A question and a suggestion
So, the question first. I know the technical differences between an Aftershave and a Cologne. Colognes generally have more alcohol content, more staying power, etc etc.
What are the application/usage differences between Aftershave and Cologne... I've only ever used cologne after the shave. I have been looking into aftershaves, and came to the conclusion (opinion) that I'm better off getting a quality cologne that smells nice and has staying power without being overpowering, than getting two decents, an aftershave and a cologne... This does not include After-shave Balm, I know the value of that, and use the C.O Bigelow Blue Elixer, it's cheap and it soothes razorburnt areas.
Now, after expressing that knowledge -and lack thereof- My suggestion. To those of you looking for a new cologne fragrance, without a preferred scent already, Might I suggest a Cologne sold by a clothing chain in the US (Might be outside the US, too, but I've never seen it outside, let me know if you have) called Express. The cologne is Express Reserve, it's the only cologne sold by that store, so if you find the store, the cologne is easy to find. I find the scent to have the spicy afternote of Bay Rum (and I LOVE Bay Rum) along with hints of musk, and other spices, but a tiny sweet undernote that mellows the whole thing out -that's my take on it- However, it currently has my Girlfriend swooning, which I like. It's a bit on the pricey side, but the scent follows you all day without being too strong, just enough that when you walk by someone they catch a whiff of it. With my girlfriend, she catches a whiff, then follows me around trying to avoid being too obvious while she sniffs me. Again, I like that.
Wow, that was rambling!
EXPRESS: RESERVE FOR MEN
It's in a simple, clean bottle, no frills, no excess. I like it. It also doesnt squirt too much in one press, so it lasts a while. It's a bit pricey, but it goes a long way, and I don't use much, so no complaints... If you get some, though, the bigger bottle is worth the 15$ extra, considering it is 2x as large as the cheaper one.
Let me know if you've used this before, I'm fond of it.