Making cologne last longer is a common concern, especially given the high cost of many fragrances. The good news is that there are several simple steps you can take to ensure your cologne lasts longer. Firstly, it's important to apply cologne to the right areas of the body, known as pulse points. These include the wrists, neck, chest, lower jaw, forearms, inside of the elbows, and behind the knees. These areas are warmer, which helps to keep the scent strong. It's also a good idea to moisturise your skin before applying cologne, as this helps the skin to absorb the fragrance. Other tips include layering your fragrance with other scented products, storing your cologne correctly, and reapplying when necessary.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Apply cologne | After a shower, on pulse points, on hair, on clothing, on moisturised skin |
Store cologne | In a cool, dark, dry place, in its original bottle |
Reapply cologne | When necessary, but not too much |
What You'll Learn
Apply after showering
Applying cologne right after a shower is one of the best ways to make the scent last longer. When you step out of the shower, your pores are still open, creating the perfect opportunity for your body to absorb the cologne and lock in the aroma.
Tips for Application
- Hold the nozzle 3-6 inches away from your skin when spraying.
- Focus on your pulse points, including the neck, chest, lower jaw, wrist, forearm, inner elbow, and shoulder. These are the warmest parts of your body, and the heat will help project the scent throughout the day.
- Re-apply only when necessary. You can add a spritz to your wrists or other pulse points if the scent starts to fade.
- Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin. This breaks down the molecular bond, making the scent weaker.
- Do not spray and walk through the mist. Most of the fragrance will drop to the floor and go to waste.
- Be cautious when applying cologne to your hair. While hair can retain the scent for longer, the alcohol in colognes may cause hair damage or loss. If you have a full head of thick hair, you can spray conservatively. Otherwise, stick to applying cologne to your skin.
Skin Preparation
- Moisturise your skin before applying cologne. Well-hydrated skin will absorb and lock in the fragrance better.
- Use an unscented moisturiser so that it does not interfere with the cologne's fragrance.
- Apply petroleum jelly to your pulse points before spraying cologne. This creates an additional barrier, preventing complete absorption and making the cologne last longer.
- Avoid applying cologne to wet skin, as it will rub off when you dry yourself.
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Moisturise beforehand
Moisturising your skin before applying cologne is a great way to make your fragrance last longer. Hydrated skin is more likely to absorb your cologne, so it's a good idea to apply a body lotion or cream all over your body before spritzing. Make sure the moisturiser you use is unscented so that it doesn't interfere with the scent of your cologne.
If you want your cologne to really stick, you can apply some petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to your pulse points before spraying. The petroleum jelly acts as a barrier between your skin and the cologne, preventing your body's natural oils from breaking down the fragrance. However, be aware that petroleum jelly can stain clothing, so be sure to rub it into your skin until the area is no longer greasy to the touch.
If you want to enhance the scent of your cologne even further, you can buy a fragranced moisturiser that matches your cologne. Many fragrance companies offer complementary products, such as body washes, deodorants, and body creams, that have the same scent as their colognes. By using these products, you can strengthen the fragrance of your cologne and make it last longer.
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Layer your fragrance
Layering your fragrance is a great way to make your cologne last longer. This involves using multiple scented products with the same or complementary scents. Many fragrance companies offer complementary products for their colognes, such as body washes, deodorants, and body creams. By using these products together, you can strengthen the fragrance and make it last longer.
When layering your fragrance, it's important to start with the strongest scent first and then layer on milder scents. This will create a unique, personalised aroma that is all your own. To ensure compatibility between scents, consider exploring different fragrances from the same brand.
In addition to layering fragrances, there are a few other things you can do to make your cologne last longer. Firstly, apply your cologne right after you shower, as your pores are more open, allowing the fragrance to seep into your skin. Secondly, moisturise your skin before applying cologne, as hydrated skin is more likely to soak up the scent. Thirdly, spritz your pulse points, including behind your ears, the base of your throat, the inside of your elbows, your wrists, and behind your knees, as these are the warmest spots on your body, which will help keep the scent strong. Finally, avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne, as this can break down the scent and make it disappear faster.
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Apply to pulse points
Applying cologne to your pulse points is one of the most important things you can do to make your fragrance last longer. Pulse points are the warmest spots on your body, and this warmth will help keep the scent strong. These areas include your wrists, the nape of your neck, the inside of your elbows, behind your ears, your chest, lower jaw, forearms, and behind your knees.
Pulse points are where veins and arteries are closer to the surface of the skin, and because of this, they are warmer than the rest of your body. This warmth helps scents to remain strong while also fully developing them so that they are able to linger on the rich, long-lasting middle and base notes.
When applying cologne to your pulse points, hold the bottle about 3-6 inches away from your skin and apply 1-2 sprays to each area. Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne, as this can ""bruise the scent", causing it to break down faster. Instead, leave the cologne to dry on your skin.
You can also apply petroleum jelly or Vaseline to your pulse points before spraying cologne. This will act as an additional barrier between your skin and the cologne, helping to prevent complete absorption so that the fragrance will last even longer.
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Store properly
Storing Cologne
Properly storing your cologne is essential to making it last longer. Here are some tips to ensure your cologne stays fresh and potent:
- Keep it in a cool, dry place: Avoid storing your cologne in the bathroom, as the temperature and humidity fluctuations from showers can affect its chemical makeup. Instead, opt for a cool, dry place like your bedroom drawer or closet.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Sunlight can break down the chemicals in your cologne, reducing its potency. Keep your cologne away from windows or other sources of direct sunlight.
- Store in its original bottle: While decorative bottles may be tempting, storing your cologne in its original bottle helps prevent air from infusing with the fragrance and altering its chemical composition.
- Keep it away from extreme temperatures: Extreme cold, such as storing your cologne in the refrigerator, can be just as damaging as extreme heat. Avoid storing your cologne near air conditioning vents or in other extremely cold locations.
- Ensure the cap is secure: Always recap your cologne bottle tightly after use to prevent air from reaching the fragrance and causing oxidation, which can change the scent and reduce its longevity.
- Check the expiration date: Colognes have a finite lifespan, and their potency will decrease over time. Check the bottom or label of the bottle for the expiration date to ensure your cologne is still fresh.
- Opaque bottles are best: Clear or translucent bottles may look nice, but opaque bottles are better at protecting your cologne from light exposure, which can alter its composition.
- Store at room temperature: Keeping your cologne at a consistent room temperature is ideal. Cupboards and drawers are great storage spots.
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