How To Make Your Cologne Last Longer

There are many reasons why cologne might not stick to you. Firstly, the type of fragrance you are using matters. Citrus blends, for example, are made with volatile essential oils that evaporate quickly. Oriental scents, on the other hand, are made with heavy molecules that linger on your skin. The concentration of the fragrance also matters; perfumes typically last longer than colognes. Additionally, your skin type can affect how long a fragrance lasts. Oily skin retains fragrance for longer, while dry skin absorbs it more quickly. You can combat this by moisturising before applying cologne. However, be aware that your skin will eventually absorb the fragrance, so it's best to apply it to your clothes or hair for a longer-lasting effect.

Skin type: Oily skin holds fragrance longer, dry skin absorbs it faster

Skin type plays a significant role in how long a fragrance lasts and how it smells. The pH balance of your skin, influenced by factors like diet, skin type, and even the weather, can change the scent of a fragrance.

Dry skin tends to make fragrances less intense, and they often fade faster. This is because the fragrance evaporates more quickly from dry skin. If you have dry skin, opt for stronger, bolder scents or sustainable fragrances with a higher concentration of perfume oils, which will linger longer. You might also want to moisturize before applying your perfume—this can make a world of difference!

On the other hand, oily skin can intensify and prolong the scent of a fragrance. This is because the oils on oily skin capture and hold onto the fragrance molecules. If you have oily skin, choose lighter, fresher scents that won't become overpowering. Be careful not to douse yourself in perfume—a few well-placed spritzes are plenty.

In addition to skin type, other factors such as the nature of the fragrance, the way you wear it, and your diet can also affect how long a cologne lasts. Citrus-based fragrances, for example, tend to evaporate quickly. Applying cologne to your pulse points can help release the scent throughout the day. What you eat can also affect how long your cologne lasts, as your skin can release a "scent of its own" that competes with or masks the fragrance you're wearing.

Olfactory fatigue: Your brain tunes out constant smells

Olfactory fatigue, also known as sensory adaptation, is a common phenomenon where your brain tunes out a constant smell. It is a primal sense that plays a vital role in our functioning as a species. Our noses are designed to keep us safe by helping us avoid dangerous foods and sensing things around us like smoke, decay, ozone, or rot.

If a smell is constantly present, our brains will tune it out as it is no longer important to our survival. This is why you may stop noticing a smell after a while, but someone who has just entered the room will instantly recognize it.

In the context of cologne, if you apply it too close to your face or nose, or use too much, your nose will be exposed to the smell non-stop, leading to olfactory fatigue. To avoid this, it is recommended to spray away from your face and nose, and choose areas that are further away, like your forearms or knees. This gives your nose some space to breathe clean air, and you will be able to catch whiffs of the cologne throughout the day.

Additionally, it is important to give your nose breaks and not to reapply the cologne too frequently, as this can also lead to olfactory fatigue. Instead, opt for a subtle reapplication when needed, focusing on pulse points like your wrists or neck.

Pulse points: Warm areas like wrists and neck help diffuse scent

Pulse points are areas on the body where blood vessels are close to the skin. These zones emit more heat than the rest of the body, and this heat helps to diffuse the fragrance, creating a lasting scent. The pulse points include the wrists, neck, inside of the elbows, and backs of the knees.

Applying cologne to these areas can help release the scent throughout the day. The heat from these points intensifies the fragrance's duration and creates a richer olfactory experience. By focusing on these specific areas, you can also use less cologne while achieving greater effectiveness, making it both an economical and practical choice.

The neck and wrists are the most popular pulse points. Applying cologne to these areas creates a lasting scent, as they are frequently exposed to the air. The natural movement of your arms helps the fragrance diffuse continuously throughout the day.

Another useful pulse point is the area behind the knees, especially when wearing skirts or shorts. This area retains heat, helping to maintain the fragrance's trail.

When applying cologne to pulse points, it is important to avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this can crush the fragrance molecules and reduce its effectiveness. Instead, gently dab the cologne onto the skin if needed. It is also important to remember that moderation is key; too much cologne can be as unpleasant as a scent that doesn't last.

Hydration: Well-hydrated skin holds fragrance better

Well-hydrated skin is important for many reasons, but one that is often overlooked is that it helps fragrances last longer. "Hydrated, moisturized skin is really going to hold fragrance a lot longer," says celebrity makeup artist Rosie Johnston.

The outermost layer of your skin, called the stratum corneum, is made of dead skin cells called corneocytes, stacked like bricks. Fats called lipids act like mortar. This cellular "brick wall" helps to keep the moisture locked inside your cells.

However, the moisture-locking system doesn't always work as well as it should. "Some people's lipid barrier is more prone to drying out," says Michael Cameron, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine. When this happens, you can end up with scaly or flaky skin.

Skin can get dehydrated if the cells underneath the barrier lose too much water. "When the water content inside the cells decreases, the cells become shrivelled," says Cameron. As a result, the skin may look dull, lose its luster, and fine wrinkles can become more noticeable.

Dryness can also leave skin itchy and cracked, making it uncomfortable. A loss of the lipids that normally seal in moisture can lead to dry skin. Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is a common condition where the skin barrier is more prone to losing its integrity.

How to improve skin hydration

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Limit showers to 5-10 minutes and use lukewarm water.
• Use gentle soaps, laundry detergents, and cosmetics.
• Turn on a humidifier during the winter.
• Apply a moisturizer or hydrating mask if your skin still looks dry and flaky.
• Get 8-9 hours of quality sleep.
• Eat a varied diet rich in essential fatty acids, such as tuna, salmon, flax seed, and pumpkin seeds.
• Use skincare products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, lipids, fatty acids, ceramides, and glycerine.
• Protect your skin from the sun, wind, and cold.
• Try a hydrating sleep mask.
• Reduce your stress levels.

Storage: Store cologne in a cool, dark place to preserve its quality

Storing cologne in a cool, dark place is essential for preserving its quality and longevity. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your cologne remains in optimal condition:

• Avoid direct sunlight: Sunlight can break down the delicate composition of a cologne, altering its scent and potentially damaging its bottle. Keep the cologne away from windows or direct sunlight exposure.
• Choose a dark storage area: Store your cologne in a dark room, closet, or cabinet. The absence of light helps maintain the cologne's sensitive chemical makeup and prevents unwanted oxidation.
• Maintain a constant temperature: Aim for a cool, consistent temperature of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme temperature fluctuations can affect the cologne's quality.
• Avoid humidity: Humidity and water damage are enemies of cologne. Keep your cologne away from humid environments, bathrooms, and areas with temperature fluctuations. If possible, store it in a room with a dehumidifier.
• Keep the bottle sealed: Oxygen is detrimental to cologne. Always keep the bottle tightly capped when not in use, as leaving it open for even a short time can accelerate evaporation and alter the scent.
• Store in the original box: The original cardboard box provides an extra layer of protection from light and oxygen. It helps to prolong the life of your cologne, especially when paired with a dark and cool storage location.
• Avoid excessive shaking: Shaking the bottle introduces unwanted oxidation and can disrupt the delicate chemical bonds in the cologne.
• Store on a lower shelf: Keeping your cologne on a lower shelf reduces the risk of accidental spills, which can be dangerous and wasteful.

By following these storage guidelines, you can help ensure your cologne retains its quality and lasts longer.

Frequently asked questions