A Teenage Boy’s Guide to Cologne for Prom

Finding a quality cologne for a young man can be a challenge. Many body sprays tend to come on far too strong to allow for the more subtler scents of a good men’s cologne to shine through. To avoid an overpowering dose of cologne, the suggestions below can help you make the best choice.

Don’t Wear What Everyone Else Is Wearing

Not everyone’s body chemistry is the same, and what smells great on your best friend may not work for you. For example, people with dry skin may need more cologne, while people with oily skin actually serve as a better receptor for cologne, so a little will go a long way. According to Byrdie, your skin pH balance may also play a role in how a scent smells on you. Be ready to try a few different scents before you decide because more is not always better.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood has long been an ingredient of both perfumes and incense for religious ceremonies in India. While Mysore is said to be the best sandalwood for perfumes, it’s becoming hard to find because this tree species is endangered. Part of the challenge of harvesting the wood to produce the essential oil used in perfumes is that the woody smell of sandalwood is only found in the heart of the tree and they’re harvested by uprooting, not cutting. According to Parfumerie Nasreen, sandalwood is used in perfumes for a variety of reasons. The scents are long-lasting with a distinct woody odor that blends very well with other scents. It serves as a wonderful background scent for more exotic aromas such as frankincense.

How to Choose Your Best Scent

If possible, go cologne shopping with a woman who knows you and who you can trust. Be aware that cologne needs time to react with your skin and fully project what this will smell like with your body chemistry. You can’t just spray, sniff and buy. Go to a quality department store after a day at school or work, not right after your shower. First of all, you need to let oil build back up on your skin. Secondly, many men’s colognes have an odor with hints of deodorizing soap and your cologne shouldn’t have to be stronger than your other hygiene products. Spray on a sample, let it set for 15 minutes or so, then sniff to see if it’s the right one for you. Try a different sample on each wrist to compare. 

Choosing a cologne is a very personal choice. You want your cologne to make people happy to be close to you, rather than approaching them with a wall of smell. Take some time and try a few different scents in person to make sure you get the one that works with your body.

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