Colognes: Can Others Smell You Better Than Yourself?

It's common to wonder if other people can smell your cologne, especially if you've been wearing it for a while and can no longer smell it yourself. This phenomenon is known as olfactory fatigue or nasal fatigue and occurs when your nose gets used to the scent, making you unable to detect it. However, others around you may still be able to smell your cologne, and you may be unintentionally overwhelming them with strong scents. To avoid this, it's recommended to apply fewer sprays of cologne, especially near the nose, and opt for lower sprays on the body. Additionally, choosing fragrances with better projection can help improve the sillage, or the trail of scent left behind by the perfume. It's also worth noting that environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, can impact how long a fragrance lasts and how well it projects.

You may be experiencing olfactory fatigue

Olfactory fatigue is an example of neural adaptation. It occurs when your body becomes desensitized to stimuli to prevent the overloading of the nervous system, thus allowing it to respond to new stimuli that are 'out of the ordinary'.

There are several causes of olfactory fatigue. Prolonged exposure to a specific smell is one of the primary causes. When exposed to a particular odour regularly, our olfactory receptors become less responsive to that scent. This can happen in various environments, such as working in a space surrounded by certain scents or spending extended periods in places with strong odours. Another cause is the desensitization of olfactory receptors, which may become less sensitive due to various factors.

The most common symptom of olfactory fatigue is a diminished ability to detect a specific odour. Individuals experiencing olfactory fatigue may find it challenging to notice a smell they were initially sensitive to, even if the odour concentration remains constant.

While olfactory fatigue is a natural process, there are ways to alleviate its effects. One effective approach is to remove the source of the odour or allow the affected individual to spend time in a different environment. This will help reset their olfactory receptors. Avoiding exposure to strong smells can also help regain sensitivity to the specific odour.

To prevent olfactory fatigue, it is important to be mindful of exposure to strong odours. Limiting the duration of exposure to specific smells and taking breaks can help reduce the risk of olfactory fatigue. Good ventilation in indoor spaces can also help disperse odours.

Your cologne may be too strong

If you can smell your cologne without having to bring your wrist up to your nose, it is likely too strong. The same goes for if you can still smell it after a few hours. If you are applying your cologne to your neck and shoulders, you may be bombarding your nose and causing olfactory fatigue.

If you are applying cologne to your wrists, avoid rubbing them together as this will rupture the scent beads, causing the fragrance to project more and last for a shorter amount of time. Instead, let the fragrance dry naturally.

If you are applying too much cologne, try reducing the number of sprays and applying it further away from your nose. You can also try applying it to your body instead of your clothes, as the scent will be softer and less likely to be projected. Applying cologne to the back of the neck, behind the knee, or to the waist are all good alternatives to the wrists and neck.

If you are applying the correct amount of cologne but it is still too strong, you can try diluting it with perfumer alcohol. However, be aware that this may affect how long the scent lasts.

Your cologne may not be projecting well

If you feel like your cologne isn't projecting well, there could be a few reasons for this. Firstly, it's important to note that our sense of smell adapts to new scents over time, meaning that you may stop noticing your cologne after a while, even if others can still smell it. This is called "nose blindness" or "olfactory fatigue". To combat this, try switching up your fragrances regularly or alternating between a few favourites.

Another reason your cologne may not be projecting well could be that you have dry skin. Applying fragrance to hydrated skin helps it to soak in and stick around for longer. Try applying an unscented moisturising lotion before spraying your cologne. Additionally, spraying your cologne onto your clothes can help it last longer, as scent often lingers longer on fabric. Just be sure to spot-test first to ensure the perfume doesn't stain your clothes.

The type of fragrance you're using could also be a factor. Light fragrances with volatile notes, such as citrus, tend to dissipate more quickly. Opting for a perfume with deeper notes and a higher concentration might help your cologne to project better.

Finally, the placement of your cologne can impact its projection. Avoid spraying too close to your nose, as this can lead to quicker olfactory fatigue. Try spraying lower on the body or on the back of your neck and elbows, allowing the scent to waft around you without being too overpowering.

You may be applying cologne too close to your nose

If you are applying cologne close to your nose, you are more likely to become anosmic to the scent. This is when you become unable to smell it, even though others can. If you spray your cologne on your clothes, rather than directly on your skin, it will last longer as your skin will not absorb it.

If you are applying cologne to your neck, try moving it lower down, to your chest, for example. You could also try applying it to your hair and clothes, as the scent will last longer there.

If you are applying cologne to your pulse points, such as your wrists, you may find that the scent is stronger as your body heat will help it to project. However, be aware that if you can smell your cologne all day, you are probably wearing too much. You should only catch whiffs of it as you move throughout the day.

Your cologne may not be suitable for your skin type

It's important to remember that the scent of a cologne can vary depending on the individual wearing it. This is because the fragrance interacts with the natural oils and pH of the skin. As a result, the same cologne can smell different on two different people.

There are several factors that determine how a cologne will smell on you, and whether it is suitable for your skin type.

Skin Relief

A moisturized skin will hold a fragrance for longer. Therefore, it is recommended to drink at least one litre of water a day to maintain good hydration.

Skin pH

The pH of the skin is a mixture of water and sebum called the "hydrolipidic film". The suppler the skin, the better the fragrance will hold. However, sweat can also distort the scent. A concentration of 20% or more is more suitable for people with acidic skin types (eau de parfum or perfume extracts).

Activity Levels

It has been observed that an active person's perfume will last longer than that of a sedentary person.

Olfactory Heritage

A fragrance composed of scents that evoke pleasant memories for the wearer will be in perfect harmony with their olfactory heritage. Exposing children under the age of seven to a variety of scents, such as those from everyday life, nature, food, and travel, will enrich their olfactory heritage as adults.

Diet

What we eat affects the smell of our skin. For example, consuming large amounts of meat or onions can alter the scent of the skin, and thus change the way a perfume is perceived.

Skin Temperature

Although the human body temperature is usually stable, fluctuations can influence the fragrance.

Medication

Some medications can alter the scent of the skin, and consequently, the perfume applied to it.

Climate

The fragrance will be perceived differently depending on the country and climate. For instance, it is harder to smell a fragrance in an air-conditioned atmosphere.

Disease

Certain diseases can disrupt the skin, and some can even be diagnosed using olfactory molecules.

Seasons

A fragrance will not smell or react the same way on the skin during summer and winter.

Hormonal Cycle

The sense of smell varies according to the hormonal cycle. During a monthly cycle, a fragrance may be perceived more or less on the skin. Additionally, hormonal changes during adolescence, after pregnancy, or at menopause can alter our tastes and preferences for fragrances.

Age

Older skin tends to dehydrate more quickly, causing the fragrance to last for a shorter duration.

Application

The way cologne is applied can also impact how long it lasts and how it smells. It is recommended to apply cologne directly to dry skin immediately after showering, as this helps the scent absorb. The cologne should be sprayed 3-6 inches away from the body, onto heated areas such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. Starting with a light application is best, and reapplication can be done if needed.

Additionally, it is important to avoid common mistakes such as spraying the fragrance onto clothing, splashing it onto the skin, walking through a mist cloud, rubbing it into the skin, and applying too much. These mistakes can lead to over-application, prevent the scent from developing properly, or cause the fragrance to fade faster.

In summary, while there are many factors that influence the suitability of a cologne for a particular skin type, the most important consideration is how the fragrance makes you feel. If you enjoy the scent and it evokes positive emotions, then it is likely a good choice for you.

Frequently asked questions