Mastering Cologne: Choosing the Perfect Fragrance for Every Occasion

Men of the internet seeking answers on cologne, you've come to the right place. Unless you're asking about Cologne, a 2,000-year-old city spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, in which case you've missed the sign back there. 

I've been wearing aftershave for as long as I've been growing little curly hairs around the little fella down there. And believe me that was a long time ago. Since then I have assembled quite a Choosing the right aftershave for the occasion involves considering the scent, intensity, and your personal style. For formal occasions, opt for subtle and sophisticated scents. Casual settings allow for more versatility, so you can go with a wider range of fragrances. Consider lighter, fresher scents for daytime and richer, more intense scents for evenings. Ultimately, choose an aftershave that complements your personality and makes you feel confident in that particular setting.

For a black tie event, it's best to choose a sophisticated and refined fragrance that isn't overly strong. Classic options like woody, spicy, or oriental fragrances can work well. Scents with notes of sandalwood, bergamot, vetiver, or musk often convey elegance and masculinity. Remember, the key is subtlety, so opt for a fragrance that enhances your overall presence without overwhelming the room.

RECOMMEND: TOM FORD BLACK ORCHID. I know there are a lot of Tom Ford fragrances that could have slid into this top 5. It was a toss-up between this and Tuscan Leather for me. However, the Black Orchid goes under the Black Tie radar for me. It's perhaps not as potent as Tuscan Leather or Tobacco Oud, but it's got a little mystery to it. It's not as commonly worn in my experience so people will be more intrigued with Black Orchid.

For a first date, it's best to choose a light and fresh fragrance that leaves a positive impression without being too overpowering. Citrusy scents, like those with notes of bergamot, lemon, or grapefruit, can be appealing and invigorating. Floral scents with gentle notes like lavender or jasmine can also work well. The goal is to choose a fragrance that is pleasant and enhances your natural scent, rather than overpowering it.

Wearing a subtle aftershave on a first date can be a nice touch, as long as it's not too strong. Opt for a mild, pleasant fragrance that enhances your overall presence without overwhelming your date or the environment. Remember, the goal is to make a positive impression while being considerate of personal preferences and sensitivities.

RECOMMEND: LE LABO - SANTAL 33. It's a unisex fragrance and one of the best in the world. There is a good chance she might know it or even have it. If she is familiar then she will give you kudos for good taste. If she is not then you'll get to give her this line after she enquires, 'Santal 33 has been dubbed the scent of New York'. Find other reviews of Santal fragrances on my blog here.

When selecting a fragrance for the office, it's a good idea to choose something subtle and inoffensive. Fragrance notes that work well in a professional setting include:

• Citrus: Notes like bergamot, lemon, or grapefruit are fresh and invigorating without being overwhelming.

• Herbal: Scents such as lavender, mint, or basil can provide a calming and clean aura.

• Light Woods: Fragrances with cedarwood or vetiver notes offer a sophisticated and subtle appeal.

• Green: Green notes like tea, grass, or bamboo provide a refreshing and natural scent.

• Aquatic: These notes evoke a clean and airy feeling without being overpowering.

Remember to apply your fragrance lightly to avoid overwhelming your colleagues in the office environment.

RECOMMEND: BLEU DE CHANEL PARFUM. Previously reviewed on my blog. It's sweeter than its predecessor. At the same time it has a bit more meat on its bone. Denser. I wore it to a bloggers breakfast at Sotheby's and I get a couple of remarks on my scent. That could be due to its lack of projection (maybe I needed an extra couple of sprays?), or perhaps in a semi/business environment it wouldn't be appropriate for someone to complement me on how I smelled. Good or bad.