How Vaseline Can Make Your Cologne Last Longer

Many people are interested in making their perfume or cologne last longer, and one popular hack is to use Vaseline as a base before applying fragrance. The idea is that the Vaseline creates a barrier on the skin, preventing the perfume from being absorbed too quickly and slowing down the evaporation of perfume molecules. This allows the scent to linger for a more extended period. However, opinions are split on whether this trick works, and some people find that it makes their skin feel greasy or alters the scent of their perfume.

Vaseline as a base for cologne

Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, has been touted as a way to make your cologne or perfume last longer. The hack, which went viral on TikTok, claims that applying a layer of Vaseline to your skin before spraying on your fragrance can slow down the rate of evaporation, making the scent linger for longer.

The science behind the hack is based on the idea that Vaseline acts as a 'coupling agent' or 'fixative' for the perfume on the skin. As an oil, Vaseline mixes with the oil phase within the perfume. This increases adhesion, or 'substantivity', a term used in perfumery. By binding with the oil in Vaseline, the evaporation of the perfume oils is slowed down, making the scent last longer.

There is plenty of anecdotal evidence from perfume enthusiasts that the Vaseline hack does indeed make their fragrance last longer. A study by researchers at the University of London supported these claims, finding that Vaseline acts as a barrier, preventing the perfume oils from evaporating as quickly. The lead researcher, Dr John Smith, said the petroleum jelly acts as a 'molecular sponge', absorbing and slowly releasing the perfume oils. The study found that Vaseline could make an Eau de Toilette last up to twice as long, without affecting the smell of the perfume.

However, opinions are split. Some people who have tried the hack report that it made no difference to the longevity of their fragrance, and in some cases, even muted the scent. Others find the idea of rubbing Vaseline on their skin unappealing, describing it as 'greasy' and 'icky'.

Alternative methods

If you're looking for other ways to make your cologne last longer, there are several alternatives to the Vaseline hack. These include:

• Applying an unscented moisturiser before spraying your cologne.
• Spraying your cologne on your hairbrush and brushing through your hair.
• Using an Eau de Parfum, which has a higher concentration of fragrance oil, instead of an Eau de Toilette.
• Applying your cologne to pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, elbows, and back of the knees.

How long does cologne last with Vaseline?

Applying Vaseline to your skin before spraying cologne is a well-known "hack" that is said to make the scent last longer. The idea is that the Vaseline will slow down the evaporation of the cologne, making it last longer on the skin.

There is some scientific evidence to support this claim. A study by researchers at the University of London found that Vaseline acts as a barrier on the skin, preventing the perfume oils from evaporating as quickly, resulting in a longer-lasting fragrance. The study found that even a light eau de toilette could become a long-lasting perfume when combined with Vaseline.

However, not everyone agrees that this method is effective. Some people who have tried it have reported that it made no difference to the longevity of the fragrance, or that it even muted the scent. Others have found that the Vaseline created a greasy feeling on their skin that they did not like.

It's important to note that the type of cologne you use and the way you apply it will also affect how long it lasts. Spraying a larger amount of cologne, using a higher concentration, or choosing a cologne with more prominent base notes will all make it last longer, regardless of whether you use Vaseline or not.

Additionally, there are other ways to make your cologne last longer. Applying it to pulse points like the wrists or neck, using matching scented lotions or other products, and storing it in a cool, dark place can all help to prolong the scent.

In conclusion, while Vaseline may help to make your cologne last longer, it is not a guaranteed solution and it may not work for everyone. The best way to find out if it works for you is to give it a try and see if you notice a difference in how long your cologne lasts.

Vaseline vs other cologne bases

Some people claim that applying Vaseline to the skin before spraying cologne can make the fragrance last longer. The idea is that the Vaseline will prevent the cologne from being absorbed into the skin, slowing down the evaporation process. However, others argue that this is a waste of product and that the Vaseline will simply create a barrier between the skin and the fragrance, preventing it from developing properly.

