The Science Of Long-Lasting Colognes: Ingredients For Endurance

There are several factors that determine how long a cologne's scent will last. The first is the type of fragrance. Woody, spicy scents in oil form tend to be longer-wearing than fresh, citrus notes. The second is how and where it is applied. Applying cologne to the pulse points, or hot spots, on the body will make the scent last longer. These include the wrists, elbows, neck, and back of the knees. The third is storage. Storing cologne in a cool, dry, dark place will help maintain its quality and longevity.

Apply right after a shower

Applying cologne right after a shower is a great way to make the scent last longer. Here are some tips to maximise the longevity of your fragrance:

Damp Skin

After a shower, your skin is damp, and this gives the cologne something to latch on to. Wet skin holds onto oils better than dry skin, so spraying cologne on freshly washed and damp skin strengthens its staying power.

Open Pores

The heat and steam from the shower open up your pores, which helps the scent absorb into your skin. This allows the cologne to seep into your skin, giving you a longer-lasting aroma.

Pulse Points

Apply cologne to your pulse points, which are the heated areas of your body, such as your wrists, neck, inside of your elbows, calves, ankles, and behind the knees. These areas are warmer, which helps to amplify and diffuse the fragrance throughout the day.

Moisturise

Applying an unscented lotion or moisturiser before spraying your cologne can also help it last longer. The moisturiser provides a smoother base for the fragrance to adhere to, and the petroleum jelly composition holds fragrances for longer.

Don't Rub

When applying cologne, avoid rubbing it into your skin as this can break down the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing it to fade faster. Instead, lightly dab or spray the cologne onto your skin to preserve the integrity of its notes.

Hair

You can also apply cologne to your hair, as fragrances latch onto hair fibres longer than skin. However, be cautious when applying cologne directly to your hair, as the alcohol content can dry it out. Instead, spray a small amount onto your brush or comb before styling.

Storage

After showering and applying cologne, remember to store the bottle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. The bathroom is not ideal due to fluctuating conditions; instead, keep it in your bedroom or closet.

Moisturise beforehand

Applying cologne to dry skin is a no-go. Without moisture, your skin won't retain the cologne, and it will evaporate more quickly. To avoid this, it's a good idea to apply an unscented moisturiser or lotion to your skin before spritzing on your cologne. This will ensure your skin is hydrated and able to absorb the cologne effectively, making the scent last longer.

Choosing the Right Moisturiser

If you want to avoid altering the scent of your cologne, opt for an unscented moisturiser. You can also use petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, as a base for your cologne. The jelly acts as a barrier between your skin and the cologne, preventing your body's natural oils from breaking down the fragrance. Just be sure to rub it into your skin until it's no longer greasy, as petroleum jelly can stain clothing.

Applying Moisturiser

When applying moisturiser, focus on the areas where you plan to spritz your cologne. This includes your pulse points: the inside of your wrists, the base of your throat, the inside of your elbows, and behind your knees. These are the warmest spots on your body, which will help keep the scent strong.

You can also apply moisturiser to other areas where you may want to apply cologne, such as your stomach and the back of your neck. By creating a smooth base for your cologne, you'll be able to extend its longevity and enjoy your signature scent all day.

Layer your fragrance

Layering fragrances is a great way to make your cologne last longer and create a unique scent that's personal to you. Here are some tips to help you layer your fragrances effectively:

Choose Complementary Scents

When layering fragrances, it's important to choose scents that complement each other. Look for fragrances with common fragrance notes or families. For example, floral and woody fragrances often layer well together, as do fresh and floral perfumes. You can also try pairing earthy and aquatic perfumes for a refreshing, revitalising scent.

Start with the Strongest Scent

When layering multiple fragrances, always start with the strongest, most potent fragrance first. This will act as your base scent. Then, layer on milder, lighter scents to create a unique blend. This helps to avoid overpowering the more delicate notes.

Apply from Highest to Lowest Intensity

When layering different types of fragrances, such as eau de parfums and body sprays, it's best to apply the higher intensity fragrances first. For example, apply an eau de parfum as the first layer, followed by lighter scents like an eau de toilette or fragrance mist.

Prep Your Skin

Well-hydrated skin helps to prolong the longevity of your fragrance. The molecules of the fragrance cling to the moisture on your skin, enhancing its lasting power. Applying a moisturising lotion or oil before layering your fragrances can help create a smooth base and lock in your scent.

Layer on Different Parts of the Body

You don't have to layer fragrances on top of each other. Try spraying one scent on your neck and a different scent on your wrists. You can also add aromatic accents to the backs of your knees, the inside of your elbows, or the ends of your hair.

Experiment and Have Fun

Fragrance layering is an art, and there are no set rules. Feel free to experiment with different combinations and ratios of fragrances to create a unique scent that's truly yours. Remember, fragrance is personal, so layer scents that make you feel magical!

Apply to pulse points

Applying cologne to your pulse points is one of the best ways to make your fragrance last longer. Pulse points are areas of the body where the veins are closer to the surface of the skin, making these spots warmer than the rest of the body. This warmth helps the cologne's scent to develop fully and remain strong, allowing it to linger on the middle and base notes.

The wrists are the most well-known pulse points for applying cologne. Other pulse points include the inside of the elbows, the neck, the back of the knees, and behind the ears. The chest and the area just above the pants line are also considered "hot spots" that radiate scent.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, avoid rubbing it into the skin, as this can "bruise the scent", causing it to break down faster. Instead, gently dab or spritz the cologne onto the skin.

You can also apply a small amount of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to your pulse points before spraying on your cologne. The petroleum jelly acts as a barrier, preventing your body's natural oils from breaking down the fragrance, thus increasing its longevity. However, be sure to rub it in well, as petroleum jelly can stain clothing.

Store it correctly

Storing your cologne correctly is essential to making it last longer. The first step is to avoid keeping it in the bathroom. The humidity from the shower and the varying temperatures can cause the cologne to lose its potency over time. Instead, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, such as your bedroom, closet, or nightstand. Keeping it in a dark place is also important, as exposure to excessive amounts of light can damage the components of the perfume and weaken the scent strength.

It's also important to note that the refrigerator is not an ideal storage place, as the extreme cold can affect the cologne's composition just as much as heat and humidity. Additionally, always ensure that you recap your cologne bottles securely. If air reaches the fragrance, it can oxidize, changing the scent and decreasing its lasting power.

Frequently asked questions