The Esteemed Gentleman Articles
6 Fragrance Myths Most People Believe
Fragrance Myth #1: Perfume Is For Women, Cologne Is For Men
One of the biggest myths in the world of fragrances is the belief that cologne is for men and perfume is for women. Although marketing and advertising likes to push this idea to consumers, the terms 'cologne' and 'perfume' are nothing more than names used for different concentrations.
Fragrance concentration is the number of aromatic oils used in a fragrance. A fragrance with a higher concentration will be stronger and potentially last longer, but will also cost more. Here are the most common concentration levels you will see:
- Parfum (Extrait de Parfum) – 20-40% oil
- Eau de Parfum (EDP) – 15-20% oil
- Eau de Toilette (EDT) – 5-15% oil
- Eau de Cologne (EDC) – 2-5% oil
- Eau Fraîche – 1-3% oil
Fragrances are not gender specific. Some may smell more feminine or masculine and some are perfectly unisex. Some women enjoy masculine-leaning scents and some men enjoy feminine-leaning scents. At the end of the day, wear what makes you happy.
If you want to know what our thoughts are on fragrances, head over to our fragrance review page to learn more.
Fragrance Myth #2: More Sprays = Longer Lasting
A popular belief when applying fragrances is that spraying more will make it last longer. Applying extra sprays of fragrance on yourself will amplify the intensity a lot more than longevity. More people will be able to smell you, and the scent of your fragrance will much stronger, but it will not last much longer than if you only applied 2-3 sprays.
"You should be discovered, not announced" is an old saying in the fragrance community. It means you should only apply enough fragrance so those within your personal bubble can smell you. You don't want your scent to be so strong people on the other side of the room can detect it.
The alcohol in fragrances can dry out your skin, so avoid over-spraying. Excess dryness can cause irritable skin, itching, and rashes. This can be extremely uncomfortable if you are wearing clothing that is rubbing against where you sprayed.
Going nose-blind is real. If you think your fragrance has faded, ask someone nearby (a trusted friend, loved-one, co-worker) if they can still smell your scent. If there is no one to ask, assume it is still noticeable. Do not re-apply more until you are absolutely certain it is undetectable to others.
Fragrance Myth #3: Wearing A Scent Will Mask Your Bad B.O.
There is no excuse for proper hygiene. Applying a fragrance hoping it will cover up any body odour (B.O.) is wishful thinking. Chances are, it will mix with the B.O. and create a new, stronger, more pungent B.O. that may become a key topic at the next OPCW meeting.
Sweaty, dirty skin is bad for fragrances. Take time to clean yourself thoroughly (use our handy Men's Hygiene Checklist to remind yourself on what should be cleaned) and apply a moisturizer once you have dried yourself off.
Fragrances will last longer, project better and smell nicer on clean skin. Applying an unscented moisturizer will aide in longevity and help the fragrance develop. No matter your age, gender, or lifestyle, you should always have a bottle of moisturizer in your bathroom.
Fragrance Myth #4: Spraying On Your Wrists And Rubbing Them Together Is The Best Way To 'Open Up' A Scent
Applying fragrance by spraying it on your wrists then rubbing them together is not going to 'open up' the fragrance or make it perform better. Doing this causes the scent to dissipate faster and may alter the scent altogether. Rubbing your wrists together creates heat which breaks down scent molecules, altering the fragrance.
Some people with sensitive skin may develop a rash by rubbing their wrists together and you may even get an infection if you have an open wound or cut. The best way to apply a fragrance is to spray your pulse points (your neck, chest, behind your ears, or on your wrists) and let it dry.
Letting the fragrance dry on its own will allow the alcohol to dissolve properly and let the oils project. Your fragrance will last longer and be stronger than if you were to rub your wrists.
Fragrance Myth #5: Fragrances Smell The Same On Everyone
Everybody's skin chemistry is different. Your pH level and natural body odour can change how a fragrance smells if it is sprayed directly on your skin. Always test a fragrance on your skin before purchasing it, especially if you think it smells nice on someone else.
If you purchased a fragrance that does not smell the same as when you smelled it on someone else, try spraying it directly on your clothes. It may not project as much, but it will smell better. Be aware that dark coloured scents may stain your clothes! Always test in an inconspicuous spot first.
Fragrance Testing Tip: It is wise to always test a fragrance before buying. Our article How to Properly Test Fragrances Before Buying will explain the two most common methods of testing and offer some helpful tips you can use next time you are shopping for a new signature scent.
Fragrance Myth #6: Expensive Fragrances Smell Better And Last Longer
Some people believe that expensive bottles of fragrances will always be better than cheaper ones. While higher-end fragrance houses tend to use better quality ingredients, sometimes you are just paying for the name.
Always research and read reviews before spending money, especially if it is a considerable amount. Remember that scent is subjective. Even if a high-end fragrance is popular, it may not appeal to you or work with your skin chemistry.
Summary
Now that you are aware of these myths and why they are myths and not facts, help stop the spread of misinformation by sharing this article with your fragrance-loving friends and family. We all learn better when we learn together.
Want to learn more about fragrances? Read these articles next:
When you subscribe to the article, we will send you an e-mail when there are new updates on the site so you wouldn't miss them.
Article's Categories
Most Popular Articles
Article Latest Comments
Comments