Fashion for Men
BY DOUGLAS JAMES SCAMMELL 

Fragrances for Men

One of the most important things when it comes to fashion and to really help com- plete your efforts is using the right types of fragrances (colognes), and the cosmetics in- dustry offers a variety to choose from. The art is to sample several, choose one or two whose aroma appeals to you and your partner, as it’s always good to get a second opinion, and un- derstand the art of how to apply a fragrance. Remember that this finishing touch to what you are wearing is also competing against the aroma from your deodorant, aftershave prod- ucts, and hairspray. There is nothing more re- freshing than to look great and having some- one ask “What are you wearing?”

To master the art of smelling good, you need to look beyond the brand name. It requires an un- derstanding of concentration levels, application techniques, the fragrance families, and finding your signature style fragrance that is really de- signed just for you.

There are many different types of style colognes, as listed below:

- Fresh/Citrus: Bergamot, lemon, marine notes. Best for summer, sports, and casual days.
- Woody: Cedar, sandalwood, vetiver. Masculine-grounded, and this is perfect for professional settings.
- Spicy: Cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, oud. Warm, seductive, and ideal for dates or wintertime.
- Aromatic: Lavender, geranium, oakmoss. The classic, clean "barbershop" smell. What is that? Think crisp white towels, lathering shaving creams, and bracing splashes of aftershave.

There are many things that make a great fra- grance. The #1 thing I look for after finding the right type of cologne that is not too overpower- ing is the staying power. A great cologne that has great staying power is a result of the perfume's strength and longevity from its oil concentration. 

When applying your cologne to your skin, you should be doing the following:

1. Applying to pulse points: Spray on the wrists, neck, and behind the ears. Warmth activates the scent.
2. Do not rub: Rubbing your wrists together breaks down the molecules and ruins what the cologne is supposed to accomplish.
3. Moisturize first: Fragrances cling better to hydrated skin. Use unscented lotion before spraying.
4. Less is more: Start with 2 to 3 sprays. You want people to discover your scent, not be overwhelmed by it.
5. Store properly: Keep bottles away from heat, light, and humidity. Avoid storing or displaying your colognes on the bathroom counter.

There are many different types of colognes on the market, and all come with a different price range. I personally like wearing colognes that make me feel fresh. But everyone is different.

When purchasing a cologne that is right for you, I suggest you need to ask yourself what occa- sions you are shopping for. Daily office wear, date nights, or casual weekend use? I like to use a cologne that is right in the middle and can be used for all occasions. But that is just my own preference. Also, what type of scent do you naturally prefer? (fresh, woody, spicy, aro- matic). And lastly, what is your budget range? Many of the great icons of yesterday had their own favorite colognes that they liked to wear. 

Listed below are 3 different gentleman icons:

Frank Sinatra's signature scent that he wore was Bois du Portugal by the House of Creed. This cologne was known for its classic Aro- matic-masculine blend of lavender, cedar, and sandalwood; it perfectly fit his sophisticated old-school style.

Steve McQueen famously wore Christian Dior Eau Sauvage. This fragrance is my personal fa- vorite and is renowned for its crisp, citrusy open- ing of lemon and bergamot, balanced by a warm, woody base of vetiver, oakmoss, and rosemary

Ian Fleming, the author and creator of James Bond, wore Floris No. 89 by the British perfum- ery Floris London. It is a quintessential English gentleman’s fragrance featuring a crisp, citrusy burst of bergamot and lavender, warmed by a spicy heart of nutmeg and a rich woody base of cedarwood, sandalwood, and vetiver.

At the end of the day, a good cologne serves as an important invisible accessory that helps boost confidence, leaves a memorable first im- pression, and expresses your personal identity. Because the brain links smell directly to emotion and memory, a signature scent helps others con- nect with you on a deeper, subconscious level.