Define Cologne

Cologne is a type of aroma typically consisting of less than 5 percent fragrant compounds of essential oils. Eau du Cologne originated in Cologne, Germany as a specific trademarked fragrance. Common use of the term cologne refers to citrus-based perfumes.

History

Eau du Cologne was created in 1709 in Cologne, Germany by Giovanni Maria Farina. Farina's shop in Obenmarspforten is today's oldest fragrance factory.

Function

Cologne is commonly used to create a pleasing smell on the body.

Features

Colognes are less potent than perfumes (perfumes consist of 15 to 40 percent essential oils). Two hours is the maximum lasting time for colognes.

Misconceptions

Eau du Cologne, Eau du Toilette, perfume, and body spray are not interchangeable. All are perfumes, but varying in the concentration percent and types of oils used.

Identification

Citrus oils of neroli, bergamot, lemon, lime, tangerine, orange and grapefruit are in Eau du Cologne in addition to orange leaf (petitgrain), lavender, thyme, jasmine and rosemary.

Types

Chanel, Christian Dior, Elizabeth Arden, Burt's Bees and Abercrombie & Fitch all carry types of cologne in their fragrance lines at varying prices.