What To Wear Oct 27
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Stephanie Patterson
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Choosing a cologne that sticks to your skin and matches each occasion can be a difficult task, but we are here to help with that and also add a few tips to make you look good on a daily basis.
If you like being the man who is noticed because of the intoxicating smell trail he leaves in the room, you’re going to enjoy this read.
We believe that wearing a cologne is as important as any other accessory, maybe even more relevant if you consider that nobody wants to be known as the stinky one. Your scent says a lot about your personality, so if you wish to be on top of your game, you should carefully pick a few colognes to compose different looks for different occasions.
If you are considering a look upgrade you should also learnhow to wear a vestandhow to wear a tiebesides learning how to wear cologne.
Read below a few topics we are going to cover in this article:
- Category differences: eau de toilette vs. cologne vs. eau de parfum vs.parfum
- How to buy colognes and men’s favorite brands
- Tips to match colognes,dress socks, and shoes
- Common mistakes men make while applying cologne
- How to make the cologne smell last
- How to test the scents and apply cologne
- How to store colognes
The difference between perfume, eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and cologne
Most people have no idea about how fragrances are created and this information can actually be very helpful when it comes to choosing the one that matches your skin, look, and occasion.
Fragrances are made of perfume oils, which are a mix ofraw materials. The materials can either be synthetic or natural, and they are mixed with a solvent, usually alcohol, to dilute the scent and preserve it.
These raw materials are very important because the higher the percentage level in the fragrance, the longest the smell will last. The percentage of perfume oil is what categorizes different types of products. Check it out:
| Category | Raw materials | Perfume lasting power |
| Eau Fraiche | 1% to 3% of perfume oil | It lasts less than 1 hour |
| Eau de Cologne | 2% to 4% of perfume oil | It lasts approximately two hours |
| Eau de Toilette | 5% to 15% of perfume oil | It lasts around three hours |
| Eau de Parfum | 15% to 20% of perfume oil | It lasts from five to eight hours |
| Parfum | 20% to 30% of perfume oil | It can last up to 24 hours |
The fragrance price is also affected by this, as the more diluted ones are also cheaper because of the lower raw material concentration. The perfume oil concentration level is always shown in the bottle, and some colognes are sold on different levels.
How to buy the best cologne
Every man should own at least one cologne.Consider your fragrance as the cherry on top of the look, because the way you look won’t be the same without a signature scent.
When choosing the best cologne it is also important to pick a scent that matches not only your style, but that is complementary to your body’s natural smell and that it lasts according to your needs and preferences. It’s important to understand a bit about the fragrance’s composition in order to find the best one for yourself.
As mentioned, some colognes last longer – and are usually more expensive – but it’s worth investing in at least one of those. If you prefer to save some money, you can buy cheaper ones and test how it smells throughout the day.
We came up with a few suggestions for perfume oils that can be worn in each season. It’s not a rule, as most fragrances can be worn throughout the year, but a few scents work better depending on the temperature and other external factors.
This is the best way to learn how to use cologne: pick them based on the perfume oil notes.
| Season | Perfume Oils |
| Spring | Most common notes suggested for spring: Amber, Citrus, Lemon, Pink peppercorn, Peppermint, Nutmeg, Vetiver, grapefruit, Cedarwood, Cedar Leaves, Labdanum, Jasmine, Sage, Patchouli, Incense, Musk, Ginger, Sycamore wood, Sandalwood, Rosewood, Star Fruit, Tarragon |
| Summer | For summer the smell needs to be fresh so go for male colognes with aquatic notes that show a certain freshness. Bergamot, Amber, Iris, Neroli, Geranium, Rose, Lavender, Orange Flower, and other floral extracts. |
Fall | Favorite perfume notes for fall are citrus, wood, vetiver, cedar, herbaceous sage, spicy ginger, tonka bean, and sweet apple |
| Winter | During winter it’s advised to wear a sweet scent, with notes such as Tobacco blossom, Cacao, Vanilla, and Silky Musk. Other options that are not so sweet are ginger, cardamom, Haitian vetiver, Orange Blossom, White Birch, Tuscan Leather, Fresh Tree Moss, Warm Cedar and Sandalwood. |
Which brands to buy from?
