Lush Cologne: Does The Scent Last?

The duration of a perfume's scent depends on how it is worn. The body heat generated by pulse points intensifies any perfume applied to them. Pulse points include the neck, inside of the elbow, behind the knee, inner wrists, and various points on the feet and ankles. The aroma of a perfume is typically unveiled in stages over time, with top, middle, and base notes. The entire fragrance can take up to four to five hours to completely unfurl. Solid perfumes can last anywhere from two to twelve hours or more, depending on their notes and the percentage of fragrance oil present. The scent of Lush perfumes seems to vary, with some users reporting that they last all day, while others claim that they fade within a few hours. Some users have also noted that the scent of Lush perfumes seems to change over time, possibly due to improper storage or the lack of preservatives in the formula.

How to make the scent last longer

How to Make the Scent of Your Cologne Last Longer

Prepping Your Skin

Take a shower or bath. The steam helps open your pores so your skin will absorb the fragrance more readily, and keeps you from having to reapply throughout the day.

Moisturise your skin. Hydrated skin is more likely to soak up your cologne, so apply a body lotion or cream over your entire body, especially in the areas where you plan to spritz the cologne. 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 your skin to soak up the cologne, and act as a barrier between your skin and the cologne so your body's oils aren't able to break down the fragrance.

Applying the Cologne

Use multiple scented products to layer the scent. If you want the scent to last all day, use other products that have the same scent as your cologne, such as body washes, deodorants, and body creams. Wearing the cologne over a soap or lotion strengthens the fragrance and makes it last longer.

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. These are the warmest spots on your body, which will help keep the scent strong. Other areas where you may want to apply your cologne include the stomach and back of the neck.

Mist your hair to boost the scent's staying power. Your hair is more porous than your skin and will hold onto the scent for longer. If you’re worried about the alcohol in your cologne drying out your hair, apply some to your brush or comb before running it through your hair.

Spritz your clothing for a longer-lasting fragrance. The natural oils in your skin can cause a scent to wear off over time, but if you apply some cologne to your clothing, the fragrance will cling to the fabric until you wash it. Spray some on your shirt, jacket, or even an accessory such as a scarf. Be aware that some colognes may stain delicate fabrics such as silk, so test a small, inconspicuous spot first.

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, and over time, these ingredients can start to turn, weakening or changing the scent.

Store the cologne or perfume properly. Extreme temperatures and direct sunlight can alter the oils and other ingredients in cologne, so if you want your fragrance to last all day, store it in a cool, dark location.

The best places to apply it

To make the scent of your cologne last longer, it's important to know the best places to apply it. Here are some tips on where to spray for long-lasting performance:

• Pulse points: These are the areas of your body where you can feel your heartbeat, and they are usually the warmest areas of your skin. The body heat generated at these pulse points will help to project and intensify the fragrance. The main pulse points include the neck, inner wrists, inside of the elbows, and behind the ears.
• Forearms: Spraying the inside of each forearm is a great way to apply cologne, as the heat generated will help diffuse the scent throughout the day.
• Chest: Spraying across the collarbone area allows the fragrance to be projected effectively, thanks to the body heat in this region.
• Hair: The hair can retain liquid for longer, so spraying cologne in your hair can help extend the longevity of the fragrance. However, be cautious as cologne contains alcohol, which can dry out hair and cause hair loss.
• Clothing: While it is generally recommended to spray cologne on the skin rather than clothing, you can spray on your clothes if you hold the bottle 4-6 inches away, reducing the concentration when it reaches the fabric. However, be aware that cologne can stain or damage certain fabrics, especially if sprayed too closely.

Remember, when applying cologne, less is more. You don't want to overpower others with your scent. Start with a light application and reapply if needed. Additionally, always apply cologne to dry skin, preferably right after a shower when your pores are most open, allowing the scent to absorb better and last longer.

The difference between solid and liquid perfumes

Solid perfumes tend to be more intimate, with a subtle scent that requires close contact to be smelled. They are often long-lasting but have limited projection and can be unhygienic or inconvenient to apply, especially after handling certain foods or if you have long fingernails. Liquid perfumes, on the other hand, are typically more versatile and can fill a room with their fragrance. They are also less likely to irritate the skin, as solid perfumes are more concentrated and may cause reactions.

In terms of longevity, both types of perfumes can last a long time depending on their ingredients and how they are applied. Solid perfumes may be preferred for travel due to their small size and lack of spillage, but they can melt in hot climates. Liquid perfumes are often larger and may be more decorative, but they can evaporate more quickly and may not be as suitable for sensitive skin. Ultimately, the choice between solid and liquid perfumes depends on personal preference, intended use, and other factors such as price and portability.

How to store Lush perfumes

Storing your Lush perfumes correctly is essential to prolonging their shelf life and making the most of their beautiful aromas. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store Lush perfumes:

Keep Them Cool:

Lush perfumes should be stored in a cool place. Avoid keeping them in warm areas or direct sunlight, as this can cause the fragrance to deteriorate faster. Find a cool, dry spot in your home, such as a cupboard or drawer, away from heat sources like ovens or radiators.

