Men’s Ultimate Guide to Buying the Right Cologne

Your chosen scent should reflect your personality. Hence, you shouldn't pick the first perfume the sales agent suggests. Take the time to check a few selections out before buying one that suits your personality.

Go alone - You are to buy a cologne for yourself and  not to please your wife, girlfriend, friends or co-workers. Go alone so that you can find a scent that you really like and that you're comfortable with.

Well,  I'm not promoting brand. I just got interested in this image. All credits to the owner.

Learn the classifications - Colognes are classified into three groups: citrus, green, and spicy.

Citrus - lemon and tangerine scents; good for men who want a fresh-from-the-shower aroma
Green - scents that are sweeter than citrus
Spicy - also known as leathery; seasoned scents that smell much stronger

Narrow your options - Your daily routine and outfit are two factors to take note when choosing the right cologne for yourself. For a regular day in shirt, jeans and sneakers, a cistrusy cologne would be appropriate. A spicy cologne is best to wear if you're athletic or easygoing. Wear a green cologne if you always dress up in suits.

Don't wear deodorant for the day - Your nose will find it hard to sniff (and select) the scent that you best like. So, skip your deo or your cologne for the day.

Try them on - If you find it hard to choose on the spot from the selections in the department store, ask the sales agent to give you samples which you can take home. Choose at least three colognes. Try one each day. Observe how you smell in each scent for the whole day. Then, decide which cologne suits your lifestyle and grooming needs.

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Find the Perfect Messenger Bag for You with These Tips

Messenger bags are a stylish alternative to the usual briefcase for men. They are a favorite among men (and women) because of their flexibility in design and usability. Selecting  the right messenger bag could be a challenge specifically now that it comes in a variety of features and sizes. Here are some tips that can make the selection process easier for you.

Decide on the bag's purpose - What are the things that you're going to carry in it? Books, clothes, food, laptop or a handful of documents? Your bag's purpose will determine the perfect size, material (leather, nylon or canvass) and design (detailing and internal compartments) for you to choose.

Find a comfortable strap - A comfortable strap is the kind of strap that doesn't rub against the skin and doesn't cut easily. If you will be using your bag daily going  to school or work, choose a variant with a wide and adjustable strap.

Check the pockets and compartments - The bag should have enough sections to hold the things that you'll need to bring with you daily. These include stationery, a mobile phone and a purse. Some messenger bags may have a panel with dedicated slots for pens, and small items. While too many pockets seem practical, you must be aware that it can encourage you to overpacking. So, it is best to choose a bag with standard number of compartments and pockets.

Pick an appropriate style - Are you going to wear your messenger bag to work with your suit? If yes, you'll need one that is made of leather. Canvass or nylon bags are  ideal to use in less formal occasions.

Set a budget - Before making any purchase, know how much money you can spend on a bag. While high priced designer bags may offer good quality, moderately priced messenger bags can be a more practical option specifically if you don't have a big budget.

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