How to Choose and Buy Aftershave and Men's Cologne
The first point to appreciate is that there is a difference between men's cologne and aftershave. Aftershave is traditionally used to close the pores on the skin after a shave, cooling and smoothing the skin which has become sensitive by the shave.
Aftershave
Alcohol-based aftershave will close the pores and tend to have a stinging effect. Men with dry skin or who don't like the stinging sensation when applying aftershave should avoid alcohol-based aftershave and use an aftershave balm, which does not sting.
Alcohol-based aftershave provides a mild scent that quickly disappears as the alcohol evaporates and aftershave balms tend to have an even lighter scent.
Men's Cologne
Traditionally, men's cologne is applied after the aftershave, since this has a stronger and longer lasting scent. If you are using aftershave and cologne, then you should either ensure that they both come from the same range or choose an aftershave that has a neutral scent.
When choosing a men's cologne, it's down to an individual's taste and personality. As a rule of thumb though, for summer and daytime wear then it's better to use a light, clean, fresh scented cologne. For winter and evening wear, use a muskier or woody scented cologne.
Men's Eau de Toilette and Parfum
Men's aftershave ranges have now expanded to include eau de toilette or parfum versions of a fragrance. Eau de toilette is very popular and is stronger than cologne or aftershave, whilst parfum is the most concentrated scent, with more essential oils and less alcohol.
Eau de toilette and parfum will last longer than cologne or aftershave so may be more appropriate if you want to wear the scent all day and night.
Fragrance Notes
In this guide, we will mention what the top notes, middle (sometimes called heart) notes and bottom notes are for each fragrance.
The top notes are the first reaction you get from the fragrance. The impression from the fragrance will normally last between 10 - 20 minutes on the skin, so if you ever test an aftershave or cologne you should wait at least 20 minutes before checking the smell again.
The middle notes are the main smell that you will get from the aftershave or cologne after the top notes have disappeared. The impression from the fragrance will last for around 3 - 6 hours.
The bottom notes help make the aftershave or cologne fragrance last on the skin.
Further Information
To find out where you can get some great deals on aftershave online, visit our Where to Buy section.
For details of some of the leading brands of aftershave on the market, visit our Popular Brands, Luxury Brands and Designer Brands sections.
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