Make Your Cologne's Aroma More Potent: Tips And Tricks

There are several ways to make cologne smell stronger and last longer. Firstly, it's important to apply cologne right after a shower when your pores are most open, allowing the scent to seep into the skin and giving it a longer-lasting aroma. Moisturising beforehand is also key, as hydrated skin soaks up cologne better than dry skin. You can also apply petroleum jelly to your pulse points before spraying, acting as a barrier so the cologne doesn't absorb into your skin as quickly. When it comes to application, spritz your pulse points, including the wrists, neck, and behind the ears and knees. Avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this breaks down the scent. You can also spray your hair and clothes for a longer-lasting fragrance.

Apply after showering

Applying cologne right after a shower is one of the best ways to make the scent last longer. 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.

Why it works

The steam from a warm shower or bath helps open up your pores, making your skin more receptive to the fragrance. This allows the cologne to seep into your skin, giving you a longer-lasting aroma. The natural hydration from the shower also helps to lock in the scent, as hydrated skin holds onto fragrances better than dry skin.

Tips for application

• Make sure to dry off and pat your skin gently before applying cologne.
• It is best to apply cologne before applying any post-shower products like moisturizers or lotions, as these can interfere with the fragrance.
• If you want to use a moisturizer, opt for an unscented one, so it doesn't alter the scent of your cologne.
• Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin after application, as this can break down the fragrance, causing it to dissipate faster.
• Target your pulse points, such as the nape of your neck, the inside of your elbows, wrists, and behind your knees. These areas are warmer and will help keep the scent strong throughout the day.

Other ways to enhance the scent

• Layer your cologne with other scented products, such as body washes, deodorants, and body creams with complementary fragrances.
• Spritz your hair with cologne, as hair is more porous and can hold the scent longer than your skin.
• Apply petroleum jelly to your pulse points before spraying cologne. This creates a barrier that prevents the fragrance from being completely absorbed by your body's natural oils, making it last longer.
• Store your cologne properly. Keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place, as extreme temperatures and direct sunlight can alter the oils and reduce the scent's longevity.

Moisturise beforehand

Moisturising your skin before applying cologne is a great way to make the scent last longer. Hydrated skin soaks up cologne more effectively than dry skin, so it's a good idea to apply a body lotion or cream all over your body before spritzing on your cologne.

If you want to avoid altering the scent of your cologne, be sure to choose an unscented moisturiser. However, if you want to enhance your cologne's fragrance, you can opt for a scented lotion or cream that complements it. Many fragrance companies offer complementary products, such as body washes, deodorants, and body creams, in the same scent as their colognes.

If you want to create a barrier between your skin and the cologne so that your body's natural oils don't break down the fragrance, you can apply petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to your pulse points before spraying the cologne. This will also help the scent to "stick" all day. However, be sure to rub the petroleum jelly into your skin until it's no longer greasy, as it can stain your clothing.

Additionally, keeping your skin well-hydrated will help your cologne last longer. Oily skin, for example, doesn't need to be reapplied as often because it holds onto fragrance better.

Layer your fragrance

Layering your fragrances is a great way to make your cologne smell stronger and last longer. Many fragrance companies offer complementary products for their colognes, such as body washes, deodorants, and body creams. Using these products in addition to your cologne strengthens the fragrance and makes it last longer.

Choose scents with common fragrance notes or families:

When layering fragrances, look for scents that have similar notes or come from the same fragrance family. This will help create a harmonious and well-balanced scent. For example, if you have a cologne with woody notes, you could layer it with another fragrance that also has woody notes or a similar scent profile.

Start with the scent you want to be most prominent:

When layering multiple fragrances, it's best to start with the scent you want to be the most noticeable. Spray on your chosen fragrance first, and then layer other scents on top. This will allow the base scent to shine through while still adding complexity to the overall fragrance.

Apply fragrance from highest to lowest intensity:

When layering different types of fragrances, such as eau de parfums, eau de toilettes, and body sprays, it's best to go from highest to lowest intensity. Start with the stronger, more dominant fragrances and then layer on the lighter scents. This will allow the lighter scents to sparkle on top without being overpowered.

Customise your fragrance application:

When layering fragrances, you don't have to spray each scent in equal amounts. Play with the ratios of each scent to find the perfect blend for you. Subtlety and balance are key to successful fragrance layering.

Try layering fragrances on a tester card:

If you're new to fragrance layering, it's a good idea to experiment on a tester card before committing to wearing the combination for a whole day. This will allow you to see how the scents interact without having to wear them on your skin.

Remember, fragrance layering is a creative process, and there are no hard and fast rules. The most important thing is to choose scents that make you feel good and create a unique fragrance that captures your individuality.

Spritz your pulse points

Spritzing your pulse points is one of the most important things to do when applying cologne. Pulse points are the warmest areas of your body and help keep the scent strong. These include your wrists, the base of your throat, behind your ears, the inside of your elbows, and behind your knees.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, hold the bottle three to six inches away from your skin and spritz one to four times, depending on the strength of your cologne. Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne to them, as this can break down the scent and prevent it from lasting as long.

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 get a pleasant whiff of your fragrance.

For everyday use, apply cologne to the pulse points on your neck and wrists. If you want to level up the intensity of the scent, you can also spritz the inside of your elbows.

Remember, when applying cologne to your pulse points, less is more. You can always add more later if needed, but it's harder to remove cologne if you've applied too much.

Mist your hair

Misting your hair with cologne is a great way to boost its staying power. Hair is more porous than skin, so it holds onto scent for longer. However, you should be careful not to douse your hair in cologne, as the alcohol content can dry it out.

One way to avoid this is to spray the cologne onto your brush or comb and then run it through your hair. This will help to distribute the scent evenly and avoid over-saturating your hair with fragrance.

If you want to avoid using alcohol-based colognes on your hair, you can try using hair fragrances or mists, which are usually formulated with additional oils to nourish your hair. You can also make your own hair mist by adding a few drops of your favourite essential oil to a spray bottle of water and misting it onto damp hair.

For longer hair, you can also apply a small amount of oil or shea butter to the ends of your hair, which will help to hydrate and soften them while also adding fragrance.

Frequently asked questions