A Gentleman’s Guide to Perfume

I have never really considered myself a big fragrance guy. Some might argue it’s less about preference and more about budget, and maybe they have a point.

Still, I have never been the type to stock up on four or five bottles at once. For me, it’s usually two or three, with the occasional stretch of owning just one.

Perfume enthusiasts will tell you a true gentleman needs at least ten bottles in his collection – one for each season, one for work, one for evening functions, and so on. But the truth is, smelling good always comes with a price.

The great thing about perfume is that no matter your tax bracket, there’s a scent out there for everyone.

That said, there was a time when Arabic-inspired perfumes were a popular trend; they were fragrances so intense, it seemed as if you’d bathed in them.

The scent can quickly become overwhelming, so if you own one from this category, a single spray is more than enough. I knew my one colleague was in the building before I even saw him, just from the scent. He used Arabic perfumes and sprayed a lot.

When it comes to wearing perfume, the golden rule is always less is more.

A fragrance should complement you, not overpower the room. Three well-placed sprays are usually enough to leave a lasting impression without being overwhelming. The best time to apply is right after a shower, when your skin is clean and slightly hydrated, allowing the fragrance to blend in and last longer. Perfume should always go directly onto the skin never on your clothes as fabrics can alter the scent and even cause stains.

Focus on pulse points like the wrists, neck and behind the ears, where warmth helps the fragrance diffuse naturally throughout the day
In my view, mixing perfumes takes away from the artistry of a fragrance; you end up altering a product that was already carefully crafted to perfection.
Importantly, perfumes are generally ranked by the concentration of fragrance oils, which determines their strength and longevity. At the lightest end of the spectrum is eau fraîche, which is not common in Namibia and lasts only an hour or two.

Next is Eau de Cologne, which lasts two to three hours. A step stronger is eau de toilette, one of the most common types for daily wear, which lasts three to six hours. Moving up, eau de parfum has a richer profile lasting six to eight hours.

At the high end is extrait de parfum (also known as parfum). It’s quite intense and lasts about eight to 12 hours or more.

Some brands also release elixirs, which are not always an official category but often surpass parfum, sometimes reaching 40% concentration, offering the most luxurious and long-lasting expression of a fragrance.

What we commonly find in Namibian retailers are eau de toilette, eau de parfum and, on the higher end, the elixirs.

There is an entire spectrum of perfumes to choose from, and one of the most important things to understand is how a fragrance interacts with your own skin. Not every perfume will smell the same on everyone, because our natural body scents influence the final scent.

This is why it is crucial to test a perfume on your skin before making a purchase. Give it time to settle, let it blend with your natural oils, and then decide whether the fragrance truly complements you.

Now that you have a better understanding of perfumes, you can approach your next purchase with confidence. Walk into the store, boldly ask for a few samples, perhaps from the elixirs or latest editions, and take your time in choosing.

When you speak the language of fragrance, the sales consultants will know you are serious, and they’ll be more than happy to assist.

At the end of the day, wearing perfume is not just about smelling good; it’s about finding a signature scent that reflects your personality, enhances your presence and leaves a lasting impression wherever you go.

– Meneer_SK is a passionate voice for men, advocating on issues that matter to men. Follow him on Instagram @Meneer_SK

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