The Art Of Applying Liquid Cologne: A Guide

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. If not done properly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly. Cologne should be applied sparingly and in all the right places. The best spots to apply cologne are pulse points, which are areas of your body that produce a lot of body heat. The heat will cause the fragrance to continue to smell good all day long. These include the insides of your wrists, behind the ears, the neck, the chest, the forearms, and the inside of the elbows. When applying cologne, it's best to choose one or two spots, as applying to every pulse point will likely be overwhelming for those around you.

Apply to pulse points

Pulse points are areas of your body where your heart pulse can be felt. They are the best spots to apply cologne because the warmth of your blood will help the fragrance to continue to smell good all day long.

The pulse points include the insides of your wrists, behind the ears, the bottom of your throat, inside your elbow, and behind your knee.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, you should dab (don't rub) the cologne onto your skin. This prevents the alcohol from spreading out too much and evaporating. You should also avoid applying cologne to your hands and then rubbing it onto your skin, as most of the fragrance will get stuck to the palms of your hands. Instead, you can use your wrists to press the cologne into your skin, so it sits below the skin at the pulse point rather than above the skin, where it will slowly die away over the day.

You should also avoid applying cologne to areas where you sweat excessively, as less appealing smells don't mix well with cologne.

You don't have to apply cologne to every pulse point. In fact, applying cologne to multiple pulse points may result in an overwhelming scent for those around you. Choose a few spots and keep it subtle.

Don't rub it in

How to Apply Liquid Cologne Without Rubbing It In

Applying cologne is an art, and there are several ways to do it wrong. One of the most common mistakes is rubbing it into the skin after application. This changes the way the cologne smells and makes the scent disappear faster. Here are some tips on how to apply liquid cologne without rubbing it in:

Choose the Right Time and Place

Cologne is best applied after a shower when your skin is clean, warm, and slightly moist. This helps open your pores, providing a good base for the cologne, and allowing it to last longer. Avoid applying cologne in a humid environment, as the moisture in the air can affect the fragrance. It is best to store your cologne in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a drawer or a closet.

Prepare Your Skin

Before applying cologne, you may want to moisturize your skin. This helps the cologne absorb more efficiently, making it last longer. However, be mindful of your skin type. If you have oily skin, fragrances tend to cling longer, so you may need to adjust the dose of cologne accordingly.

Apply to Pulse Points

Pulse points are areas of your body that produce a lot of heat, and applying cologne to these spots will help the fragrance continue to smell good all day. The insides of your wrists, the base of your throat, behind your ears, the chest, and the back of your neck are all good options. You can also apply cologne to the inside of your elbows and behind your knees. Just remember to choose one or two spots instead of applying to all these points, as too much cologne can be overwhelming for those around you.

Spray or Dab

If your cologne comes in a spray bottle, hold the bottle a few inches away from your chosen pulse point and give yourself a light spritz. If your bottle doesn't have a spray nozzle, cover the open bottle with your finger, tilt it, and then dab the liquid onto your chosen area. Remember, a little goes a long way. One small dab is enough; there's no need to double-dab.

Let It Dry

Once you've applied the cologne, resist the urge to rub it in. Instead, let it dry on its own. You can gently dab your wrists together if you want to prevent the cologne from dripping, but avoid excessive rubbing, as this can alter the scent and make it less potent.

Avoid Overdoing It

When it comes to cologne, less is more. It's better to start with a small amount and slowly add more if needed than to apply too much and have to wash it off. One spritz to each pulse point is usually enough. Remember, you don't want to be that guy who leaves a trail of overpowering fragrance wherever he goes.

Apply after a shower

Applying Liquid Cologne After a Shower

Applying cologne after a shower is a great way to ensure the scent lasts longer. The hot water opens up your pores, providing a good base for the cologne. Here are some tips on how to apply cologne after a shower:

Choose the Right Time

While cologne can be worn at any time, there are certain occasions that call for it more than others. Special events, such as weddings, funerals, parties, or a night out, are perfect opportunities to wear cologne. It is also important to consider your body's natural oils when deciding to wear cologne. For example, if you're going clubbing, the mix of your natural body odour and cologne may not be pleasant. Additionally, be mindful of others, as some people may be allergic to cologne.

Prepare Your Skin

Before applying cologne, make sure your skin is clean and dry. The shower will have cleansed your skin, but you want to ensure there is no remaining soap or shampoo residue. Completely dry your skin before applying cologne, as the fragrance will adhere better to dry skin.

Apply to Pulse Points

Pulse points are areas of your body where your heart pulse can be felt, and they are the best spots to apply cologne. The warmth of your blood at these points helps the fragrance continue to smell good throughout the day. The main pulse points include the inside of your wrists, behind your ears, the base of your throat, inside your elbows, and behind your knees. You don't need to apply cologne to all these points; choose a few spots and keep the application subtle.

The Right Technique

If your cologne has a spray nozzle, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin and give yourself a light spritz at the chosen pulse points. If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, place one finger over the opening of the bottle, tip it upside down, then dab the scent onto your chosen areas. Whether you spray or dab, do not rub the cologne into your skin, as this can change the scent and make it fade faster.

Other Tips

• Don't apply cologne to areas where you sweat excessively, as it may mix with your body odour and create an unpleasant smell.
• Avoid mixing cologne with other fragrances, such as strongly-scented deodorant or aftershave, as the combination may not be pleasant.
• Reapply cologne sparingly if needed, especially if you are going out in the evening.
• Store your cologne properly to prolong its shelf life. Keep it in its original box, or in a dark drawer or cabinet, to avoid exposure to light and fluctuations in temperature.

Don't apply to clothing

Why you shouldn't apply cologne to your clothes

While applying cologne to your clothes may seem convenient, especially if you're in a rush, there are several reasons why you should avoid doing so.

Firstly, cologne is designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin, enhancing and prolonging the scent. When applied to the skin, the heat from your body helps to diffuse the fragrance throughout the day and allows it to develop a unique signature scent as it mixes with your body chemistry. This is why cologne tends to smell different on different people. By applying it to your clothes, you miss out on this personalisation.

Secondly, cologne applied to clothing may not last as long as it does on the skin. The heat from your body helps to slowly release the fragrance over time. Without this heat, the scent may not last as long or have the same level of complexity as when applied to the skin.

Thirdly, applying cologne directly to your clothes can cause staining or discolouration, especially on delicate fabrics. The high alcohol content in cologne can be harmful to certain fabrics.

Finally, cologne applied to clothing can be overpowering, especially if you apply too much. A subtle enhancement to your image is all that's needed, and less is more when it comes to cologne.

Don't splash or pour

When applying cologne, avoid splashing or pouring it onto your skin. This is an easy way to over-apply. Instead, if your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, place one finger over the opening of the bottle and gently tip it upside down before dabbing the scent on your body.

If you are using a spray bottle, do not spray right next to your skin. Hold the bottle a few inches from your body and give yourself a light spritz.

If you are applying cologne with your finger, cover the open bottle with your finger, then turn the bottle upside down and put it down. Dab the liquid on your finger in the area where you wish to apply the cologne. One small dab is enough; do not double-dab. Wash your hands after applying to avoid getting cologne on everything you touch.

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

If you are using a spray bottle, do not spray a mist cloud and walk through it. This renders the cologne almost useless, as most of it ends up on the floor.

Frequently asked questions