The Mystery Of Lingering Scent: Why Do I Smell?

There are many reasons why you might smell like old cologne. Firstly, cologne has an average lifespan of about five years, after which it may turn, changing colour (usually darker) and developing a sour smell. Cologne that is stored in a hot, steamy place, such as a bathroom, will also break down faster and change composition through oxidation. Cologne should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place, such as its original box in a nightstand drawer. Additionally, dry skin can cause cologne to lose its top notes and wear off more quickly. Applying cologne after a shower or after applying unscented lotion can help to protect the integrity of the scent and lock in the aroma for longer.

Cologne has been stored in a hot, steamy bathroom

Storing cologne in a hot, steamy bathroom can cause it to smell odd or off for a number of reasons. Heat, humidity, and bright light will break down cologne faster than anything else, causing changes in the composition of the scent through oxidation. This will usually make the top notes mustier and darker. Heat can also cause the liquid in the bottle to expand, which can result in leakage.

While cologne won't be "cooked" by heat in the same way that wine can be, high temperatures can cause some of the liquid to evaporate, which may result in a weaker scent. This is especially true if the cologne is exposed to heat over a long period of time. Additionally, if the cologne is exposed to direct sunlight, the UV light can also alter the scent.

To prevent your cologne from smelling odd, store it in its original box in a cool, dry place, such as a nightstand drawer. Keep it away from heat sources and direct sunlight, and try to maintain a stable, cool temperature to prevent oxidation and evaporation.

Cologne is past its expiry date

Cologne does not have a set expiration date, and its longevity depends on its chemical composition and how it is stored. However, the average shelf life of a fragrance is three to five years. If your cologne is past this point, it is likely expired.

One of the most obvious signs that your cologne has expired is a change in scent. If your cologne smells sour or vinegary, or has developed a chemical smell, it has likely gone off. Scents with heavier base notes, such as patchouli and amber, tend to last longer, while those with lighter base notes, like citrus and floral perfumes, are more volatile.

Another indicator that your cologne has expired is a change in appearance. If the colour has darkened or the liquid has become opaque, this is a sign that the cologne is aging. Scents with high alcohol concentrations may also evaporate over time, so if you notice that the level of liquid in the bottle has decreased, this could be a sign that your cologne is past its prime.

Some colognes may also have an expiry date printed on the packaging. This could be in the form of a batch code or a PAO (Period After Opening) number, which indicates the number of months a product is safe to use after opening. These are typically found on the bottom of the bottle or printed on the box.

If you're unsure whether your cologne has expired, it's best to err on the side of caution and test it on a small patch of skin before applying it more liberally. An expired cologne could result in an unpleasant smell or, in some cases, skin irritation or an allergic reaction.

Dry skin

To combat this, it is recommended to apply cologne after a shower or after applying unscented lotion to protect the integrity of the scent and lock in the aroma for longer. This is because dry skin holds onto fragrances more than oily skin.

It is also important to consider the temperature when applying cologne to dry skin. The evolution of a fragrance is driven by body temperature. This means that you will experience an evolution from the top note when the fragrance is initially applied to the dry-down notes, which will linger for many hours.

Additionally, fragrances are composed of different ingredients with varying volatilities. For example, citrus notes will evaporate more rapidly than musk or woody notes, which will linger for longer.

Therefore, if you have dry skin, it is best to opt for fragrances with heavier, more long-lasting molecules such as musk or woody notes.

Layering with other scents

Layering cologne with other scents is a great way to personalise your fragrance and express your individuality. The concept of layering fragrances dates back to the Middle East, where fragrance lovers layer up to seven different scents at once.

Understanding Fragrance Notes

Before layering colognes, it's important to understand fragrance notes. Perfumes consist of top, middle (or heart), and base notes. Top notes are the initial scents you pick up when you apply the fragrance; they are typically light and evaporate quickly. Middle notes emerge after the top notes dissipate and form the core of the fragrance, providing body and character. Base notes are the foundation of the fragrance, giving it longevity and depth, lingering on the skin for hours.

Tips for Layering Scents

• Begin with clean skin: Start with a clean slate before thinking about what types of scents to combine.
• Apply a fragrance primer: Fragrance primers provide a neutral base for your cologne, ensuring that the fragrances blend seamlessly. Apply the primer to your pulse points and layer the cologne on top.
• Balance fragrance notes: A well-layered cologne requires a delicate balance between top, middle, and base notes. Avoid combining multiple dominant top notes, as this may result in an overwhelming opening that quickly fades away. Excessive base notes can also be cloying. Instead, strive for a balanced blend that showcases each note at its best.
• Choose complementary scents: When layering colognes, select scents that complement each other. Synergistic combinations enhance the overall fragrance, creating a seamless blend. Choose scents with similar notes or those from the same fragrance family.
• Pair simple and complex scents: Alternatively, combine scents from different fragrance families for a more complex result. For example, start with a citrusy top note, add a floral middle note, and finish with a woody or musky base note.
• Wear the most powerful scent as your base: Layer the strongest scent first and follow up with lighter scents to avoid overpowering the more delicate notes.
• Test small amounts: Start with small quantities of each fragrance to avoid overpowering the composition. One or two spritzes of each scent should be enough to evaluate how they interact. Adjust the proportions according to your preferences as you become more familiar with the process.

Other Tips to Improve Your Scent

In addition to layering colognes, here are some other tips to improve your scent:

• Store cologne properly: Heat, humidity, and bright light will break down cologne faster, usually making the top notes mustier and changing the composition of the scent through oxidation. Store your cologne in its original box in a cool, dry place, such as your nightstand drawer.
• Consider skin chemistry: Your skin's unique combination of water, acids, fats, proteins, and sugars can subtly change the way your cologne smells on you. Stress, diet, medication, and age can also affect how a scent interacts with your skin.
• Moisturise your skin: Perfume lasts longer on well-hydrated skin. The fragrance molecules cling to the moisture, enhancing your scent's longevity. Applying an unscented lotion before your cologne can also help protect the integrity of the scent and lock in the aroma for longer.

Skin chemistry

One factor that influences this is skin moisture. Dry skin will react differently to cologne than well-moisturized skin. This is because dry skin absorbs more fragrance, so it's recommended to moisturize before applying cologne. However, it's important to note that oily skin can also react differently to certain scents, with sugary notes like vanilla being extra potent, while light citrus scents may work better.

The pH of your skin is another factor that influences how cologne interacts with your skin. The pH of the skin surface tends to be slightly acidic, but this can be affected by skin conditions such as eczema, kidney disease, or diabetes. Fragrance will react to the pH of the skin, and a pH imbalance can be caused by exposure to air pollution, antibacterial products, or hard water.

Additionally, stress, diet, medication, and age can all impact how a scent interacts with your skin. For example, consuming large amounts of alcohol or garlic can result in an alcoholic or garlicky odour in your sweat, which will mix with your cologne.

It's worth noting that while body chemistry plays a role, some differences in scent perception can be subjective. Sometimes, we may get tired of a scent, but it seems new and interesting on someone else.

Frequently asked questions