Should You Wear Cologne Every Day?

Should you wear cologne every day? Well, that's up to you. There is no should or shouldn't. But if you do decide to make it part of your daily routine, there are some dos and don'ts to be aware of.

Firstly, less is more. You don't want to be wearing too much cologne. It's better to start with a small amount and add more if needed. Cologne is designed to be worn on the skin, not your clothes, and it's best applied after a shower when your pores are open. It's also important to remember that cologne can irritate people with allergies or asthma, or trigger migraines, so you might want to avoid wearing it in small, enclosed spaces, or in the office.

On the other hand, cologne can boost your confidence, enhance your mood, and increase your attractiveness to others. It can also help to complete your outfit, especially if you're dressing up for a special occasion.

Where to apply cologne to your body

Applying cologne to the right places on your body is key to making the scent last all day and ensuring it isn't too overpowering. The best spots to spray cologne are the heated areas of your body, including your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas will help to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle about 3 to 6 inches away from your body. This will ensure you don't over or under-apply. Start with a light application—choose one area, like the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and apply a second spray.

It's important to apply cologne to clean, dry skin, as this will help the scent absorb and last longer. Applying cologne after a shower is ideal, as the shower will cleanse your body of any other scents and open your pores. You can also apply moisturiser to your skin before spraying cologne, as this will help the fragrance absorb more efficiently.

Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin after application, as this can break the molecular bond in the fragrance and cause it to fade faster. Instead, simply dab or spritz the cologne onto your skin and let it dry.

If you're using a solid cologne, which is typically waxy and applied like a skincare product, you can rub it into your skin at the pulse points on your wrists and neck. Remember, a little goes a long way, so be frugal with how much you apply.

Finally, be mindful of your surroundings when applying cologne. While you may enjoy the scent, others may be sensitive to fragrances or have respiratory problems. It's always a good idea to ask a friend or colleague for their opinion on the strength of your cologne.

How much cologne to apply

When it comes to cologne, the golden rule is "less is more". It's always better to start with a small amount and add more later if needed. Cologne reacts differently with different people, and you might not always want an overpowering fragrance.

How to apply cologne:

• Start with a single spritz, at least six inches away from your body.
• Test it out. Can you smell it easily? It might be too much.
• If you're not sure, ask someone you trust for their opinion.
• If one spritz is too much, try applying the cologne from even further away, or spray it onto a cloth and dab it onto your skin.
• If you need a stronger dose, spray a little closer to your body, or add another spritz.
• Remember to keep it light. It's better to wear too little cologne than too much.

Where to apply cologne:

• Apply cologne to your skin, not your clothes. Cologne is designed to use your body heat to release the fragrance throughout the day.
• Avoid pulse points like your wrists and neck. While these areas are warmer, your whole body is warm enough to vaporize the cologne.
• Apply cologne to your upper chest area. Keep the fragrance close to your skin and under your clothes to ensure the application stays subtle.

When to apply cologne:

• Apply cologne after a shower, when your skin is still warm and your pores are open.
• Moisturise your skin first—this will help the fragrance absorb more efficiently and last longer.
• If you're going to reapply cologne later, make sure you're clean and not sweaty.
• Avoid wearing cologne if you know you're going to be in an enclosed space for a long period, such as on a commercial flight or in a cramped office.
• Also, avoid wearing cologne when fragrance matters a lot, such as at a wine tasting or culinary experience.

When not to wear cologne

While cologne can be a great way to boost your confidence and enhance your overall image, there are certain situations in which it is best to avoid wearing it. Here are some key scenarios where you should skip the cologne:

• Enclosed spaces: Avoid wearing cologne in enclosed spaces, especially for extended periods. This includes commercial flights, road trips, dentist appointments, and cramped offices. Even a small amount of cologne can build up and become overpowering in these settings.
• Culinary experiences: When attending a wine tasting, culinary event, or any similar experience, it is best to avoid wearing cologne. The fragrance can clash with the aromas and flavours you are trying to enjoy. In these cases, it is better to ensure you don't smell like anything at all.
• Fragrance-focused occasions: If you are going perfume shopping or trying out new fragrances, avoid wearing cologne. You don't want your cologne to interfere with or overpower other fragrances.
• Physical activities: If you plan to engage in physical activities that will make you sweat, such as going to the gym, hiking, or playing sports, it is best to skip the cologne. It is not appropriate for these activities, and your natural body odour will eventually overpower the fragrance. Instead, apply cologne after you have finished your activity and showered.
• Muted occasions: There are certain occasions where it is best to keep your fragrance muted, such as funerals. You don't want to stand out too much with a strong cologne. This also applies to job interviews and first dates, where you want to make a good impression without overwhelming your interlocutor with a strong scent.
• Allergy concerns: Keep in mind that some people may be sensitive to fragrances due to allergies or respiratory issues. If you work in close proximity to others, it is considerate to avoid wearing cologne to the office. Always be mindful of the people around you and their potential reactions to your cologne.

