How Aquaphor Can Make Your Cologne Last Longer

Many people enjoy wearing cologne or perfume, but it can be frustrating when the scent wears off after a short time. Luckily, there are several tricks to help your fragrance last longer, including using petroleum-based moisturisers such as Vaseline or Aquaphor. Applying a small amount of ointment to your pulse points before spraying your cologne can help hold the fragrance to your skin for longer. This is because ointments like Vaseline and Aquaphor leave a subtly slick cast, which gives the perfume something to hold on to.

Aquaphor as a base for cologne

Aquaphor is a great alternative to Vaseline to use as a base for your cologne. It is an effective way to make your fragrance last longer and is a handy hack if you don't have Vaseline to hand.

Aquaphor is a petroleum-based product. When applied to the skin, it acts as a moisturiser, leaving a subtle cast that gives the cologne something to hold on to. The ointment will help to hold the fragrance to your skin for longer than if you were to spray it onto dry skin.

How to use it

Apply a small amount of Aquaphor to your pulse points before spraying on your cologne. Pulse points are the warmer areas of your body that can help diffuse the fragrance, such as your wrists, inner elbows, neck, and the backs of your knees.

Other tips for making your cologne last longer

• Apply your cologne after a shower to damp skin.
• Spritz your cologne directly onto your skin, rather than spraying it from a distance.
• Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne, as this can cause the top notes to break down and fade faster.
• Choose a cologne with heavier notes. Heavier, woodier, and ambery fragrances with oud-type notes tend to last longer than lighter, fresher citrus and floral scents.

Pulse points for cologne application

Pulse points are the places on your body where you can feel a pulse, as the artery is close enough to the surface of your body that you can feel your heart pumping blood through it. These are the best spots to apply cologne because they are particularly warm spots on your body. The close contact with contracting blood brings warmth, which diffuses the fragrance, making it more effective and long-lasting.

There are nine pulse points on the body, including the foot, temples of the head, two points on the neck, and the inner wrist. For everyday cologne use, it is recommended to apply cologne to the neck area and inner wrist or chest. If you're going out, you might also want to apply cologne to the area behind your ear, so that when people lean in close to you, they get a pleasant whiff.

You can also apply cologne to some uncommon pulse points to level up the scent, such as inside your elbow and the back of your knee. The back of the knee is a good choice when wearing shorts or spending time outdoors, as there is room for the scent to travel. You can also spritz the top of your foot if you're at the beach or wearing boat shoes.

When applying cologne to pulse points, it is recommended to spray from three to six inches away, using one to four spritzes, depending on the strength of the cologne. Be gentle with non-spray bottles to avoid spills. It's also important to start small and ask a trusted friend for feedback, as it's easy to overdo it with cologne.

Hydration and cologne longevity

Applying cologne can be the finishing touch to your outfit and boost your confidence as you head out the door. However, it can be frustrating when the scent wears off after a short time. Luckily, there are several tricks to help your cologne last longer, and many of them involve keeping your skin hydrated.

Moisturise your skin

Perfume lasts longer on moisturised skin, so it's always a good idea to hydrate before applying cologne. Moisturising your skin can help lock in the scent, and the more hydrated your skin is, the longer the fragrance will last. This is because the drier your skin, the more the fragrance is likely to be absorbed by the skin's surface and pores. Therefore, it's essential to commit to moisturising your body as well as your face.

Use ointments like Vaseline or Aquaphor

Applying a thin layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor to your pulse points before spraying your cologne can significantly increase its longevity. The ointment creates a subtly slick surface, giving the cologne something to hold on to. Pulse points are the warmer areas of your body that can help diffuse the fragrance, including your wrists, inner elbows, neck, and the backs of your knees.

Layer with complementary products

Layering your cologne on top of a scented body wash or lotion can help it last longer because it will stick to your skin more effectively. Choose unscented or complementary-scented moisturisers or ointments to avoid altering the fragrance of your cologne.

Apply cologne after showering

Applying cologne to damp skin right after showering can also help lock in the scent. The moisture still present on your skin will prevent the cologne from staining your clothes or jewellery. However, be sure to wait a few minutes for the cologne to dry before putting on your clothes, as dressing too quickly can cause the scent to rub off.

Applying cologne to hair

Applying cologne to your hair can be a great way to ensure you smell amazing all day long. However, it is important to be cautious when applying cologne directly to your hair, as the alcohol in cologne can dry out and damage your hair.

How to Apply Cologne to Hair

If you want to apply cologne directly to your hair, it is best to use an alcohol-free cologne or perfume. Hold the bottle at least 8 inches (20 cm) away from your hair and lightly mist your hair. This will give your hair a pleasant scent and create a lovely sillage, meaning you leave a scented trail wherever you go.

Alternative Methods

If you want to avoid the risk of damaging your hair with alcohol-based colognes, there are several alternative methods to apply cologne to your hair:

• Apply cologne to your hairbrush and run it through your hair.
• Use scented hair products, such as hairspray, gel, mousse, or pomade, with a pleasant scent.
• Work a hair oil into your locks. Many natural oils have a pleasant scent and can help moisturize and protect your hair.
• Create your own hair perfume by mixing essential oils, water, and coconut oil in a spray bottle.
• Mist your hair with a floral water, such as rose water or orange blossom water, which have delicate fragrances.

Tips for Making Cologne Last Longer

To make the most of your cologne and ensure the scent lasts longer, try these tips:

• Apply cologne after showering on damp skin, as this will lock in the scent and prevent staining on your clothes.
• Spritz cologne directly onto your pulse points, such as your neck, wrists, and behind your ears and knees. These areas are warmer and will help diffuse the fragrance.
• Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne, as this can cause the top notes to break down and fade faster.
• Moisturize your skin before applying cologne, as this provides a better surface for the scent molecules to bind to and helps the fragrance last longer.

Layering cologne with body wash

Choose the Right Body Wash

When layering cologne with body wash, it's essential to choose a body wash that complements your cologne. Look for body washes with similar fragrance profiles or olfactive aromas to your cologne. This will ensure that the scents work well together and create a cohesive fragrance.

Start with the Body Wash

Use the body wash first in your shower routine. This will help to create a base layer for your fragrance and ensure that the scent lasts longer on your skin. Apply the body wash to damp skin and wait a few minutes for it to absorb before moving on to the next step.

Moisturize Your Skin

After showering, apply a moisturising body lotion to lock in the fragrance and keep your skin hydrated. Fragrance molecules cling to the moisture on your skin, so well-hydrated skin will help your cologne last longer. Choose a lotion with a similar scent to your cologne, or a neutral, unscented lotion to avoid altering the fragrance.

Apply Cologne to Pulse Points

Once you've moisturised, it's time to apply your cologne. Focus on your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, inner elbows, and the backs of your knees. These areas are warmer and will help diffuse the fragrance. Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne, as this can interfere with the chemistry of the fragrance and cause it to fade faster.

Layer with Other Products

You can further enhance the longevity of your cologne by layering it with other scented products, such as deodorant, hair products, or fragrance oils. Choose products with complementary or contrasting scents to create a unique fragrance combination. Just be mindful not to overload your scent by using too many different products.

Experiment and Have Fun

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to layering cologne with body wash. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of scents and products to find what works best for you. Fragrance layering is a creative process, so enjoy the journey of discovering your unique scent.

Frequently asked questions