There are men who wear cologne and men who don’t. For the most part, the man who wears cologne doesn’t just pick out something cheap from a department store, but finds good colognes to match his lifestyle at any given time. For these men, choosing the right cologne for a hookup can be a daunting task, especially since a man’s fragrance can have a larger effect on a successful hookup than we think. The cologne choice for a good night with a woman needs to not necessarily be a reflection of who you are, but a reflection of the persona you are giving off. You don’t need to lie and tell a woman you’re a rich lumberjack, but you can be honest about yourself while you let your fragrance trigger her imagination. So for the man in need, here are a few tips and favorites for picking out that right cologne for any hookup tonight.
 

The Professional Man

The largest group of cologne-wearing men aim to be perceived as The Professional. This man is well-groomed and takes his work seriously, but knows how to loosen his tie and have some fun once happy hour starts. Women often find men who give off this impression as intelligent, hard-working, and able to take care of themselves financially, so go contradicting your new cologne by saying stupid things and acting callow. These scents usually have a subtle array of wood, tobacco, or spice scents that may or may not change as they are worn, so they are a little more complex and should be used very lightly. Wearing this cologne with a button-up shirt, cuffed sleeves, and a slightly-loosened tie will be almost irresistible for the woman who prefers the young professional between the sheets. The One by Dolce & Gabbana is a popular choice for this type of cologne.
 

The Man That Handles His Business

Not too long ago, there was a time when being “a man” meant handling everything yourself. Any home repairs, additions, or yard maintenance were your hobbies. Handling finances, working hard, and silence were your passions. Today, these men still exist, but the idea of a “man’s man” has shifted with the generations. Women can’t help but love these outdoorsy men who can handle all of their business no matter what it is, whether it’s at work, in the house, or in bed. These colognes are often very woody and earthy, doing a great job of finding the balance between the man who is well-groomed and the man who doesn’t care. Like red wine and steak, these scents pair great with a short, trimmed beard that will intrigue the right woman every moment she’s with you. Surprisingly, L’Homme by Yves Saint Laurent is a popular scent for the “man’s man” group, even though Yves Saint Laurent doesn’t normally cater to this spectrum of colognes.

The Athlete

Most women will agree that there is an appeal to the sweaty guy working hard, perfecting his crafty, and all packaged into a very athletic body. Why else do you think professional soccer players like David Beckham and swimmers like Michael Phelps became sex symbols so quickly? Body odor, however, is not an enticing smell for most women, so the colognes that give an impression of a hard-working sweaty athlete without smelling like one are complicated. A faint musk is usually the base to give the scent of man without the body odor, with a crisp citrus scent to grab her attention. Wearing this with a stylish outfit and sporty kicks at any bar will have any woman near enough to smell you instantly attracted. Take your pick and good hunting. One favorite in this category is Pour Homme by Versace.

Choosing the right cologne to give the impression you want can have a powerful effect on your overall appearance. Humans use all of their senses to paint a picture and form memories, and smell has a large effect on how women will remember you. If you’ve never been a cologne guy but want to try, starting with The Athlete is never a bad way to go since they are usually a little less complex and a little sharper. Any way you decide to present yourself to the world of women night and find one to bring home, just always remember the golden rule of cologne: not too much. Don’t smother the poor woman before you find a cab, or you’ll be riding it alone.