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I don’t wear cologne very often, but the other night I was putting some on before going out, and I wondered how long it would last on my skin. As what usually happens, this led me down a rabbit hole of research determined to find the answer.
How long does cologne last on skin? Colognes normally last about 3 to 12 hours on your skin, while some can last up to 24 hours. The factors that affect how long perfume or cologne lasts on your skin are your skin type, the concentration of the cologne, and its molecular composition.
The molecular composition of the cologne involves the size of the molecules and their consistency.
Typically, cologne with an oily consistency will last longer than cologne with a watery consistency. Colognes will also last longer on people with oily skin types rather than dry skin types.
Read on to learn more about how long cologne lasts on skin, the factors that determine how long it lasts, and how to make it last all day!
Also, for an excellent cologne for men, take a look at our top pick, the John Williams Darkness Afterdark Cologne for Men:
As mentioned earlier, most colognes and perfumes will last approximately 3 to 12 hours on skin. The time it lasts will vary greatly based on the concentration of oils in the cologne.
The higher the concentration of oils (30% to 40%), the longer the cologne’s scent will last on your skin. This type of cologne lasts for 6 to 8 hours. Highly concentrated colognes (higher than 40%) can last for 12 to 24 hours.
For those who have a fragrance concentration of 15% to 20%, they will last about 4 to 5 hours. For 5% to 15% cologne concentrations, they can last 2 to 3 hours.
For individuals who are sensitive to scent and just want a whiff of fragrance, the 3% fragrance concentration will do. This will last for about 2 hours.
How to Make Cologne Last Longer on Your Skin
Choose Cologne with High Fragrance Concentrations
You can make the cologne last longer on your skin by choosing colognes that have high concentrations of its fragrance. This information is generally written on the colognes label.
Apply Properly to Your Pulse Points
Use your pulse points in applying the cologne so that they can last longer. These are areas that can generate the correct amount of temperature to allow the scent to stay longer on your skin. Refer to the discussion below for the specific pulse points that you can use.
Moisturize the Skin First Before Applying Cologne
You may want to moisturize the skin area first to allow the cologne to last longer. Unscented moisturizer or Vaseline will keep the skin stay hydrated and moist. This is due to the fact that colognes contain alcohol, which could evaporate (together with the scent) when the skin is subjected to heat or dryness.
Store Your Cologne Properly
To make the cologne’s scent last longer on your skin, store it properly. Don’t expose the cologne to extreme temperatures, as this can damage its components.
Avoid keeping it in your bathroom as humidity and water can destroy your cologne’s components. You can store it in a dry, dark, and cool place to avoid its deterioration.
The Best Way to Apply Cologne
Colognes or perfumes can enhance your body scent wonderfully if you know how to apply them properly. One of the things that most people remember from their first encounters with you is how you smell.
Your fragrance is part of your persona; so, you have to smell good at the onset. Here are the best ways to apply cologne.
1. Apply Right after a Bath
This would ensure that your skin is clean and free of microbes that could destroy the cologne’s components. Bacteria and cologne are not good combinations, as bacteria can destroy the cologne.
2. Add Behind the Ear
You can apply the cologne with one spray or drop behind the back of your ears. Don’t use too much, as too much cologne can have a negative effect – the smell would be nauseating or overpowering.
3. Spray into the Air
In instances when your skin is extra-sensitive, you can spray the cologne into the air and walk through it. Watch out for the eyes if you use this method. Also, avoid spraying too much on your skin, as it can be irritating for sensitive skin.
Appling the cologne directly on the skin allows the best results as the cologne will blend with the oils in your body and produce a more natural scent.
Furthermore, spraying into the air is costly as the scent will spread through the air, and only a few droplets will land on your skin. The scent won’t last long too.
4. Spray onto Clothing
This is another option you can use when your skin is ultra-sensitive. Some clothing materials can absorb the scent readily. However, bear in mind that there are colognes that could stain your clothes and damage them, so beware of these cologne types.
5. Apply on Other Pulse Points
Your pulse points generate more heat than other parts and thus, can help enhance the scent of your cologne. Pulse points include the wrist, neck, shoulders, chest, inner elbows, the area behind knees, and below the midriff area.
Spray the cologne sparingly on your wrists and other pulse points but don’t rub them. The molecules will gradually seep into your skin to exude the most natural scent.
These areas contain your arteries that can pulsate when pressed with your index finger.
There are other warm areas in your body, such as the armpits and crotch, but they’re not ideal areas for applying cologne, as these areas can easily get damp, inviting bacterial growth.
How to Maximize the Cologne’s Scent on Your Skin
Before using any cologne, read the product’s label first.
Find out the percentage or concentration of the fragrance. The more concentrated the cologne is, the longer the scent will last on your skin. So if you want the cologne to last longer, choose the one with the highest concentration.
When applying cologne, use only one or two of your pulse points to make it last longer.
Making use of the wrist and neck pulse points is enough. You need not use all your pulse points. You wouldn’t want to smell like a cologne factory, would you?
Spray the cologne 3 to 6 inches away from your skin.
Spraying at a correct distance would ensure that the proper amount of cologne is delivered. Three to four squirts are enough for one application.
Don’t overspray; it’s not a guarantee that the scent would stay longer. Spray instead onto the correct areas so as to make the cologne last on the skin as long as possible.
