Guys, if you want to get noticed for all the right reasons, fragrance selection and its correct application should play a central part in your overall grooming routine.
Whether it is a first date, romantic dinner, a guy’s night out, or feeling shower-fresh after the gym, it can be frustrating when your cologne fades in what seems a matter of moments.
Well, fear not; here are my 5 cologne-applying secrets to ensure that when you musk up, your scent lasts longer, projects further, gets compliments and leaves a memorable impression.
1. Choose the Right Concentration
Before you even think about bathing in your chosen scent, it’s’ crucial to select the optimal cologne concentration and fragrance family based on the season and occasion.
Fresh, bright, citrusy, & aromatic scents are great for daytime, especially during spring, summer and fall, yet these lighter colognes can lose their impact after a few hours.
With such barbershop freshies, I recommend you opt for the Eau de Toilette concentration because the additional alcohol content (compared to EDP or Pure Parfum) allows them to project further during their shorter lifetime.
Also Read: Citrus Sophistication: 10 Best Bergamot Fragrances For Men
Woody, leather, spicy, & musky colognes work well for the evening, especially during the cooler months of autumn and winter. My tip is to select a higher parfum concentration.
For these deeper scents, I always choose the Eau de Parfum or Parfum concentrations, as the more intense notes last longer anyway, and the additional parfum concentration offers a longer burn.
Also Read: 12 Best Woody Fragrances For Men: Cedar To Oud
2. Target Pulse Points
Spray ALL the right places! Pulse points are your friend here, as these are areas where your blood vessels are closest to the skin, generating more heat to help project your scent further.
Apply the cologne to these common pulse points for maximum effect:
- Wrists
- Neck
- Behind the ears
- Inside elbows
- Behind knees
3. Same-Scent Layering
Here is a game-changer. Did you know that double layering your chosen cologne enhances overall staying power?
Apply your cologne to your plus points (see previous section), then wait about 20 minutes before adding another layer of the same scent to the same places.
This technique allows the first layer to absorb into your skin while the second application boosts the scent, ensuring it lasts longer. Give it a try, guys—it’s effective!
Also Read: How to Layer Perfumes Like a Pro
4. Apply INSIDE Your Clothes
Another one of my top tips for increased longevity is to spray your cologne inside your clothing. Lightly mist the inside of your shirt, zipped hoodie or dinner jacket.
Fabrics tend to retain fragrance oils longer than the skin, providing a subtle, lasting aroma that enhances your presence and boosts your confidence without being overpowering.
An added bonus is when you move or open your jacket or zipped top to cool down, you’ll release a crowd-pleasing burst of your chosen scent!
5. Reapplying Should Be Routine
Ever wonder how some people smell incredible all day/night long? They’re likely carrying a travel-size bottle of their cologne to give it a cheeky boost as things begin to fade.
Travel-size bottles are cheap, convenient, and can easily fit into your jacket pocket, making discreet on-the-go reapplication super simple. Guys, you need to be doing this!
Also Read: How To Make Perfume Last Longer In Summer
Conclusion
Following my 5 cologne applying secrets will ensure your fragrance lasts longer and projects further than ever before, ensuring a lasting impression.
And before I forget to mention, proper storage extends the life of your cologne, too. Keep it in a cool, dark place, and away from direct sunlight to prevent it losing its potency.
Also Read: Fragrance Collecting As A Hobby: A Beginners Guide For Guys
