A Guide to Men's Fragrances

With cologne bottles covered in chrome and rubber, it's not surprising that men are curious about discovering their own fragrances. Gone are the days of men settling for an annual gift of their father's favorite spicy scent. With scents ranging from a gentle rain in the forest to the scent of freshly laundered linens, men's fragrances offer an air of chic sophistication to lusty sex appeal.

Choosing Fragrances
Choosing a personal fragrance should reflect the wearer's personality. A bold and undeniable scent maintains a powerful presence at work. On a romantic occasion men should choose a subdued scent, such as amber, that begs for close attention to be discovered. Having a variety of cologne options on hand for men's ever changing moods is a great idea.

Timeless Scents for Men
New formulas are introduced into the world of men's fragrances daily. Some timeless ingredients that keep occurring in popular men's colognes include earthy overtones of sage, cedar, sandalwood and nutmeg. The subdued scent of vanilla and the robust citrus scent of

Tips on Wearing Cologne
Men's fragrances are designed to last all day long. Men should avoid using scented aftershave lotions and body washes if they will be wearing cologne. Mixing two dominant scents is a recipe for a nauseating fragrance overload.

Application of Cologne
To make men's fragrances last all day long they should be sprayed directly on clothing. Focus one or two sprays of cologne on areas that stay warm to help release the scent all day long. Spraying cologne on the torso, the underside of the forearms or on the shirt collar are recommended. Fragrances applied directly to the skin will evaporate too quickly.

History of Men's Fragrances
The invention of cologne dates back to the early 1700's in Europe. Mr. Gian Paolo Feminis, a barber from Italy, journeyed to Germany where he created scented water known as Aqua Admirabilis. The early fragrance was a combination of bergamot, grape spirits, lavender, oil of neroli and rosemary. In 1709 the product was marketed for retail sale as miracle water that could cure stomach aches, bleeding gums and body odor.

Sources:
Ask Men:Men's Cologne
http://www.askmen.com/fashion/trends/17_fashion_men.html

Los Angeles Times: Men's Colognes Get Maniler
http://www.latimes.com/features/image/la-ig-menscent29-2009nov29,0,4144994.story

Women's Healthcare Topics: Men's Cologne
http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com/bn_perfume_mens_Cologne.htm

###