The Art Of Wearing Cologne: A Guide For Men

While cologne can be an important part of a man's personal style, boosting his confidence and attractiveness, it's easy to apply too much. The key is to apply sparingly and strategically, so the scent lasts all day without overwhelming those around you. The best way to apply cologne is to spray it directly onto the skin, targeting heated areas of the body like the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms or inner elbows.

How much cologne should you spray?

The consensus is that less is more when it comes to cologne. The scent should be subtle and only just noticeable. It should be discovered, not announced.

The number of sprays will depend on the strength of the cologne, the occasion, and personal preference. It's best to start with one or two sprays and then build up if necessary. For a lighter fragrance, such as a citrus or floral cologne, one or two sprays should be enough. For a stronger scent, such as a woody or musky fragrance, you may want to start with two or three sprays.

The Wall Street Journal recommends sticking to two spritzes: one on the neck and the other on the centre of your shirt. These points are chosen based on where you're likely to perspire. Similarly, Lifehacker suggests applying cologne or perfume to your wrists and rubbing it in, and then applying any excess behind your ears.

You should also consider where you are going and who you will be with. You don't want to overpower people with your scent, especially if they are sensitive to fragrances or have allergies.

You can always ask a friend or family member if your application is appropriate, as you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often.

Where to spray cologne on the body

The best spots to spray cologne on the body are heated areas, including the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms and inner elbows. These areas generate heat, helping to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allowing it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

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

It is generally recommended to spray cologne on the skin rather than clothing. Fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of the skin, enhancing and prolonging the scent. Applying cologne directly to the skin will also help prevent staining or damage to your clothes.

If you prefer to apply cologne to your clothing, it is best to spray a small area such as the collar or cuff. Keep in mind that some fragrances may interact with certain fabrics and cause stains or discolouration, so it is important to test a small, inconspicuous area first.

To avoid over-application, choose one area of the body, such as the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply.

How to make your cologne last

Prepping Your Skin

Taking a warm shower or bath is a great first step to help open your pores, allowing your skin to absorb the cologne. This will help the scent linger throughout the day. Moisturising your skin is also a good idea, as hydrated skin is more likely to absorb the cologne. You can use a body lotion or cream, but be sure to choose an unscented moisturiser so as not to alter the scent of your cologne. If you want to go the extra mile, you can apply petroleum jelly to your pulse points, which will act as a barrier between your skin and the cologne, helping it to "stick" all day.

Applying the Cologne

You can boost the scent's staying power by using other products that have the same scent as your cologne, such as body washes, deodorants, and body creams. When applying the cologne, spritz your pulse points, including behind your ears, the base of your throat, the inside of your elbows, your wrists, and behind your knees. These are the warmest spots on your body, which will help keep the scent strong. Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying the cologne, as this can break down the molecules of the scent, making it disappear faster. You can also spritz your hair and clothing to make the scent last longer, but be aware that colognes may stain delicate fabrics.

Choosing the Right Cologne

To make your cologne last longer, choose a scent with woody or spicy notes, such as cedar, patchouli, juniper, clove, ginger, or nutmeg. These tend to be longer-wearing than fresh, citrus notes. Check the concentration level of your cologne; perfumes have the highest concentration, followed by eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and eau de cologne. The higher the concentration, the longer the scent will last. Finally, be sure to store your cologne properly in a cool, dry place, as extreme temperatures and direct sunlight can alter the ingredients and affect the scent and its longevity.

How to test your cologne

Testing a cologne is an important step in the process of choosing a new scent. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to test your cologne:

Start with Blotters:

Firstly, use paper blotters (the strips of absorbent, porous paper found near fragrance display bottles) to test the cologne. Spray two or three quick sprays in a downward motion into a cloud, and pass the blotter through the cloud. Then, wave the scented strip under your nose, without touching it, and inhale.

Try on Skin:

After testing on blotters, choose one fragrance to test on your skin. Spray either your wrist or the back of your hand twice in a downward motion. Drop your hand to your side and wait for at least 30 seconds for the scent to settle. Once it has started to dry, bring your hand up and inhale the scent, keeping your hand at least an inch or two away from your nose.

Take Your Time:

Your perception of a fragrance can change over time, as it reacts with your body's natural chemistry. Therefore, it is recommended to take some time after spraying the cologne to do something else, allowing the fragrance to develop. After 15-30 minutes, smell the cologne again to see how it has evolved.

Mind Your Senses:

When testing fragrances, it is easy to overload your sense of smell. To avoid this, avoid wearing other fragrances when testing a new one. Additionally, limit yourself to testing no more than three fragrances in one day, as your sense of smell can only handle a few scents well before it becomes confused. Use olfactory palate cleansers, such as coffee beans, to reset your nose between fragrances.

By following these steps, you can effectively test and choose a cologne that suits your preferences and reacts well with your body chemistry.

How to buy the right cologne

Choosing a Scent

The right cologne for you will depend on your body chemistry and the types of scent notes you find appealing. It's a good idea to start by researching colognes online and thinking about which scents might appeal to you. You can use a fragrance colour wheel to help you with this.

Once you've found a few options, you can test them out. Most stores will have scent blotters available, or you can order small tester bottles to try at home. Spray the cologne onto the blotter or your wrist and give the scent time to develop—around 30 minutes should be enough time to notice how it reacts with your body chemistry.

Application

When it comes to applying cologne, less is more. You should apply sparingly and strategically so that your cologne lasts all day. The best time to apply cologne is immediately after showering, directly onto dry skin. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body and spray onto heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms or inner elbows.

Common Mistakes

• Spraying the fragrance on your clothing.
• Splashing the cologne on your skin.
• Spraying a mist cloud and walking through it.
• Rubbing the perfume into your skin.
• Applying too much cologne.

Frequently asked questions