We often get asked "how long do Thomas Clipper aftershaves last?". In short, our eau de toilettes last between a few hours, to all day.
But as with all fragrances - whether men's aftershaves like the ones we make, or women's perfumes - there are a few simple tricks to make them last longer.
Tip 1: Mix Up Your Scent During The Day
It's normal to get used to a fragrance over time: it's the reason we all remember an older friend or relative who has a particularly punchy perfume.
You'll likely stop being able to smell the fragrance you're wearing after a fairly short time - between 5 minutes and an hour - as your nose simply gets used to it. So before reading on, consider this: you might think your fragrance has 'run out' but the people around you might well be able to smell it perfectly.
"consider this: you might think your fragrance has 'run out' but the people around you might well be able to smell it perfectly"
That said, if you're keen to enjoy your own fragrances during the day, the simple answer is variation. Our Unite Cologne Collection is designed to be blended, so for example you could start the day with Coast, add a little Country after your mid morning coffee, and a spritz of City before a glass of wine to round off the day.
Alternatively, you could spray items of clothing as well as yourself. That means if you're wearing City but your scarf is Mountain scented, when you put it on you'll get a refreshed scent experience. Of course this works better in the winter, but for the summer the story is a little different anyway (see below...).
Tip 2: Adapt Your Aftershave To The Environment
In the summer, the warmer weather means more evaporation and more natural body sweat as you cool yourself down. Both of these factors reduce longevity in fragrance.
The only real answer, short of enclosing yourself in an air conditioned capsule, is more regular application of fragrance - especially after physical activity or, perhaps somewhat obviously, submersion in clear blue seas...
As in Tip 1 though, you may well find you need less than you think: we all get used to our own scents remarkably quickly.
The cooler months present a different problem. Although fragrance lasts longer, it's more likely to be covered by various layers of clothing. Wearing colognes on your wrists is not likely to make much difference under a ski jacket...
The trick here is to ensure that you not only apply fragrance to your neck and wrists (or wherever else you normally apply your cologne) but also to your outer layer - whether that's an overcoat or a nice jumper.
"...we're all washing our hands far more often than we used to. So if you usually apply on the wrist, perhaps consider the back of the neck."
Finally a note on our slightly unusual times: we're all washing our hands far more often than we used to. So if you usually apply on the wrist, perhaps consider the back of the neck. This will let the fragrance develop free from constant attack by hand scrubbing.
Tip 3: Choose Your Cologne Wisely
If you're looking for a cologne that stands out in a crowded bar, it may well have very different characteristics to a fragrance designed to subtly enhance your natural scent.
Similarly, if you're travelling for 24 hours, your ideal fragrance may well differ from something you spritz on before drinks after a day at the beach. They're doing different jobs, and the only real way to work out which is right for you is to try them in context.
As far as Thomas Clipper's range is concerned, you'll find that our men's fragrances are more suited to a nice restaurant than a crowded nightclub or airport international arrivals terminal.
They're meant to be enjoyed as a subtle and layered scent, not to turn heads immediately or last for days. This allows us to craft scents that have more than one dimension, fragrances that create memories in the minds of loved ones and close friends. Which, in our opinion, is what it's all about.
"fragrances that create memories in the minds of loved ones and close friends"
