Cologne; An Explanation
There are a few misconceptions about what Cologne actually is. If you’re a perfume lover or collector, you’ll know that Cologne refers to a style of fragrance or a specific concentration. Understanding these definitions is key. However, mass marketing has distorted this meaning, leading many to believe men wear Cologne and women wear perfume.
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Eau de Cologne, a style of perfume originated in the 1700s, was created by blending citrus, herbs and neroli oil to create a refreshing tonic. Legend has it royalty and the elite used Eau de Cologne as their signature scent, even drinking it and bathing in it. While the truth behind these claims remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Eau de Cologne has been a scent profile for centuries and remains popular today.
Many Eau de Colognes still exist, such as 4711, Farina and Guerlain. They’re known for their refreshing yet fleeting citrus scent. These refreshing fragrances, or tonics, were made at a low concentration of around 5% and combined citrus oils, herbal notes like lavender and rosemary, and neroli. They were meant to be a fresh elixir, not a full-day wear. Their fleeting nature stemmed from the absence of base notes and the belief that they should be used in excess.
This hasn’t changed much today. Anyone who wears a traditional Eau de Cologne knows it’s a refreshing addition after a bath or whenever a burst of freshness is needed.
When I set out to create Cologne de Mousse, I had specific qualities in mind, but there’s a big caveat. I wanted to craft a Cologne that wasn’t fleeting; instead, I aimed for a scent that could be savoured for hours. To achieve this, I considered several factors: the right base notes to complement a citrus cologne without overpowering its freshness and vibrancy, an appropriate concentration, and the star notes that would shine.
The answers emerged quickly. Cologne de Mousse would be a refreshing fragrance bursting with vibrant citrus notes, anchored by the deeper tones of oakmoss, vetiver, musk and sandalwood. These notes would harmonize seamlessly, maintaining a fresh, light and invigorating scent throughout the perfume. Importantly, despite being a Cologne, its concentration would be similar to an Eau de Toilette, providing a more substantial and long-lasting fragrance.
With these notes in mind, I created Cologne de Mousse, the first in a series of exciting fragrances to come. This Cologne offers wearers a refreshing, vibrant scent that lasts, simultaneously citrusy and earthy. Whether you’re seeking a lasting burst of freshness for the warm summer months or simply want a refreshing scent to enjoy anytime, Cologne de Mousse is the perfect choice. Feel free to use it as you like; whether you prefer a long-lasting, bright scent or a traditional Eau de Cologne experience after a bath or as a prelude to your full day wear, Cologne de Mousse will suit your needs perfectly.
Presented in a 100ml bottle at an EdT concentration of 12%.
