Make Your Cologne Last All Day

Keeping your cologne smelling fresh all day can be tricky, but there are some simple tips and tricks to help boost its staying power. From picking the right products to applying them in the right way, you can have a distinctive scent that lasts.

Apply right after a shower

Applying cologne right after a shower is one of the best ways to make the scent last longer. This is because, when you step out of the shower, your pores are still open, creating the perfect opportunity for your body to absorb the cologne and lock in the aroma.

Tips for Application

• Keep the cologne at least three to six inches away from your skin and spritz yourself about two times per area if your cologne is of regular intensity. You don't want to be too overpowering when you enter a room.
• Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne. This will break down the molecules of the scent, making it disappear faster.
• Apply cologne to your pulse points, including the base of your throat, the inside of your elbows, your wrists, and behind your knees. These are the warmest spots on your body, which will help keep the scent strong.
• If you want to avoid staining your clothes, apply cologne before getting dressed. This way, the cologne won't latch onto the fabric and dissipate quickly.
• If you want to enhance the scent, apply petroleum jelly to your pulse points before spraying the cologne. This creates a barrier between your skin and the cologne, preventing complete absorption, so the fragrance lasts longer.
• If you want to make the cologne the dominant scent, use an unscented moisturiser or one with a subtle fragrance that won't overpower the cologne.

Moisturise beforehand

Moisturising your skin before applying cologne is a great way to ensure the scent lasts longer. Hydrated skin is more likely to absorb your cologne, so it's a good idea to apply a body lotion or cream all over your body before spritzing your cologne. Pay particular attention to the areas where you plan to apply the cologne.

If you don't want to alter the scent of your cologne, be sure to choose an unscented moisturiser. If you want to be extra cautious, opt for a fragrance-free lotion. This will ensure that your cologne is the dominant scent, giving you a confidence boost and helping others perceive you well.

People with oily skin usually don't need to reapply their cologne as often, as their skin holds onto the fragrance better than dry skin.

An extra tip is to apply petroleum jelly to your pulse points before moisturising. This will create an additional barrier between your skin and the cologne, preventing complete absorption and making the scent last even longer.

Layer your fragrance

Layering your fragrance is a great way to make your cologne last longer and smell stronger. Here are some tips on how to do it effectively:

• Use complementary products: Many fragrance companies offer a range of products with the same scent, such as body washes, deodorants, aftershaves, soaps, and body creams. Using these products together will help to strengthen the fragrance and make it last longer. It will also remove competing scents from your aroma repertoire, which could otherwise detract from the bouquet of your cologne.
• Harmonize with other scents: If you can't get a hold of fragrance-free lotions or complementary products, make sure that the scents you are using blend well with your cologne. This will help you achieve a harmonious scent rather than a confusing mix of aromas.
• Apply to pulse points: Pulse points are the warmest areas of your body, including your chest, neck, lower jaw, wrists, inside of your elbows, and behind your knees. Applying your cologne to these areas will help keep the scent strong throughout the day.
• Avoid rubbing your skin: Rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne can break down the molecules of the scent, making it disappear faster. Instead, let the fragrance dry naturally on your skin.
• Spritz your hair: Applying cologne to your hair can also boost the staying power of the scent. Hair is more porous than skin and will hold onto the scent longer. If you're worried about the alcohol in the cologne drying out your hair, you can spritz it onto your brush or comb and then run it through your hair.

Spritz your wrists

Spritzing your wrists is one of the most important steps in applying cologne. The wrists are pulse points, where veins and arteries are closer to the surface of the skin, making these areas warmer than the rest of the body. This warmth helps the cologne's scent to remain strong while also allowing it to fully develop so that it lingers on the rich, long-lasting middle and base notes.

When applying cologne to your wrists, it's important to hold the bottle about three to six inches away from your skin and spritz once or twice, depending on the intensity of your cologne. Avoid over-applying, as this can be overpowering to others and may lead to scent fatigue.

After spritzing your wrists, resist the urge to rub them together. Contrary to popular belief, rubbing your wrists together can "bruise the scent," causing it to break down faster. Instead, let the cologne dry naturally on your skin.

If you want to intensify the scent on your wrists, you can apply petroleum jelly to the area before spritzing. The petroleum jelly acts as a barrier, preventing the cologne from being completely absorbed by your skin, resulting in longer-lasting fragrance. However, be sure to rub it in well to avoid staining your clothing.

Store it properly

To keep your cologne smelling great for longer, it's important to store it properly. Here are some tips to ensure your fragrance lasts as long as possible:

• Keep it away from direct sunlight: Sunlight can break down the chemicals in your cologne, reducing its potency and causing it to expire sooner. Keep the bottle away from windows or other sources of direct sunlight.
• Store it in a cool, dry place: Extreme temperatures can affect the oils and other ingredients in your cologne. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, as the temperature and humidity levels can change frequently, which can alter the chemical makeup of the fragrance. Instead, opt for a bedroom drawer or your closet to ensure it stays cool and dry.
• Keep it in its original bottle: Transferring your cologne to a different bottle can expose it to excess air and cause it to evaporate more quickly. It's best to keep it in the bottle you purchased it in.
• Check the expiration date: Colognes containing natural ingredients can expire, so check the bottom of the bottle or the label for an expiration date or a "period after opening" date. Typically, fragrances can last up to three years when stored properly.
• Avoid exposing it to extreme cold: While heat can be detrimental, extreme cold from refrigeration can also affect the composition of your cologne. Storing it near an air conditioning vent is not recommended.

By following these storage tips, you can help preserve the scent and quality of your cologne, ensuring it lasts longer and smells great each time you use it.

Frequently asked questions