The first step in making the scent from perfume oils last through the day is knowing that perfumes and colognes like moist skin. If your skin is too dry, the perfume or cologne is absorbed rapidly because of the amount of alcohol in it. Keeping your skin moisturized will help it last. Often you can match your perfume or cologne to a lotion or cream to help it keep its staying power. If you don't have a lotion to match, petroleum jelly works just as well and helps lock in the scent.