The Art Of Wearing Cologne: A Daily Affair

Applying cologne is an art form. When done right, it can make you feel more attractive and confident. However, applying too much can be overpowering and off-putting. The key is to apply sparingly and in the right places. Cologne should be applied to the pulse points, the areas of your body that produce a lot of body heat. These include the neck, wrists, chest, and behind the ears. It's also important to hold the bottle a few inches away from your skin when spraying to avoid over-application. If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, use the dabbing method instead. It's generally recommended to apply cologne to the skin rather than clothing, as fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of the skin.

How much cologne is too much?

Cologne is a strong scent and applying too much can be overpowering for you and those around you. The key to applying cologne is to be subtle and strategic, so the scent lasts all day without becoming overwhelming.

How to Apply Cologne

• Apply sparingly: One or two sprays or dabs of cologne are usually enough. Focus on one area, like the neck or forearms, and start with one application. If the scent fades quickly, choose another area and apply there next time.
• Apply to pulse points: These are areas of the body that produce a lot of body heat, which helps the fragrance to continue smelling good all day. Pulse points include the insides of the wrists, behind the ears, the neck, the chest, the inner elbows, and the forearms.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from the body: If you spray any closer, you risk over-applying, and any further away, the scent may dissipate too quickly.
• Don't rub it in: Rubbing the cologne into the skin can make the scent fade faster and change how it smells. Instead, just spray or dab and let it dry.
• Don't reapply too often: You will quickly become used to the smell of your cologne and think it has worn off, but others will still be able to smell it. Once a day is usually enough.

Signs You Have Applied Too Much Cologne

• You can smell yourself from a mile away.
• Your friends' eyes water when you enter the room.
• Someone can smell you from arm's length away.
• People have told you that you are wearing too much.

Other Tips

• Choose different colognes for different occasions: You might want to wear a lighter, citrus-based scent for the afternoon or work, and a stronger, musky scent for the evening.
• Don't mix cologne with other smells: Avoid wearing cologne with strongly-scented deodorant or aftershave, as the combination may be overpowering or unpleasant.
• Consider your skin type: Fragrances tend to cling to men with oily skin for longer, so adjust the amount of cologne you use accordingly.
• Be mindful of your lifestyle: Drinking, smoking, and eating certain foods will alter the smell of your cologne. For example, wearing too much cologne in an Indian restaurant will result in an interesting mix of scents!

Where to apply cologne on the body

Applying cologne is an art form. If not done properly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly. Here are some tips on where to apply cologne on the body for the best results:

Apply to Pulse Points

Apply cologne to the pulse points on your wrists and neck, where you can feel your blood pumping through your veins. These are the "warmest" points on your body, and applying cologne to these spots helps build the best projection/cast/sillage for your scent, allowing it to perform to its fullest potential.

Apply to Heated Areas of the Body

Apply cologne to heated areas of your body, such as the neck, chest, forearms, or inner elbows. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

Hold the Bottle 3-6 Inches from the Body

When spraying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, while spraying from further than 6 inches away may result in under-application.

Start with a Light Application

Start with a light application and choose one area, like the neck or forearms, for one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply. You can always add more, but it's difficult to reduce the amount of cologne once it's been applied.

Re-apply if Needed

Depending on the type of cologne and the occasion, you may need to re-apply, especially if you are going out in the evening. When re-applying, simply dab a little cologne onto your pulse points.

How to apply cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. Done properly, it can make you feel more attractive and confident. Done improperly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades almost immediately. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply cologne:

Step 1: Choose the Right Cologne

Colognes are available in different scent categories, such as citrus, floral, woody, or musky fragrances. Choose a cologne that complements your natural body chemistry and fits your lifestyle in terms of how long the scent lasts. You may also want to have different colognes for different occasions and seasons.

Step 2: Take a Shower

Before applying cologne, take a shower. The hot water will open your pores, providing a good base for the cologne. It is best to apply cologne to clean skin, as it will not smell as pleasant if mixed with dirty skin.

