Evening Spritz: Refreshing Your Scent For Nighttime

Whether you should reapply cologne in the evening depends on a few factors, including the type of cologne, your skin type, and your personal preference. Some colognes are designed to last 24 hours, while others may only last a few hours. If you're wearing a cologne that's designed to last a long time, like an eau de parfum, you may not need to reapply at all. On the other hand, if you're wearing a lighter cologne or have dry skin that absorbs fragrance more quickly, you may need to reapply every few hours. Ultimately, it's up to you how often you want to reapply cologne. Some people prefer to reapply once in the morning and once in the evening, while others may reapply more frequently throughout the day.

How much cologne is too much?

The general consensus is that when it comes to cologne, less is more. Over-application can lead to an overpowering scent that lingers in the air and may be off-putting to those around you. The key is to apply just enough cologne so that it can be discovered, not announced. A good rule of thumb is that cologne should only be detectable when someone is in very close proximity to you, such as when they are touching you.

The amount of cologne that is too much will vary depending on the specific cologne being used, as some are a lot stronger than others. For example, one spray of Bleu de Chanel to the chest should be sufficient for a high-school student for the majority of the school day (around 5-6 hours). However, some people find that a full spray is too much and opt for half a spray on the wrists, dabbing them together, and then dabbing them on the neck.

The best places to apply cologne are areas of the body that produce heat, such as behind the ears, the base of the neck, the centre of the chest, and the inside of the wrist. The body heat will increase the intensity of the fragrance throughout the day. One or two sprays should be enough, and if you are unsure, you can ask a friend to smell it from a few feet away—if they can detect it, it's too much.

If you are going to reapply cologne throughout the day, be mindful of the amount you are using and the surroundings you are in. For example, if you are in an office, be aware that you may be exposing your colleagues to your scent, which may be overpowering or off-putting to them.

Some people choose to apply cologne to their clothing rather than their skin. However, this should be done with caution, as it is easier to over-apply and the scent may be too strong. Additionally, cologne applied directly to the skin allows the fragrance to mix with the body's natural oils, successfully projecting its notes in the correct order.

If you have applied too much cologne, you don't need to shower and change your clothes. Simply dabbing some rubbing alcohol, non-scented lotion, or baby wipes on the over-applied area will help to tone down the fragrance.

How to avoid overpowering people with your cologne

Wearing cologne can make a powerful, positive first impression and boost your confidence. However, applying too much can be off-putting and even a health and safety issue in some workplaces and social settings. Here are some tips to avoid overpowering people with your cologne:

Understand your scent

Colognes are made up of top notes (the initial, temporary smell), middle notes (heavier floral or spice scents), and base notes (longer-lasting, bolder scents that become noticeable after application). The same cologne will smell slightly different on different people as the ingredients interact with your unique body oils. Test out different scents directly on your skin to see how they interact with your body chemistry over time.

Apply at the right spots

Keep it simple and start with just one spray on your chest right after you get out of the shower and dry off. If that doesn't seem too overpowering, you can also apply to pulse points on your wrists or the side of your neck, as these areas will warm up the fragrance and help it continue to emit scent throughout the day.

Refine your technique

Always spray cologne directly on your skin, not your clothes. Spraying on your clothes can prolong the life of scents that fade quickly, but it can also cause staining. Apply cologne to your skin when you're shirtless, and don't rub it in with your wrists or walk into the mist, as this can mess with the top note molecules.

Ask for feedback

It's easy to become desensitized to your own scent, so ask your friends for feedback. They might be able to tell you if your cologne is too strong or if you're applying too much.

Reapply sparingly

While you may need to reapply cologne throughout the day, especially if you have evening plans, remember that less is more. You can always add another spray, but you can't take one away! When reapplying, stick to one or two sprays, and avoid applying to the same area if it's still moist from the previous application.

How long does cologne last?

How long your cologne lasts depends on a few factors. Firstly, the type of cologne you use will determine its longevity. Eau de Cologne and Eau de Toilette, for example, are at the lower end of the concentration scale, and tend to stay on the skin for between one and four hours. Eau de Parfum and Extrait de Parfum, on the other hand, are highly concentrated and can last up to 24 hours or more.

Your skin type also makes a difference. Oily skin is optimal as it binds with the essential oils in the cologne, but if your skin is dry, you can use an unscented moisturiser, oil, or Vaseline to prep your skin before applying the cologne. Applying cologne to your pulse points will also help it last longer. These include the sides and back of your neck, behind your knees, the middle of your chest, your stomach, and your wrists.

The way you store your cologne is also important. Keep it in a cool, dark, dry place, and avoid displaying it on a shelf or windowsill. Warm, damp conditions and direct sunlight will cause the chemical bonds in the cologne to break down, altering its smell and appearance.

Finally, the amount of cologne you apply will determine how long it lasts. While you might be tempted to apply more to make it last longer, this can actually dull the scent. With cologne, less is more.

How to make cologne last longer

Applying Cologne:

• Apply cologne after a shower when your skin is still damp. This helps the cologne latch on to your skin and strengthens its staying power.
• Spray cologne on your body's pulse points, such as the nape of your neck, inside your elbows, wrists, and the back of your knees. These points are warmer than the rest of the body, helping the fragrance remain strong and fully develop.
• Apply cologne to the top of your ears and behind your earlobes. The oilier your skin, the better it will hold the fragrance.
• Dab the cologne onto your skin instead of rubbing it in. This gentle application won't break down the aroma and will help it last longer.
• Avoid shaking the cologne bottle before applying, as this introduces air into the bottle and can reduce the fragrance's quality.
• Spray your comb or brush with cologne before styling your hair. Avoid applying it directly to your hair or scalp, as the alcohol content can dry out your hair.
• Apply cologne to your chest, wrists, or the side of your neck. These areas help emit the scent throughout the day.
• Always spray cologne directly on your skin, not on your clothes.
• Moisturize your skin before applying cologne. This provides a smoother base for the fragrance to adhere to and helps it last longer.
• Layer your cologne with complementary products like soaps, aftershaves, and body balms to remove competing scents.
• Spray cologne on sturdy fabrics like cotton, denim, or wool to make a lasting impression without ruining delicate fabrics.

Storing Cologne:

• Keep your cologne bottle away from the bathroom, as heat, humidity, and light can speed up the breakdown of the fragrance.
• Store your cologne in a cool, dry, and dark place, like your bedroom or closet, to ensure it remains vibrant and long-lasting.
• Invest in a travel-sized fragrance or a portable fragrance atomizer for easy reapplication throughout the day or night.

Reapplication:

• Reapply cologne throughout the day or before evening events to make a great impression and boost your confidence.
• If you want to change your cologne scent for the evening, shower first to ensure the previous scent is completely washed off.

How to know if you've applied too much cologne

It can be hard to tell how much cologne is too much, and it's easy to fall into the trap of over-applying. Here are some ways to know if you've applied too much cologne:

• If people start complaining about someone having too much cologne on, to the point of distaste, you may have applied too much.
• You get a sharp headache right after spraying.
• You can smell your cologne constantly throughout the day. Someone should be pretty close to you before they comment, "you smell nice."
• If you find yourself in a closed environment, such as at work, where people are spending extended amounts of time, too much cologne can be overpowering.
• If you're applying cologne directly onto your clothes, you may be applying too much. Cologne should be applied directly to the skin, as it interacts with your body heat and natural oils.
• If you've applied cologne and a tissue sticks to the spot where you've applied it, you may have applied too much.

Remember, when it comes to cologne, less is always more. It's better to start with a small amount and reapply as needed than to overdo it and risk offending people's nostrils!

Frequently asked questions