Choosing Long-Lasting Colognes: All-Day Scents For Men

Choosing a cologne is a highly personal experience, and one of the most important factors to consider is longevity. After all, no one wants to spritz on their favourite scent, only to have it disappear within a few hours. The key to a long-lasting cologne lies in its concentration and notes. Eau de parfums, parfums, and elixirs have the highest concentration of scent, and thus, offer greater longevity. Additionally, certain notes, such as wood and vanilla, are known to linger on the skin for longer periods. Applying cologne to pulse points, such as the wrists and neck, can also enhance its staying power. However, factors like skin type, weather, and activity levels can impact how long a cologne lasts, requiring reapplication throughout the day.

Apply cologne to pulse points

To make your cologne last longer, it's important to apply it to your pulse points. These are areas of your body where blood flow is closest to the surface of your skin, including your wrists, the base of your throat, behind your earlobes, and in the creases of your elbows and knees. Applying cologne to these areas will help spread the scent throughout the day as your body heat warms the fragrance and releases it into the air.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, it's important to start slowly and build up gradually. You can always add more if needed, but it's much harder to remove once applied. So start with one or two spritzes and go from there. It's better to be cautious than to overdo it.

After applying cologne to your pulse points, give it a few minutes to dry before getting dressed. If you don't, you risk wiping the scent away or staining your clothes.

Although cologne applied to your pulse points may not last all day, you can reapply sparingly. A light touch-up should be enough – anything more may be overpowering.

Moisturise skin before applying cologne

Applying cologne on moisturised skin can help the scent last longer. This is because dry skin can cause the cologne to evaporate quickly, whereas oily or moisturised skin will help lock in the fragrance.

However, opinions vary on whether moisturising before or after applying cologne is better for longevity. Some people suggest that moisturising before applying cologne helps the fragrance to adhere to the skin for longer. Others argue that moisturising after applying cologne can help to lock in the scent.

Some people also suggest using a scented oil that complements the fragrance, as this can help to increase longevity without feeling sticky.

It is important to note that moisturising may not make a noticeable difference to the longevity of a cologne, especially if your skin is already well-hydrated. Additionally, mixing fragrance with moisturisers can sometimes change the scent of the cologne and reduce its projection.

If you want to try moisturising before applying cologne to increase its longevity, it is recommended to use an unscented or fragrance-free moisturiser. You should also allow the moisturiser to soak into your skin before applying the cologne.

Store cologne in a cool, dark place

To ensure your cologne lasts as long as possible, it's important to store it correctly. Cologne should be kept in a cool, dark place, such as a cabinet or drawer. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or heat, as this can cause the fragrance to deteriorate and become less potent.

• Keep the lid tightly closed when not in use to prevent exposure to air, which can cause the fragrance to dilute.
• Don't store multiple bottles of cologne next to each other, as they can affect each other's scent.
• Store the bottle upright to prevent leaks.
• Keep the bottle away from direct sunlight or extreme temperature changes, as this can affect the fragrance's quality.
• If you have a large collection of cologne, consider investing in a storage case or box to keep them organized and protected.

By following these simple storage tips, you can help prolong the life of your cologne and ensure it retains its scent and potency for as long as possible.

Apply cologne after showering

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

Choose the right time to apply

Wait until you have finished showering and drying off. Your pores will be at their most open, allowing the cologne to seep into your skin, giving you a longer-lasting aroma.

Prepare your skin

Ensure your skin is clean and free of any oils or products that could interfere with the scent of your cologne. If you have dry skin, your cologne is more likely to evaporate quickly, so consider applying a thin layer of moisturiser before spraying your cologne.

Find your pulse points

Apply cologne to your pulse points, such as your wrists, the base of your throat, behind your earlobes, and the creases of your elbows and knees. These areas will help spread the scent throughout the day as your body heat warms the fragrance and releases it into the air.

Allow time for drying

After applying the cologne, give it a few minutes to dry before getting dressed to avoid wiping away the scent or staining your clothes.

Reapply sparingly

Even if you follow all the steps, you may still need to reapply during the day. But be careful not to overdo it. A light touch-up should be enough to refresh your scent.

Store your cologne properly

To prolong the life of your cologne, store it in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a cabinet or drawer. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, heat, or air, as these can cause the fragrance to deteriorate and become less potent.

Avoid rubbing cologne into the skin

To ensure your cologne lasts all day, it's important to avoid rubbing it into your skin. While it may be tempting to rub your wrists together after applying cologne, or to rub it into your skin, this can actually cause the scent to fade faster.

Rubbing cologne into your skin breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing the top notes to dull and the perfume to mix vigorously with your natural oils, which can alter the scent. Instead, you should allow the cologne to soak into your skin, or lightly dab your wrists together or against other pulse points.

Another tip to make your cologne last all day is to apply it to moisturised skin. Oily or moisturised skin will help lock in the fragrance for longer. You can also apply a thin layer of moisturiser before spraying the cologne, or use a body lotion in a complementary scent to layer with your cologne.

It's also important to consider the type of cologne you're using. Eau de parfum is typically more concentrated than eau de toilette, so it will last longer. Additionally, the higher the concentration of perfume oil in the cologne, the longer it will last. Eau de parfum and parfum have the highest concentration of scent and will last the longest, while eau de cologne and eau de toilette have lower concentrations and will not last as long.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body and apply it to heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. These areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent.

Frequently asked questions