Men around the world have a preference for a few brands and thetop-selling colognescan be a good start to look for your perfect scent.Since there are so many options, we selected a few brands and one or two colognes produced by each one.
Giorgio Armani
Armani Pour Homme is Armani’s classic version and it was created in 1984. It’s a fresh scent, with cedar and patchouli aroma. There are also notes of classic Italian bergamot, vetiver and peppery coriander. It is a cologne for any time.
Image source:https://www.armani.com/
Acqua di Gio Profumo is a cologne that can also be used at any time of the day and on any occasion because it has a fresh scent created by the mix of bergamot, aquatic notes, geranium, sage, rosemary, incense, and patchouli.
Image Source:Pinterest
Jean-Paul Gaultier
The brand has 5 variations and they are all very good, butthe classic one called Le Male is the most popular one. Jean-Paul recently launched the Navy version, which is a sweeter version because of the notes of vanilla and ambergris.
Source:Jean-Paul Gaultier
On the other hand, Le Male is a mix of lavender, artemisia, mint, bergamot, and cardamom, which gives the fragrance a strong scent and warm feeling. This cologne goes well during night time, but if you choose to wear it during daylight do not over apply it.
Source:https://www.jeanpaulgaultier.com
Paco Rabanne
The first choice is always1 Millionas it isone of the most famous fragrances among men and women and it has been in the market for over a decade. The main notes are patchouli, citrus, cinnamon, amber, and rose. It is perfect for night time, but it also adds a sense of strong personality if you wear it during the day.
Source:Paco Rabbane Parfums
Invictusis the new fragrance by Paco Rabbane, launched in 2019, and it has been well accepted by men who enjoy a woody scent. The cologne has a mix of sea salt and grapefruit as top notes, spices, bay leaf, red amber, and guaiac wood are also added to it.
This scent is mostly for night time or end of the day appointments.
Source:Paco Rabbane Parfums
CHANEL
Allure Homme Sport is definitely a cologne that can be used at any occasion. It is a cologne with a soft mandarin and vanilla smell as the perfume notes in the mix are orange, seawater, mandarin, pepper, cedar, neroli, musk, vetiver, amber, tonka bean, and vanilla.
On the other hand, Bleu de Chanel is quite luxurious and is one of those colognes that are sold in different versions: Eau de toilette, Eau de parfum, and parfum. Take your pick and enjoy the long smell duration.
Source:Chanel
Carolina Herrera
CH has 3 great men fragrances, one for each occasion.
The most famous is CH 212 composed by the top notes bergamot and tangerine, the middle notes cardamom and black pepper, and bottom notes sandalwood and vanilla. This cologne is commonly used during the day.
212 VIP is a mix of caviar lime, frozen mint, ginger, chilled vodka, kingwood, and tonka bean. It is made for the modern man, for daily usage, and can be worn during the day or night time; but if you are one of those people who enjoy having a cologne to be worn exclusively at night time, you can go with CH Men Privé, which has whiskey and cardamon notes. It’s a sophisticated scent.
Source:CarolinaHerrera.com
Azzaro
The brand has a few male and female colognes, and among men, the most popular is Azzaro Wanted and recently Azzaro created a version dedicated to night time.
Source:Azzaro
While Azzaro Wanted has notes of ginger, lemon, cardamon and cade oil, which makes a refreshing scent, the version “by Night” has a woody and spicy oriental notes. There are also other perfume oils added such as red cedar, cumin, and tobacco.
Shoes for every season, and a cologne to follow
Men’s shoesare also very important and just like fragrances there are advised shoes for each occasion.The fabric the shoes are made of doesn’t really matter anymore, as you can pull it off by combining the shoes with a fun pair of socks and create the perfect look.
For example, leather and suede shoes add a fancy style to basic outfits and they can either be worn on formal or informal occasions:
Source:Soxy.com
Source:Soxy.com
Source:Soxy.com
As mentioned, you may add acrazy sockto spice up the look, for example,a pair with doctor stampsor just go withstripesorpolka dots.
Let’s go over more socks that can be a great match for your look and fragrance.
Socks that would go well with any look and cologne
Just like a few fragrances can be used on any occasion, socks can too– and it is fun to combine looks with scents, so we did some research and created a list of socks that will make every man look good.
