Should You Wear Cologne Every Day?

Wearing cologne can be an important part of a man's personal style and can make him feel more attractive and confident. However, it is an art form that requires understanding when and how to apply it correctly. Knowing how to apply cologne properly can make a powerful, positive first impression, boost confidence, and set the tone for a successful day. On the other hand, common mistakes such as over-application, under-application, or misapplication can lead to an unpleasant scent or a wasted product.

Where to apply cologne on the body

Knowing where to apply cologne is an important part of the art of wearing cologne. Here are some tips on where to apply cologne on the body:

• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body: Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, and spraying further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application.
• Apply to heated areas of the body: The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent. The best spots to spray cologne are heated areas including the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows.
• Target the pulse points: These are the "warmest" points on your body and help build the best projection/cast/sillage for your scent, helping it perform to its fullest potential. Pulse points include the wrists and neck.
• Apply to clean, dry skin: Showering first cleanses the body of any other scents and opens the pores, which helps the scent absorb. Applying cologne to moisturised skin will also help the fragrance absorb more efficiently.
• Avoid rubbing the cologne into the skin: This can damage the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing the scent to fade faster.
• Apply sparingly: A man's fragrance should be a subtle enhancement to his image. Less is more when it comes to cologne—you don't want it to be overpowering.

How much cologne to use

Applying cologne can be a delicate process. You want others to notice your signature scent, but not be overwhelmed by it. The amount of cologne you use will depend on the fragrance's strength and your personal preference. However, as a general rule, it is best to start with a light application and build up if needed.

When applying cologne, it is recommended to spray it directly onto clean, dry skin, rather than onto your clothes. This is because fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin, enhancing and prolonging the scent. Additionally, applying cologne to your skin will help prevent staining or damage to your clothing.

The ideal distance to hold the cologne bottle from your skin is three to six inches. Any closer than three inches and you risk over-applying, and spraying from further than six inches will likely result in under-application.

So, how many sprays of cologne should you use? This will depend on the strength of the fragrance and the occasion. For a lighter fragrance, such as a citrus or floral cologne, one or two sprays may be enough. For a stronger scent, such as a woody or musky fragrance, you may want to start with two or three sprays and build up from there. Typically, you should start with around two sprays and slowly build up to four or five if you want a stronger aroma.

It is also important to consider where you are applying the cologne. Targeting pulse points like your wrists, neck, inner elbows, and chest is ideal, as these areas are warmer and will help the scent project and last longer. You can also apply cologne to your armpits, which are another pulse point.

If you are going to the office, it is best to be conservative with your cologne application. However, if you are attending a party or dinner, you can opt for a stronger scent.

To make your cologne last longer, apply it immediately after showering as the warm water will open up your pores, allowing the fragrance to absorb and lock in. Additionally, storing your cologne in a cool, dark, and dry place will help prolong its shelf life.

Remember, when it comes to cologne, less is more. You don't want your scent to be overpowering. Start with a light application and ask a friend or family member for their opinion if you are unsure.

When to avoid wearing cologne

While cologne can be a great way to boost your confidence and make you feel more attractive, there are certain situations in which it is best avoided. Here are some key times when you should skip the cologne:

When in enclosed spaces

Avoid wearing cologne if you know you will be in an enclosed space for a prolonged period, such as on a commercial flight, road trip, dentist appointment, or in a cramped office. In such spaces, even a small amount of cologne can build up and become overpowering.

When fragrance matters

If you are attending a wine tasting, culinary event, or any situation where fragrance is a key component of the experience, it is best to avoid wearing cologne. This includes occasions such as perfume shopping, where you want to avoid clashing or drowning out other fragrances.

When you plan to be physically active

If you are going to the gym, playing sports, or engaging in any activity that will make you sweat, it is best to forgo the cologne. The fragrance will not mix well with your body odour, and you will likely end up smelling unpleasant. Instead, apply cologne after you have finished your activity and showered.

