Make Your Cologne Last All Day: Tips And Tricks

There are many ways to make cologne last longer, from choosing the right cologne to applying it correctly. Firstly, it is important to store cologne in a cool, dark, and dry place, avoiding the bathroom due to temperature fluctuations and humidity. When applying cologne, it is best to do so after a shower when pores are open, and the skin is damp, allowing the cologne to seep into the skin. Applying cologne to pulse points, including the wrists, neck, elbows, and knees, can also help the scent last longer, as these areas are warmer, helping the fragrance to develop and linger. Using complementary products with the same or similar scents, such as body washes, deodorants, and lotions, can also enhance and prolong the cologne's fragrance. Additionally, moisturising the skin before applying cologne can help it absorb better, and using petroleum jelly on pulse points can act as a barrier, preventing the cologne from breaking down.

Apply right after a shower

Applying cologne right after a shower is a great way to ensure the scent lasts longer. Here are some tips to make the most of this technique:

Open Pores, Better Absorption

The steam from a warm shower helps open your pores, making it easier for your skin to absorb the cologne. This allows the fragrance to linger throughout the day, eliminating the need for frequent reapplication. Applying cologne right after a shower ensures that the scent is locked in, and you smell fantastic all day.

Moisturize Your Skin

Hydrated skin absorbs cologne more effectively than dry skin. Applying an unscented body lotion or moisturiser all over your body before spraying cologne is a good idea, especially on the areas where you plan to apply the cologne. This ensures that your skin doesn't just absorb the cologne but also retains it for a longer duration.

Pulse Points

Pulse points, including the wrists, neck, inside of elbows, and behind the knees, are the warmest spots on your body. These areas help keep the scent strong. Applying cologne to these areas will ensure the fragrance lasts longer.

Avoid Rubbing

It is best to avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne. Doing so can break down the fragrance, causing it to disappear faster. Instead, gently dab the cologne onto your pulse points to ensure a gentle application that will help the scent last longer.

Hair

You can also apply cologne to your hair to make the scent last longer. However, avoid spraying it directly onto your hair or scalp, as the alcohol in colognes can dry out your hair. Instead, spray it on your brush or comb and then run it through your hair.

Moisturise beforehand

Moisturising your skin before applying cologne is a great way to ensure that your fragrance lasts longer. Dry skin will absorb the cologne more quickly, so it's important to ensure your skin is well-hydrated.

After a bath or shower, apply an unscented body lotion or moisturiser to your skin. This will create a smooth base for your cologne and ensure it adheres to your skin for longer. If you have particularly dry skin, you could also use a body oil or petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, as these products are even better at locking in moisture. Focus on areas where you plan to spritz your cologne, such as your neck, wrists, and behind your ears.

If you want to alter the scent of your cologne, you can use a scented moisturiser instead. However, be aware that this will change the overall fragrance, so only do this if you are happy to alter the scent.

Once you've applied your moisturiser, wait until your skin is dry before spritzing on your cologne. This will ensure that the fragrance doesn't rub off when you get dressed.

Layer your fragrance

Layering your fragrance is a great way to make your cologne last longer. This involves using multiple products with the same or complementary scents to create a long-lasting fragrance. Here are some tips to help you layer your fragrance effectively:

Use Complementary Products

Choose complementary products such as soaps, aftershaves, body washes, deodorants, body balms, or body lotions that have the same scent as your cologne. By using these products together, you can enhance the scent of your cologne and make it last longer. Many fragrance companies offer a range of products with the same scent, making it easier to layer your fragrance.

Layer Different Scents

You can also layer different colognes or perfumes to create a unique, long-lasting fragrance. Try combining scents with complementary notes, such as woody, spicy, or vanilla notes, which tend to be longer-lasting. However, it's recommended to layer no more than three perfumes, as too many scents can start to smell similar. Apply the strongest cologne first, followed by the lighter scent.

Apply to Pulse Points

When layering your fragrance, focus on your pulse points, including your wrists, behind your ears, the base of your throat, the inside of your elbows, and behind your knees. These areas are warmer, which helps the scent develop and linger. You can also apply fragrance to your heart, as the warmth will help diffuse the scent.

Moisturize Your Skin

Hydrated skin holds fragrance better, so make sure to moisturize before applying your cologne. Use an unscented moisturizer or body lotion to avoid altering the scent of your cologne. You can also use scented body oils or lotions to layer under your perfume and keep your skin hydrated.

Spritz Your Hair and Clothing

In addition to your skin, spritz your hair and clothing with your cologne. Hair is more porous and can hold the scent longer. When applying to your hair, you can spray directly or apply some cologne to your brush or comb to avoid drying out your hair. As for clothing, the fragrance will cling to the fabric until you wash it. However, be cautious when applying to delicate fabrics like silk, as some colognes may stain.

Spritz your wrists

Spritzing your wrists is one of the most effective ways to make your cologne last longer. This is because your wrists are pulse points, where veins and arteries are closer to the surface of the skin. This warmth helps scents to remain strong while also fully developing them so that they are able to linger on the rich, long-lasting middle and base notes.

Pulse points are the warmest spots on your body, which will help keep the scent strong. Other pulse points include behind your ears, the base of your throat, the inside of your elbows, and behind your knees. These particular points react to the natural changes in your body temperature, helping you to diffuse your signature scent across your entire body throughout the day.

When applying cologne to your wrists, avoid rubbing them together. This is a common mistake, but it can "bruise the scent", meaning it'll break down faster. Instead, lightly dab the cologne onto your wrists, as this gentle application method won’t break down the aroma and will help it last longer.

Store it in a cool, dark place

Extreme temperatures and direct sunlight can alter the oils and other ingredients in cologne, causing the scent to change or not last as long. To avoid this, store your cologne in a cool, dark location.

The bathroom is not an ideal storage spot for cologne because the humidity from steamy showers can affect it, even if you keep the bottle inside a cabinet or drawer.

You may have heard that storing your fragrances in the refrigerator can help them last longer, but extreme cold can affect its composition just as much as heat and humidity. That's why you shouldn't store it near an air conditioning vent either.

If you want to display your colognes on a shelf, make sure that it isn't near a window where sunlight will hit them.

Always ensure that you recap your cologne bottles securely. If air reaches the fragrance, it can oxidize, changing the scent and decreasing its lasting power.

The optimum temperature to store cologne is below 59°F (15°C). Not only is a low temperature important, but also a consistent temperature. The bathroom is the worst place to store your scents due to temperature fluctuations and steam.

A small portable refrigerator can be a good option for storing cologne. This will keep the cologne at the optimum temperature and away from sunlight.

Oxygen and oxidization are enemies of cologne when it comes to shelf life. The more cologne you use, the more space there is for oxygen in the bottle, and the faster the process of oxidization. In other words, the expiry process speeds up as the bottle gets emptier.

To prevent oxidization from air exposure, use your cologne regularly.

Frequently asked questions