Do you frequently wear cologne, but have found that the fragrance doesn't last out the door?

It may not be an issue with the spray, but rather with how you are applying it.

What Is Cologne?

Cologne, also sometimes referred to as 'Eau de Cologne', is a light, fresh fragrance with a low concentration of perfume oils, typically ranging from two to four percent. It originates from the Cologne region in Germany, but today, it is a term often misused to describe any male fragrance or cologne that comes in a glass bottle.

How To Apply Cologne

When looking at how to apply cologne so it lasts longer, there is something of an art form to it. You don't want to over-apply it!

1. Apply After a Shower: Apply the cologne immediately after getting out of the shower. The water and heat will have opened your pores and cleaned your skin, meaning there is nothing for the cologne to contend with, and your pores will hold the scent for longer.
2. Hold the bottle at the Right Distance: Do not place the bottle directly next to the skin to spray it. Hold the can four to six inches away from the skin before spraying, as this will prevent over-application.
3. Apply to Pulse Points: To help the scent of the cologne last as long as possible, it is recommended to apply it to pulse or warm spots on the body. Aim for the wrists, neck, chest, forearms, and inner elbows. As you sweat through the day, this will help to disperse the cologne's aroma.
4. Reapply If Needed: Even if you apply cologne correctly, it will likely only last for two hours. Therefore, it is worth reapplying it, especially if you wore it to work and are now heading out for the evening. To reapply, dab it onto the same points as before, rather than spraying, as this reduces the risk of overapplication.

Mistakes To Avoid

Okay, so it won't be the end of the world if you apply your cologne incorrectly, but if you want the scent to last all day, here are some mistakes you need to avoid.

1. Don't Spray it On To Your Clothing: It makes sense that you may want to spray it straight onto your clothes, but this prevents the oils from mixing with those on your skin. So, the smell won't last as long. Additionally, spraying cologne directly onto your clothes may delay the scent from reaching its full potential, causing it to smell a bit flat.
2. Don't Splash it On Your Skin: Yes, most men have seen a commercial that shows a guy patting cologne on, or splashing it on. Why avoid it? It over-applies it and may leave you with an aroma that is overpowering. Additionally, if you have sensitive skin, you may experience irritation. If you want to apply cologne to your skin without spraying it, use one finger to place it over the opening of the bottle, and then gently dab the scent onto your skin.
3. Don't Spray a Mist: Again, most people have seen this in the movies but, all this will do is apply the scent to your hair! Or, it can cause it to land on the floor, wasting the cologne.
4. Don't Rub It Into The Skin: As before, if you have sensitive skin, this will cause a rash. Additionally, it disrupts the molecular structure of the cologne, causing the scent to disperse more quickly than it would if applied properly.

Different Fragrance Types

With men's sprays, part of the process involves achieving the right concentration of aroma and knowing which types to wear for specific events. Here's a quick breakdown of the different spray strengths and examples to consider.

• Eau de Cologne (EDC): This has an oil concentration of between two to four percent, and lasts for one to two hours if applied correctly. A popular example of this fragrance for men is Dunhill Desire.
• Eau de Toilette (EDT): This scent has an oil concentration of between five to fifteen percent, giving it a lifespan of between three to six hours. If you want something mid-tier, try Hugo Boss.
• Eau de Parfum (EDP): This spray type has an oil concentration of fifteen to twenty percent, which gives it a lifespan of six to eight hours. Ideal for men who exercise, a good example of a high-quality EDP is Dolce and Gabbana King.
• Parfum/Extrait: This has the highest oil concentration, ranging from twenty to thirty percent, which provides a scent that lasts eight to twelve hours or more. If you want something heavy-duty, you can get a parfum/extrait like Le Reve Dev Red Jasper to try out.

DUNHILL Desire 3.4 oz EDT for men

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Hugo Boss 6.7 oz EDT for men

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Dolce & Gabbana King Intense 3.3 oz EDP for men

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FAQs

Where Should You Apply Cologne For The Best Effect?

Most people will recommend applying cologne to the 'pulse points' on the body for the best effect. So, dab it on your wrists, neck, chest, and inner elbows. These areas move quite a lot and will help to spread the aroma.

How Many Sprays of Cologne Should You Use?

As cologne has an oil concentration level of between two to four percent, it is quite simple to determine the amount to apply to get a long-lasting scent. Holding the bottle six inches away from the body, spray four to five sprays. So, one per pulse point. With the wrists, you can rub them together, or use your fingers to move the spray from one area to another.

When Should You Apply Cologne For The Best Long-Term Aroma?

Many men opt for cologne before they leave their homes. However, to achieve the best effects, apply it immediately after getting out of the shower. It is worth noting that to prolong the life of the cologne, it should not be stored in the bathroom, as temperature fluctuations can cause the oils to break down more quickly. Try to keep the cologne somewhere dark and cool, like your fridge.

Remember, gentlemen, you don't want to over apply the cologne, so keep it four to six inches away from the skin. Spray and enjoy the fresh scent all day!