The Art Of Long-Lasting Fragrance: Applying Cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. Done right, it can make you feel more attractive and confident. Done wrong, it can be overpowering for those around you. Here are some tips on how to apply cologne so that it lasts longer:

- Apply cologne after a shower when your skin is still warm and your pores are open.

- Hold the cologne bottle at least 3 inches away from your body when spraying.

- Spray cologne on pulse points and naturally warm areas of the body such as the neck, wrists, inner elbows, and chest.

- Reapply on the wrists throughout the day.

- Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin as this can break down the scent.

- Moisturise before applying cologne as it helps lock in the scent.

- Store cologne in a cool, dark, and dry place to prevent it from spoiling.

Apply to pulse points

Pulse points are areas of your body where you can feel your heartbeat. They are typically some of the warmest areas of your skin, and include the neck, inner wrists, and behind the ears. Applying cologne to these points is a great way to make your fragrance last longer. The body heat created at these pulse points will project and intensify the fragrance.

• Choose one or two pulse points to apply your cologne. Spraying on too many pulse points may lead to over-application.
• Spray cologne on your chosen pulse points. Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this can damage the scent and make it weaker. Instead, gently dab the cologne onto your skin and let it dry.
• Reapply cologne to your pulse points throughout the day, if needed.
• Apply cologne to your pulse points immediately after showering. The hot steam from the shower opens up your pores, allowing the cologne to soak into your skin and last longer.
• Hold the cologne bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin when spraying. Holding the bottle too close can lead to over-application, while holding it too far away may result in under-application.
• Avoid spraying cologne directly onto your clothes. This can prevent the scent from mixing with your natural oils and developing fully. It can also cause stains on certain fabrics.
• Apply an unscented moisturiser to your pulse points before spraying cologne. This will help lock in the scent and make it last longer.

Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away

Holding the cologne bottle the correct distance from your body is an important step in applying cologne. The optimal distance is 3-6 inches. Holding the bottle any closer than three inches will likely result in over-application and muddling the scent profile. Holding the bottle further than six inches away will likely result in under-application.

To ensure you are holding the bottle at the correct distance, it is recommended to use your finger to measure. Place one finger over the opening of the bottle and gently tip it upside down. This will help you achieve the optimal distance of 3-6 inches and prevent over- or under-application.

By holding the bottle at the correct distance, you allow the cologne to be distributed evenly on your skin. This helps the scent to develop and ensures that you are not applying too much or too little. A light application is key, as cologne should be discovered, not announced.

Spray on heated areas

To make your cologne last longer, apply it to heated areas of your body. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

The best spots to spray cologne on the body are heated areas, including your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These are also known as pulse points, which are areas of your body where you can feel your heartbeat. Typically, these points are some of the warmest areas of your skin. The body heat created at these pulse points will project the fragrance more effectively.

For example, a good spraying routine is to apply cologne to the inside of each forearm, the inside of each wrist (without rubbing your wrists together), and several sprays on the chest across the collarbone area.

Another heated area you can apply cologne to is your hair. Hair absorbs liquid and retains it for longer, meaning that a cologne sprayed conservatively in your hair could help extend the longevity of your signature fragrance. However, be mindful that all colognes contain alcohol, which can dry out hair and cause hair loss. If you are balding or hair loss is a problem, stick to applying cologne to your skin.

Moisturise beforehand

Applying cologne on dry skin will cause it to evaporate quickly. To prevent this, it's important to moisturise your skin before spraying cologne. This will ensure that your skin is soft and hydrated, allowing the cologne to lock onto your skin.

It's best to use an unscented moisturiser so that it doesn't interfere with the cologne's fragrance. After moisturising, make sure your skin is completely dry before applying cologne.

Additionally, if you have particularly dry skin, you may want to consider splashing out on an Eau de parfum. These have a higher concentration of pure perfume oil, which can help combat dry skin.

Reapply throughout the day

Depending on the type of cologne you use, you may need to reapply it during the day, especially if you are going out in the evening. When doing so, simply dab a little onto your pulse points.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few things to keep in mind when reapplying cologne:

• Avoid spraying the fragrance on your clothing. This prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, which gives it its unique quality. It can also cause stains on your clothes, especially if the cologne is highly concentrated and has a darker colour.
• Avoid splashing the cologne on your skin. If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, place one finger over the opening of the bottle, tip it gently, and then dab the scent onto your body.
• Avoid spraying a mist cloud and walking through it. This method renders the cologne almost useless as most of it ends up on the floor.
• Avoid rubbing the perfume onto the skin. This breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance, making the scent fade faster.
• Avoid applying too much cologne. Your fragrance should be a subtle enhancement to your image.

How to Reapply Cologne

• Hold the cologne bottle about 3-6 inches away from your body.
• Spray the cologne on your wrists. Remember not to rub your wrists together after spraying.
• You can also spray the cologne on other pulse points such as your neck, inner elbows, and behind your ears.

Frequently asked questions