Think about it: your clothes say a lot about your personality, so adding afun sockto spice up the look will definitely make you look cool and stylish. There is also research that says that menwho wear unusual socks can be more creative, successful and intelligent. Let’s break it down by occasion:
- Dinner party
- Family reunion
- Wedding
- Work
- Night out
Dinner Party
Since it’s going to be at night time it is better to choose a fragrance that has a strong scent and pick a pair of darker socks. There is no need to only go with black or brown, you can spice it up a bit withfun sock patterns.
Family Reunion
These can be either formal or informal, but since it’s family-related it is ok to spice up the look by using a theme orfunnysock. This is a great chance to show off your more colorful personality.
Wedding
This occasion is a bit more sensitive as the dress code for weddings is very strict, but there is still the possibility of wearingfun colorful socksand turning the boring black and grey look into amodern and attractive one.
Work
In this case, it depends on each company’s dress code, but most of the time it will be appropriate to wear colorfulmen’s socks. It’s actually a trend among men in a few industries, such as the technology sector where people can be a bit more casual. If you are not sure thatfunny sockpatterns will be well accepted, begin by wearing thestripe modelsand other beautiful designs.
For a night out with friends
The pair chosen here can vary a lot depending on the club or restaurant, thus you can get really creative and wear whatever you like. It is your chance to get out of the comfort zone and go crazy withfun sock patterns.
No matter the occasion it is all about creating an appropriate look that also makes you feel good about yourself, so you may also choose to learnhow to wear a watchorhow to wear suspendersto add an extra charm to your style.
How to properly apply cologne and make it last
The most common question is about how much cologne to apply because we don’t want to be that person who smells like the bottle broke on them. Choose to apply the fragrance strategically and this is how it can be done:
- Apply after a shower: it is the perfect time because your body will be clean of any other scents and it is more likely to absorb the fragrance. Just make sure to dry before you apply it.
- Don’t hold the perfume bottle too close to your body. It is advised tohold the spray bottle 3 to 6 inches from the body.
- Apply on heated body areas like theneck, inner elbows, wrists, forearms, and chest. The warmth helps spread the scent throughout the day.
- With new fragrancesstart by applying just a little bitand paying close attention to find out if its enough, otherwise you can increase the amount applied to your skin.
- Re-application: in case you need to re-apply the cologne, only spray once.
Common mistakes while applying cologne
You probably heard that spraying the perfume on your clothes will make sure the smell stains, but truth be told that’s just a waste of money and it is one of the few mistakes people tend to make when it comes to applying cologne.
If you wish to make the best out of the perfume’s smell avoid the common mistakes men make:
- As already mentioned, do not spray the cologne on any clothes. The fragrances are made to be mixed with your natural smell and create a unique scent, that’s the reason why it’s important to test them to find the one that mixes the best with your skin. Also, you might ruin the clothing fabric if you spray something on it.
- In case the perfume does not have a spray nozzle, do not try splashing the cologne on your skin – it’s a waste – and you might apply too much. The correct way to apply this kind of cologne is by gently putting your finger on the bottleneck and then apply on your skin.
- Some men spray the scent into the air and walk through it. Sorry to disappoint you, but that also doesn’t work! It seems like the liquid sticks to your whole body, but the truth is that it goes to waste, right to the floor or furniture around.
- Don’t rub the fragrance onto the skin as this breaks the chemicals and it speeds the fading process. In case there is no spray, just dab the perfume onto the skin, do not rub.
- Applying too much cologne can be a huge mistake and it can turn a good smell into a headache. Men colognes are usually stronger, and if overused, can actually turn into an overwhelming smell.
Tips to test fragrances and scents
Choosing the right cologne might take a few tests but the good news is that most stores do offer the option of trying the colognes out right onto the skin.On the other hand, you’ll only be able to test a few each time, otherwise, it won’t be possible to find out how each one reacts to your own natural scent.
Here is what you can do to test the colognes and find the perfect one for yourself:
- Before testing brands it’s advised toresearch possible scents that might be appealing to you. There are thousands of options, so using a brand as a reference might be useful. Think about perfumes other people wear and you like, and ask them about the brand.
- The best option is toapply directly on the skin, but if not possible, ask for one of those white cardboard strips, which most stores have. The trick here is to spray 2 or 3 times into the cardboard and wait to dry it to smell it.
