The Chemistry Of Cologne: How Long Before It Works?

The same perfume can smell different on different people due to body chemistry. Temperature is a big factor in dictating how a fragrance will smell on the skin. The evolution of a fragrance is driven by body temperature, which means that you will experience an evolution from the top note when the fragrance is initially applied to the dry-down notes, which are the part of the fragrance that lingers. The interplay between temperature, body chemistry, and the different volatilities of the ingredients in a fragrance can make it difficult to predict how a perfume will smell on any given person.

How to apply cologne to pulse points

Pulse points are the best spots to apply cologne as they are the warmest areas of your body. The heat helps the scent to diffuse throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

There are nine pulse points on your body, including your foot, the temples of your head, two places on your neck, and your inner wrist. The pulse points on your neck are located at the bottom of your throat, and there is one on each side of your throat.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from the desired area. Apply one to four sprays, depending on the strength of the cologne. For everyday use, spritz your neck, inner wrist, or chest. If you're going out, you might also want to apply a small amount behind your ear so that people can smell it when they lean in close. You can also spritz behind your knees and inside your elbows to intensify the scent.

How to test cologne before buying

Testing a cologne before buying it is important to see how it will react with your body chemistry. Here are some steps to test cologne before buying:

Research colognes online

Using a fragrance wheel and any previous knowledge of scents you might have, think about which scents might appeal to you. You can use Google to search for fragrances that include these scents so that you have a starting point once you reach the store. Remember, you can always decide that you don’t like a particular type of scent after smelling it in person, and the store representative should be able to direct you toward another scent based on your preferences.

Use cologne testers or scent blotters

You can order fragrance testers that come in smaller bottles when you think you’ve found a scent you like. Alternatively, you can choose a store that has scent blotters available to test the fragrances you are initially interested in. Scent blotters are usually small, white cardboard strips that absorb the fragrance and help you smell the scent without putting it on your body. When applying the cologne to the scent blotters, spray two or three times in a downward motion onto the blotter. However, fragrances are designed to react with the skin’s heat, so blotters only reveal a glimpse of a fragrance’s character.

Test the fragrance on your skin

Once you have narrowed it down to between two and four fragrances, it’s time to see how they react to your skin’s chemistry. Spray one cologne type on each wrist. If you’re testing more than two, spray onto your inner elbows as well. Do not test more than four at a time, or this could confuse your sense of smell. Leave the scent to develop for around 30 minutes, then smell it again. Notice how each smell has developed once it’s had a chance to work with your body chemistry. This will give you a true idea of what each cologne will smell like on you.

Buy it if you still love it!

If there is one or more fragrances you really enjoy after the development period, it’s likely you’ll enjoy owning that scent.

Tips

• Avoid wearing fragrances when testing. If you’re testing different fragrances while wearing one yourself, its lingering presence will adversely affect the results.
• Coffee beans can neutralise most odours lingering in the nostrils but are less effective with gourmand and oriental fragrances. If sampling these fragrance types, smelling clean skin, wool clothes, or even lemon has been known to prove effective.
• Test fragrances in the morning. Your sense of smell often peaks in the morning hours, which means that your perception of fragrances will be sharper.
• Your sense of smell is also more refined in the warmer months due to higher moisture content in the air, so you may find your sense of smell is better during spring and summer.

How long cologne lasts

The duration of a cologne's scent depends on several factors, including its ingredients, formulation, concentration, and the type of skin it is applied to. Scents typically last longer on oily skin than on dry skin.

Colognes can be classified into different types based on their concentration of perfume oils: Eau Fraiche, Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, and Parfum. The higher the concentration of perfume oil, the longer the cologne will last. Here is a breakdown of how long each type typically lasts:

• Eau Fraiche: 1-3% perfume oil; lasts less than an hour
• Eau de Cologne: 2-4% perfume oil; lasts around two hours
• Eau de Toilette: 5-15% perfume oil; lasts around three hours
• Eau de Parfum: 15-20% perfume oil; lasts five to eight hours
• Parfum: 20-30% perfume oil; can last up to 24 hours

It is worth noting that these are general guidelines, and the actual longevity of a cologne can vary depending on other factors such as skin type and body temperature. Additionally, colognes applied directly to clothing may last longer but can be harmful to certain fabrics and may not interact with your body chemistry in the same way.

