Colognes For Summer: A Good Idea?

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it can also be a challenging time for fragrance lovers. The heat can amplify scents, making it tricky to find the perfect perfume that is not too overpowering. So, is it good to wear cologne in the summer? The short answer is yes, but with some adjustments. Here are some tips to help you wear cologne in the summer without becoming a chemical weapon, as one fragrance blogger puts it.

Choosing fragrances

When it comes to choosing a fragrance for summer, it's important to remember that heat amplifies scents. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for something light and crisp. Citrusy, earthy, and white floral notes are perfect for the summer months. Here are some specific tips to help you choose the right fragrance:

• Opt for citrusy scents such as lemon, pomegranate, bergamot, or grapefruit. These scents are light and refreshing, making them ideal for summer.
• Go for crisp, earthy scents like freshly cut grass. These scents evoke the freshness of summer and are not too overpowering.
• Choose light floral scents, especially white floral fragrances like jasmine, frangipani, and tuberose, which blossom beautifully in the heat. Other great options include gardenia, peony, and green tea.
• Avoid heavy floral scents with sweet notes like vanilla, plum, or rose. These scents can be too cloying in the summer heat and may even attract insects.
• Stay away from heavy scents like musk and amber. If you typically favour these scents, try substituting them with medium scents like vanilla, coconut, or sandalwood for the summer.
• Opt for eau de toilette or eau de cologne versions of your favourite fragrances. These are diluted with water, making them less intense and more suitable for summer.
• Consider the climate and cultural context. For example, Americans might prefer coconut scents that remind them of sunscreen, while Europeans might opt for more floral or citrusy fragrances.
• Have fun and relax with your summer perfume choices! Summer is a time to be casual and carefree, so choose fragrances that reflect that feeling.

Remember, these are just guidelines, and ultimately, the choice of fragrance is a personal one. Trust your instincts and select scents that make you feel good and align with your preferences.

Applying fragrances

When applying cologne in the summer, remember that less is more. You don't want to douse yourself in cologne, but instead, spritz one or two sprays on your pulse points. Your pulse points include the insides of your wrists and elbows, behind your ears and knees, and the front and back of your neck. These spots generate the most heat, helping to release the fragrance. Carry a small bottle with you to reapply throughout the day as the scent fades.

You can also spritz your hair and clothes to obtain a more subtle scent. Apply the perfume to the tips of freshly washed hair, or spray your comb or brush and proceed to comb your hair. You can also spray the inside seams of your clothes, or place a scented washcloth with your clothes, hats, scarves, and other accessories for a day or two.

It's important to note that overheating cologne is never a good idea. With heat, the fragrance evaporates differently, and the base notes, which are the most tenacious, stay on the skin longer. This can cause the scent to become too overpowering and may even cause headaches.

Additionally, when it comes to perfume, sunshine is not a harmonious couple. Stains, irritations, and burns may occur. While the appearance of such stains is rare today, it can be caused by perfume dermatitis, allergy, or irritation. To avoid this, it is recommended to spray your clothes or style your hair with a scented brush instead of applying perfume directly to your skin when you plan to be in the sun.

Layering fragrances

• Choose complementary fragrances: Select perfumes or colognes with similar notes that belong to the same scent family. For example, you can layer different floral eau de toilettes, brighten floral fragrances with fresh scents, or enrich woody fragrances with amber fragrances.
• Spotlight your favourite note: Layer a single-note fragrance with a more complex perfume or eau de parfum to highlight and amplify your favourite scent. For instance, you can add the warmth of sandalwood to a light floral fragrance. Alternatively, layer complex amber and woody fragrances on top of citrusy scents to add a fresh lightness.
• Experiment with contrasting scents: Try layering two contrasting complex fragrances to create unexpected and bold scent combinations. Amber scents contrast with fresh scents, while floral notes oppose woody notes. However, be careful not to layer more than two complex fragrances at a time to avoid an overwhelming mix.
• Use different forms: Build a fragrance foundation by using multiple body products such as soaps, body lotions, and body washes infused with the same or similar scent notes as your chosen perfume or cologne. This method helps to strengthen and amplify your fragrance, making it last longer throughout the day.
• Apply the heavier fragrance first: When layering multiple fragrances, start with the stronger or heavier scent and then apply the lighter fragrance on top. This prevents the lighter scent from being overpowered. You can also reapply the lighter scent throughout the day as needed.
• Experiment with different application points: Apply fragrances to different pulse points on your body, such as the wrists, neck, behind the ears, backs of the knees, and inner creases of the elbows, to ensure they blend harmoniously. Warm and moist skin absorbs fragrance better, so apply after showering and moisturising.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to layer fragrances. It's all about creativity and finding combinations that suit your mood and personality. So, have fun experimenting and creating your own unique scent!

