Since smell is one of the most important senses, we all want to smell good and make a positive impression. To do that we need to learn how to properly apply cologne. This is especially important during the Winter as the layers of clothing we wear tend to hide our scent if we don’t apply the cologne properly.
With the colder period being ahead of us, there are certain techniques on applying cologne in the Winter that all men should be aware of.
It’s the last thing we do before we leave the house but that certainly doesn’t mean it should get the least attention.
Spraying cologne strategically is often more effective than applying it liberally.
Why Winter Affects Your Scent
In summers, scent lasts long as the warmth helps molecules to rise and spread in air. But in winters, opposite happens, the cold air slows down the process and lack of humidity and dryness fade the cologne away.
However, what they don’t know is that spraying the cologne all over your body will not increase its effectiveness. Instead of spraying more–spray smartly, knowing that when, where and how to spray the cologne will increase the longevity more effectively.
1.Prep Your Skin First
Colder weather also dries the skin faster and the scent on the skin fades faster as well.
You should hydrate your body with an unscented moisturizer or a body lotion before spraying a cologne. This creates a hydrated base that locks in the fragrance. Or you can apply simple petroleum jelly on your pulse points, it will do magic, act like a scent magnet holding the scent for hours.
Know Your Fragrance Type
Different colognes have different concentrations and strengths that determine longevity. Understanding these concentrations will help you to select the right fragrance for winters.
Eau de Cologne: (2–5 % Cologne oil) It is good to use for summers, light and refreshing but fades away too fast.
Eau de Toilette: (5–15% Cologne oil) Its longevity is 3-4 hours, best for everyday use.
Eau de parfum: (15–20 Cologne oil%) It is rich, deep and long-lasting. It is excellent for winters.
Parfum/Extrait de parfum: (20–40% Cologne oil) It is intense and long-lasting, best for evening wear and formal settings. Only one or two sprays are enough.
In winters the heavier concentrations like Eau de parfum or Parfum are best because their higher oil can resist the cold and release the fragrance slowly.
Choose the Right Fragrance Family
Not all fragrances thrive through winters. Light citrus or aquatic scents fade away too quickly when the temperature drops while the rich, deep and intense scents like amber, oud, sandalwood, vanilla, spicy woods and tobacco hold their own in chilly weather.
These ingredients project beautifully through the layers of clothing and pairs effortlessly great with the cozy weather.
However, what they don’t know is that spraying the cologne all over your body will not increase its effectiveness.`
The one place that is often neglected, but can be key to smelling good, is the scarf. Because of the colder periods we often put our hands in our pockets, so the cologne applied on the wrists will wear off sooner.
Colder weather also dries the skin faster and the scent on the skin fades faster as well.
How to Properly Apply Cologne during the Winter?
Apply to the Right Spots
The pulse points are the sensitive areas where the fragrance diffuses naturally with the gentle warmth of skin. But in winters because of layering of clothes scent doesn’t project in a way it should be. You should know where and how the cologne should be applied for good projection and longevity.
Neck and Chest: Apply one or two sprays before getting dressed. The warmth of your body helps to evolve the fragrance through the layering all day. In addition to the neck, you should also apply cologne on your chest, before you put on your shirt. Many experts suggest it is to be the area that holds the cologne the longest.
Behind the Ears: This area remains a little bit warm and emits a gentle fragrance all day long. It is subtle and perfect for close interactions and social settings.
Inside Elbows and Shoulders: These are covered but warm areas and the fragrance linger last here.
Wrists: Wrist application doesn’t work well in winters as fragrance vanishes quickly by the friction and fabric contact. In summers it is really effective.
Your Secret Weapon__Scarf
The one place that is often neglected, but can be key to smelling good, is the scarf. Because of the colder periods we often put our hands in our pockets, so the cologne applied on the wrists will wear off sooner.
The best way to apply cologne is to spray it on your neck. When you put on a scarf make sure to spray it too, albeit a little less.
The scent remains longer on fabric like wool and cashmere than skin. As you move or breathe, the warmth of your neck diffuses the scent gently and the soft and elegant aroma will release slowly instead of a sudden burst. This keeps the scent noticeable to you, which elevates your confidence, mood and personality.
Hold your cologne 12 inches away from the scarf and spray a light mist. Avoid direct spray that can cause oil stains.
Layers for Longevity
Fragrance layering is important to last your scent all day long. Start with a shower gel and deodorant that complement your cologne. Follow with a good unscented moisturizer before applying the cologne.
This will help lock the fragrance in each layer, building a deep, rich and complex fragrance profile without overpowering.
As a result a subtle and soft scent will last all day long.
Timing Matters
Apply your cologne right after shower on a clean and slightly warm body. The heat of the body helps the scent settle better and last longer. Don’t just apply cologne before stepping out in the cold, let the fragrance settle for a few minutes indoors before rushing outside.
If you have an evening event, just refresh your scent with one or two sprays on your scarf or chest, it will keep you refreshed and more confident.
Final Thoughts
Applying cologne in winters is an art of balance–precision over quantity. The selection of a rich fragrance, strategic placement and using right tips can keep your fragrance lingers, whispers and stays too long. Focus on warmth, layering and fabrics like scarves that help release your aroma naturally.
Your fragrance won’t just survive the cold but thrives in it, creating a subtle lingering trail that will last long in gatherings.
Thanks for reading this post! – MyPlugin