There is a common misconception that cologne = mens’ fragrance, and perfume = womens’ fragrance, but really both of those things actually reference a fragrance’s concentration. Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, etc, indicate the ratio of pure parfum oil to alcohol in a fragrance. Therefore, anyone of any gender can wear any fragrance concentration.
That said, colognes tend to be made up of a certain combination of fragrance notes, and usually have similar scent profiles. The first ever cologne, invented in the 1700s in Cologne, Germany, was a fragrance that combined citrus, aromatic elements and more woody, earthy elements. This is how most cologne-style fragrances are still structured today.
Below are some examples of cologne style fragrances, that while stronger (they’re either EDTs or EDPs) have the same sort of structure as a classic cologne.
Cologne Cedrat by Matiere Premiere
Simple, clean, yet elegant (in true Matiere Premiere form), Cologne Cedrat combines bright, juicy citrus, a little spice, and the green tea-like earthiness of mate to create a composition that smells like a classic cologne.
NOTES
Top: Bergamot Oil
Middle: Pink Pepper, Black Pepper
Base: Mate Absolute
Bleu Riviera by Fragonard
Bleu Riviera is a slightly more aquatic take on a cologne fragrance – it still has the building blocks of a cologne, but the aromatic middle notes transport you straight to a 5 star hotel overlooking the French Riviera.
NOTES
Top: Mandarin, Bergamot
Middle: Lavender, Iris, Clary Sage
Base: Vetiver, Patchouli
Bohemian Lime by Goldfield & Banks
A slightly more loud and confident version of a cologne style scent, Bohemian Lime is juicy, zesty and fresh, underpinned by the green spice of coriander and crisp cedar.
NOTES
Top: Australian Finger Lime, Bergamot, Mandarin, Coriander Seeds, Lemon
Middle: Cedarwood, Georgywood
Base: Australian Sandalwood Album, Patchouli, Vetiver, Amber
Yesterday by Room 1015
Yesterday is a modern take on a traditional barbershop fragrance, and smells kind of like a fancy shaving cream with an earthy twist. A rock ‘n’ roll cologne!
NOTES
Top: Bergamot, Carvi, Sweet Orange, Basil, Thyme, Cardamom
Middle: Lavender, Rhubarb, Davana
Base: Vetiver, Santal, Musk, Amber Woods, Tonka Bean
