The Art Of Applying Cologne: A Guide For Men

Applying cologne is an art. It can increase your attractiveness and boost your confidence, but only if you know how to use it correctly.

Firstly, it's important to know where to apply cologne. The pulse points or warmest areas of the body are best, as they project the scent more efficiently. These include the neck, chest, wrists, and inner elbows.

Secondly, you should always apply cologne to clean, dry skin, ideally straight after a shower when your pores are open. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your skin when spraying, and don't use too much – 2-4 squirts is plenty.

Finally, don't rub cologne into your skin after application, as this can damage the molecules and cause the scent to dissipate faster. Simply let the scent soak into your skin.

Do You Rub Cologne?

Don't rub cologne into your skin

Rubbing cologne into your skin is one of the most common mistakes people make when applying cologne. Here are some reasons why you shouldn't do it, along with some tips on how to apply cologne correctly.

Rubbing Cologne Can Alter the Scent

Rubbing cologne into your skin can change the way it smells. This is because cologne contains delicate fragrance molecules that can be damaged by rubbing. When you rub cologne into your skin, you may inadvertently be breaking down these molecules, causing the scent to change and dissipate faster. Instead of rubbing, it's best to simply spray or dab the cologne on and let it dry on the skin.

Rubbing Cologne Can Cause It to Fade Faster

In addition to altering the scent, rubbing cologne into your skin can also make it fade faster. This is because rubbing can break the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing it to evaporate more quickly. So if you want your cologne to last longer, it's best to avoid rubbing it into your skin.

How to Apply Cologne Correctly

So, if you shouldn't rub cologne into your skin, what's the best way to apply it? Here are some tips:

• Apply cologne to your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and chest. These areas emit more heat, which can help activate and maximize your cologne.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin when spraying. This will ensure that you don't over-apply or under-apply the cologne.
• Start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. If you find that the scent fades quickly, choose another area to spray the next time you apply.
• Apply cologne after showering and drying your skin. The shower cleanses your body of any other scents and opens your pores, which helps the scent absorb better.
• Reapply cologne if needed. Depending on the type of cologne you use, you may need to reapply it during the day or before going out in the evening. When reapplying, simply dab a small amount onto your pulse points.
• Don't spray cologne directly onto your clothes. This can prevent the scent from mixing with your natural oils, causing it to smell flat and monochrome. It can also damage certain fabrics.
• Don't over-apply cologne. A subtle enhancement is best when it comes to cologne. Start with a light application and ask a friend or family member for their opinion if you're unsure.

Apply cologne to pulse points

Applying cologne to your pulse points is a great way to make your fragrance last longer and smell more intense.

Pulse points are areas of your body that emit more heat than others, such as your wrists, neck, and chest. The heat from these points will help your cologne develop its middle and base notes, allowing the scent to linger for longer.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, hold the bottle about three to six inches away from your skin and spray a light amount. You can also dab the cologne on with your finger if it doesn't have a spray nozzle. Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this can damage the fragrance molecules and cause them to dissipate faster. Instead, let the scent soak into your skin.

In addition to the wrists, neck, and chest, you can also apply cologne to other pulse points such as the insides of your elbows, the back of your knees, and your shoulders. However, be sure not to apply cologne to too many areas at once, as this can be overwhelming for those around you. One or two pulse points are usually enough.

Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body

Holding the cologne bottle the correct distance from your body is crucial to applying the right amount of cologne. Hold the bottle too close, and you risk over-applying; too far away, and you won't be applying enough. The ideal distance is generally considered to be between 3 and 6 inches from your body.

Holding the bottle at this distance will allow you to apply a light application of cologne, which is important to avoid over-application. Start with one spray on one area of your body, such as your neck or forearm. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and apply another spray next time. You can always ask a friend or family member for their opinion if you're unsure about the strength of the application.

It's worth noting that you'll likely become nose-blind to scents you wear often, so it's a good idea to seek feedback from others. Additionally, different colognes have different concentrations of aromatic essence, which affects how long they last and how strong they are. For example, Eau de Toilette typically has around 10% aromatic essence and lasts a few hours, while Eau de Parfum has a higher concentration (15-20%) and lasts longer.

By holding the bottle 3-6 inches from your body, you can ensure you're applying the right amount of cologne and avoid the common mistake of over-application.

Apply cologne after showering

Applying cologne after a shower is a great way to ensure that your fragrance lasts longer. The best time to apply cologne is right after you get out of the shower, as your pores are at their most open, allowing the cologne to seep into your skin.

How to apply cologne after showering:

• Hold the cologne bottle about 3 to 6 inches away 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-applying.
• Target pulse points or the warmest areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, wrists, and inner elbows. These areas can project the scent more efficiently, meaning less fragrance is required.
• Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin after application, as this can make the scent fade faster.
• Start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. If you notice that your scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply.
• Reapply to your wrists throughout the day, or to your pulse points if you're going out in the evening.

Other tips for applying cologne:

• Avoid spraying cologne directly onto your clothes, as this can prevent the scent from mixing with your natural oils, and can also damage certain fabrics.
• Avoid splashing cologne onto your skin, as this can lead to over-application.
• Avoid spraying a mist cloud and walking through it, as most of the cologne will end up on the floor.
• Avoid applying too much cologne. A subtle enhancement to your image is best.
• Store your cologne in a cool, dark, and dry place, as heat, humidity, and light can speed up the breakdown of the fragrance.

Don't spray cologne on your clothes

While it may be tempting to spritz your cologne onto your clothes, especially if you're in a rush, this is actually the worst way to apply cologne. Here are several reasons why you should avoid spraying cologne on your clothes:

Prevents the Scent from Developing

When you spray cologne directly onto your clothes, you're preventing the fragrance from mixing with your natural oils and chemicals. This is what gives cologne its unique quality and allows it to develop over time. The scent will remain flat and monochrome, and you won't get to experience the full complexity of the fragrance.

Can Damage Your Clothes

Many colognes are alcohol-based, and spraying them directly onto your clothes can damage certain fabrics. It may cause stains or discolouration, especially if you're spraying a significant amount onto a small area. To avoid this, it's best to test a small, inconspicuous area first if you absolutely must spray your cologne onto your clothes.

Won't Last as Long

The scent of cologne on your clothes will dissipate much more quickly due to airflow. You'll find that the fragrance disappears much faster than if you had sprayed it onto your skin, and you'll need to reapply more frequently.

Prevents Proper Application

To apply cologne correctly, you should be targeting specific areas of your body, such as your pulse points or warmest areas, including the neck, chest, wrists, and inner elbows. Spraying onto your clothes prevents you from being able to do this, and you won't get the full benefit of the cologne's scent projection.

Can Cause Over-Application

When you spray cologne onto your body, you have more control over the amount you're applying. It's easier to accidentally over-apply when spraying onto clothes, which can lead to an overpowering scent. Remember, less is more when it comes to cologne!

Frequently asked questions