Thread: What's the deal........

.........with scent? Does one wear cologne? Aftershave? Or do you/can you wear both?

Also, how long should a good cologne last? I realise this will vary greatly but is there a "ball park" time?

I usually use a scented shaving cream - aftershave with his matching cologne (like T&H 1805 line), or a scented cream - aftershave with a cologne in the same area of perfume (like Vulfix Sicilian lime - Trumper lime skin food and a cologne with fundamental notes of citrus) or an unscented cream - aftershave with a different cologne (like The art of shaving unscented line with Bureberry classic).

For me, a good cologne can last something like 6 hours.

Originally Posted by Sleekit

.........with scent? Does one wear cologne? Aftershave? Or do you/can you wear both?

Also, how long should a good cologne last? I realise this will vary greatly but is there a "ball park" time?

An aftershave will not last long. Neither will an Eau de Cologne. Reason for this is the concentration of the aromatic compounds contained in each. Wikipedia has the explanation:

• Perfume extract (Extrait): 15-30% (IFRA: typical 20%) aromatic compounds
• Eau de Parfum (EdP): 10-15% (typical ~15%) aromatic compounds. Sometimes listed as "eau de perfume".
• Eau de Toilette (EdT): 5-20% (typical ~10%) aromatic compounds
• Eau de Cologne (EdC): 2-5% aromatic compounds
• Splash and aftershaves: 0.5-2% aromatic compounds

Personally, I use Castle Forbes's Aftershave Balm with an Eau de Parfum. The CF lime won't last for more than 30 minutes. The EdP, however...

Hope this helps.

Obviously you can do whatever works for you. I use an aftershave splash and then I apply a cologne - usually something that compliments the scent of my aftershave. Some aftershaves do have a robust scent and can serve as cologne as well - Tabac, Pinaud Clubman, Old Spice, etc. Most are very fleeting though.

I think the length of time a cologne will last varies greatly from person to person. I've seen some gents say a cologne will last them all day, but when I try it, its gone in two hours. I have noticed that citrus scents (or the citrus component of a scent) are particularly prone to being short lived.

Jordan

Originally Posted by jnich67

I've seen some gents say a cologne will last them all day, but when I try it, its gone in two hours.

Would that be the infamous "Beaver on Heat" scent? Then the simple explanation would be that you shower whereas the other gents... well, let's not go there.

Following on from the above then, is there any way of avoiding/lessening the "burn" of aftershave application?

Originally Posted by Sleekit

Following on from the above then, is there any way of avoiding/lessening the "burn" of aftershave application?

Hehe, the better your shaving technique, the less burn there will be. If I do a really good job with my angle with a good sharp blade, there is almost no burning. A little cold water left on the face before the a/s can help a little.

That said, I enjoy the burn somewhat. Its...bracing

Jordan

Originally Posted by Sleekit

Following on from the above then, is there any way of avoiding/lessening the "burn" of aftershave application?

The way that I avoid it is not to use an aftershave. I use witchhazel without alcohol followed by a balm without alcohol.