Maximizing Your Cologne's Longevity: Tips To Make Scents Last

There are several ways to increase the longevity of your cologne. Firstly, it is important to apply cologne to damp skin straight after a shower, as the moisture will help the scent latch on and strengthen its staying power. It is also beneficial to moisturise before applying cologne, as this provides a smoother base for the fragrance to adhere to. Cologne should be applied to the body's pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, and inside of elbows, as these areas are warmer and help the scent to develop and linger. It is also recommended to layer your cologne with complementary products, such as soaps, aftershaves, and body balms, to enhance the aroma and remove competing scents. Additionally, you can spritz your cologne onto your clothes, as the microfibers will hold the scent in place. However, it is important to avoid spraying cologne directly onto delicate fabrics such as silk or suede, as they may be damaged by fragrance oils.

Apply after a shower

Applying cologne after a shower is one of the best ways to ensure that your fragrance lasts longer. Here are some tips to maximise the longevity of your cologne post-shower:

Moisturise Your Skin

Before applying cologne, it is recommended to moisturise your skin with an unscented body lotion or cream. Hydrated skin is more likely to absorb and retain your cologne, so it's a good idea to apply moisturiser all over your body, paying particular attention to the areas where you plan to spritz your cologne. If you want to avoid altering the scent of your cologne, be sure to choose an unscented moisturiser.

Apply Petroleum Jelly to Pulse Points

If you want to take extra steps to ensure your fragrance lasts all day, you can apply a small amount of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to your pulse points before spraying your cologne. The petroleum jelly acts as a barrier, preventing your body's natural oils from breaking down the fragrance, and helping it to "'stick'" for longer. 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.

Spray Your Pulse Points

When applying cologne, target your pulse points, which include the nape of your neck, inside your elbows, wrists, and the back of your knees. These areas are the warmest parts of your body, which will help keep the scent strong. They also react to the natural changes in your body temperature, helping to diffuse your signature scent across your body throughout the day.

Avoid Rubbing Your Wrists Together

Contrary to what you might have been taught, it is best to avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne, as this can "bruise the scent", causing it to break down faster. Instead, gently dab the cologne onto your skin, as this gentle application method won't break down the aroma and will help it last longer.

Moisturise beforehand

Moisturising before applying cologne is a great way to ensure the scent lasts longer. This is because hydrated skin is more likely to soak up your cologne than dry skin. It's important to choose an unscented moisturiser so as not to alter the scent of your cologne.

How to Moisturise Before Applying Cologne

First, ensure your skin is clean by taking a shower or bath. The steam will open your pores, allowing your skin to absorb the cologne more readily. Then, apply a body lotion or cream over your entire body, paying particular attention to the areas where you plan to spritz the cologne. These areas include your wrists, the nape of your neck, the inside of your elbows, the back of your knees, and your calves and ankles.

Other Tips for Making Your Cologne Last Longer

• Apply cologne after showering, when your pores are most open, allowing the cologne to seep into the skin.
• Store your cologne in a cool, dark, dry place, as heat, humidity, and light can speed up the breakdown of the scent.
• Layer your fragrance by using other products that have the same scent, such as body washes, deodorants, and body creams.
• Spritz your hair or comb/brush with cologne.
• Apply cologne to your pulse points, including your wrists, neck, and behind your ears, as these are the warmest spots on your body, which will help keep the scent strong.
• Reapply cologne to your pulse points when necessary.

Layer your fragrance

Layering your fragrance is a great way to make your cologne last longer and create a unique scent that feels personal to you. Here are some tips on how to layer your fragrance effectively:

• Choose complementary, contrasting, or linear scents that you are drawn to. You can either select fragrances with common notes or families or experiment with combining opposite fragrances. For example, you can try mixing spice and vanilla or rose and patchouli.
• Start with a base layer, such as a scented body wash or moisturising body lotion, to enhance the layers that follow. This helps to keep your skin well-hydrated, which makes your fragrance linger for longer.
• If you are adding multiple layers of perfume, spray the strongest scent first and then top it up with lighter scents to avoid overpowering the more delicate notes.
• Apply your fragrance from highest to lowest intensity. Start with an eau de parfum as the first layer, followed by lighter scents like eau de toilette or fragrance mist.
• Layer your fragrances on different parts of your body. You can spray one scent on your neck and another on your wrists, or apply one fragrance on your pulse points and another on the backs of your knees, the inside crease of your elbow, or the ends of your hair.
• Use other scented products with the same or complementary scents, such as body washes, deodorants, or body creams, to strengthen your fragrance and make it last longer.
• Be subtle and balanced when layering fragrances. You don't need to spray on fragrances like-for-like. Play with the ratios of different scents to discover the best blend for you.

Spritz your pulse points

Spritzing your pulse points is one of the most important steps in applying cologne. Pulse points are areas on your body where you can feel your pulse, as the artery is close to the surface of your skin. These spots are typically warmer due to the proximity of the blood flow, and this warmth helps to diffuse the fragrance, making it more effective and long-lasting.

There are several pulse points on your body that are ideal for applying cologne. One of the most common areas is the neck, specifically the sides of the throat. This area is perfect for everyday cologne usage, as it provides a subtle scent that is not too overwhelming. Another pulse point is the inner wrist, which is often considered a classic choice for cologne application. Applying cologne to your wrists creates a pleasant aroma bubble around you.

In addition to the neck and wrists, you can also spritz cologne behind your ears. This is especially recommended if you are going out to a lounge, bar, or on a date. Adding fragrance in this area increases the overall strength of the scent subtly, and it gives people a nice whiff when they get close to your face. This is not just for romantic encounters but also for situations where people may lean in close, such as hugs or cheek kisses.

For a more intense fragrance, you can consider applying cologne inside your elbows or behind your knees. These areas are less commonly used but can be effective in certain contexts, such as dates or nights out. If you're wearing shorts or spending time outdoors, applying cologne to the back of your knees can be a great way to allow the scent to travel and make its presence known.

When spritzing your pulse points, it is important to hold the cologne bottle about 3-6 inches away from your skin. Apply one to four spritzes, depending on the strength of the cologne. Be careful not to overspray, as this can lead to an overpowering scent. It is always better to start with a smaller amount and reapply if needed.

Spray on clothing

While it is generally recommended to apply cologne to the skin rather than clothing, there are some tips and tricks to make the scent last longer if you choose to spray it on your clothes.

Firstly, it is important to hold the bottle at a safe distance from the fabric. Holding the bottle 4-6 inches away from your clothing will ensure that the cologne is not concentrated enough to cause damage when it reaches the surface of your shirt. Spraying cologne at this distance will also help to avoid stains and discolouration, as the liquid will be dispersed over a wider area.

However, it is worth noting that spraying cologne on clothing can prevent it from mixing with your natural oils. This means that the scent may not develop as fully as it would on the skin, and may not go through its different scent stages. As a result, the scent may be flatter and less interesting than it would be if applied to the skin.

Additionally, spraying cologne directly onto clothing can cause damage to certain fabrics, especially those that are susceptible to stains from alcohol-based products. Therefore, if you choose to spray cologne on your clothes, it is important to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Finally, while cotton may absorb liquid faster than skin, it is important to consider that cologne-soaked clothing will retain the scent for days. This may not be desirable if you plan on applying a different scent the next day, as the smells could mix together.

Frequently asked questions