Want to get the most out of your favourite fragrance? Grooming guru Lee Kynaston shows you how with his top 10 need-to-know aftershave tips…
Choose your strengths
Not sure how eau de parfum, eau de toilette and aftershave differ or which one packs the biggest punch? Well, pure perfume has the highest concentration of fragrance and is your heavyweight, followed by eau de parfum. Eau de toilette is the welterweight of scents, and aftershave is your super-flyweight. Eau de toilette is the most popular strength in men’s fragrance, while aftershave is for when you want a subtler scent or fancy splashing rather than spraying.
Moisturise
The better hydrated your skin, the longer aftershaves or eau de toilettes will stick around. Slather on a fragrance-free moisturiser before applying or, better still, prime the skin with a little aftershave balm or moisturiser from your favourite fragrance’s body range to give your aftershave extra staying-power.
Give it some muscle
Pulse points on the wrists and neck are the traditional places to apply fragrance but because they’re exposed to the air, the scent tends to dissipate quickly. To maximise your scent’s staying power, try applying it to your chest, where it will be trapped between your skin and your clothing. Frequently flexed muscles, like the biceps, the crook of the back and the collarbone are ideal places, too.
Keep your distance
When applying eau de toilette, spray at least 10 inches away from the skin – you’ll get a more even coverage that way and avoid the scent pooling in one place. If applying aftershave, splash into hands and gently pat onto the skin, avoiding the face – the skin there is too sensitive for fragrance (yes, even for aftershave). If you want to use a fragranced product after shaving, try a soothing aftershave balm.
Go easy!
Remember when applying your fragrance that women have a better sense of smell than men, so maximising your eau de toilette’s impact is about wearing less not more. Sticking to two or three sprays means she’ll want to come in closer to investigate. Which is what you want, right?
Add a few layers
Layering – using body washes, deodorants and aftershave balms from your favourite fragrance’s body range – is one of the easiest ways to boost the impact of your eau de toilette or aftershave. For a subtler daytime vibe, use the body products without the eau de toilette or aftershave.
Know your notes
Did you know that individual fragrance notes combine to create an unforgettable eau de toilette? Not all notes are created equal, though: some linger longer than others. If longevity is important to you, look out for fragrances with notes like oud, vetiver, amber, patchouli, woods and musk – all of which are famous for their staying power.
Think small
Most eau de toilettes will stick around for up to six hours after applying. Ensure you always smell great by keeping a travel-sized version of your signature scent in your gym bag, office drawer or car glove box, so you can top up when necessary. Pocket-sized 30ml-sized bottles are ideal.
Revive with water
Fragrance fading faster than an X Factor winner’s career and you’ve even forgotten your travel-sized scent? Try splashing the skin where you originally applied it with a little water to reactivate what’s left.
Protect your purchase
Like fine wines, fragrance needs to be handled with care and stored correctly if it’s to stay at its best. To ensure yours retains its character, keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures (yep, that means no windowsills) and preferably in its original box. All fragrances degrade a little over time, so don’t save them for high days and holidays – enjoy them every day!
Lee Kynaston is an award-winning journalist and blogger who has won two prestigious Jasmine Awards for writing about fragrance
