Choosing a Cologne for Your Boyfriend
Christmas is almost here. Even though you know your Christmas list by heart, you still have to shop for your significant other. Some of my girlfriends are afraid they might get a scent that they like, but might not necessarily be one their partner likes. Hopefully my years of gift shopping for the men in my family and my ex-boyfriend will help those of you who have always wanted to get your man cologne, but don’t know which one.
There are many different kinds of scents out there because there are many different types of people. (Photo: Getty Images)
Scientifically, we are programmed to go for smells that most closely match our DNA. If you are in an intimate relationship with your boyfriend, then there must be some positive pheromone action going on. But still, there are many different kinds of scents out there because there are many different types of people out there, and scent is actually more a part of us then one probably notices.
In clinical studies, cognitive neuroscientist Rachel Herz, author of The Scent of Desire: Discovering Our Enigmatic Sense of Smell, and her colleagues at Brown University showed that a scent can take us back to a specific moment in time, therefore a scent has the power to equilibrate our emotions and thoughts. Not to mention, by my observation, that a scent can also boost a man’s self esteem. Now, what man wouldn’t want a dose of confidence especially coming from the lady he loves?
Polo by Ralph Lauren is a classic scent that will never get retired.
(Photo: Ralph Lauren)
My favorite cologne to give, which I used to spray on articles of clothing just to be reminded of the scent of someone I would miss so dearly, is the classic of all classics of colognes for men: the signature Polo by Ralph Lauren spray ($105/8 ounces). This cologne not only is top quality, but it also has a scent that is good for any occasion. It is not too overpowering or weak in any way whatsoever; it is just right. With ingredients like leather, wood and tobacco, does anything else scream manly to help boost your man’s confidence as he’s putting it on?
Eros by Versace combines all of its ingredients well enough to be a unisex fragrance. (Photo: Versace)
Another cologne, which is a new favorite of mine that I simply cannot get enough of, is Eros by Versace ($82/100 ml). It makes me feel happy and dreamy and is a nice, inviting scent to be around. It is strong, yet subtle at the same time. I have even sprayed it on myself a couple of times because I feel like it could be a unisex fragrance. This cologne has every ingredient possible in it, but somehow manages to pull it off. From mint leaves to lemon zest and Madagascar vanilla, your brain will be embedded with the sweet memories that this spicy, yet warm scent can bring.
Blue de Chanel has a light, fresh scent that almost reminds you of ocean waters.
(Photo: Chanel)
Bleu de Chanel ($150/5 ounces) is another one that you cannot go wrong with. If you are looking for more of a clean scent then this is it. Your man can wear it as an everyday fragrance as well since it is not too potent and is on the lighter side when it comes to the fragrance of its ingredients. It is fresh smelling interspersed with notes of velvet amber wood.
Born and raised in the DMV, Emma Blancovich has a big appreciation for discovering things to do around town, such as new restaurants to try and supporting the local music scene by attending live shows. During the week she is an editor for trade associations, but on the weekends you can find her hiking up trails with the latest fitness gadgets then getting ready for a night out using the latest beauty and health products.