When you want to be muted

There are times when you do not want to stand out, such as at a funeral, job interview, or first date. In these situations, you should avoid wearing cologne, as you do not want to be remembered for using too much.

When you already smell bad

If you are already emitting body odour, cologne will not mask the smell. Instead, it will mix with your natural scent and may make it worse.

In general, it is important to remember that less is more when it comes to cologne. It is always better to start with a small amount and add more if needed than to over-apply and become "that guy" who smells overpowering.

How to choose the right cologne scent

Choosing the right cologne scent is a very personal decision, and it can be a fun process of discovery. The right cologne can increase your attractiveness and confidence, foster emotional connections, and leave a memorable impression on those around you. Here are some tips on how to choose the right cologne scent:

Understand the Different Types of Fragrances

Fragrances are typically categorised into different groups based on their concentration of perfume oils:

• Eau Fraiche: The most diluted form with 1-3% perfume oil. It usually lasts for less than an hour.
• Cologne (Eau de Cologne): Typically used for masculine scents, with 2-4% perfume oil. It tends to be used for younger people and lasts about 2 hours.
• Toilette (Eau de Toilette): Contains 5-15% perfume essence and usually lasts about 3 hours.
• Perfume (Eau de Parfum): Historically genderless, with 15-20% perfume essence. It can last for about 5 to 8 hours.
• Parfum: The most concentrated and expensive option with 20-30% perfume essence. It can last up to 24 hours.

Consider the Fragrance Lifecycle

Fragrances typically have three types of notes that develop over time: top notes, medium notes, and base notes.

• Top notes: These are the initial, lighter scents that linger for 15 minutes to 2 hours after application. Examples include light floral, citrus, fruity, powdery, marine, and spicy scents like cinnamon.
• Medium notes: Also known as heart notes, these are the main elements of the fragrance that develop after the top note. They can last 3-5 hours and include heavier florals like jasmine, green scents like grass, and spices like cinnamon and clove.
• Base notes: These are the boldest scents that develop later in the day and determine the fragrance's longevity. They can last 5-10 hours and include sandalwood, moss, vetiver, vanilla, leather, smoke, tobacco, and musk.

Know the Two Main Types of Fragrances

• Designer fragrances: These are mass-produced and designed for a wide audience. They are typically cheaper and made by well-known designer brands.
• Niche fragrances: These are made from more expensive or higher-quality ingredients and are created for a selective customer seeking a unique scent. They tend to be more expensive.

How to Test and Buy the Right Cologne

• Research: Use resources like fragrance wheels and online platforms to identify scents that might appeal to you.
• Test: Utilise cologne testers or scent blotters to initially test fragrances. Spray the cologne on your wrists or inner elbows to see how it reacts with your skin chemistry.
• Give it time: Allow the fragrance to develop by waiting for about 30 minutes. Smell the cologne again to see how it has evolved and if you still enjoy it.
• Buy: If you love the fragrance after the development period, go ahead and purchase it!

Remember, choosing the right cologne is a personal journey. Take your time, experiment with different scents, and don't be afraid to seek input from others. Enjoy the process of discovering your signature scent!

How to make cologne last longer

While cologne can be worn every day, it is important to use it sparingly and only apply it to your skin, not your clothes. To make cologne last longer, there are several things you can do. Firstly, it is best to apply cologne right after a shower as your pores are more open, allowing the cologne to seep into your skin. Moisturising your skin beforehand will also help the cologne absorb more efficiently.

It is also important to store your cologne correctly. Keep the bottle somewhere cool, dark, and dry as heat, humidity, and light can speed up the breakdown of the scent. When applying, avoid rubbing your wrists together as this can "bruise the scent", causing it to break down faster. Instead, spritz your cologne onto pulse points, such as your wrists, where the warmth of your body will help the scent to develop and linger.

You can also try layering your fragrance by using complementary products such as soaps, aftershaves, and body balms to remove competing scents. However, be careful not to overapply. A single spritz or two, max, should be enough. If you want to smell your cologne throughout the day, carry a travel-size bottle with you to reapply as needed.

Frequently asked questions