Because of the huge popularity of this light, fresh fragrance, in 1797 many perfume makers started to manufacture their own similar fragrances and sell them as Eau de Cologne. The main ingredients in Cologne are a 70 to 90 percent ethanol and water mixture base with the fruity oils of orange, tangerine, lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, lime and neriol. These were combined with the plant extracts of rosemary, thyme, lavender, petitgrain and jasmine.
Today, cologne is a generic term and many companies manufacture their own brands. A designer perfume manufacturer may also make cologne in the same fragrance as the original perfume. The ratio of aromatic oils to ethanol is lower and the fragrance will not last very long after application, but the cost is also much less than the perfume. The high concentration perfumes are generally made for women, but cologne is made for both men and women.
Cologne is not meant to last the whole day or evening. It is a refreshing splash after a bath to start the day or evening activities. Some people reapply it several times during the day, and some use another perfume after the fragrance of the cologne has faded away.
There are several ways to apply cologne. It can be used as an underarm deodorant by putting a little in the palm of the hands and rubbing in the armpit. The alcohol will kill the bacteria that causes odor and leave a fresh scent. This may be enough for a quiet evening, but may not last for an active day.
Another application is to put some cologne into the palm of the hands and rub them together for a few seconds, and then rub the cologne on the back of the neck and behind the ears. It’s nice to breathe in the fragrance as these aromatic oils are healthy.
For those who only like the slightest suggestion of fragrance, a light touch of cologne to the wrists and earlobes should be enough. With this slight application, the fragrance will not last long unlike perfume where the smallest amount will last the whole day.
Generally, cologne is applied to the upper body, but it can be put behind the knees for a cooling effect. It can also be applied to handkerchiefs and linen for a fresh scent later in the day. Cologne also comes in sachets and is used as a hand and face freshener.
The original recipe from 1709 is still manufactured in the oldest fragrance factory in the world and is still a secret, but it’s no secret that Eau de Cologne is an inexpensive and pleasant way to use fragrance.