Store in a Dark Place:

In addition to keeping them cool, it's crucial to store Lush perfumes in a dark place. Avoid areas where they will be exposed to direct sunlight or harsh lighting, as this can also impact their longevity. Keep them in a dark cabinet or box if possible.

Avoid Humidity:

Humidity and moisture are enemies of perfumes, especially Lush fragrances. Do not store them in humid environments like bathrooms, where the presence of showers or baths can increase moisture in the air. Instead, opt for drier areas of your home.

Keep Away from Open Flames or Heat Sources:

Ensure that your Lush perfumes are not stored near open flames or heat sources like candles, stoves, or fireplaces. The heat generated by these sources can affect the composition and scent of the perfumes.

Store in Original Packaging:

Lush perfumes often come in light-blocking bottles or containers designed to protect the fragrance from light exposure. It is best to keep them in their original packaging, as these containers are specifically designed to prolong the life of the perfume.

Proper Storage Position:

Always store your Lush perfumes in an upright position. This helps prevent leaks and ensures that the perfume is less likely to come into contact with air, which can cause oxidation and impact the fragrance over time.

Use a Fragrance Fridge or Cooler:

If you want to go the extra mile, consider investing in a fragrance fridge or cooler specifically designed for storing perfumes. These devices provide a controlled environment to keep your Lush perfumes cool, dark, and protected from humidity.

Regularly Check and Rotate Stock:

Keep an eye on the expiration dates of your Lush perfumes, and use them within that timeframe. Regularly check your collection, and if you have multiple bottles, rotate them to ensure you use the oldest ones first.

By following these storage tips, you can help extend the life of your Lush perfumes and continue to enjoy their delightful scents for longer. Remember, proper storage plays a crucial role in preserving the quality and longevity of your fragrances.

The best scents for longevity

Choosing a cologne or perfume can be a very personal decision. You might want a subtle scent that people notice only when they lean in close, or you might want to make a bold impression. Either way, you don't want a fragrance that fades away within a few hours or, worse, a few minutes.

The key to a long-lasting fragrance is its concentration. Eau de parfums, parfums, and elixirs have the highest concentration of scent (sometimes as much as 40-50 percent), so they are going to last the longest. If you see "parfum" on the label, or other words like "intense", you know you're getting a highly concentrated formula that will stay with you throughout the day.

Another way to identify a long-lasting fragrance is to look at the notes. Wood notes, including oud, and gourmand notes like vanilla, tend to last the longest on your skin, which is why they are typically used as base notes.

Best Overall Long-Lasting Cologne: Tom Ford Noir Extreme

This cologne has loads of spices like cardamom and nutmeg on the top note, which reveal a floral-heavy middle note before drying down to a cornucopia of woods. It has a mature, elegant scent and serious lasting power.

Best Floral Long-Lasting Cologne: Parfums de Marly Akaster Eau de Parfum

This is a bold, deeply elegant fragrance that combines heavy amounts of oud with rose. It's a scent that's fit for royalty.

Best Fresh Long-Lasting Cologne: Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum

This iconic fragrance combines fresh citrus notes, spices, and elegant woods. The Eau de Parfum version is bolder than the original with the addition of incense and amber, creating more depth and a more sophisticated and sexy vibe.

Best Leather Long-Lasting Cologne: Bulgari Le Gemme Onekh Eau de Parfum

This deep, sultry fragrance is all about leather. There are other notes in there, like spices and a dash of oud, but it’s the leather that sticks to your skin and gives it a sexy, badass vibe.

Best Woody Long-Lasting Cologne: Burberry Hero Eau de Parfum

This bold cologne is grounded in three types of cedar at the base, with pine needles in the top note. A healthy dash of incense and resinous benzoin give it a spicy, earthy aroma that’s masculine yet modern.

Best Vanilla Long-Lasting Cologne: DS & Durga Deep Dark Vanilla

This scent has a lot of vanilla, laced with green, herbal notes like cypress and vine, and grounded with earthy patchouli. It’s a surprising take on vanilla that evolves the longer it stays on your skin.

Best Long-Lasting Cologne for Every Day: Ralph Lauren Ralph's Club Elixir

You might think this scent is fresh and citrusy at first spray, but it dries down to a more sophisticated fragrance with notes of lavender, leather, patchouli, and balsam. It’s the most mature version of the Ralph’s Club family, and the longest lasting.

Best Inexpensive Long-Lasting Cologne: Guy Laroche Drakkar Intense Eau De Parfum

This modern take on the '80s classic Drakkar Noir is fresher thanks to notes of bergamot, rosemary, clary sage, and lavender. It has serious lasting power but is firmly planted in the modern era.

Best Long-Lasting Unisex Fragrance: Lush Lord of Misrule

This body spray from Lush combines sweet and spicy notes.

Best Long-Lasting Perfume: Creed Aventus

With rich and earthy middle and base notes complemented by light, subtle hints of fruit, this fragrance is versatile enough to take you from the office to date night.

Frequently asked questions