Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Eau de Cologne Makes a Comeback

Men just weren’t meant to spritz. We dig smelling good but squirting cologne on pulse points or necks is just weird. That is what we are all about the return of ‘eau’. Eau de Cologne is all about shaking and splashing with abandon. Perfect for after the shower, you can douse a bit of scented water on your hair, body and cheeks but you wont stink up the office either.

We spoke to the man who is bringing Eau back from the grave, Jean-Christophe Le Greves. He launched his line, Thirdman last year and it is being stocked by some of America’s biggest retailers. We caught up with him in Los Angeles to hear the backstory on Eau de Cologne

 When did eau de cologne become popular?

Beginning in the 18th century, scented waters made with botanical extracts were used primarily for their beneficial, tonic-like qualities. These later evolved into the classic ‘eaux de cologne’ which were stored in large bottles and meant to be splashed on liberally.

Refreshing and invigorating, their generous application was as gratifying as their scent. They became an essential part of a throughout-the-day feel good regimen for everyone.

What makes them relevant now?

This tradition is at the origin of a new movement in modern fine perfumery for men who are ready to enjoy scents differently: extraordinary refreshment, unique & lasting sensation of well being, liberal gesture in splashing or spraying, ‘scents to live in’ rather than a ‘name to wear’.

At the opposite of complex fragrances, branding and marketing techniques, Thirdman believes in freedom. It has translated the by-gone splendor of the original ‘Eau de Cologne’ by designing the indispensable ‘Eau’ of today.

Men love scents that become an essential part of their everyday feel good routine. Like a perfect accessory or a favorite t-shirt, the fragrances by Thirdman are created to become part of a personal journey.

Tell us about your line.

Eau Monumentale, Eau Moderne and Eau Profonde, the first three fragrances by Thirdman, are all very contemporary interpretations of freshness made of the highest grade natural essences for the unique and lasting sensation they provide. Chilled or not for fuller impact, they come in larger bottles like their ancestors and they open a new territory in scent. Who said quantity could not be synonymous with high quality?

Thirdman fragrances are available at Neiman Marcus.

Editors' Recommendations

Cator Sparks
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…
How to maintain stubble year-round
A man putting on face cream while looking in the mirror.

For a classic and casual look for your facial hair, stubble is a great option for all sorts of face shapes and ages. It's also, rather handily, one of the easiest looks to maintain. But easy maintenance doesn't mean no maintenance, and if you want to look your best then you shouldn't skip on taking care of your stubble and your skin.

Stubble is a good choice if you're impatient for your beard to grow or if regular shaving is causing havoc to your skin. And with a little work to keep it neat and tidy, stubble can be an attractive and fresh look. We've rounded up a handful of tips to have your stubble looking its best.
Cleanse and exfoliate

Read more
How to straighten your beard at home safely and comfortably
Man with a straightened beard

Want to find out how to straighten that wild clump of hair on your face? You've come to the right place! In this article, we'll walk you through the easiest ways to straighten your beard, with and without heat.

If you've gone searching for answers yourself, you probably already know that there's an overwhelming number of guides and videos on the web purporting to explain how to straighten your beard. Unfortunately, few of them actually break down the different straightening options step-by-step, which is what we've tried to do it our guide. That way, you can have a clear sense of which beard straightening method best integrates into your daily routine.

Read more
How to shave with a straight razor without hurting yourself
Straight razor shave

Learning how to shave with a straight razor is a delicate art form of its own that requires practice and patience in learning how to master it. It's a ritual that can become a meditative discipline for those who hone its craft, almost transporting you back in time -- a suave experience. But don't just take our advice on it. Look no further than the epitome of sophistication -- 007 himself.

When Moneypenny helps James Bond finish shaving with a straight razor in the 2012 classic Skyfall, she says -- knowingly -- that "Sometimes, the old ways are the best." It's an adage to live by and one that holds true when it comes to men's grooming routines.

Read more