Cologne And Aftershave: Can You Wear Them Together?

Cologne and aftershave are two different products with distinct purposes, oil concentrations, and ingredients. Aftershave is a skincare product used to calm the skin, close pores, and prevent infections after shaving. Cologne, on the other hand, is a lightly scented fragrance designed to enhance your scent. While you can use aftershave as a light fragrance, it won't hold the smell for long. If you're looking for a longer-lasting fragrance, cologne is the better option. However, you can use both by finding scents that complement each other.

How to apply cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. It can be the difference between a subtle enhancement to your image and an overpowering scent that follows you around all day. Here is a guide on how to apply cologne properly:

Time it Right

Apply cologne immediately after showering. The shower will cleanse your body of any other scents and open your pores, which helps the cologne absorb into your skin.

Hold the Bottle at the Right Distance

Hold the spray bottle 3 to 6 inches from your body. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-application, while spraying further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application.

Apply to the Right Areas

Apply cologne to the heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, inner elbows, and forearms. These areas generate heat, helping to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allowing it to meld with your body chemistry to create a signature scent.

Start with a Light Application

Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply. You can always add more, but it's harder to fix over-application.

Re-apply if Needed

Depending on the type of cologne, you may need to re-apply, especially if you plan on going out in the evening. When re-applying, simply dab a little onto your pulse points.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Do not spray on your clothes: Spraying cologne on your clothes prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, which gives the scent its unique quality. It can also harm certain fabrics.
• Do not splash it on: If your cologne does not have a spray nozzle, do not splash it onto your skin. This is an easy way to over-apply. Instead, place one finger over the opening of the bottle, tip it gently, and then dab the scent onto your body.
• Do not spray a mist cloud and walk through it: This method renders the cologne almost useless as most of it ends up on the floor.
• Do not rub it into your skin: Rubbing the cologne into your skin makes the scent fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance. If you are not going to spray, simply dab it on.
• Do not apply too much: A subtle enhancement is best. Less is more when it comes to cologne.

Now that you know how to apply cologne, you can enjoy the perks of daily usage and may even receive the occasional compliment!

How to apply aftershave

Applying aftershave is an important step in your shaving routine to ensure you have healthy, moisturised skin. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply aftershave:

Prepare your skin

Wash your face with lukewarm water to remove loose hairs and excess dirt. Then, rinse your face with cold water to close your pores after the heat from the shower and prepare your skin for the aftershave.

Pour the aftershave

Pour a dime-sized amount of aftershave into your palm. If your aftershave has a spray nozzle, spritz it directly onto your neck and face, holding the bottle a short distance away to get ample coverage.

Apply the aftershave

Gently apply the aftershave to your face and neck, massaging in a downward motion. Make sure you get even coverage, paying particular attention to sensitive areas, such as the cheekbones, jawline, chin, upper lip, and neck. You can also apply a second coat, as some aftershaves tend to dry out fast.

Leave it to absorb

Aftershaves are designed to moisturise and soak into your skin, so there is no need to wash it off unless the instructions on your aftershave specify otherwise.

Moisturise

If your skin still feels dry, you can apply a moisturiser to the non-shaved areas of your face.

Choosing the right aftershave

When choosing an aftershave, opt for an alcohol-free formula that caters to your skin type. If you have dry skin, choose a balm to lock in moisture. For oily skin, select a splash or lotion, which tend to be more watery and less likely to clog your pores. If you have normal skin, splashes are the most recommended, but you can also use gels, lotions, or balms.

The difference between cologne and aftershave

While cologne and aftershave are both fragrances, they are not interchangeable. There are several differences between the two, from their formulation to their purpose and application.

Formulation

Aftershave is a skincare product used after shaving, with ingredients that offer skin benefits such as calming and soothing freshly shaved skin. It typically contains astringents, fragrances from essential oils, and moisturisers. Examples of ingredients include witch hazel, alcohol, essential oils such as lavender, sandalwood, and citrus oils, glycerin, and aloe vera.