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the longevity of cologne. Keeping the bottle in its original box or a dark place, avoiding direct sunlight, and maintaining stable temperatures can extend its shelf life. With proper storage, colognes can last for several years, and some sources suggest they can even improve with age.

How to store cologne

Storing cologne correctly is essential to preserving its longevity. Here are some tips on how to store cologne:

• Keep it in a cool, dark place: Avoid direct sunlight as it can damage the perfume. A closet or drawer is a good option. The ideal temperature to store cologne is below 15 degrees Celsius or 59 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Avoid humidity: Humidity can affect the quality of cologne. Do not store it in the bathroom as the heat and humidity from showers can alter its chemical makeup. Instead, opt for a hallway or living room closet.
• Keep it in its original box: The original box provides extra protection from light and temperature fluctuations.
• Store it in a low shelf: Keeping cologne on a high shelf may result in it falling and shattering. It is best to store it in a low, safe place.
• Keep the bottle sealed: Oxygen is perfume's worst enemy. Always keep the bottle capped when not in use to prevent oxidation and evaporation.
• Avoid shaking the bottle: Shaking introduces unwanted oxidation and can break delicate chemical bonds in the cologne.
• Use travel containers: When travelling, transfer cologne to smaller bottles to avoid losing the entire supply.
• Check for discoloration: Discoloration may indicate that the cologne is starting to go bad, especially for synthetic fragrances.
• Store in an airtight container: For extra protection, place the original box in an airtight, opaque container to minimise oxidation and protect from light.
• Maintain a constant temperature: Extreme temperatures can affect the quality of cologne. Aim for a consistent temperature of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to choose the right cologne

Choosing the right cologne can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you select a cologne that suits you perfectly.

Understand the Notes

Colognes are composed of different "notes" that make up the overall scent. These notes are like the lifecycle of the cologne after application and can be broken down into three categories:

• Top notes: These are the initial scents you smell immediately after spraying. They tend to be lighter and fresher, such as citrus or floral fragrances. Top notes usually last from 10 minutes to 2 hours before fading.
• Middle notes (Heart notes): These are the core of the cologne and can last anywhere from 3 to 5 hours. Common middle notes include spices like cinnamon or clove, and some fruity scents.
• Base notes: These are the boldest part of the cologne and become more noticeable as the day progresses. They can last anywhere from 5 to 10 hours. Base notes often include heavier scents such as sandalwood, moss, leather, and smoke.

Seasonality

Choosing a cologne that suits the season is a great way to narrow down your options. While some colognes work well year-round, such as floral scents for summer and spring, you may want to consider having a signature scent for each season. For example, during winter, you might opt for scents like leather, spice, vanilla, or cinnamon.

Your Environment

Consider the places you frequent and the people around you. If you work in an office, stronger and overpowering colognes might not be the best choice. Lighter notes, such as citrus or greens, are often more appealing in professional settings. On the other hand, when going out with friends, you can experiment with stronger and bolder scents.

Sample Different Colognes

The best way to find the right cologne is to try them out! You can order fragrance testers or visit a store that offers scent blotters to test different fragrances. When testing, spray one type of cologne on each wrist or inner elbow to see how it reacts with your body chemistry. Give it some time, and if you still love it, you've found a winner!

Application Techniques

Once you've chosen your cologne, it's essential to apply it correctly. Here are some tips:

• Apply cologne to your skin, not your clothing.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body when spraying.
• Apply to heated areas of your body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows.
• Start with a light application. One spray on the neck or forearms is usually enough.
• Reapply if needed, especially if you're going out in the evening.

Storage

Cologne does not have an infinite shelf life, and proper storage is crucial to maintaining its quality. Keep your cologne in a cool, dark, and dry place, as fluctuations in temperature and exposure to light can cause the fragrance to deteriorate. Store it in its original box or a drawer/closet to prolong its lifespan.

Remember, choosing the right cologne is a personal journey. Trust your instincts, and select a scent that makes you feel confident and suits your unique style.

Frequently asked questions