Cologne And Lotion: Mixing Scents Safely

Layering cologne with lotion is a great way to make your fragrance last longer and smell stronger. The trick is to apply an unscented body lotion or moisturizer first, as dry skin will absorb your cologne quickly and cause the scent to be short-lived. By applying a fragrance-free lotion first, you can lock in hydration and ensure your cologne has something to stick to. You can even make your own scented lotion at home by mixing a fragrance-free lotion base with your cologne. However, be sure to test the lotion on your skin before full application to ensure you enjoy the scent and that it doesn't cause any irritation.

Making your own scented lotion

To make your own scented lotion, you will need a fragrance-free lotion base and your cologne of choice. Set up your station by spreading paper on your work area to prevent spills from damaging the surface.

• Pour about 1/3 cup of the unscented lotion into a small mixing bowl.
• Add five to eight sprays of cologne into the lotion base. Add more if you prefer a stronger scent. Stir these two ingredients with a whisk until well combined.
• Test the lotion on a pulse point, such as your wrist or neck, to ensure you are happy with the fragrance strength. Add more cologne if needed.
• Using a funnel, pour the scented lotion mix into a lotion bottle. It is best to use small lotion bottles to keep the product fresh.

Some extra tips to keep in mind:

• Always use an unscented lotion base to ensure your final product smells like your chosen cologne.
• Test your cologne on your skin before adding it to the lotion, so you are sure you enjoy the scent.
• Only use high-quality colognes or essential oils to blend with your fragrance-free lotion.
• If you are sensitive to chemicals and fragrances, opt for hypoallergenic scents and lotions.
• Store your scented lotion in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

How to apply cologne so it lasts longer

While it is possible to make your own scented lotion by mixing your cologne with an unscented moisturising lotion, there are other ways to make your cologne last longer. Here are some tips:

Before Application

• Take a shower or bath. The steam from a warm shower or bath helps open your pores, so your skin will absorb the fragrance more readily.
• Moisturise your skin. Hydrated skin is more likely to soak up your cologne than dry skin. If you don't want to alter the scent of your cologne, be sure to choose an unscented moisturiser.
• Apply petroleum jelly to the desired area. This will help the cologne "stick" all day.
• Apply right after your shower. Your pores are at their most open, allowing cologne to seep into the skin and giving you a longer-lasting aroma.
• Moisturise beforehand. Hydrated skin holds onto fragrance better than dry skin.
• Don't keep the bottle in the bathroom. Heat, humidity, and light can speed the breakdown of your favourite scents. Keep your cologne somewhere cool, dark, and dry.

During Application

• Layer your fragrance. Use other products that have the same scent with your cologne, such as body washes, deodorants, and body creams.
• Spray your pulse points for the most impact. These include behind your ears, the base of your throat, the inside of your elbows, your wrists, and behind your knees.
• Mist your hair to boost the scent's staying power. Your hair is more porous and will hold onto the scent even longer than your skin.
• Spritz your clothing for a longer-lasting fragrance. The natural oils in your skin may cause the scent to wear off, but if you apply some cologne to your clothing, the fragrance will cling to the fabric until you wash it.
• Don't rub your wrists together after applying cologne. This can "bruise the scent", meaning it'll break down faster.
• Spray your comb or hairbrush. Lightly spraying a small amount of cologne onto your brush or comb before styling will keep your hair smelling great.
• Don't spray directly onto your clothes. This can damage the garment, and your scent will dissipate quickly due to airflow.

Choosing the Right Cologne

• Select a heavy scent. Colognes with woody fragrances, such as cedar, patchouli, or juniper, or spicy notes such as clove, ginger, or nutmeg tend to be longer-wearing.
• Check the fragrance's expiration date. Colognes with a lot of natural ingredients have a best-by date. Over time, these ingredients can start to turn, weakening or changing the scent.
• Store the cologne properly. Extreme temperatures and direct sunlight can alter the oils and other ingredients in cologne, so the scent changes or doesn’t last as long.

