Understanding Projection: Measuring Scent Trails In Colognes

The projection of a cologne is how it radiates off the skin. This is different from its sillage, or the scent trail it leaves behind, although the two are related. Projection can be influenced by the type of fragrance, with citrus and aquatic notes tending to have lower projection, while bold florals and deep, animalistic bases tend to project more. The amount of fragrance applied can also affect projection, with a light application resulting in lower projection. Other factors that can influence projection include the quality of the fragrance, the composition of the wearer's skin, and the temperature of the skin where the fragrance is applied.

How to increase projection

Projection refers to how a perfume radiates off the skin. There are several ways to increase projection, including:

• Spraying more of the fragrance.
• Spraying in more areas of the body, such as the neck, wrists, elbows, chest, and hair.
• Applying fragrance to clothing.
• Moisturising the skin before applying fragrance.
• Applying fragrance after a hot shower when pores are open.
• Using a hair mist, oil, or body lotion in the same scent as the fragrance and layering it with the fragrance.
• Applying a thin veil of Vaseline to the skin before applying fragrance.
• Increasing body temperature, such as by drinking a coffee.
• Staying hydrated by drinking more water.

How to measure sillage

Measuring sillage can be a tricky task, as it involves assessing the trail of scent that a fragrance leaves behind. While there is no single method to measure sillage, here are some instructive tips and tricks to help you understand and evaluate the sillage of a fragrance:

Understanding Sillage:

Sillage is a French word that translates to "wake," referring to the trail of scent that follows the wearer. It is important to distinguish sillage from projection, which refers to how a fragrance radiates off the skin. While related, these terms describe different aspects of a fragrance's performance. Sillage specifically focuses on the scent trail and how it lingers in the environment.

Methods to Measure Sillage:

• Full Application: The most accurate way to measure sillage is by wearing the fragrance yourself or having someone else wear it. Apply the fragrance as you would normally and go about your daily activities. Take note of how the scent lingers in the air and the reactions of people around you. Do you receive compliments or comments about your scent from a distance? This can be a good indicator of strong sillage.
• Distance and Time: Think of sillage in terms of distance and time. How far does the scent travel, and how long does it linger in the air? You can test this by entering a room, leaving, and then having someone else enter after a certain amount of time to see if they can still smell the fragrance. The longer the scent lingers and the greater the distance it travels, the stronger the sillage.
• Self-Assessment: Apply the fragrance to your wrists and go about your daily tasks. If you can smell the scent without having to bring your wrist close to your nose, it indicates strong sillage. If you need to sniff your wrist or get closer to detect the scent, the sillage is likely weaker.
• Paper Strips: When testing multiple fragrances, use paper strips to compare their sillage. Hold the strips at different distances from your nose to gauge which fragrance has better projection and, consequently, potential sillage.
• Compliments and Reactions: Pay attention to the reactions of people around you. If you frequently receive compliments or comments about your fragrance from a distance, it suggests that your scent has good sillage. Take note of how far away people are when they comment on your scent.
• Spray and Walk Away: Spray the fragrance in one area of your house and then walk away. After some time, walk back through the same area and assess whether you can still smell the fragrance. If the scent lingers for a long period, it indicates strong sillage.

Remember, when measuring sillage, it is essential to consider the environment and conditions. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and air circulation can influence how a fragrance projects and lingers. Additionally, individual body chemistry can also affect the performance of a fragrance, so it is always a good idea to test on your own skin or seek out people with similar body chemistry to get a more accurate assessment of sillage.

How projection differs from longevity

Projection and longevity are two important factors to consider when choosing a cologne. While both are related to the strength and duration of a fragrance, they refer to distinct aspects of its performance.

Projection refers to the "scent bubble" that surrounds the wearer. It is the radius within which others can detect the cologne. A fragrance with strong projection will be noticeable by people in close proximity to the wearer, such as those standing nearby in a line or sitting in an adjacent office cubicle. Projection is often associated with sillage, which refers to the scent trail left by a person as they move through space. A fragrance with strong projection will typically also have high sillage, though it is possible to have one without the other.

