Concentration

Eau de Cologne

Niche perfumes named cologne or eau de cologne, the lightest classic concentration, from Jo Malone London and Penhaligon's. Learn what a cologne is, how the richer Cologne Intense from Jo Malone London fits in and how to wear a light scent well. The full list is below.

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What a cologne is

Cologne, or eau de cologne, is the lightest of the classic concentration names. It holds the least perfume oil, and it is meant to be bright, quick to open and easy to refresh: citrus, herbs, light florals and clean woods are its natural materials. A cologne asks little of the wearer. It does not fill a room and does not need to be thought through, which is why it suits hot days, the time after a shower and anywhere a heavier perfume would intrude.

The name goes back to the old citrus waters made in Cologne, and that heritage still shapes the style: bergamot, mandarin, lime and lavender are classic ingredients, and a bright first impression matters more than a long, dark base.

As a category it is a convention, and houses stretch it. Jo Malone London names its range Cologne and also Cologne Intense, which the house describes as richer, so a name that sounds light can cover a perfume with oud, myrrh or tonka bean. Read the notes as well as the label.

How to choose a cologne

Decide whether you want a quick refresh or a scent with some persistence. For a refresh, pick a plain cologne with a short note list, such as one citrus and one herb. For more body, look at the Intense versions or at a cologne with a base of woods or amber. Apply it generously and more than once rather than a single time, and keep it within reach. Our guide to applying perfume and making it last covers the habits that help any perfume sit well.

From the collection

Colognes in this collection come from the houses named below, and every other house is on our brands page:

Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin is a citrus cologne with mandarin on top, basil in the heart and amberwood in the base.

Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia puts Williams pear on top, freesia in the heart and patchouli below.

Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt runs from ambrette seeds through sea salt to sage.

Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir is a woody cologne with pomegranate, Casablanca lily and guaiacwood.

Jo Malone London Myrrh & Tonka is a Cologne Intense, with lavender on top, Omumbiri myrrh in the heart and tonka bean in the base.

Penhaligon's Endymion is an eau de cologne of bergamot, lavandin, suede, a coffee accord, geranium and cedarwood.

Eau de Cologne

Frequently asked

What is the difference between cologne and eau de toilette?

Cologne is the lighter of the two, with less perfume oil, and is meant for a quick, bright effect. An eau de toilette is a little fuller. The names are conventions, so a house may use either word differently.

Is cologne only for men?

No. The word describes a concentration, not a gender. Several colognes here are floral or fruity, and houses label others as unisex or for men, but anyone can wear any of them.

What does Cologne Intense mean?

It is Jo Malone London's name for a richer version of its cologne range. The notes lean towards woods, resins and oud, but each Cologne Intense is its own perfume, so read its notes rather than assuming.

Reviews of FragranceGems

What FragranceGems customers say

NicheGems is new. These are reviews from FragranceGems customers about their orders at FragranceGems, the shop behind NicheGems. Collected by Judge.me.

  • The store’s selection is really good and comprehensive. Placing an order was very easy, and shipping was really fast. The fragrances were well packed and they were all excellent. I’m very satisfied. 👍💯👍

    Tommi Bought at FragranceGems: Mykonos Empire Extrait de Parfum (50/100 ml) ✓ Verified FragranceGems order
  • Very good quality profume, it last long and it has a good price for its incredible aroma and mixes of fruit and wood smell

    Duc Bought at FragranceGems: Arabiyat Prestige Aristo (100ml) ✓ Verified FragranceGems order
  • A cozy, slightly sensual vanilla that feels like warm night air by the sea. Easy to love if you enjoy gourmand perfumes with a soft smoky edge.

    Zuzana Bought at FragranceGems: Mykonos Bonfire Vanilla (50/100 ml) ✓ Verified FragranceGems order
  • This perfume is really well blended, I just removed a star because I personnaly don't like the top note (citronella)

    Roca Bought at FragranceGems: Velixir Harmonia (35/100ml) ✓ Verified FragranceGems order
  • Placing the order was very easy. Shipping was very fast. I am completely satisfied.

    Peter Bought at FragranceGems: Mykonos Empire Extrait de Parfum (50/100 ml) ✓ Verified FragranceGems order
  • Good cologne, love the citrus and ginger scent making it a playful combo while the tea base makes it a bit more mature. Great for the gym

    Dion Bought at FragranceGems: Arabiyat Prestige Marwa (100 ml) ✓ Verified FragranceGems order

A selection of recent reviews in proportion to their star ratings.