How to store cologne

Storing cologne correctly is essential to prolonging its shelf life and maintaining its quality. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store cologne:

Choose the Right Storage Space

The ideal storage space for cologne should be dark, dry, and cool. Avoid direct sunlight as it can damage the cologne and the bottle, especially if it is plastic. A closet or drawer is a good option as it keeps the cologne away from light and generally maintains a consistent temperature. If you live in an area with high humidity, consider storing your cologne in a room with a dehumidifier.

Select a Storage Container

It is best to keep the cologne in its original bottle and box if possible. The original containers are designed to be airtight and protect the cologne from air exposure, which can cause it to lose its scent. If the original bottle is unattractive, you can transfer the cologne to an opaque, airtight container to protect it from light and oxygen.

Prevent Damage

Always keep the cap on the bottle tightly sealed when not in use to minimise oxygen exposure. Avoid shaking the bottle before use, as this can introduce unwanted oxidation. Do not store the cologne on high shelves, especially if the bottle is fragile, to prevent accidental breakage.

Additional Tips

• Avoid storing cologne in the bathroom due to temperature fluctuations and humidity.
• If you have the space, consider storing your cologne in the refrigerator to maintain a consistent temperature and protect it from light and heat.
• For travel, purchase smaller, travel-sized bottles or transfer the cologne to an empty container to avoid exposing the entire supply to air.
• Check your cologne for any signs of degradation, such as discoloration, chunkiness, or an acidic or metallic smell.

How to choose the right fragrance

Choosing the right fragrance is an important part of your personal style and can have a powerful effect on how people see and remember you. Here are some tips on how to choose and wear the right fragrance:

Understand the Different Types of Fragrances

Before choosing a fragrance, it's helpful to understand the different types available. Fragrances are typically categorised based on their concentration of perfume or fragrance oil:

• Eau Fraiche: The most diluted form, with 1-3% perfume oil. Usually lasts less than an hour.
• Cologne (Eau de Cologne): Light, fresh, and fruity, with 2-4% perfume oil. Lasts for about 2 hours.
• Toilette (Eau de Toilette): A light spray with 5-15% perfume essence. Lasts for about 3 hours.
• Perfume (Eau de Parfum): Contains 15-20% perfume essence and lasts for about 5 to 8 hours.
• Parfum: The most concentrated and expensive option, with 20-30% perfume essence. Can last up to 24 hours.

Know the Fragrance Notes

Fragrances are typically composed of three types of notes that develop over time:

• Top note: The initial smell that hits the nose immediately after application. Lasts from 15 minutes to 2 hours. Examples include light floral, citrus, fruity, and spicy scents.
• Medium or heart note: The main element of the fragrance that develops after the top note. Lasts for 3-5 hours. Includes heavier floral, green, and spicy scents.
• Base note: The boldest notes that become more noticeable later in the day. Determine how long the fragrance lasts. Examples include sandalwood, musk, tobacco, and vanilla.

Choose a Fragrance That Suits Your Body Chemistry

Scientific studies suggest that you can naturally select a cologne that works best with your natural body scent. It's important to test how a fragrance complements your body odour over a day. Spray the scent on your wrist or inner elbow and smell it at various intervals. Avoid using the cards provided by department stores, as they only allow you to smell the top notes.

Consider the Occasion and Season

Choose a fragrance that suits the occasion and the season. For example, a fresh and citrusy scent may be more suitable for daytime or summer, while a warmer, spicier fragrance could be better for evenings or winter.

Apply Fragrance Properly

When applying fragrance, start with a small amount and gradually increase as you become more comfortable. Apply to heat areas of the body, such as the chest, neck, and wrists, as your body heat will help diffuse the scent. Avoid rubbing the perfume into the skin, as this can weaken the scent.

Don't Overdo It

Remember that less is more when it comes to fragrance. Fragrance should be discovered, not announced. People nearby should be able to smell your cologne without being overwhelmed by it.

Frequently asked questions