How to Make Your Cologne Last Longer

Co-authored by Erica Coates

Last Updated: December 7, 2022 References

No matter how much you spend on your cologne, there are some days when the scent seems to disappear before you even make it to lunch. If you're tired of your fragrance fading, all it takes it a few simple tips and tricks to help boost its staying power. By picking the right products and applying them in the right way, you can have a distinctive scent that lasts all day.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Prepping Your Skin

1
Take a shower or bath. The steam from a warm shower or bath helps open your pores, so your skin will absorb the fragrance more readily. That helps the scent linger throughout the day, and keeps you from having to reapply.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Moisturize. Hydrated skin is more likely to soak up your cologne than dry, parched skin, so it’s a good idea to apply a body lotion or cream over your entire body beforehand, paying particular attention to areas where you plan to spritz the cologne.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If you don't want to alter the scent of your cologne, be sure to choose an unscented moisturizer.
- Because hydrated skin holds onto to fragrance better than dry skin, people with oily skin usually don’t need to reapply their cologne as often.
Advertisement
3
Apply petroleum jelly. Moisturizing your skin can help it soak up the cologne more easily, but if you really want the fragrance to “stick” all day, dab some petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, on your pulse points where you plan to spray the scent. The petroleum jelly acts as a barrier between your skin and the cologne, so your body’s oils aren’t able to break the fragrance.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Petroleum jelly can stain clothing, so be sure to rub it into your skin until the area isn’t greasy to the touch.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Applying the Cologne

1
Layer the scent. If you really want the scent to last all day, it helps to use other products that have the same scent with your cologne. Many fragrance companies offer complementary products for their colognes, such as body washes, deodorants, and body creams. Because the scent is the same, wearing the cologne over a soap or lotion strengthens the fragrance and makes it last longer.^{[4]
X
Research source}
2
Spray your pulse points. Applying your cologne to the right areas of the body is key to making the scent last. You want to spritz your pulse points, including behind your ears, the base of your throat, the inside of your elbows, your wrists, and behind your knees. That’s because these are the warmest spots on your body, which will help keep the scent strong.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Other areas where you may want to apply your cologne include the stomach and back of the neck.
- Forget the common advice of rubbing your wrists together after applying your fragrance. Rubbing the cologne actually helps break it down, so it doesn’t last as long.
3
Mist your hair. If you’re only spraying your cologne on your skin, the scent isn’t going to last as long as it possibly can. By spritzing some on your hair, you can boost the staying power because your hair is more porous and hangs onto the scent even longer than your skin.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- If you’re worried about the alcohol in your cologne drying out your hair, you don’t have to spray it directly on your locks. Instead, apply some to your brush or comb before running it through your hair.
4
Spritz your clothing. Because of the natural oils in your skin, a scent can wear off over time. If you apply some cologne to your clothing, though, the fragrance will cling to the fabric until you wash it. Spray some on your shirt, jacket, or even an accessory such as a scarf to make sure the scent lingers all day.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Some colognes may stain delicate fabrics, such as silk, so it’s a good idea to test a clothing item before spraying it with a fragrance. Apply some to a small, inconspicuous spot, such as the inside bottom hem of a shirt, to see how the fabric reacts.
5
Reapply when necessary. Sometimes, depending on the weather or what you’re doing, the scent of your cologne may fade no matter what steps you take to make it last. If that happens, refresh the fragrance by reapplying the cologne to your pulse points.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Carrying a full-size bottle of cologne around all day to reapply isn’t always practical. Fortunately, many fragrance companies make smaller bottles that are travel-friendly, so you can easily toss one in your pocket or bag.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Choosing the Right Cologne

1
Select a heavy scent. Certain colognes and fragrances last longer because the notes that they feature have a stronger, heavier scent. For the most lasting power, choose a cologne with a woody fragrance, such as cedar, patchouli, or juniper. Options with spicy notes, such as clove, ginger, or nutmeg, also tend to be longer-wearing.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Woody, spicy scents that come in oil form are the best choice when you want your cologne to last all day. That’s because oils cling better to the skin than sprays or mists. They’re not mixed with alcohol either, so the scent isn’t diluted.
- Colognes that features fresh citrus notes aren’t going to last as long as heavier, musky scents.
2
Check its expiration date. Many people don’t realize that colognes and perfumes have a best-by-date if they contain a lot of natural ingredients. Over time, those ingredients can start to turn, weakening or changing the scent. Some colognes will include an expiration date on the packaging, so be sure to choose a bottle that’s still fresh.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- If there’s no expiration date on your cologne, examine its color and consistency. When it starts to get darker and syrupy, it’s likely gone bad.
- Colognes made with synthetic ingredients usually don’t go bad, so you don’t have to worry about an expiration date.
3
Store it properly. Extreme temperatures and direct sunlight can alter the oils and other ingredients in cologne, so the scent changes or doesn’t last as long. If you want your fragrance to last all day, it’s important to use a bottle that’s been stored in a cool, dark location.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- The bathroom isn’t an ideal storage spot for cologne because the humidity from steamy showers can affect it even if you keep the bottle inside a cabinet or drawer.
- You may have heard that storing your fragrances in the refrigerator can help them last longer, but the extreme cold can affect its composition just as much as heat and humidity. That’s why shouldn’t store it near an air conditioning vent either.
- If you want to display your colognes’ attractive bottles on a shelf, make sure that it isn’t near a window where sunlight will hit them.
- Always ensure that you recap your cologne bottles securely. If air reaches the fragrance, it can oxidize, changing the scent and decreasing its lasting power.