Applying Tom Ford Cologne: Tips For Men

Tom Ford is a powerhouse in the fragrance marketplace, offering more than 40 women's, men's and unisex scents. His colognes are not cheap, but any scent you pick from his collection is going to shine.

1. Apply on pulse points: Spray your cologne on your body's pulse points to help with absorption and longevity.

2. Put on fragrances after showering: Apply cologne right after showering when your skin is still damp to help lock in the scent.

3. Spray on your skin, not your clothes: Your cologne needs to mix with your natural oils to create a personal scent unique to you.

4. Understand the concentration of the scent: Premium colognes will have a higher concentration of perfume oils and will last longer.

5. Don't store it in your bathroom: Keep your cologne in optimal conditions, away from direct sunlight and humidity.

Apply on pulse points

To apply Tom Ford cologne to your pulse points, spray it on your neck, behind your ears, and on your wrists. These areas emit heat, which helps to activate the fragrance and diffuse the scent as you move throughout the day. Spray the cologne directly onto your skin, about 2-3 inches away, to allow the cologne to mix with your natural oils and create a unique scent.

Put on fragrances after showering

How to Apply Tom Ford Cologne

Applying cologne after a shower is a great way to make the scent last longer. Your skin is still damp after a shower, which helps lock in the scent of the fragrance so that it lasts longer throughout the day and doesn't fade away too quickly. It also allows the cologne to mix with your natural body chemistry, making it smell even better.

Your skin has its own unique scent from the oils that keep it healthy and moisturised. When your skin absorbs ingredients from products like cologne, those scents mix with your natural oils to create a new, personalised scent. Some people's natural skin chemistry absorbs perfume and cologne more quickly than others, which means their scents will linger for longer.

However, it's important to note that you shouldn't apply cologne while your skin is still wet, as it will rub off when you dry yourself. Instead, gently towel-dry your skin first and then apply the cologne. This tip is especially useful for those with dry skin, who may find that fragrances don't last very long.

If you have dry skin, moisturising before you spritz your cologne will also help your skin absorb the scent and ensure it lingers for longer. It will also protect your skin from any irritation caused by the alcohol in the cologne. Many perfumes and colognes come with their own moisturiser, which is worth investing in.

Spray on your skin, not your clothes

When applying cologne, it is important to spray it on your skin, rather than your clothes. This is because cologne needs to mix with your natural oils to create a scent that is unique to you. If you spray it on your clothes, you run the risk of staining them.

The "spray a cloud and walk through it" method is not effective, as most of the cologne will end up on the floor. Instead, spray your cologne directly on your pulse points (behind the ears, wrists, and neck) about 2-3 inches from your skin. This will help with absorption and ensure that the scent lasts longer.

Applying cologne to your skin also allows it to go through its scent stages. If you spray it on your clothes, the scent may fall flat and become monochrome. The scent will change and evolve as the layers of fragrance notes evaporate, and this evolution is what makes a scent interesting and attractive.

Additionally, applying cologne directly to your skin will help prevent staining or damaging your clothing. Some fragrances may interact with certain fabrics and leave stains or discolouration, so it is always important to test a small, inconspicuous area first if you do choose to spray your clothes.

Understand the concentration of the scent

Understanding the concentration of your Tom Ford cologne is key to getting the most out of it. The concentration of a scent will determine its longevity, projection, overall scent, and price.

The concentration of a fragrance refers to the percentage of essential oils in the perfume compared to alcohol. The higher the concentration of essential oils, the less alcohol is used, and the more expensive the fragrance will be.

There are seven types of fragrance concentrations:

• Parfum: This has the highest concentration of perfume oils, ranging from 20-40%. It is the most expensive type but can last on the skin for six to eight hours.
• Eau de Parfum (EDP): This is the next highest concentration, with 15-25% oil concentration. It usually lasts around four to five hours on the skin. EDP is often stronger in scent and performance than EDT, but this is not always the case. The longevity of an EDP scent will depend on its composition and quality.
• Eau de Toilette (EDT): EDT has a concentration of 5-15% essential oils. While it usually doesn't have high performance, some EDT fragrances, like Dior Sauvage, are high-performing. EDT is very versatile and wearable for almost every occasion and season.
• Eau de Cologne (EDC): EDC fragrances have a low concentration of 2-5% essential oils and a higher percentage of alcohol, making them weaker and less long-lasting. They usually last for up to three hours.
• Eau Fraiche: This type of fragrance has a very low concentration of 1-3% essential oils and does not contain alcohol. Instead, the additional ingredient is mostly water. Eau Fraiche fragrances typically last for less than two hours.
• Splash and Aftershave: These contain a small amount of fragrance oil, making them affordable and ideal for everyday use. The alcohol content in aftershaves and splashes helps tighten pores and give the skin a fresh and healthy appearance.
• Extrait de Parfum: This is the most concentrated form of fragrance, with 35-45% essential oil concentration. It is typically the most expensive type and offers the best performance and longevity.

When choosing a Tom Ford cologne, consider the concentration that best suits your needs and expectations. If you want a signature scent that you can wear every day without being too aggressive, EDT or EDP are good options. For a powerful and dominant fragrance, Parfum or Extrait de Parfum are ideal.

Don't store it in your bathroom

Storing your cologne in the bathroom is a big no-no. While it may be convenient for getting ready in the morning, the bathroom is not the best place to keep your cologne.

Firstly, the bathroom is a hot and humid environment, especially after a shower or bath. This humidity can cause issues for your cologne, as it can get into the bottle through the spray mechanism and cause unwanted chemical reactions. The heat can also speed up the ageing of the cologne, affecting the top notes and causing the scent to turn musty or sour.

Secondly, light, particularly UV light, can cause issues for your cologne. The bathroom is often a place with a lot of light, whether it's from a window or artificial lighting. UV light can cause reactions in the cologne, changing the colour and smell of the scent.

Thirdly, the temperature fluctuations in the bathroom can be an issue. While a small temperature change from a shower may not have a significant impact, constant fluctuations can cause the fragrance to sweat and condensation to get into the bottle. This can lead to unwanted chemical reactions and ruin your cologne.

Finally, some people may be tempted to store their cologne on a bathroom counter or shelf. This is not ideal as it exposes the cologne to direct light and temperature changes. A better option is to store your cologne in a dry, dark area like a closet or cabinet. If you're looking to extend the life of your cologne even further, you can consider storing it in the fridge, especially during hot summer months.

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