Cologne, when done right, can have a most enticing effect. Done wrong, it can scare the neighbors, irritate office cubicle mates and send the hot girl in accounting running for cover.
How to do it without repelling the very people you most wish to attract? Just follow your nose, and take our advice:
-- Belly up to the bar....the men’s fragrance bar that is. Go to a large department store for the biggest selection. Where to start? Look for designer brand names you already know, (for example, um, let’s see, how about Perry Ellis), and start sniffing.
-- Order a triple...ask for spritz-on-card samples of up to 3 different fragrances that appeal to you. Any more than that and your nose probably won’t be able to tell the difference between fragrances anyway, so take it slow, tiger.
-- Step away from the bar...with your scented cards tucked in your pockets, go wander around the store, help your girl pick out a party dress, grab a bite to eat, shop for Perry Ellis clothes, whatever. In other words, kill a a few minutes so your scent selections (and your nose) have some time to “dry-down.”
-- Have another snort...of the scented cards and decide which one speaks to you. Pick one that smells good without overpowering. (Not sure if it’s overpowering? Then ask the sales person which ones get good customer reviews).
-- Just a spritz...narrow down the options to your favorite 2 out of the original 3, and spritz one fragrance on your left wrist and another on the right. Wait a few minutes for the “dry-down.”
-- Take the plunge...have a final sniff of your wrist, pick a winner, and put your money down. When you do, keep in mind that the cologne will have the most concentrated fragrance, so if you want the lighter version pick up the eau de toilette or aftershave.
-- Cut yourself off...if you’re a first-time fragrance buyer or aren’t sure about a fragrance, relax,
don’t feel you have to buy just yet. Know when to fold ‘em, but before you leave the store, ask for a vial-on-card or sample of your two top choices to take home and try out for a few days.
--After you’ve taken them for a test-drive in the real world, choose your favorite and head back to the store to pick up a bottle.
-- May we recommend...one of the Perry Ellis fragrances? Granted, we’re a little biased, but they’re quite popular at our offices. Among our most popular are Perry Ellis For Men, PE Reserve for Men and 360 for Men. Hey, we’re just sayin’....
