The reason that companies have marketed to one group or another over decades boils down to a customer avatar. Keep reading to learn more and break the mold.<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWhat\u2019s the Difference Between Perfume and Cologne? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Collins Dictionary defines perfume<\/a> as a “pleasant-smelling liquid<\/strong> that you can put on your skin to make yourself smell nice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cologne is a \u201cmildly perfumed toilet water<\/a>.<\/strong>\u201d Toilet water being diluted perfume. Its watery nature is why its French description is eau de cologne – eau<\/em> meaning water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on these definitions, cologne is actually a form of perfume, not a separate type of personal fragrance.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n And you\u2019ll notice that none of the definitions involve gender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Initially both perfume and cologne were unisex fragrances. Cologne was created to offer a lighter alternative to perfume. It was named as such in 1709 because its inventor, an Italian perfumer, was living in Cologne, Germany at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, the primary difference between men\u2019s cologne and women\u2019s perfume is the concentration of fragrance. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Perfume is typically formulated with more fragrance oils than cologne. The difference in amount of oils added to each varies greatly. It depends on the brand and quality of the fragrance. But colognes might have up to 5% of concentrated fragrance in them while perfumes often have up to 40% of fragrance oils. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Because there\u2019s less fragrance oil used, colognes offer a less saturated scent than perfumes. Depending on the brand, this can present the need for reapplication throughout the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another difference between the two is the scents used to make them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Colognes lean more towards earthy musk, deep woods, or complex citrus notes. Whereas perfumes can include musk, bark, or citrus, but those notes would be minimal by comparison. Perfumes are inclined to smell more flowery, powdery, sweet, or airy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, there could possibly be a significant price difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This of course varies by brand and ingredients used, but sometimes you can find men\u2019s cologne costs remarkably less than women\u2019s perfume. It\u2019s suggested that the higher concentration of fragrance oils in women\u2019s perfumes justifies a higher price point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There wasn\u2019t a clear divide between fragrances until the early 20th century but in our current century, more and more fragrances are unisex. <\/strong>There\u2019s more focus on experiencing the nuances of a fragrance than predetermining how it should be used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Only you can decide which is best for you, but know that you don\u2019t have to consider your gender when making that choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A perfumer might have a man or woman in mind when combining fragrance ingredients. But once it\u2019s complete, brands have a specific goal in mind with every scent they release. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their goals are both directly and indirectly communicated through adverts.<\/strong> On the labeling, you might see the words, \u201ccologne for men\u201d as a direct communication about who a particular scent was created for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Indirectly, you might see a commercial with a well-oiled, shirtless man engaging in some manly outdoor activity, and then an image of the cologne. These ads stimulate the senses and make clear who they believe the fragrance is intended for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And then who knows how many subliminal advertising messages<\/a> you\u2019ve been exposed to over a lifetime?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Combined, you can imagine how such messaging has been so impactful over decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But advertisements are simply tools of coercion. Their purpose is to convince you of what to buy and who to buy it for. But you don\u2019t have to comply.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you encounter a cologne that is a reflection of your mood or is made using one of your favorite ingredients that are not usually found in perfumes, there\u2019s no reason why you can\u2019t buy it for yourself, even if you are a woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your primary goal should be to wear a fragrance that you really love and feel is a reflection of your personality – no matter how it’s labeled.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n So how do you go about finding a fragrance that you enjoy wearing? If you\u2019re reading this article, then you probably already have a men\u2019s cologne scent in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But if you\u2019re still on the fence about whether or not to buy it, here are some ideas to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you notice that you are immediately drawn to a scent, then it should at the very least be added to your short list of possibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because every person is different, whichever scent you choose may not smell exactly the same once you put it on. So if you\u2019re trying it out, start with a smaller bottle<\/a> or a tester-sized bottle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But that initial spark you feel when smelling it is the first sign that it might be the scent for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you\u2019re trying out a new scent, you should take note of how you feel while wearing it and whether or not your skin is responsive to it<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s okay if a scent you thought you\u2019d love doesn\u2019t seem to be the right fit once you try it out. That\u2019s the whole point in testing out fragrances in real life. You can eliminate any scent that isn\u2019t a good fit.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n And your skin will offer clues as well. Itchiness, rashes, or sinus irritation are all signs that this fragrance might not be for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trusted friends and family members can help you narrow your choices as well. They can offer opinions about whether or not a scent smells \u201clike you\u201d or not. <\/p>\n\n\n\nDifference in Concentration Levels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Scent Differences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Price Differences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Should You Choose Cologne or Perfume?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Choose a Fragrance You Love <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Immediate Attraction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Good Body Chemistry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ask Around<\/h3>\n\n\n\n