After spraying the cologne on your skin, don’t rub your skin.
Rubbing your skin will partly eliminate the scent. Allow the cologne gradually to seep into your skin and combine with your body oils to produce your natural scent.
However, you can reapply the cologne sparingly after a few hours if the scent disappears.
Use cotton swabs for reapplication.
You can add cologne onto some sterile cotton swabs and place them in zip locks that you can carry in your bag. This way, you can reapply the cologne to your pulse points during the day.
This is one convenient way of keeping the cologne scent on your skin all day, especially if you bought a large-sized bottle of cologne.
Make it a habit to wear your cologne every day.
Wearing your cologne every day will help you get used to the best places to add it to your skin and how long it lasts on your skin. This practice will also permit you to always be fresh and pleasant smelling.
Your scent also represents your personality, so choose the right cologne for your personality!
Buy colognes with longer expiration dates.
Colognes that are past their expiration dates won’t last long on your skin. Find out its expiration date and purchase only when the expiration date is far into the future. Although nearly expired products may be cheaper, the scent they exude may not be as strong as it should be.
Before purchasing your cologne, make sure that you’re not allergic to any of its components. Spraying or dabbing a tiny amount on your skin first can save you time and money.
Spray a small amount into your forearm. Wait for 30 minutes and observe how your skin responds to it. If your skin shows irritation, exclude that particular cologne from your list of possible choices.
How to Choose the Right Cologne for You
Choosing the right cologne will help you project a clean, exotic, and awesome image. Some scents can be compatible with your skin and body oils, and some are not.
Also, high-quality cologne can last longer on your skin, with fewer reapplications. So, you have to experiment to find that perfect scent for you.
The true test of a cologne preparation, whether it’s good for you or not, is when the scent given off after sweating is pleasant smelling. What’s good for another person may not be good for you.
So you have to find out your own scent by experimenting with different concentrations and various brands.
Try the lowest concentration first and find out if it’s suitable for your lifestyle. Then you can increase the concentration up to the maximum. Observe the effects of the different concentrations on your skin and how your body smells a few hours after application.
Choose the concentration and the cologne that enhances your natural body scent, especially the one that lasts longer on your skin – ideally all day.
The right cologne for you is one that reflects your personality and that you feel comfortable wearing at all times.
The below video by Jeremy Fragrance goes into great detail, offering more helpful tips on how and where to apply cologne or perfume so it lasts longer on the skin and is most effective.
How to Choose the Right Cologne
Type of Scent
What type of scent do you prefer? Choose the scent that you can tolerate for long hours; and one that you can enjoy and bask in. You could choose two types of colognes: one for social events, and one for sports events.
Nevertheless, there are colognes that you can use in both events. You just have to be diligent enough in looking for them.
Volume of Product
How many milliliters is the cologne? Start with small volumes (5 mL or 10mL), so you can throw it away or give it away in case it doesn’t suit you.
Brand
Colognes that are branded are usually more effective than non-branded ones. You may want to find out the track record of the brand (company) and determine which one is the best and the most reliable for your purpose.
Some of the most famous brands of colognes are Paco Rabanne, Chanel, Armani, and Gucci.
Cost
The cost of the cologne is one aspect that you must consider if you want to save money. Keep in mind that the highly concentrated colognes are costly but are long-lasting.
In instances where money is not the problem, I recommend buying the highly concentrated cologne for optimum scent. You can also try the brands recommended below.
Three of My Favorite Colognes That Smell Amazing and Last All Day
1. AE Real Cologne 3.4 oz by American Eagle Outfitters
The AE Real Cologne by American Eagle Outfitters has received positive feedback from a customer who expressed satisfaction with its captivating scent.
The customer emphasized the appealing fragrance by stating that it has a great scent, and they have made multiple purchases, indicating a strong preference for the cologne.
The endorsement concludes with the customer deeming it worth the price, suggesting a high level of satisfaction with the product.
Armani produces the best colognes that smell fresh, lively, and of high quality. The Emporio Armani White Cologne by Giorgio Armani is ideal for evening wear and has a wonderful, fruity and musky scent.
Glenn Perri Unpredictable You Men 3.4 oz EDP Spray, launched by the design house of Glenn Perri, is described as Unpredictable Intense—a seductive masculine cologne that honors timeless masculine charm and contemporary refined sensibilities.
The fragrance is suggested for daily use, providing a refreshing experience that lasts throughout the day. With a focus on increasing attraction, it boasts a skin-friendly fragrance, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a captivating and enduring scent.
How long does cologne last on skin? The length of time that cologne lasts on skin depends on various factors, such as its concentration and molecular structure, as well as your skin type. Typically, ordinary colognes can last from 2 to 4 hours, while the concentrated ones can last for up to 12 to 24 hours.
Keep in mind that you can reapply or spray the cologne after the scent is gone to keep the scent alive all day. Don’t overdo it, though, as this can overwhelm you and others with the scent.
Try different colognes and pick the one for you that suits your skin type and lifestyle. Don’t go cheap as a little goes a long way.
My bottles of cologne often last for years. Most colognes last 3 to 5 years. Higher quality colognes will last on your skin longer, so you don’t have to keep re-applying and will be pleasant for you and others.
