Make Your Cologne Last All Day

Getting your cologne to stick can be tricky, but there are several things you can do to make your scent last longer. Firstly, it's important to know the different types of colognes and their concentration levels, as this will give you an idea of how long the scent might last. For example, perfumes have the highest concentration, ensuring the scent will last for around eight hours. It's best to apply your cologne right after a shower when your pores are open, allowing the fragrance to seep into your skin. You should also moisturise beforehand, as hydrated skin is more likely to absorb the cologne. When applying, spritz your pulse points, including the wrists, neck, and behind the ears. These are the warmest spots on your body, helping the scent to develop and linger. Avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this can break down the scent. You can also spritz your hair and clothes for a longer-lasting fragrance. However, be mindful not to overapply, as this can be overpowering for those around you.

Moisturise your skin first

If you want your cologne to stick, it's a good idea to moisturise your skin before applying it. This is because hydrated skin is more likely to soak up your cologne than dry skin. Applying a body lotion or cream all over your body before spritzing on your cologne will help it stick around for longer.

Tips for moisturising your skin before applying cologne:

• Opt for an unscented moisturiser so that it doesn't alter the scent of your cologne.
• Pay particular attention to areas where you plan to apply the cologne, such as your pulse points.
• If you want the fragrance to last even longer, apply some petroleum jelly to your pulse points before spraying on your cologne. This acts as a barrier between your skin and the cologne, preventing your body's oils from breaking down the fragrance.

Apply cologne to pulse points

Pulse points are the areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt. These are the best spots to apply cologne because of the warmth of your blood. The warmth helps scents remain strong while also fully developing them so that they are able to linger on the rich, long-lasting middle and base notes.

The pulse points include the inside of your elbows, your wrists, behind your knees, behind your ears, the base of your throat, and your neck. When applying cologne, you want to spritz or gently dab the specific pulse point. Then, using your wrist, press it into place so that the cologne sits below the skin in the pulse point and not above the skin, where it can slowly die away over the day.

For everyday cologne usage, apply cologne to your neck area, as there are pulse points on each side of your throat. Then spritz your inner wrist or even your chest. This combination should have you covered for a day at the office. If you're going out or on a date, also apply to the area behind your ear. By adding fragrance in this area, you up the scent's strength subtly overall, and you give people a nice, subtle whiff when they get close to your face.

The more pulse points you're hitting, the less cologne you need to use.

Spritz your hair

Spritzing your hair with cologne is a great way to make your scent last longer. Hair is more porous than skin, so it holds onto the fragrance for longer. However, it's important to be cautious when applying cologne to your hair, as the alcohol in most colognes can dry out and damage your hair. Here are some tips to help you spritz your hair with cologne effectively and safely:

• Hold the cologne bottle about 6-8 inches away from your hair and spray a light mist. Avoid spraying directly onto your scalp, as this can cause product buildup or irritation. Focus on spritzing the mid-lengths and ends of your hair for a subtle, long-lasting fragrance.
• If you're concerned about the alcohol in cologne drying out your hair, you can apply a small amount to your brush or comb and then run it through your hair. This will distribute the fragrance more evenly without concentrating it in one area.
• Opt for hair fragrances that are specifically designed for hair. These products tend to have a lower alcohol content and are formulated to add fragrance to your hair without compromising its health.
• Use scented hair products such as shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. This will leave a lingering fragrance in your hair without the potential drawbacks of traditional colognes.
• Avoid overusing cologne on your hair, especially if it has a high alcohol content. Overuse can lead to dryness and potential damage to your hair.
• If you have concerns about hair damage, consider using a hair mist or scented hair oil instead of traditional cologne. These products are designed to add fragrance to your hair without the potential risks associated with alcohol-based perfumes.

Layer your fragrance

Layering fragrances is a great way to create a unique scent that's personalised to you. Here are some tips to help you layer your fragrances effectively:

Choose complementary or contrasting scents

You can choose complementary fragrances that share similar notes and belong to the same scent family. For example, you can layer different floral eau de toilettes or brighten floral fragrances with fresh fragrances. Alternatively, you can select contrasting scents for more originality. For instance, pairing vanilla with woody notes or adding citrus to any floral fragrance.

Start with a base layer

Begin with a scented body wash or a fragranced lotion to enhance the layers that follow. A scented lotion can help to prolong your aroma, and well-moisturised skin helps to diffuse fragrance more effectively.

Apply the strongest fragrance first

When layering multiple perfumes, apply the strongest or heaviest fragrance first, then layer on lighter scents. This will prevent the lighter fragrance from being overpowered. You can also reapply the lighter scent throughout the day to lift those delicate notes.

Experiment with different application points

Apply fragrances to different pulse points on your body, such as the wrists, neck, behind the ears, backs of the knees, and inner creases of the elbows. You can also spritz the ends of your hair for a longer-lasting effect.

Moisturise your skin

Perfume has a hard time sticking to dry skin, so make sure to moisturise before applying your fragrance. Perfume molecules cling to moisture, so hydrated skin will help your scent last longer.

Reapply when necessary

Even after taking all the necessary steps to make your cologne last longer, there may be times when you need to reapply it. This could be due to the weather or your activities. If this happens, simply refresh the fragrance by reapplying the cologne to your pulse points.

Carrying a full-size bottle of cologne around with you all day is not always practical. Fortunately, many fragrance companies make smaller, travel-friendly bottles that can easily fit in your pocket or bag. Alternatively, you can use cotton swabs to reapply colognesection in a discreet manner. Spray the cologne onto the cotton swabs and place them in a plastic sandwich bag to prevent moisture from escaping. This makes it easy to carry around and you can simply reapply by dabbing the swabs onto your pulse points when needed.

It is recommended to reapply in a private space, such as a restroom, to avoid causing discomfort to others who may be allergic to the scent. Additionally, be mindful of how your body's natural oils interact with your cologne. In certain situations, such as clubbing, applying too much cologne may result in an even worse smell than your natural body odour.

Remember, you will quickly become accustomed to the smell of your cologne and may think it has completely worn off, but others will still be able to smell it. Therefore, it is generally not necessary to reapply more than once a day.

Frequently asked questions