Cologne or more popularly known as Eau de Cologne was essentially a toiletry and later acquired the status of a perfume originating from Cologne in Germany. It has nowadays been used as a generic term for scented formulations in typical concentration of 2-5% essential oils. Colognes are predominantly used by men and to a much lesser extent by women.

With diluted ethanol as its base, Eau de Cologne contains a mixture of several citrus oils lemon, orange, tangerine, bergamot, lime, grapefruit etc. Sometimes it also contain oils of lavender, rosemary,orange leaf, and jasmine.

Cologne is a queer mixture of extracts, alcohol and water and the cologne fragrance is determined by the ratio of ingredients. A perfume has a different concentration of extracts to an Eau de Toilette. Eau de Toilette is much lighter, with the least concentrated fragrance being Eau de Cologne.

The creator of the first Cologne was Gian Paolo Feminis who made the discovery in 1709 calling it "Aqua Admirabilis". It is reported that Napoleon Bonaparte used eight quarts of violet cologne every month. Sometimes a less potent form of fragrance, such as eau de parfum is more pleasing. Today, eau de cologne or simply referred to by many as cologne, means nothing more than a fragrance whose essential oil concentration is approximately 5% as opposed to any other perfume which has high concentration. Centuries ago, however, eau de cologne had a different connotation. It was a fragrance in its own right, indicating a delightful mixture of lavender, bergamot and neroli.

Analysts say that you can trace the origins of colognes back to the days when bathing was an irregular event. The purpose then was mainly to cover body odor when the choice of perfume was carefully considered. During times of economic depression, women still found cheaper fragrances as there was little money for fragrances like cologne.

As we all know, businessmen are making fortunes in the fragrance industry.Cologne, its other related products can make a person smell good, but that is not all there is to fragrances. There are people who are fond of using r particular colognes and perfumes. Strangely, in many cases, the brand names behind the products found on the bottles make the fragrance popular regardless of the smell. Some cologne is popular because they are part of a particular line, the product of a specific company, or even packaged in an eye-pleasing way. This is much the same as celebrity endorsements.

Celebrity endorsements and aggressive advertising campaigns can make the difference when a consumer is about to choose a cologne or perfume. For some cologne addicts, however, the fragrance is all that matters. No matter what celebrities recommend or however powerful the marketing campaigns, they will not experiment with other products for it is their favorite fragrance of cologne that they are wedded to.

Research shows that cologne fragrance has some particular roles in our lives, from evoking romantic feelings to prompting memories. For some people, cologne fragrance is all about self-image. There is nothing that makes a man feel stronger, cleaner or sexier than an awesome fragrance and it is equally true for many women.

Great cologne is defined as one that truly reflects your personality and uniqueness, distinguishes you from the crowd, and leaves a lasting impression. Good cologne is expected to influence the opposite sex and make people wondering what it is and giving them a reason or excuse to talk to you.

Daytime cologne is one you wear while going to office or college or school - it must therefore not be overpowering cologne. It should be refreshing, light and soothing to the nose. Nighttime Colognes are generally fuller, richer and heavier. They have more spices, woods and ambery notes. When using night cologne, the more flair you can show, without overdoing it, the better.