How to prevent a favourite scent from disappearing

While it's possible to wear cologne in the summer, the heat can amplify scents, so it's best to choose a fragrance that is light and crisp. Citrusy, earthy, and white floral notes are ideal for the summer months. When applying cologne in the summer, remember that less is more. Apply a small amount to your pulse points throughout the day, and reapply when necessary.

• Take a shower or bath before applying cologne. The steam from a warm shower or bath helps open your pores, so your skin will absorb the fragrance more readily.
• Moisturise your skin before applying cologne. Hydrated skin is more likely to soak up your cologne than dry skin. Choose an unscented moisturiser if you don't want to alter the scent of your cologne.
• Apply petroleum jelly 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 won't break down the fragrance as quickly.
• Use multiple scented products with the same or complementary scents to layer the fragrance. Many fragrance companies offer complementary products such as body washes, deodorants, and body creams that can be used alongside your cologne.
• Spray your pulse points for the most impact. These include the base of your throat, the inside of your elbows, your wrists, behind your ears and knees, your stomach, and the back of your neck.
• Mist your hair to boost the scent's staying power. Your hair is more porous than your skin and will hold onto the scent longer. If you're worried about the alcohol in your cologne drying out your hair, spray it on your brush or comb before running it through your hair.
• Spritz your clothing for a longer-lasting fragrance. The natural oils in your skin can cause the scent to wear off over time, but if you apply cologne to your clothing, the fragrance will cling to the fabric until you wash it. Be sure to test the cologne on a small, inconspicuous spot first to ensure it doesn't stain the fabric.
• Select a heavy scent. Colognes with woody fragrances, such as cedar, patchouli, or juniper, or spicy notes such as clove, ginger, or nutmeg, tend to be longer-wearing.
• Store your cologne properly. Extreme temperatures and direct sunlight can alter the oils and other ingredients in cologne, so it's important to store it in a cool, dark location. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, as the humidity from steamy showers can affect the scent.

How to stop fragrances from becoming overpowering

It's easy to accidentally apply too much perfume or cologne, and strong fragrances can be overpowering and unpleasant for those around you. Here are some tips to help prevent this:

• Less is more: When it comes to fragrances, remember that less is more. A single spritz on one or two warm areas of the body, such as the wrists or neck, is usually enough. These areas will help project the scent without it becoming overpowering.
• Give it time to settle: After applying a light spritz of cologne, give it a moment to settle and interact with your body's natural chemistry. You may find that a light application is enough, as some colognes are quite potent even in small quantities.
• Layering: Start with a light spritz and allow it to settle, then gradually build up the intensity if needed. Layering helps prevent a sudden burst of scent that can be overwhelming when you enter a room or come into close contact with others.
• Avoid pulse points: While pulse points like the wrists, neck, and behind the ears help enhance the scent, applying fragrance to these areas can sometimes be too much. Try applying perfume to your hair or clothes instead for a more subtle scent.
• Choose the right fragrance: Opt for lighter, fresher fragrances, especially during the summer or in warmer weather. Fragrances with citrusy, earthy, and white floral notes tend to work well in the summer. Avoid heavy fragrances with sweet notes like vanilla, rose, or woody scents, as these can be overpowering and may attract insects.
• Dilute with an unscented product: If you've applied too much perfume, you can dilute it by mixing it with a larger amount of a neutral or unscented product such as lotion or body oil. This will create a lighter, less overpowering scent.
• Use rubbing alcohol: If you've applied too much perfume, you can use rubbing alcohol to weaken the scent. Simply dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and gently dab it on the areas where you applied too much perfume.
• Baking soda: Baking soda can also be used to absorb excess perfume and lessen its strength. Make a paste with equal parts baking soda and warm water, apply it to your skin, leave it on for a few minutes, then wash it off.
• Hair dryer: If you're in a hurry, using a hair dryer on its highest temperature setting can help remove excess perfume quickly. Direct the hot air to the affected areas, and the heat and airflow will remove a large amount of the excess scent in a short time.
• Storage: To prevent perfume from becoming overpowering over time, store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep the bottle tightly sealed and avoid exposing it to air for extended periods, as this can cause oxidation and alter the scent.

Frequently asked questions