Using cologne with a lotion to make it last longer

Using cologne with lotion to make it last longer

There are a few ways to use cologne with lotion to make it last longer. Firstly, you can apply an unscented body lotion or moisturiser before spraying on your cologne. This is because when perfume lands on dry skin, it will evaporate quickly. By applying an unscented moisturiser first, you ensure that your skin is soft and hydrated, so the cologne can lock onto your skin.

Another option is to make your own scented lotion. To do this, you will need a fragrance-free lotion base and your favourite cologne. Simply pour around 1/3 cup of the unscented lotion into a small mixing bowl and add around five to eight sprays of cologne. Stir these ingredients until they are well combined. Test the lotion on your wrist or neck to check the fragrance strength and add more cologne if needed. Once you're happy with the scent, pour the mixture into a small lotion bottle and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

If you don't want to make your own scented lotion, you can also buy pre-made scented lotions that match your favourite cologne. These are often released by perfume houses alongside their best-selling fragrances. However, it's important to note that not every fragrance comes with a matching body lotion, and you may need to experiment with different scents to find a combination that works for you.

In addition to using lotion, there are other ways to make your cologne last longer. Applying cologne after a shower or bath when your skin is still warm can help the scent to absorb better. You can also try spraying cologne on your pulse points, such as your neck, wrists, and inner elbows, or combing it through your hair with a hairbrush. Remember that a little goes a long way, and one spritz per pulse point is usually enough.

The benefits of layering cologne and lotion

Layering cologne and lotion is a great way to create a captivating scent that lingers. Here are some benefits of layering your cologne and lotion:

Boost Your Fragrance

Layering cologne and lotion can give you a stronger and more intense fragrance. This is especially useful if you're wearing a soft or subtle cologne that you want to stand out more. By layering it with a scented lotion, you can increase its intensity and make it more noticeable.

Complement Your Fragrance

You don't always have to use the same scent for your cologne and lotion. In fact, different fragrances can beautifully complement each other, creating an even more enticing smell. For example, you can pair oriental (amber) scents with fruity scents, or floral scents with woody (musk) fragrances.

Make Your Fragrance Last

Layering cologne and lotion is a known hack to increase the lifespan of your fragrance. Not only does the scented lotion add to your perfume, but moisturized skin also helps your cologne last longer. Dry skin can absorb your cologne more quickly, causing it to fade faster.

Create a Unique Scent

Layering cologne and lotion allows you to combine different scents and create a unique fragrance that is personal to you. You can experiment with various scented combinations until you find something that you love. Just remember to apply heavier scents before fresher fragrances, as stronger scents can overpower lighter notes.

Convenience and Cost-Effectiveness

Creating a scented lotion at home can be a valuable skill, especially if you can't find a lotion that matches your favourite cologne. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make your own scented lotion and enjoy your favourite fragrance in a new way.

Tips for creating a long-lasting, moisturising cologne lotion

Ingredients and tools

• Fragrance-free lotion base
• Cologne
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Funnel
• Small lotion bottles

Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Pour about 1/3 cup of the unscented lotion into your small mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add five to eight sprays of cologne into the lotion base. Add more if you want a stronger scent. Stir these two ingredients with the whisk until well combined.

Step 3: Test the lotion on a pulse point, such as your wrist or neck, to make sure you like the fragrance strength. Add more cologne if you feel it needs more.

Step 4: Using the funnel, pour the scented lotion mix into your lotion bottle. It's best to use small lotion bottles to keep the lotion fresh.

Extra tips

• Keep your scented lotion stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Always test your cologne on your skin before adding it to the lotion, to make sure you like the scent.
• Only use high-quality colognes or essential oils to blend with your fragrance-free lotion.
• If you're sensitive to chemicals and fragrances, check for hypoallergenic scents and lotions.
• Applying an unscented body lotion before your cologne will help it to lock onto your skin and last longer.
• Apply your cologne before getting dressed to avoid staining your clothes.
• Spray your cologne onto pulse points, such as your neck, wrists, inner elbows, and collarbones.

Frequently asked questions