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Grooming

Our Ultimate Guide To Layering Fragrances Like an All-Star

If you want to achieve the ultimate freshness, it all comes down to layering fragrances – we’re talking lotions, aftershaves and colognes.

Never explored the power of this fragrance trio before? No worries – we’re breaking down how to wear lotion, aftershave and cologne together, the fragrance pitfalls to avoid, and how to create the best fragrance layering combinations out there.

What’s the Difference Between Lotions, Aftershaves and Colognes?

Before we delve into how to wear lotion, aftershave and cologne together, let's understand each of these products and why you need them in your grooming routine.

Lotion

Designed to moisturize and care for skin, lotion tackles dryness head-on, ensuring your skin remains smooth, supple and well-nourished throughout the day. As your skin is exposed to various environmental factors, lotion protects and rejuvenates it to keep it looking and feeling its best.

Aftershave

Aftershaves are primarily designed to soothe and help protect the skin post-shave. They also help reduce skin irritation and heal the skin to prevent infection, ensuring you’re always feeling cool, soothed, and refreshed.

Cologne

Cologne, or – as some might call it depending on its concentration – eau de toilette, eau de parfum, or simply perfume, is that final flair in your grooming playbook. It's designed to give you that signature scent, making you memorable long after you've left the room.

The difference in names usually refers to the concentration of oils in the fragrance, with eau de toilette being on the lighter side and eau de parfum having a higher concentration and lasting longer. Finding the best colognes to layer on top of your aftershave and lotion can leave a lasting impression, making sure you always finish strong.

How to Layer Lotion, Aftershave and Cologne Together

When it comes to executing that perfect play on the field, it's all about strategy, timing and coordination. Similarly, the art of layering lotion, aftershave and cologne together is all about the right sequence, ensuring each product complements the other and leaves you smelling and feeling confident.

Ready to take on this playbook and master the grooming game? Let's break down the game plan, one yard at a time.

1. Wash

Wash your face thoroughly with face wash to remove any dirt, oil, or impurities. This ensures the products can work their magic and you're ready for the next step.

2. Shave and prep

Following your shaving session, gently pat your face dry. Aftershaves don’t always have to be used after shaving, but this a great time to apply it as your pores will be more open. Apply a moderate amount of aftershave, patting it onto the freshly shaved areas. By doing this, aftershaves not only help by disinfecting any minor nicks but also mean you’ve started layering fragrances to build a solid foundation for your chosen cologne.

3. Moisturize

Once your skin is dry – as aftershaves tend to dry pretty quickly – take a small amount of your preferred lotion in your palms. Gently massage it onto your face, making sure to cover all areas. This hydrates your skin, ensuring it remains smooth and resilient.

4. Wait

Allow the lotion to fully absorb into the skin. This usually takes a few minutes. This patience ensures each product has its moment to shine, and the layers don’t mix prematurely. Having well-moisturized skin is also a plus when it comes to layering colognes or other fragrances on top, as the moisture helps lock in the scent.

5. Spritz

It’s time to bring out the key product – your cologne. Spritz the cologne onto the pulse points – neck, wrists, behind the ears and on the chest. These are the areas where the blood vessels are close to the skin, allowing the scent to carry better and last longer.

Remember, the best fragrance layering combinations are all about balance and subtlety, so when layering colognes and aftershaves, less is more. If you could use a little extra help, check out our full guide to getting the most out of your cologne.

Fails to Avoid When Layering Fragrances

While layering lotion, aftershave and cologne is a great way to improve your grooming routine, there are some potential issues that you should be aware of.

Before we get into finding the best fragrance layering combinations, we’re going to take a look at the common pitfalls and how to avoid them. Let's dive into the biggest mistakes when it comes to layering fragrances:

Don’t overdo it

You might want to get the most out of your fragrances, but layering colognes and aftershaves in excess can be overwhelming – not just for you, but for everyone around you.

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Layer carefully

Layering colognes and aftershaves with clashing scents can muddle your fragrance profile. Aim for complementary or neutral scents to avoid any strange smells.

Take your time

Don't rush when you’re layering your lotion, aftershave and cologne together. Giving each layer time to dry and set is crucial. It allows every product to work individually, leading to a great end result.

Consider your skin type

Remember, not all skin types are made equal. Some might be more sensitive or oily than others. Look out for aftershaves, lotions and colognes that are compatible with your skin.

While layering colognes and aftershaves is great for that classy touch, these products are not designed to tackle body odor head-on. Before you apply your fine fragrance, gear up with a solid deodorant spray or stick.

If you need a deodorant body spray that delivers all the benefits of a cologne while controlling body odor, check out our Blue Lavender Premium Deodorant Stick, which is designed to help keep you feeling fresh and protected for up to 72h.

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AXE BLUE LAVENDER PREMIUM DEODORANT STICK

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Finding a Great Scent Combination

While we’ve covered the dos and don’ts for how to layer lotion, aftershave and cologne together, it’s time to look at creating the best fragrance layering combinations out there to make sure you get a great end result.

Crafting a compelling fragrance profile isn't about randomly applying aftershaves and colognes and hoping for the best. Selecting the best fragrance layering combinations of aftershaves and colognes requires understanding, strategy and a dash of creativity. Let’s look at how to choose a perfect signature scent.

In the same way that sports teams are more effective when specific players combine their strengths, layering fragrances and notes from complementary fragrance families can create a more complex overall scent experience.

Imagine taking the suave character of cool herbal lavender, and then dialing up the intrigue with deep tones of amber? Or kickstarting your day with the zesty punch of a citrus note, like bergamot, then grounding it with the solid confidence of rich cedarwood. If that sounds like a combination you're into, try our Aqua Bergamot Premium Deodorant Body Spray.

PRODUCT

AXE AQUA BERGAMOT PREMIUM DEODORANT BODY SPRAY

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When it comes to creating the best fragrance layering combinations, the options are endless, but think about how each scent complements or contrasts with the other.

Looking for a few more pointers? Check out our ultimate guide to layering fragrances.

Ready for your fragrance upgrade?

You should now be a little more aware of the benefits of fragrance layering. With the healing properties of aftershave, the hydration of lotion, and the rich fragrance of cologne, the contents of your bathroom shelf will have you looking and smelling amazing.

Now you have the theory, it’s time to start strategizing and experimenting. So start trying different fragrance- or cologne-layering combinations to find that signature scent that gets you smelling and feeling good all day long.