On the other hand, cologne is primarily a fragrance product, designed to make you smell good. It has a higher concentration of fragrance oils, resulting in a stronger scent than aftershave. The main ingredients in cologne are essential oils or fragrance, alcohol, and water.

Purpose and Application

Aftershave is meant to be used after shaving to calm and soothe the skin, and it is applied directly to the face. It is an essential step in a shaving routine, providing a hygienic way to end the experience and treat any irritation caused by shaving.

Cologne, on the other hand, is a fragrance product that can be applied to the skin, typically on the pulse points, to let the natural oils absorb and blend with the essential oils in the cologne, resulting in a unique scent. It is not formulated to address skin irritation and does not have the anti-bacterial and astringent properties of aftershave.

Scent Longevity

The scent of aftershave is not meant to last for hours, generally lasting from a few minutes to a couple of hours. In contrast, cologne has a stronger scent that can last several hours.

In summary, while you can use aftershave in place of cologne, the opposite is not recommended due to the potential for skin irritation. Aftershave is designed to benefit the skin after shaving, while cologne is primarily a fragrance product.

The benefits of aftershave

Aftershave is a skincare product used after shaving to treat the skin. It is a hygienic way to end your shaving experience. The benefits of aftershave depend on its ingredients, but it typically acts as a sanitiser for the face after shaving, killing bacteria and toxins.

Aftershave can help to reduce itching and swelling from skin damage and ingrown hairs, as well as helping to close pores to prevent bacteria, dirt, or chemicals from entering the skin. This can reduce breakouts, razor burn, and bumps. Aftershave can also help cuts to heal more quickly and prevent hair follicle inflammation.

Aftershave is formulated with ingredients such as witch hazel, alcohol, essential oils, glycerin, and aloe vera. Witch hazel is a natural astringent with anti-inflammatory properties, helping to tighten pores and reduce redness or irritation after shaving. Alcohol acts as a powerful astringent, disinfecting the skin and preventing infections. Essential oils add a pleasant natural scent, with popular choices including lavender, sandalwood, and citrus oils. Glycerin is a moisturiser, helping to hydrate the skin and keep it soft and supple. Aloe vera has soothing and cooling properties, helping to calm any post-shave irritation or redness.

Aftershave balm is a type of aftershave designed to soothe and moisturise the skin after shaving. It helps to reduce irritation, redness, and discomfort, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and hydrated. Aftershave balm contains ingredients such as vitamin E, aloe vera, and chamomile to calm and soothe the skin.

How to make cologne and aftershave work together

Cologne and aftershave have different purposes, oil concentrations, and ingredients. Use aftershave to clean and close the pores on your freshly shaven skin, and cologne for an added measure of fragrance. Feel free to use both, but remember that when it comes to using aftershave vs. cologne for a stronger scent, cologne is the better option.

• Choose complementary scents. When using both cologne and aftershave, be sure to find scents that complement each other to get the best smell possible. Look for fragrances with similar base notes, as these will typically have a higher concentration of oils and last longer on the skin.
• Apply aftershave first. Aftershave is designed to be applied directly to the skin after shaving, so always apply it before your cologne. This will allow the aftershave to clean and soothe your skin, while the cologne adds an extra layer of fragrance.
• Use an unscented or lightly-scented aftershave. To avoid overpowering your senses or having conflicting scents, opt for an unscented or lightly-scented aftershave when also using cologne. This will ensure that the cologne is the dominant fragrance.
• Apply cologne to pulse points. Apply your cologne to the warmest parts of your body, such as your neck, wrist, or inner elbow. These areas will help to activate the scent throughout the day.
• Consider the occasion. When deciding whether to use both cologne and aftershave, consider the occasion. If you're just staying at home, you may prefer to skip the cologne and stick with aftershave. But if you're going out or want a longer-lasting fragrance, add a few sprays of cologne before heading out.

Frequently asked questions