- If you are able to test directly on your skin pick thewrists and inner elbowsas these are “warm” parts of the body. Choose up to 4 fragrances to test; otherwise, your sense of smell will be confused and chances are that you won’t like the fragrances and the test won’t be successful.
- Wait at least 30 minutesto smell the cologne and make your judgment, as this is enough time to wait for the scent to mix to your own and you’ll have a good idea of what it will smell on a daily basis.
How to make the cologne quality last
Just like every other product, fragrances have a limited shelf life, but depending on the brand and product quality, it might be good for at least two years. There are a few things that can be done to make the cologne last:Avoid light exposure, as it can spoil the fragrance
Do not keep the bottle in the bathroom because room temperature can also make the fragrance deteriorate. Also, try keeping the bottle away from your backpack that’s usually left in the carDon’t open the bottle very frequently and avoid leaving the cap off
If the fragrance is exposed to air it might oxidize.Keep it dry
Temperature fluctuation and humidity can impact perfume’s molecular composition and change its smell.
How to store your colognes
Sunlight and temperature changes are colognes arch-enemies, so the first thing about storage is that everything should be kept away from sun exposure.
- Find a safe and steady surface
- Keep the bottles out of humid areas
- Store them in boxes
- Keep the perfume in the original bottle
- Avoid shaking the bottles
Now that you are familiar with the difference that raw materials make and how important it is to find a scent that matches your natural body smell, you can pick the most appropriate fragrances for your body according to each occasion.
Be a bold man, choose to vary scent brands and match them to your outfit. It is kind of like learninghow to wear cufflinks, which are small, not often noticeable but add a certain quality to the whole look.
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FAQs
How do you apply just enough cologne? ›
Hot spots can include your chest, forearms, inner elbows, lower jaw, neck, shoulders and wrists. We suggest choosing just one or two locations to apply your cologne to ensure your scent doesn't become overpoweringly irresistible. Spray cologne from the right distance.
How are you supposed to wear cologne? ›Cologne is generally best applied to the neck and chest area. A good trick is to apply it to your chest or biceps before getting dressed. This will trap the fragrance between your skin and clothing, meaning it lasts much longer. What you should never do, is spray cologne directly onto your clothes.
Where is the best place to spray cologne? ›Where should I spray cologne? "The best areas to spray would be on one's neck, the crease of your arm (inner elbow) and wrist. Here, the cologne benefits from body heat which will warm through the fragrance. The subtle scent will also be appreciated when offering somebody a handshake." Deborah continues.
Should cologne go on skin or clothes? ›Fragrance is tricky. The oils are designed to be absorbed and melded with your skin's natural oils, creating your own unique scent. That can't happen when you apply it to your clothing, so never apply fragrance to anything but your skin. That means you shouldn't spray it in a cloud and walk through it, either.
How many sprays of cologne is enough? ›Though it largely depends on how strong you want the scent to be, you're best off using 3-4 sprays per application. Of course, this isn't a strict number, but a higher concentration can be overwhelming and cause skin irritation, while a lower concentration will fade quickly.
Is it OK to rub in cologne? ›Dab, Don't Rub
You should avoid spritzing and rubbing for two reasons. First, rubbing your wrists together can dull top notes (or the scents you smell in the first five minutes of applying perfume). Secondly, it mixes the perfume vigorously with your natural oils, which can change the way it smells.
When we wear a fragrance regularly, the brain associates it with our own body odor. The fact that we no longer smell our perfume is part of a physiological process of olfaction. With our own scent, the stimulation of our olfactory sensors is permanent.
How many times a day should I apply cologne? ›How many times per day should you reapply perfume? Reapply your perfume once throughout the day if you're wearing eau de parfum or every four hours if you're wearing eau de toilette. The most potent perfumes don't require a second spritz and can work their magic for a full 24 hours.
How far do you hold cologne when spraying? ›If you're using a spray cologne, hold the bottle about four to six inches from where you want to apply the scent, preferably the upper chest area. Be careful not to rub the product once it is applied as it can damage the molecules and cause them to dissipate faster. Stick to one to two sprays, maximum.
Do you spray cologne and walk into it? ›Spraying a mist cloud and walking through it.
