Antonio Mcgowan
Making cologne last longer is a common challenge for men. The key lies in knowing where and how to apply the fragrance, as well as storing it properly to maintain its quality and longevity. Here are some tips to help you maximise the wear of your cologne:
- Apply cologne after a shower when your pores are still open, allowing the fragrance to absorb into your skin and lock in the scent.
- Moisturise your skin before applying cologne. Hydrated skin retains scent for longer, so use an unscented or complementary-scented moisturiser on your pulse points.
- Apply cologne to your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, inside of elbows, and behind your knees. These areas are warmer, helping to amplify the fragrance and diffuse it throughout the day.
- Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin as this can break down the molecules, causing the scent to fade faster. Instead, gently dab or spray and let it air-dry.
- Store cologne in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. The bathroom is not ideal due to changing temperatures and humidity.
- Layer your fragrances by using complementary scented products like shower gels, body lotions, or oils in the same scent as your cologne to create a stronger base.
- Reapply cologne throughout the day as needed, using a travel-sized bottle for touch-ups.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to apply cologne | Right after a shower |
| Skin preparation | Moisturize, use petroleum jelly, or apply lotion |
| Type of cologne | Woody, spicy, or oil-based scents |
| Where to apply cologne | Pulse points, hair, clothes |
| Storage | Cool, dry, dark place, away from sunlight |
What You'll Learn
Apply cologne after a shower
Applying cologne after a shower is one of the best ways to make your fragrance last longer. Here's how to do it:
Dry off
Before applying cologne, make sure your skin is completely dry. Stepping out of the shower, your pores will be open, allowing your body to absorb the cologne and lock in the aroma.
Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body
If you hold the bottle any closer than 3 inches, you risk over-applying. Spraying from further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application.
Spray onto heated areas of your body
Apply cologne to the heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inside of your elbows. The heat will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.
Start with a light application
Choose one area, like the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply.
Re-apply if needed
Depending on the type of cologne, you may need to re-apply, especially if you are going out in the evening. When doing so, simply dab a little onto your pulse points.
Moisturise your skin
You can also apply a lotion or cream to your skin before applying cologne. This will help your skin lock in the cologne scent. However, make sure that the scent of your moisturiser does not overpower your cologne.
Apply petroleum jelly to pulse points
Applying petroleum jelly to your pulse points before spraying cologne will create an additional barrier between your skin and the cologne, helping to prevent complete absorption so that the scent lasts much longer.
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Moisturise your skin first
A great way to make your cologne last longer is 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 over your entire body before spritzing on your cologne will help it last longer. Pay particular attention to the areas where you plan to apply the cologne, such as your wrists, neck, and chest.
If you want to avoid altering the scent of your cologne, be sure to choose an unscented moisturiser. If you want to harmonise your cologne with other scents, you can opt for a scented moisturiser that blends well with your cologne. However, it's important to ensure that your cologne is the dominating scent so that you don't overwhelm others with a confusing mix of aromas.
People with oily skin usually don't need to reapply their cologne as often because their skin holds onto the fragrance better. You can also apply petroleum jelly to your pulse points before spraying on your cologne. This creates a barrier between your skin and the cologne, preventing your body's oils from breaking down the fragrance.
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Spray your pulse points
Spraying cologne on your pulse points is one of the most important things to do to make your fragrance last longer. Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt. These are the warmest spots on your body, which will help keep the scent strong.
The pulse points include the base of your throat, the inside of your elbows, your wrists, and behind your knees. You can also spritz some cologne behind your ears, on your neck, and on your chest. These areas are frequently moved and exposed to air, which helps distribute the scent.
When applying cologne to your pulse points, hold the nozzle three to six inches away from your skin and spritz yourself about two times per area. Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne, as this can break down the molecules of the scent, making it disappear faster.
If you're going out to a noisy social scene, consider applying a small amount of cologne behind your ears. This way, when people lean in to speak to you, they will catch an attractive smell.
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Layer your fragrances
Layering your fragrances is a great way to make your cologne last longer. Here are some tips on how to do it effectively:
Choose Complementary Scents
When layering fragrances, it's important to choose scents that complement each other. You can opt for fragrances from the same brand, as they are more likely to blend well together. Alternatively, you can experiment with different fragrances and find combinations that create a unique, personalised aroma.
Apply the Strongest Fragrance First
When layering, always apply the strongest, most potent fragrance first. This will serve as the base for your custom scent. Follow it up with a milder fragrance to create a seamless blend.
Layer with Other Scented Products
You can also layer your cologne with other scented products such as body wash, deodorant, or body cream. Using products with the same scent as your cologne will help strengthen the fragrance and make it last longer.
Apply to Pulse Points
When layering fragrances, apply them to your pulse points, including the nape of your neck, inside your elbows, wrists, and behind your knees. These areas emit warmth, which helps amplify the fragrance release and makes the scent last longer.
Avoid Rubbing Your Skin
After applying the fragrance, avoid rubbing it into your skin. This can break down the molecules of the scent, causing it to fade faster. Instead, lightly dab the cologne onto your pulse points to preserve the integrity of its notes.
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Store cologne correctly
Storing your cologne correctly is essential to maintaining its quality and ensuring it lasts longer. Here are some tips to help you store your cologne properly:
- Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat: Sunlight and heat can break down the chemicals in your cologne, reducing its potency and causing it to expire sooner.
- Store it in a cool, dry place: The ideal storage location for cologne is somewhere with a steady, cool temperature, away from humidity and moisture. Avoid storing it in the bathroom due to the changing temperatures and humidity from showers. Instead, opt for a bedroom drawer or closet.
- Keep it in a dark place: In addition to keeping it cool and dry, store your cologne in a dark location, such as a closet or dresser drawer, to protect it from direct light.
- Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures: Extreme temperatures can alter the oils and other ingredients in your cologne, changing the scent and reducing its longevity.
- 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.
- Check the expiration date: Fragrances have a limited lifespan, and their quality will deteriorate over time. Check the bottom of your bottle or the label for the expiration date or the period after opening. Typically, fragrances can last up to three years if stored properly.
- Keep the bottle tightly closed: Always ensure that your cologne bottle is securely closed when not in use to prevent evaporation or contamination.
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Frequently asked questions
Apply cologne to your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, behind your ears, inside your elbows, and behind your knees. You can also moisturize your skin before applying cologne and layer your fragrance with complementary scented products.
Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne, as this can break down the fragrance and cause it to fade faster. Instead, gently dab or spray the cologne on your pulse points and let it air-dry.
As a general rule, you should reapply cologne every 4-6 hours, depending on the specific formulation and your activities. However, avoid over-spritzing to maintain a pleasant scent.
Keep cologne in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, as the humidity can cause the fragrance to break down. Always ensure the bottle is tightly closed when not in use.