Step 3: Apply Sparingly

Less is more when it comes to cologne. You should apply sparingly and strategically so that the scent lasts all day without being overwhelming. As a general rule, two sprays are enough. You can start with one spray and add more if needed.

Step 4: Identify Pulse Points

Apply cologne to your pulse points, which are areas of your body that produce a lot of body heat. The heat will help diffuse the fragrance throughout the day. Pulse points include the insides of your wrists, behind the ears, the chest, the neck, and the inner elbows. Choose one or two of these spots to apply cologne; any more will likely be too overwhelming for those around you.

Step 5: Hold Bottle at the Right Distance

Hold the cologne bottle 3-6 inches away from your body when spraying. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-application, while spraying farther than 6 inches away may result in under-application.

Step 6: Do Not Rub

Do not rub the cologne into your skin after applying it. This changes the way the cologne smells and makes the scent fade faster. Simply spray or dab it on and let it dry.

Step 7: Reapply if Needed

Depending on the type of cologne and the occasion, you may need to reapply. When reapplying, dab a small amount onto your pulse points, such as your neck or wrists.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Applying too much cologne
• Rubbing cologne into the skin
• Splashing cologne onto the skin instead of dabbing
• Spraying a mist cloud and walking through it
• Spraying cologne onto your clothing

When to apply cologne

Knowing when to apply cologne is as important as knowing where to apply it. Cologne is not necessary for work, but it's generally acceptable. However, wearing cologne to a big event, such as a wedding, funeral, party, or night out is recommended.

If you're going clubbing, be aware that your natural body odour mixed with cologne may be worse than just your natural body odour. In addition, some people are allergic to cologne, so be mindful of this when spending time indoors.

If you're going to be eating certain foods, drinking, or smoking, be mindful that these activities will alter the smell of your cologne.

When it comes to the time of day, it's recommended to wear a lighter, citrus-based scent in the afternoon and a stronger scent with spice undertones or musky notes for the night.

Finally, it's best to apply cologne right after showering, as the hot water cleanses your skin and opens your pores, providing a good base for the cologne.

Common mistakes to avoid when applying cologne

While applying cologne can be an art, there are some common mistakes that can be easily avoided. Here are some tips to help you apply cologne like a pro:

Applying Too Much Cologne

The key to cologne is subtlety. It should be a subtle enhancement to your image, not an overpowering presence. Start with a light application and reapply as needed. Remember, less is more.

Rubbing the Cologne into Your Skin

Rubbing the cologne into your skin can break down the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing the scent to fade faster. Instead, simply spray or dab it on and let it dry naturally.

Spraying on Your Clothing

Spraying cologne on your clothes prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, which gives the scent its unique character. It can also damage certain fabrics and prevent the scent from evolving, resulting in a flat and monochrome fragrance. Always apply cologne directly to your skin.

Splashing or Pouring the Cologne

If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, avoid splashing or pouring it onto your skin. This can easily lead to over-application. Instead, place your finger over the opening of the bottle, tip it upside down, and then dab the cologne onto your skin.

Walking Through a Mist Cloud

While it may seem like a good idea to prevent over-application, spraying a cloud of cologne and walking through it is a waste of your fragrance. Most of it will end up on the floor, and you won't get the full benefit of the scent.

Ignoring Pulse Points and Hot Spots

Apply cologne to your pulse points and hot spots, such as your neck, wrists, chest, behind your ears, and inside your elbows. These areas produce more body heat, which helps the fragrance diffuse throughout the day and creates a signature scent unique to you.

Forgetting to Shower First

Always apply cologne to clean skin after showering. The shower washes away other scents and opens your pores, allowing the cologne to absorb better and creating a longer-lasting scent.

Spraying Too Close or Too Far

Hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches from your body when spraying. Any closer, and you risk over-application; any further, and the scent may dissipate too quickly.

Mixing with Other Scents

Avoid mixing cologne with strongly scented deodorants or aftershaves. The combination may not be pleasant, and you could end up smelling like a department store perfume counter.

Reapplying Too Often

You may become used to the smell of your cologne and think it has worn off, but others can still smell it. Reapply only once a day, right before you go out, and keep it light.

Frequently asked questions