Testing Your Cologne: Does It Still Smell Fresh?

There are many reasons why your cologne might not smell as good as it used to. The first could be that it's expired. Cologne can last up to 10 years, but the average shelf life is three to five years. You'll know it's turned if it changes colour, smells sour, or if you need to apply more to achieve the same level of scent. Another reason could be that you're storing it incorrectly. Heat, humidity, and light will break down cologne faster, so it's best to store it in a cool, dry, and dark place. Additionally, your cologne might not smell as good if you're layering it with another competing scent, or if you're wearing it during the wrong time of year.

Check if it's expired

It's important to check if your cologne has expired, as applying it could result in an unpleasant smell, skin irritation, or even an allergic reaction. Here are some ways to test if your cologne has expired:

Check the scent

The most obvious way to tell if your cologne has gone bad is to test its scent. If your cologne smells of vinegar or you notice a significant change in the concentration of the original scent, it might be expired. It's also likely expired if the scent is significantly different from the one you started with.

Examine the appearance

Check the colour of your cologne. If the liquid is darker, more opaque, or has changed to an amber hue, this could be a sign that it has expired. Over time, scents with high alcohol concentrations may evaporate, resulting in a lower volume of liquid in the bottle.

Check the expiration date

Many colognes will have some sort of expiration date or batch code on their packaging or box. This could be a PAO (Period After Opening) number, represented by a small symbol of an open jar with a number denoting the number of months the cologne can be used after opening. Typically, the recommended usage time is 30 months after opening.

Storage matters

The shelf life of your cologne also depends on how it is stored. Keep your cologne in its original box in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and harsh temperature fluctuations. The bedroom drawer or closet is a better storage option than the bathroom, as heat, humidity, and light will break down the cologne faster.

Store it correctly

To ensure your cologne still smells good, it is important to store it correctly. Storing your cologne correctly will increase its lifespan.

Firstly, do not store your cologne in the bathroom. The hot and cool temperature changes can cause your cologne to expire faster. Humidity can also mess with the chemicals in the cologne, so it is best to keep your cologne in a cool, dry place.

You should also avoid keeping your cologne in direct sunlight. The heat will break down the chemical structure of the cologne, causing it to lose its potency.

While it may be tempting to store your cologne in the fridge, this is not recommended. The temperature fluctuation when you take the cologne out of the fridge can be just as damaging as keeping it in direct sunlight or in a humid environment.

The best place to store your cologne is in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a bedroom drawer or closet. Keep the cologne in its original container, as exposure to air can upset the chemical balance and cause the alcohol to evaporate faster.

Avoid layering with other scents

Layering your cologne with other scents is a surefire way to alter its original scent. This is because each fragrance is formulated with a unique combination of aromatic ingredients that can interact with and change the smell of other fragrances. For example, mixing a citrus body wash with an amber cologne, and then finishing it off with a different deodorant and a scented body lotion can create an unpleasant smell.

To avoid this, it's best to streamline your scented products. You can do this by purchasing unscented versions of products such as body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and laundry detergent. Alternatively, you can opt for products that are infused with the same scent as your cologne. This will help to enhance and prolong the aroma of your cologne, rather than distort it.

Additionally, the way you apply your cologne can also affect its scent. For example, rubbing it into your skin can produce a different smell than simply spritzing or dabbing it on. This is because rubbing the cologne can change the rate of evaporation of the fragrance, altering the final scent. Therefore, it is recommended to spritz or dab the cologne on your skin, rather than rub it in.

Furthermore, the temperature of your skin can also impact the scent of your cologne. As your body temperature increases, the evolution of the fragrance's notes will be accelerated. This means that the top notes will be more prominent when the cologne is initially applied, while the base notes will linger for longer on the skin. Therefore, it is important to consider the temperature of your skin when applying cologne, as this can affect the overall scent.

In conclusion, to ensure your cologne smells as intended, it is best to avoid layering it with other scents. Instead, opt for unscented or complementary scented products, apply the cologne by spritzing or dabbing, and be mindful of your skin temperature to allow the fragrance to evolve as intended.

Don't keep it too long

Even when stored correctly, cologne has a shelf life of around five years, sometimes less. You'll know it's turned when it changes colour (usually getting darker), when it smells sour, or when you need to use twice as much to get the same strength of scent.

The scent's chemical composition will determine how long it lasts. Some colognes will begin to expire in less than a year, while others will last for ten years or more. The average is between three and five years.

Colognes with heavier base notes will last the longest. These are often compared to a fine wine, getting better with age. Examples include oriental scents with patchouli and amber.

Lighter base notes, on the other hand, tend to be more volatile. Citrus, green, and floral fragrances, for instance, often don't last as long.

If your cologne is more than a couple of years old, it's a good idea to test it before you use it. If it smells like vinegar, or the concentration of the original scent has changed significantly, it's probably time to replace it.

It's also important to store cologne correctly to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Keep it away from harsh temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight, which can break down the chemical structure, making it lose its potency. The best place for cologne is in a cool, dry, dark place, like a bedroom drawer or closet, and in its original container.

Test it on your skin

Testing cologne on your skin is the best way to determine whether it still smells good. Your skin will never lie to you. If you find yourself reaching for it, it's likely a good match. However, it's important to note that your skin chemistry can affect the scent of the cologne. Stress, diet, medication, and even age can change the way cologne smells on you.

Before testing, it's recommended to shower and apply a neutral or unscented lotion. Then, spray the cologne lower on the body, as scent tends to travel upward. You can also try applying Vaseline, as this can help control body temperature and the rate of evaporation, making the scent last longer.

When testing, pay attention to how the cologne smells on your skin. If you notice a significant change in the concentration of the original scent, it might be expired. For example, if the cologne smells sour or like vinegar, or if you need to apply twice as much to achieve the desired scent, it's likely gone bad.

Additionally, consider how the cologne makes you feel. If you constantly find yourself wanting to wear it, it's likely a good match. Trust your instincts and go with what feels right for you.

Frequently asked questions