How Lotion Enhances Cologne Longevity And Scent

There are many ways to make cologne last longer, and one of them is moisturising your skin before applying cologne. Hydrated skin is more likely to soak up your cologne than dry skin, so applying a body lotion or cream all over your body before spritzing on your cologne can make the scent last longer. However, if you don't want to alter the scent of your cologne, it is best to choose an unscented moisturiser.

Moisturise your skin first

Applying cologne to freshly moisturised skin is a great way to make your fragrance last longer. The science behind it is simple: dry skin doesn't hold perfume as well as oily skin. Therefore, applying an unscented body lotion or oil all over your body before spritzing on your cologne will help it stick around for longer.

It's important to opt for an unscented moisturiser so as not to alter the scent of your cologne. You should also pay particular attention to areas where you plan to spritz the cologne, such as your wrists, neck, and behind your ears. These are known as pulse points, and they're the warmest spots on your body, which will help keep the scent strong.

If you're looking for an even more heavy-duty solution, you can swap out your moisturiser for petroleum jelly. This acts as a barrier between your skin and the cologne, so your body's oils aren't able to break down the fragrance. However, petroleum jelly can stain clothing, so be sure to rub it into your skin until it's no longer greasy to the touch.

By moisturising your skin before applying cologne, you'll ensure that your fragrance of choice lasts longer and that you won't have to reapply it as often.

Apply cologne after a shower

Applying cologne after a shower is a great way to make the scent last longer. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your fragrance:

Moisturize your skin

It's important to moisturize your skin before applying cologne. Hydrated skin will absorb and hold onto the fragrance better than dry skin. Use an unscented moisturizer or body oil to avoid altering the scent of your cologne. Pay attention to areas where you plan to apply the cologne, such as your pulse points: the base of your throat, behind your ears, the inside of your elbows, your wrists, and behind your knees.

Choose the right time to apply

The optimal time to apply cologne is right after a warm shower when your pores are open, as this allows the fragrance to seep into your skin and gives you a longer-lasting aroma. However, avoid storing your cologne in the bathroom, as heat, humidity, and light can speed up the breakdown of the fragrance. Instead, store it in a cool, dry place, like your bedroom.

Layer your fragrance

Using other products with the same scent as your cologne can help to strengthen the fragrance and make it last longer. Many brands offer complementary products such as body washes, deodorants, and body creams. Layering these products will also help to remove competing scents, allowing your cologne to stand out.

Avoid over-applying

While you might be tempted to use more cologne to make the scent last longer, over-applying can be overpowering and unpleasant for those around you. A little goes a long way, and you can always reapply later if needed. Stick to a spritz or two, focusing on your pulse points.

Other tips

• Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne, as this can break down the scent and make it disappear faster.
• Be mindful of the weather and your skin's absorption – you may need to adjust the amount you apply during warmer or colder months.
• If you exercise, apply cologne after your workout and shower, as the increased body temperature and sweating will open up your pores for better absorption.
• Avoid spraying cologne directly onto your clothes, as it can damage the fabric and the scent will dissipate quickly.

Don't store cologne in the bathroom

While it may be tempting to store your cologne in the bathroom, especially if you apply it as part of your post-shower routine, this is not the best place for it. The bathroom is subject to frequent temperature and humidity fluctuations, which can cause issues for your cologne.

Temperature Fluctuations

Heat speeds up the ageing of fragrances, and while a short, sharp temperature increase won't do much harm, constant fluctuations can cause issues. The top notes of a perfume are the ones you smell in the first 5-15 minutes after application, and too much heat exposure can cause these to grow sharper, more sour, or less familiar, or even become undetectable.

Humidity

Humidity can also cause issues, especially if your cologne bottle is poorly sealed. Humid air can get into the bottle and cause oxidation and fragrance evaporation.

Light

Heat and light are a fragrance's worst enemies. Keep your cologne away from direct sunlight, and don't store it on a windowsill.

Alternative Storage Locations

So where should you store your cologne? A cool, dry, dark area is best. Some people recommend storing cologne in the fridge, but this may not be practical for everyone. A closet or cabinet works just fine.

Layer your fragrance

Layering your fragrance is a great way to create a long-lasting, bespoke scent. It's an art that can be as simple or complex as you like, and it's a fantastic way to make your cologne or perfume last longer.

How to Layer Your Fragrance

Firstly, it's important to note that layering doesn't necessarily intensify the smell of your fragrance. Instead, it complements different notes, creating depth and helping your fragrance to linger for longer.

The first step to layering is to choose your scents. You can either opt for complementary fragrances or contrasting scents, depending on your preference. If you're unsure, opt for a fragrance set, where the products are designed to pair well together.

Once you've chosen your scents, it's time to start layering. Begin with a scented body wash or a moisturising body lotion to hydrate your skin and lock in your scent. If you're using a lotion, apply it to areas where you would usually apply your perfume, such as your neck, wrists, and elbows.

After your base layer, spritz on your fragrance of choice. If you're using multiple perfumes, spray the strongest scent first and follow with lighter fragrances to avoid overpowering the more delicate notes.

You can also add aromatic accents to the backs of your knees, the inside crease of your elbows, or even the ends of your hair to make your fragrance last longer.

Tips for Layering Fragrance

• Layering fragrance doesn't always mean spritzing perfumes on top of each other. You can layer by spraying different scents on your neck and wrists or layering perfume over lotion.
• If you're using a scented lotion, opt for one with a good percentage of fragrance.
• When applying perfume, spritz directly onto the skin rather than misting it into the air and walking through it.
• Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume, as this can break down the scent and make it disappear faster.
• Apply your fragrance to your pulse points, such as the inside of your elbows, wrists, and neck. These areas are warmer and will help keep the scent strong.
• If you want to spritz your hair, spray your perfume onto a hairbrush and run it through your hair to avoid drying it out.
• Store your fragrances correctly. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, which can alter the scent.

Don't spray cologne on your clothes

While it may be tempting to spray your cologne directly onto your clothes, this is not a good idea for several reasons. Firstly, colognes are often alcohol-based, and spraying them directly onto your clothes can damage the fabric. Secondly, the scent will dissipate more quickly due to airflow. Thirdly, spraying cologne onto your clothes prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, which gives the cologne its unique quality. This can also prevent the scent from going through its scent stages, rendering it flat and monochrome. Finally, some fabrics may be stained by cologne, so it is always a good idea to test a small, inconspicuous area first.

So, what should you do instead? Well, it is generally recommended that you spray cologne onto your skin, particularly onto your pulse points. These are areas where veins and arteries are closer to the surface of the skin, making them warmer than the rest of the body. This warmth helps scents remain strong and also allows them to fully develop so that they linger on the rich, long-lasting middle and base notes. The best spots to spray cologne on the body include the neck, chest, wrists, forearms, and inner elbows.

If you want your cologne to last even longer, there are a few tricks you can try. Firstly, apply it immediately after showering as your pores will be open, allowing the cologne to seep into your skin. Secondly, moisturize your skin before applying cologne as hydrated skin is more likely to soak up the fragrance. Thirdly, choose a cologne with a woody or spicy fragrance as these tend to be longer-wearing.

Frequently asked questions