Why You Can't Smell Your Own Cologne

It is not uncommon to stop smelling your cologne after a while. This phenomenon is called olfactory adaptation or habituation, where your brain filters out constant stimuli to focus on new things that might be dangerous or important. Your olfactory sensors drop their guard to become familiar with the smell, considering it to be harmless. This is why you might not be able to smell your cologne after a few hours of applying it, but others around you can.

Olfactory adaptation

It is normal to not be able to smell your cologne after a while. This phenomenon is called olfactory adaptation, also known as olfactory fatigue, odor habituation, odor fatigue, or noseblindness. It is the temporary inability to distinguish a particular odour after prolonged exposure to that airborne compound.

To prevent olfactory adaptation, it is recommended to wear less cologne and apply it further away from the nose.

Storing cologne in hot, steamy places

Instead, cologne should be stored in a cool, dry place, like a bedroom or hallway closet, or a drawer. Keeping cologne in its original box and out of direct light can also help to prolong its shelf life. For extra protection, some people store their cologne in the fridge, but this is not necessary unless you live in a very hot climate.

Age of the cologne

The longevity of a bottle of cologne depends on a few factors, such as ingredients, time after opening, and storage conditions. Most colognes will last for around three to five years, but some sources suggest that they can last for up to a decade or even longer if stored properly.

Proper storage is key to extending the life of your cologne. Keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a drawer or cupboard, and avoid exposing it to heat, humidity, and bright light, which can alter the chemical makeup of the fragrance through oxidation. The bathroom, for instance, is not ideal because of the fluctuating temperature and humidity levels. Instead, the nightstand drawer is a better option.

Additionally, try to keep the cologne in its original bottle, as decanting it into smaller containers can expose it to more oxygen, speeding up the oxidation process. Also, once the bottle is half empty, the increased oxygen inside can alter the fragrance, so it's best to use it up or rotate your collection to ensure you finish off partially full bottles first.

You can also store your cologne in the fridge or freezer to help preserve it, but avoid placing it in a highly trafficked fridge that will be exposed to constant light from the fridge door opening and closing.

Over time, you may notice some changes in the cologne that indicate it has gone bad. These include a change in colour (usually becoming darker), a sour or acidic smell, or the need to apply more than usual to achieve the desired level of scent.

Dry skin

It is common for people to experience "olfactory fatigue" or "nose blindness" when they are unable to smell their cologne or perfume after a short period of time. This occurs because our brains are designed to filter out extraneous stimuli and focus on new things that might be dangerous.

Now, onto the topic of dry skin and its effect on perfume projection and longevity:

• Moisturize your skin: Using an unscented lotion or body oil (such as jojoba oil) before applying perfume can help provide a better base for the fragrance to adhere to.
• Apply Vaseline: A small amount of Vaseline on your wrists and behind your ears before spritzing can act as an occlusive barrier, trapping the scent molecules and slowing down their evaporation, thus increasing the projection and longevity of the fragrance.
• Choose the right fragrance: Citrus and lighter floral perfumes tend to disappear faster due to smaller molecules that evaporate more quickly. Opt for fragrances with heavier molecules, such as woods, resins, and tobacco, which will evaporate more slowly.
• Consider the formulation: Parfum has a higher concentration of perfume and will last longer (6-8 hours), while eau de parfum will give you around 4 hours of scent.
• Apply to pulse points: Spray your perfume on areas with natural warmth from blood flow, such as the temples, inside of wrists, or sides of the neck. This helps in the faster evaporation of fragrance molecules, increasing projection.
• Spray your hair and clothes: Hair and fabrics can hold fragrances better than skin. Applying perfume to your hair or clothing can increase its projection and longevity.
• Use a travel spray or perfume oil: Carry a small amount of your fragrance with you to reapply throughout the day and maintain its projection.

By following these tips, you can increase the projection and longevity of your perfume, even if you have dry skin.

Layering with other scents

It is completely normal to not be able to smell your cologne. This phenomenon is called "nose blindness" or "olfactory fatigue". Our brains are designed to filter out extraneous stimuli and focus on what might be dangerous or important.

Now, here are some tips for layering with other scents:

• Start with fragrances in the same olfactory group: Begin with scents that share a common note, such as jasmine, or combine different types of floral scents. This creates a harmonious blend that is pleasing to the nose.
• Use contrasting scents for originality: If you're feeling adventurous, try combining fragrances with contrasting notes. For example, spice and vanilla, or citrus with florals. This creates an unexpected, unique scent.
• Layer heavier scents first: When layering multiple fragrances, always start with the heavier, bolder scents, and layer lighter ones on top. This ensures that the lighter fragrances aren't overpowered.
• Apply different types of products: Use a variety of products such as perfume sprays, body oils, body powders, or body butter. Each product releases scent at its own pace, so layering them will create a fragrance that lingers and evolves over time.
• Moisturise your skin: Perfume adheres better to hydrated skin. Apply a scented body oil or body butter before adding a perfume spray to create the perfect canvas for your scents to cling to.
• Experiment and have fun: There are no hard and fast rules in fragrance layering. Play around with different combinations, and don't be afraid to break the rules. You might discover some wonderful, unexpected blends.

Remember, the key to successful fragrance layering is to trust your instincts and create a scent that reflects your unique personality and mood. So go ahead, mix and match, and create your signature scent!

Frequently asked questions