There is something satisfying about a new season: the cooler air, the changing light, and yes, even the chance to reach for a different cologne. Fragrance experts told Parade that switching up your scent each season is a smart habit, right up there with swapping out your wardrobe.
Fall is a particularly good time to rethink what you are wearing. And if you are a man over 50, there is an extra reason to pay attention to what you choose.
Why Your Skin Changes the Game After 50
Susan Ankersen, co-founder and perfumer at Susan James Fragrances, explains that men’s skin chemistry shifts in midlife. A drop in testosterone can leave skin drier than it used to be.
Darryl Do, a senior perfume and fragrance expert at Delbia Do Fragrances & Flavors, adds that drier skin loses some of its natural oils and elasticity. That affects how a fragrance wears and how long it actually lasts on you.
Why Fall Calls for Woody and Spicy Scents
Cooler weather changes what smells right. According to Do, woody notes like sandalwood and cedar, along with amber, musk, and warm spices, have a richer quality that works beautifully once the temperature drops. He especially likes fragrances that pair creamy woods with spice, cozy but still sophisticated.
Ankersen puts it another way. Richer notes like woods, spices, and leathers unfold beautifully in fall without becoming overwhelming the way they might in summer heat. Bright citruses and aquatics, by contrast, are better suited for warmer months. Fragrances simply project less in cooler weather, which is why the heavier notes finally get their moment.
How to Make Your Cologne Last All Day
A few simple habits can stretch your fragrance from morning well into the evening.
Do points out that every fragrance performs differently. A lighter scent may need a refresher after a few hours, while a richer one can carry from morning into evening or even linger into the next day.
If you want longer-lasting wear, Ankersen suggests switching from cologne to eau de parfum. Moisturizing your skin first also helps. Do says keeping skin hydrated gives the fragrance something to hold onto and can improve how long it lasts.
Ankersen also has a tip worth trying. Beyond your pulse points, spray a little on your hair and clothing. Unlike skin, they do not absorb the fragrance, so the scent tends to stay and project longer.
Fall is a fine excuse to treat yourself to something new. A great cologne is one of the small pleasures that costs nothing more than a spritz and might just earn you a compliment or two.