While it may seem like this method prevents over-application, it actually renders the cologne almost useless. The majority of your cologne needs to be placed on your body, and applying cologne this way means most of it ends up on the floor.
Should I spray cologne close or far? ›
When spraying the perfume make sure to distance the sprayer 4-6 inches or 10-15 centimeters from the skin. The reason for this is because that way you will cover the bigger surface on the skin and perfume will work much better as it's not oversaturated on a single spot.
Where not to apply cologne? ›- Eyes. Perhaps one of the most obvious spots to avoid spraying perfume is near your eyes. ...
- Hair. Hair naturally absorbs scents, which is why it might initially seem like a good idea to spray the fragrance in your locks. ...
- Hands. ...
- Armpits. ...
- Genitals. ...
- Where to spray instead.
- Make it last.
- Moisturize.
- Wash there.
- Deodorant or antiperspirant.
- Hair.
- Breath.
- Unscented products.
- Clothing.
How often you should reapply depends on the cologne formula and your personal preference. But no cologne lasts 24 hours. So if you apply in the morning and you have an event in the evening that you want to smell great for, go ahead and reapply.
Is 10 sprays of cologne too much? ›The general advised amount is four sprays. However, the more you use cologne, the more you'll understand what works for you and that fragrance. Be wary of over-applying as it can actually weaken the fragrance, making it wear off quicker than it should.
When you spray too much cologne? ›Dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol, and dab it on the areas where you applied too much perfume. This quick fix will instantly tone down the fragrance a few notches and prevent your scent from entering a room before you do. Other options for moderating a smell are non-scented lotion or baby wipes.
Does cologne expire? ›Yes, perfume and cologne do go bad. However, how long they last depends on the scent's chemical composition. Many perfumes, especially from well-respected brand names like Chanel or Marc Jacobs, don't have a hard-and-fast expiration date.
What lotion to put on before cologne? ›Apply an unscented body lotion and/or Vaseline first
Therefore, make sure your skin is soft and hydrated before applying perfume, so the perfume can lock onto your skin. The best way to do that is to apply some unscented body lotion or moisturizer or apply some Vaseline first.
You Aren't Moisturizing Enough
There's a direct correlation between your skin regimen and how long your fragrance lasts because the scent doesn't mesh well with dry skin. (Ensure your moisturizer is unscented so it doesn't compete with your perfume of choice.)
While spraying perfume on your wrists is the correct move (applying it to pulse points warms it up so it emits fragrance throughout the day), rubbing them together can dull top notes and accelerate evaporation.
Why rub vaseline where you put cologne? ›
Fine fragrances can cost a fortune, and the more often you apply them, the more of your money evaporates into thin air. By smearing petroleum jelly on your neck before spritzing your perfume, you delay the drying-out process and there's no need to reapply.
Should I put Vaseline before cologne? ›✨#8: Prep your skin with Vaseline before applying perfume✨
Smooth a little Vaseline on your pulse points before spraying your perfume to make the scent last longer. The ointment holds the fragrance to your skin longer than if you were to spray it onto dry skin.
You want to spray cologne between three and six inches away from the skin on your pulse points, such as the inner wrist and neck. Pulse points are the warmer spots on the body where the blood flows, so they're going to mix with your natural scent and project the cologne better.
How long does cologne smell last on you? ›Generally speaking, cologne will last for 3-5 hours on skin. However, there are a number of factors that can affect this number, including the type of cologne you're wearing and how much you apply. For example, eau de parfum is typically more concentrated than eau de toilette, so it will last longer.
How do you tell someone that their cologne is too strong? ›Be Honest and Polite
In any tough conversation, it's best to employ “I” instead of “you” statements. Say something like, “I hope I don't offend you, but your cologne seems to be causing me to have bad headaches.” Be kind but don't sugarcoat it. Your goal is to convey the message that her cologne is too strong.
However, it is generally advised not to apply more than three or four sprays, as excessive perfume use can be overwhelming and irritating. Additionally, over-application of perfume can cause the fragrance to wear off more quickly.
How long does cologne last on a man? ›Perfume can last four to six hours (or even longer), depending on the strength of the juice you're spritzing, how dry your skin is or even what the weather's like – perfumes dissipate much faster on dry skins, or when the air is particularly dry.
