Should You Wear Cologne Every Day?

Whether or not to wear cologne every day is a personal preference. Some people wear cologne daily, while others reserve it for special occasions or going-out. Some people also like to change their cologne depending on the season, their budget, or the activities they have planned.

Cologne can increase your attractiveness, boost your confidence, and even remind you of happy memories. It can also have physiological effects on the wearer, such as improving your mood or making you feel more relaxed.

However, it's important to remember that cologne can be overpowering if too much is applied, and it may not be suitable for certain environments, such as the workplace, where others may be sensitive to strong scents.

Where to apply cologne on your body

Where is the best place to apply cologne on your body?

The best places to apply cologne are the body's warmest areas, or pulse points. These areas include the neck, chest, shoulders, wrists, and inner elbows. These areas can project the scent more efficiently, meaning less fragrance is required.

The crook of the elbow, armpits, and behind the knees are also warm areas, but these are not ideal for cologne application.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin and apply to one or two pulse points. The wrists and neck make an excellent combination.

How much cologne to apply

The amount of cologne you apply depends on the strength of the fragrance. A strong scent may only require two or three sprays, while a lighter scent may need four to six sprays to have the same effect.

The general rule is that less is more. You should aim for an intriguing mystery, not an air horn. Two to four sprays is usually enough.

You should also consider the environment in which you'll be wearing the cologne. For example, wearing cologne to the office may be discouraged due to the risk of triggering allergies or respiratory issues in colleagues. In this case, it's best to keep it subtle with just one or two sprays.

If you're going on a date or to a bar, you might want to apply a little more to make a good impression or start a conversation.

It's also important to remember that your nose will get used to the scent, so you may not realise if you've overdone it. Ask a friend to give you their honest opinion.

Finally, the number of sprays you need will depend on the concentration of the fragrance. Traditional colognes have a low concentration of oil (2-4%) and don't pack much of a punch, so you may need to apply more. On the other hand, Eau de Parfums are heavyweights, with 15-20% oil, so a little goes a long way.

Choosing a cologne

Sample Different Colognes

Start by spraying colognes from a distance onto sample cards and decide which scents you like. Keep in mind that fresh and light fragrances are better suited for summer, while stronger scents with notes of wood or spice are ideal for winter.

Test on Your Skin

Once you've narrowed down your options, choose a cologne that suits your skin. Spray a sample on your wrist and leave it on for a day. Regularly smell it to see how it interacts with your natural oils and develops over time. This will give you an excellent insight into what it would be like to wear that cologne regularly.

Understand the Different Types of Colognes

Before choosing a cologne, it's helpful to understand the different types available. Familiarize yourself with the various fragrance families, such as Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, and niche colognes. Eau de Toilette fragrances typically feature around 10% aromatic essence and last a few hours, while Eau de Parfum has a higher concentration (15-20%) and lasts longer but tends to be more expensive. Niche colognes offer unique, bold scents for selective customers and are usually more expensive.

Consider the Season

The season will influence the intensity of the cologne's scent. Heat makes the scent more intense, while colder weather tends to make it fade more easily. Therefore, opt for lighter, fresher scents in the summer and stronger, darker, or spicy scents in the winter.

Know the Classics

Familiarize yourself with classic cologne scents to have a framework from which to pick your own. These classic scents are often well-loved and have stood the test of time.

Weigh Mass Appeal Against Niche

If you choose a mass-market fragrance, you might find that others in your social circle or workplace wear the same scent. However, these fragrances are typically "safe" and won't be too overpowering. Niche fragrances offer unique scents but may not have universal appeal. They tend to be more expensive due to the use of higher-quality ingredients.

Understand Your Motives

Consider your motives for wearing a cologne. What impression do you want to make on others? What is your personality, and what alter ego are you projecting? Choose a scent that aligns with the image you want to convey.

Ask for Opinions

Don't be afraid to ask others for their opinions on different colognes. If you like a particular scent on someone, ask them about it. Additionally, listen to the advice of salespeople and seek the opinions of your close friends. However, remember that you have to love the fragrance you are wearing.

When to apply cologne

The best time to apply cologne is after a shower, to clean, dry skin. Applying cologne to warm, open pores will help the scent to last longer. Moisturising your skin after showering will also help the fragrance to absorb more efficiently.

The time of day you apply cologne is also important. If you're going to be out and about during the day, apply cologne in the morning. If you're going out in the evening, apply cologne before you leave the house.

You can also reapply cologne during the day, especially if you're using an Eau de Toilette. A quick spritz on the wrists will boost your scent.

If you're going to be in an environment where people are sensitive to smells, such as an office, it's best to apply sparingly.

Some people like to match their cologne to the season. Lighter, fresher scents are better for summer, while stronger, woody or spicy fragrances are more suited to winter.

You can also match your cologne to the occasion. A musky, sexy fragrance might be great for a night out, but a lighter, brighter scent is better for the office.

If you're going to be doing something active, such as camping or manual labour, it's probably best to skip the cologne altogether.

Finally, if you're going to be trying lots of different colognes, it's best to do this when you're not going out, as you may find that some fragrances don't work for you.

How to store cologne

Storing cologne correctly is essential to preserve its scent and prevent it from going bad. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store cologne:

Choose the Right Storage Space:

• Avoid direct sunlight: Sunlight can damage cologne bottles and cause the fragrance to break down faster. Store your cologne in a dark place, such as a closet or drawer.
• Maintain consistent temperature: Extreme temperatures can affect the quality of your cologne. Avoid storing it in areas with rapid temperature changes, like the top of your bathroom drawers. Instead, opt for a bedroom closet or hallway closet.
• Avoid humid areas: Humidity can negatively impact the quality of your cologne. If possible, store your cologne in a room with a dehumidifier.
• Consider the refrigerator: Storing cologne in the refrigerator can help maintain a consistent temperature. However, avoid doing so if your refrigerator is very cold as it may damage the cologne.

Select the Right Storage Container:

• Keep the original bottle: If the original bottle is attractive, it's best to keep the cologne in it. Transferring it to another container can expose it to air and cause it to lose its scent.
• Store in boxes: Placing cologne bottles in boxes before putting them in storage provides additional protection from heat and sunlight. Ensure that the caps are firmly sealed to prevent leakage.
• Invest in travel containers: For travelling, purchase travel-sized bottles or transfer a small amount of cologne into an empty bottle. This reduces the risk of losing your entire supply if the bottle breaks during travel.

Prevent Damage:

• Keep the cap on: Always keep the cap securely on the bottle when not in use to minimise exposure to air and prevent evaporation.
• Avoid shaking: Shaking the bottle introduces excess air and can be harmful to the cologne, unless specified in the instructions.
• Limit applicator use: Reusable applicators can introduce bacteria and oils into the bottle. It's best to use disposable applicators or opt for spraying.
• Keep fragile bottles off high shelves: Store delicate bottles on lower shelves or the floor of a closet to prevent them from falling and shattering.

Frequently asked questions