Vaseline lotion

Some people find that using Vaseline lotion before applying cologne can make the fragrance pop more. However, others find that it makes their skin feel too greasy and prefer to use a dry oil or lotion instead. It's important to note that Vaseline lotion is not scent-free and has a distinct odour that may not be pleasant to everyone.

Other unscented moisturisers

Using an unscented moisturiser before applying cologne is a popular alternative to Vaseline. This can help to hydrate the skin and provide a base for the fragrance to adhere to. It's important to let the moisturiser dry down before applying the cologne to avoid distorting the scent.

Mixing cologne with Vaseline

Some people have tried melting Vaseline and mixing it with cologne, but this method generally receives negative reviews. It can be messy, and the cologne may not be strong enough once it's mixed with the Vaseline. It's important to note that this method will alter the scent of the cologne and reduce its projection and sillage.

Solid cologne

For those who don't like the feeling of Vaseline on their skin, solid cologne can be a good alternative. However, some people find that it starts off with decent projection but becomes less potent as it warms up on the skin.

While Vaseline can be used as a base for cologne, it may not be the most effective method for making the fragrance last longer. Other alternatives, such as unscented moisturisers or solid cologne, may be more suitable for those who want to prolong the scent without altering the notes or dealing with greasy skin.

Vaseline slugging

The 'hack' involves applying a small amount of Vaseline to pulse points such as the nape of the neck, wrists, or behind the ears, before spraying perfume. The Vaseline acts as an additional moisturising 'lock' for the scent, helping it to last longer. This is because Vaseline is essentially an oil, and its 'oil phase' will bind or mix with the 'oil phase' within the perfume. With Vaseline staying on the skin, it acts as a coupling agent or fixative for the perfume, increasing adhesion.

There is plenty of anecdotal evidence from perfume enthusiasts that this technique works. A study by researchers at the University of London also found that Vaseline acts as a barrier to the skin, preventing perfume oils from evaporating as quickly, resulting in a longer-lasting fragrance. However, opinions are split, with some people finding that Vaseline does not make a difference to the longevity of their fragrance, or that it mutes the notes of the perfume.

Downsides

Vaseline has its own odour that may interfere with the perfume. It can also create an unpleasant greasy feeling on the skin, and some people find that it does not absorb well into their skin.

Alternatives

Alternative methods to make a fragrance last longer include:

• Applying an unscented moisturiser before spraying perfume
• Spraying perfume onto pulse points
• Applying perfume right after a shower
• Storing perfume in a cool, dark place
• Using a higher concentration of perfume, such as an Eau de Parfum

Does Vaseline affect cologne scent?

Applying Vaseline to your skin before spraying cologne is a well-known "hack" that is said to make your fragrance last longer. The idea is that the Vaseline will slow down the evaporation of the cologne, meaning that you won't need to reapply it as often. This is a particularly appealing prospect for people who use expensive fragrances.

The hack works by taking advantage of the oil phase of Vaseline. The oil in Vaseline binds or mixes with the oil in the cologne, acting as a coupling agent or fixative, and increasing adhesion or 'substantivity'—the term used in perfumery. This process slows down the evaporation of the cologne's oils, making the scent last longer.

There is plenty of anecdotal evidence from perfume enthusiasts that this hack works. A study by researchers at the University of London found that Vaseline acts as a barrier to the skin, preventing the perfume oils from evaporating as quickly, resulting in a longer-lasting fragrance. However, the same study found that the olfactory profile of the perfume changes when mixed with Vaseline, becoming duller, thinner, and less complete or complex. The researchers also found that Vaseline has its own odour that will interfere with the perfume's scent.

Some users swear by the hack, with one person saying they noticed a difference after a month of using it. However, others say it doesn't make a difference, or that it mutes the notes of the cologne. Some people also dislike the feeling of Vaseline on their skin, describing it as greasy and icky.

Alternatives

Some alternatives to the Vaseline hack include:

• Applying an unscented moisturiser before spraying your cologne
• Spraying cologne on your hairbrush and brushing it through your hair
• Buying matching scented lotions and other products to complement your cologne
• Spraying cologne on a scarf or clothes to make it last longer (be careful, as the oil can stain fabrics)

Frequently asked questions