What type of cologne last the longest? ›Eau de Parfum and Parfum are the highest concentration, which means they will last the longest on your skin. If you're looking for a long lasting fragrance, look for “parfum” on the label.
What makes a man smell good? ›Wear Washed, Breathable Clothes
For men who tend to sweat a lot, the easiest thing you can do to smell good is to combat the body odour trapped in dirty and sweaty clothes. Wear summer-friendly fabric like cotton, breezy outfits and light colours. Also, make sure you only wear clean and washed clothes.
DO: Apply right after you shower. If you think the best time to spray is at the last possible moment before leaving home—since, logic tells you, that'll give it less time to disappear before you see people—then think again. In truth, the perfect moment to apply is just as you're getting out from under the shower.
Do you apply deodorant before cologne? ›
Apply the deodorant first and then apply the fragrance on your skin. You can also find and use the deodorants with the same scent as your fragrance.
How often should you rotate cologne? ›A heavy winter cologne might feel cloying during a hot summer night, while a refreshing summer scent might not mingle nicely with winter's heady aromas (like that roaring fireplace). You don't have to be strict about switching your cologne up every season, just keep at least two in rotation so you have flexibility.
Where do you put cologne to last all day? ›For even longer staying power, spritz your fragrance onto pulse points. These areas include your wrists, the nape of your neck, behind your knees, behind your ear, and inside your elbows.
Should I put cologne in armpits? ›Armpits. The skin in your underarms absorbs fragrances quickly and holds the scent for a long time (sometimes even the next day). This can potentially cause many health problems, especially if you're using a perfume with irritating chemicals.
Is it OK to wear cologne every day? ›If you're someone who enjoys wearing cologne and likes to feel fresh and confident every day, then there's no harm in using it regularly. Just be mindful of the strength of the scent you're using and your settings.
How can I smell expensive? ›- Use Deodorant. First up, a daily necessity that we are familiar with - deodorant. ...
- Use Scented Skincare. Another way to smell good without spending too much on a single product would be to invest in scented skincare instead. ...
- Use Essential Oils. ...
- Use Affordable Alternatives.
According to their study, the best smell is vanilla and the worst smell is sweaty feet. The results show that people share favourite smells regardless of where they come from in the world.
How do I know if I smell? ›Go take a shower, watch TV, read a book for a while. Then, collect the clothes and give them the sniff test, especially around the pit area and anywhere you sweat profusely. If you find an odor that is unpleasant, that might be an indicator that you have a body odor problem that is leaching into your clothing.
Do guys wear cologne anymore? ›A good cologne offers numerous benefits, from making you more attractive, to helping you feel less stressed and more confident. And yet 80% of men do not wear fragrance on a regular basis!
Is cologne applied on body? ›Apply cologne to heated areas of your body.
The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent. Heated areas include your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms or inner elbows.
Do you wear deodorant with cologne? ›
Apply the deodorant first and then apply the fragrance on your skin. You can also find and use the deodorants with the same scent as your fragrance.
Why put cologne on feet? ›"Your ankles are always in motion, so it helps project the fragrance wherever you go," says Claisse. "It continues the scent from head to toe." Claisse recommends applying your scent on your body before putting on your clothes, so that the fragrance can absorb into your skin.
How can I smell really nice? ›- #1. WASH REGULARLY. First and foremost, proper hygiene is a must to ensure you smell good! ...
- #2. USE SCENTED LOTION. ...
- #2. BOOST YOUR PERFUME. ...
- #3. APPLY PERFUME IN MORE THAN ONE PLACE. ...
- #4. DON'T SKIP DEODORANT.
Armpits. The skin in your underarms absorbs fragrances quickly and holds the scent for a long time (sometimes even the next day). This can potentially cause many health problems, especially if you're using a perfume with irritating chemicals.
Should you put cologne on armpits? ›Spraying perfume onto your armpits poses as another potential cause of irritation. The interaction between your perfume and your armpits' sweat glands could result in itching and burning.
Does sweating make your cologne smell better? ›The reaction also temporarily inactivates the perfume's molecules. So when applied to the skin, the new perfume initially has no scent. But adding water — or sweat — breaks the bond between the molecules. That releases the scent into the air.