegant combination of citrus freshness with masculine strength. This perfume for men is a multi-dimensional reflection of your charismatic personality that exudes elegance.

Even a body perfume works for daily wear. There is this excellent long lasting body perfume for men, called Blanc, from The Man Company. It’s the right choice for the men who are looking to enjoy a classic long lasting fragrance round the clock. It’s a no gas body perfume, which has top notes of Lemon, Birch Leaves and Cardamom. Middle notes have Lavender, Geranium and Juniper with base made of Musk, Amberwood and Sandalwood. Impressive!

Woody and warm fragrances must be kept for special occasions and parties. You can opt from a range of fragrances from The Man Company's Eau de Toilettes.  A seductive, woody fragrance perfect for parties is the Noir, with vetiver and sandalwood base notes. You can surely enhance your charm with it. It’s indeed, the best perfume for men who love the after party as well. 

How to Apply Perfumes 

Once you’re able to figure out, your best perfumes, it's equally important that you apply your fragrances correctly.  One can avoid simple mistakes of putting expensive fragrances incorrectly. 

It is better that you apply your perfume after a shower once you dry the skin. Always hold the nozzle 3-6 inches away from the skin while applying. If you are new to applying fragrances start with just one spray on your chest.

Later, apply on the pulse points. These are the areas of your body that tend to stay warmer. Your body heat will also boost the smell of the fragrance. Spraying on the warmer parts of body like forearms, inner elbow, shoulders, neck and even chest makes the scent stay all day. Do not spray on all of these point at the same time, but just 2-3 different pulse points. When you need reapplication, spray over the rest of the pulse and warm points.

Keep the quantity in mind. Too much can be a total disaster. It’s important to know, how much is too much. We have seen a lot of men just get drenched up in perfume by spraying on every single body part. That becomes overpowering and unpleasant. 

Therefore, spray on just a couple of areas and see how the scent fares all through the day. Test how long the scent stayed, and decide when to re-apply during the second half of your day.

Some Pointers

As a matter of fact, fragrances are not meant for your clothes but your skin. You must spray perfume on your skin rather than the fabric. It can also leave stains on fabric. If you're using a cologne with no spray mechanism, you can pour some over the finger tips and apply. Perfume can boost your confidence, revitalize your senses and create a perfect romantic mood. 

Now that you know how to pick the right perfume for yourself and how to wear it right, go ahead and get your hands on your new favourite fragrance!