Make Your Cologne Last All Day: Tips And Tricks

There's nothing worse than spritzing on your favourite cologne, only to find that it's disappeared by lunchtime. Luckily, there are several ways to make your cologne last longer, from prepping your skin to choosing the right cologne.

Firstly, it's important to apply cologne to damp skin straight after a shower, as the moisture will give the scent something to latch onto. You should also moisturise beforehand, as this will help your skin absorb the cologne more efficiently. When it comes to application, spritz your cologne onto pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and behind your ears and knees. These areas are warmer, which will help the scent develop and linger.

You can also spritz cologne onto your hairbrush or comb before styling your hair, or even onto your clothes. Just be mindful of delicate fabrics that could be ruined by fragrance oils, such as silk or suede.

Finally, when it comes to choosing the right cologne, opt for a heavier scent with woody or spicy notes, such as cedar, patchouli, juniper, clove, ginger, or nutmeg. These scents tend to be longer-wearing.

Moisturise your skin first

Moisturising your skin before applying cologne is a great way to ensure the scent lasts longer. Hydrated skin is more likely to absorb and retain your cologne than dry skin.

First, ensure your skin is clean and damp. Applying cologne after a bath or shower is ideal as the steam from the warm water helps open your pores, allowing your skin to absorb the fragrance more readily.

Next, apply a body lotion or cream over your entire body, focusing on areas where you plan to spritz the cologne. If you don't want to alter the scent of your cologne, be sure to choose an unscented moisturiser.

If you want to go the extra mile, apply some petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to your pulse points before applying cologne. The petroleum jelly acts as a barrier between your skin and the cologne, preventing your body's natural oils from breaking down the fragrance. However, be aware that petroleum jelly can stain clothing, so be sure to rub it into your skin until the area is no longer greasy to the touch.

By moisturising your skin, you'll be able to soak up the cologne more easily, and the scent is sure to linger throughout the day.

Apply to pulse points

Applying cologne to your pulse points is key to making the scent last all day. Pulse points are the warmest spots on your body, which will help keep the scent strong. These include the nape of your neck, the inside of your elbows, your wrists, and behind your knees. Spraying your ankles and calves with cologne also helps the scent to rise.

Pulse points are where veins and arteries are closer to the surface of the skin, meaning these areas are warmer than the rest of the body. This warmth helps scents remain strong while also fully developing them so that they're able to linger on the rich, long-lasting middle and base notes.

You can also apply petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to your pulse points before spraying your cologne. This will act as a barrier between your skin and the cologne, so your body's oils aren't able to break down the fragrance as quickly. Just be sure to rub it into your skin until the area isn't greasy to the touch, as petroleum jelly can stain clothing.

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

Layer your fragrance

Layering your fragrance is a great way to make your cologne last longer and smell terrific from morning to night. Here are some tips to help you master the art of fragrance layering:

Firstly, it is important to understand the different types of fragrances and their concentration levels. Perfumes have the highest concentration, followed by eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and eau de cologne. The higher the concentration, the longer the scent will last. For example, perfumes can last up to 8 hours. When choosing a cologne, opt for one with a stronger concentration level that you enjoy wearing.

When layering fragrances, it is best to start with the strongest, most potent fragrance first. This will serve as your base scent. Then, layer it with a milder, complementary fragrance. Fragrances from the same brand often work well together, as they are designed to be compatible. However, you can also experiment with different brands to create a unique, personalised aroma.

Another way to layer your fragrances is to use other scented products with the same scent as your cologne. Many fragrance companies offer complementary products such as body washes, deodorants, and body creams in the same scent. Using these products together will strengthen the fragrance and make it last longer.

Additionally, you can apply your cologne to your pulse points, which are the warmest spots on your body, to make the scent last longer. These include the nape of your neck, inside of your elbows, wrists, and behind your knees. The heat from these areas will help keep the scent strong throughout the day.

Finally, remember that less is more when it comes to fragrance layering. You don't want to overload your senses or those around you. Start with a small amount of each fragrance and adjust as needed.

Spray your hairbrush

Spraying your hairbrush with cologne is a great way to make your hair smell amazing and keep your fragrance going all day. But there are a few things to keep in mind when applying cologne to your hairbrush.

Firstly, it's important to avoid spraying cologne directly onto your hair or scalp. Traditional colognes often contain alcohol, which can dry out your hair. Instead, spray a small amount of cologne onto your brush or comb and then style your hair as usual. This way, your hair will be lightly scented and undamaged. If you're concerned about the alcohol content, you can also opt for specialised hair fragrances designed to nourish and freshen your locks while providing a pleasant scent.

If you want to avoid using cologne on your hairbrush altogether, you can apply cologne to your pulse points, such as the nape of your neck, inside your elbows, wrists, and behind your knees. These areas are warmer, which helps the fragrance release its scent throughout the day.

Additionally, you can prolong the scent of your cologne by storing it properly. Avoid keeping it in the bathroom, as heat, humidity, and light can speed up the breakdown of the fragrance. Instead, store your cologne in a cool, dry place, like your bedroom or closet, to ensure it remains vibrant and long-lasting.

Store it properly

To make your cologne last longer, it's important to store it properly. Here are some tips to ensure your cologne stays fresh and long-lasting:

• Keep it away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight: Store your cologne in a cool, dry place, as heat, light, and humidity can break down the fragrance and reduce its potency. Avoid storing it in the bathroom due to the fluctuating conditions and humidity caused by steamy showers.
• Choose a dark storage location: Direct sunlight can alter the oils and other ingredients in your cologne, affecting its scent and longevity. Keep the bottle away from windows and sources of artificial light.
• Avoid exposing it to air: Fragrances are sensitive to oxidation, which can change their scent and decrease their lasting power. Always recap your cologne bottles securely to prevent air exposure.
• Store it in its original bottle: Transferring your cologne to a different bottle can expose it to excess air, leading to evaporation and potential changes in its chemical makeup.
• Check the expiration date: Fragrances have a limited shelf life, and their potency decreases 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 when stored and handled properly.
• Avoid storing near an air conditioning vent or in the refrigerator: While it may seem tempting to keep your cologne extra cool, extreme cold can affect its composition just as much as heat.
• Avoid displaying it near a window: If you want to showcase your cologne bottle on a shelf, ensure it is not in direct sunlight. The UV rays from the sun can damage the fragrance.

Frequently asked questions