Make Your Cologne Last All Day

There are many ways to make cologne last longer. Firstly, it is important to store cologne in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to prevent the breakdown of its chemical composition. Applying cologne right after a shower, when pores are most open, is also an effective way to lock in the scent. Moisturising the skin before applying cologne is another useful method, as hydrated skin is more likely to absorb the fragrance. Applying cologne to pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, and behind the knees, can also help to make the scent last longer, as these areas are warmer, helping the fragrance to develop and linger.

Apply after a shower

Applying cologne after a shower is a great way to make the scent last longer. The steam from the shower opens up your pores, allowing the cologne to seep into your skin, giving you a longer-lasting aroma.

Tips for Application

• Ensure your skin is dry before applying cologne. Spraying cologne onto wet skin will only result in it rubbing off when you dry yourself.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body when spraying. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, while spraying further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application.
• Apply cologne to heated areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop a unique signature scent.
• Start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. If you notice the scent fading quickly, choose another area and apply cologne there the next time.
• Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne, as this can cause the more volatile top notes of the fragrance to evaporate faster, causing an imbalance in the scent.
• If you have dry skin, moisturize before applying cologne. This will help your skin absorb the scent and ensure it lingers longer. It will also protect your skin from any irritation caused by the alcohol in the cologne.

Other Factors to Consider

• The type of cologne you use will determine how long the scent lasts and whether you need to reapply during the day.
• Avoid applying cologne directly to your clothes, as this can damage the fabric and cause the scent to dissipate more quickly due to airflow.
• Be mindful of the temperature and climate when choosing a cologne, as warmer weather will speed up the rate of evaporation, resulting in a stronger scent.
• Your skin type will also impact how long the cologne lasts. The alcohol content in cologne tends to evaporate faster on drier skin, so ensure your skin is well-moisturized before applying.
• Layering your cologne with other scented products, such as soaps, aftershaves, and body balms, can help to create a longer-lasting aroma by removing competing scents.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your cologne and ensure that you smell great all day!

Moisturise your skin

Moisturising your skin is an important step in making your cologne last 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 applying cologne, paying particular attention to the areas where you plan to spritz. If you don't want to alter the scent of your cologne, be sure to choose an unscented moisturiser.

Because hydrated skin holds onto fragrance better than dry skin, people with oily skin usually don't need to reapply their cologne as often. The petroleum jelly composition holds fragrances longer than when applied to dry skin. Put petroleum jelly on your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, inside of elbows, calves, ankles, and behind the knees.

Apply lotion or moisturiser to prevent ageing and dryness, but it is also known to keep your favourite scent potent all day. The moisturiser creates an adequate base for your fragrance. Apply an unscented lotion or matching moisturiser before spritzing on your cologne. Moisturised skin retains the scent for longer.

Layer your fragrance

Layering fragrances is a great way to create a unique, long-lasting scent. Here are some tips to help you layer your cologne:

Choose complementary fragrances

When layering fragrances, it's important to choose scents that complement each other. Look for fragrances with common fragrance notes or families. For example, woody and musky perfumes can work well together, as can floral and woody fragrances. You can also try combining fragrances with a common note, such as jasmine, or experimenting with opposite fragrances, such as a spice and vanilla.

Start with a base layer

Begin with a scented body wash or lotion to enhance the layers that follow. This can help to create a smooth base for your fragrance and lock in your scent. Choose a body wash or lotion with a similar or matching scent to your cologne.

Moisturise your skin

Hydrated skin retains scent longer, so apply an unscented or matching moisturiser before spraying your cologne. You can also use petroleum jelly on your pulse points to create a base for your fragrance.

Spray the strongest fragrance first

When layering multiple fragrances, always spray the strongest scent first. This will prevent it from being overpowered by lighter fragrances. You can then layer on lighter scents to allow them to sparkle on top.

Apply to pulse points

Pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, inside of elbows, and back of the knees, are the warmest parts of the body. This warmth helps fragrances to remain strong and develop fully. Spraying your ankles and calves can also help the scent to rise.

Layer with other scented products

Using complementary scented products, such as soaps, aftershaves, and body balms, can help to remove competing scents and enhance the bouquet of your cologne. Many fragrance companies offer complementary products in the same scent, such as body washes, deodorants, and body creams.

Spray on pulse points

Spraying cologne on pulse points is one of the most effective ways to make the scent last longer. Pulse points are areas on the body where the heart pulse can be felt, and they are usually warmer due to the proximity of veins and arteries to the skin's surface. This warmth helps scents remain strong and fully develop, allowing them to linger on the rich, long-lasting middle and base notes.

The wrists are perhaps the most common pulse point for applying cologne, as they offer a perfect vehicle to distribute the scent to other pulse points. It is recommended to avoid rubbing the wrists together after application, as this can break down the top notes of the cologne and affect the way the scent develops on the skin. Instead, use your wrists to create any fragrance blends before touching them to your neck, hair, and other pulse points.

Another effective pulse point for cologne application is the neck, which is often considered a classic area for fragrances. Spraying cologne on each side of the neck can create a pleasant scent bubble around you and enhance the projection of the fragrance. This is especially effective if you plan to be in close proximity to others, such as during hugs or conversations.

In addition to the wrists and neck, other pulse points that can be targeted include the inside of the elbows and the backs of the knees. These areas can help spread the scent, allowing it to linger within the fibres of your clothes and creating a fragrance trail as you move.

When applying cologne to pulse points, it is important to hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from the skin and apply one spray at a time until the desired scent intensity is achieved. This helps to prevent over-application and ensures that the cologne is not wasted. Additionally, it is recommended to apply cologne to clean, moisturised skin, as this can enhance the longevity of the fragrance.

Don't rub your skin

Rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne is a common mistake. It might seem like a sensible thing to do, but it's actually not a good idea. The friction generated by rubbing can break down the top notes of the fragrance, causing it to fade more quickly. Instead, gently dab or spray the cologne on your pulse points and let it air-dry.

Rubbing the cologne between your wrists can "bruise the scent", meaning it'll break down faster—the opposite of what you're trying to achieve.

The rubbing friction actually breaks down the molecules of the scent, making the fragrance disappear much faster.

Why You Shouldn't Rub Your Skin After Applying Cologne

• Rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne can shorten the life of your scent.
• The friction generated by rubbing can break down the top notes of the fragrance.
• This causes the top notes to break down faster than they would if you didn't rub your wrists.
• Instead, gently dab or spray the cologne on your pulse points and let it air-dry.
• This gentle application method won't break down the aroma and will help it last longer.

Frequently asked questions