Longevity, on the other hand, refers to the duration of time that a fragrance remains detectable. It measures how long the scent lasts on the skin or clothing after application. A cologne with good longevity will continue to be noticeable—either by the wearer or those in close proximity—for an extended period, often six to eight hours or more.

While a fragrance with strong projection will create a noticeable scent bubble, this does not necessarily mean it will have good longevity. It is possible for a cologne to project strongly for a short period of time after application, only to fade away quickly. Similarly, a fragrance with excellent longevity may have moderate projection, creating a more subtle scent bubble that persists for many hours.

The distinction between projection and longevity is important when selecting a cologne because it allows for a more nuanced understanding of how a fragrance will perform. Some fragrances are designed to make a bold statement with strong projection, while others aim for subtlety and longevity. Ultimately, the desired level of projection and longevity depends on individual preferences and the intended use of the cologne.

How to make cologne project for longer

The first thing to understand is that there is a difference between projection and longevity. Projection is how your cologne radiates off your skin, whereas longevity is how long the scent lasts on your skin. It is possible for a cologne to have a strong projection but low longevity, meaning that the scent will not linger for long despite projecting well.

• Check the concentration level: Colognes with higher concentration levels will generally last longer. For example, perfumes have the highest concentration level, ranging from 15 to 40 percent, and can last for around 8 hours.
• Apply right after you shower: When you step out of the shower, your pores are still open, allowing your body to better absorb the cologne and lock in the aroma.
• Moisturize your skin: Applying a lotion or cream to your skin before applying cologne can help the scent last longer. Ensure that your moisturizer does not have an overpowering scent that will compete with your cologne.
• Harmonize cologne with other scents: If possible, use a fragrance-free lotion or one that matches the scent of your cologne. This will create a harmonious scent that is not confusing or upsetting to others.
• Apply on pulse points: Apply cologne to warm areas of your body, such as your chest, neck, lower jaw, forearms, inside of your elbows, and behind your knees. The heat in these areas will help the scent project and last longer.
• Don't rub your skin: Rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne can break down the molecules of the scent, causing it to disappear faster. Instead, let the fragrance absorb into your skin.
• Reapply when necessary: If you need a midday boost, reapply your cologne discreetly. Spraying it onto cotton swabs and carrying them in a plastic bag is a great way to touch up your scent without carrying around the entire bottle.
• Line your clothes drawer with cologne: Spraying tissue paper with your cologne and placing it in your clothes drawer can help your clothing retain your signature scent.
• Store your fragrance properly: Keep your cologne in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and check the expiration date to ensure that the concentration level remains intact.
• Keep fragrances in their original bottles: Transferring your cologne to a different bottle can expose it to air and cause it to evaporate more quickly.

Additionally, spraying cologne on your clothes, hair, or even using a fragrance primer or lotion can also help improve projection and longevity. However, be cautious when spraying on clothes as some fragrances may stain.

How to prevent olfactory fatigue

Projection refers to how a perfume radiates off the skin. Some fragrances have a more powerful projection than others, and this can be affected by how much of the fragrance is applied. Projection is related to sillage, which is the French word for "wake" and refers to the scent trail left by a person wearing perfume.

Olfactory fatigue, also known as odor fatigue, odor habituation, olfactory adaptation, or nose blindness, is the temporary inability to distinguish a particular odour after prolonged exposure. It is different from anosmia, which is the permanent loss of the sense of smell.

• Take breaks and get fresh air: When working with scented products, take a break every hour, preferably outdoors, to clear your nose.
• Smell coffee beans: Many people use coffee beans to help clear their noses when smelling multiple scents in a short period. However, this method may not be effective for everyone, as some people dislike the scent of coffee.
• Smell pure wool: Natural wool, especially if it contains lanolin (sheep fat), can help bring your nose back to neutral.
• Smell your body odour: Although it may sound unpleasant, smelling your body odour, such as your armpits, can help reduce olfactory fatigue. It is best to avoid using scented deodorant or antiperspirant when trying this method.
• Layer different scents: Layering different fragrances can help boost their projection and sillage. You can also layer the same scent by applying it to multiple areas, such as your hair, scarf, or clothing.
• Moisturise your skin: Moisturised skin holds fragrance for longer. Applying an unscented lotion before spraying your perfume can help improve its longevity.

Frequently asked questions