The Art Of Wearing Cologne: A Guide For Men

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. Here are some tips on how to apply cologne correctly and effectively:

- Apply to clean skin: Start with a fresh, clean canvas so that sweat, sebum, or other buildup doesn't interfere with the perfume oils.

- Target the pulse points: Apply cologne to the wrists, neck, behind the ears, bottom of the throat, inside the elbows, and behind the knees. These areas produce a lot of body heat, which helps the fragrance continue to smell good all day long.

- Apply from a distance: Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body. This allows you to focus the scent on a specific target without over or under-concentrating it.

- Start with a light application: Choose one area, such as the neck or wrists, and start with one spray. You can always add more later if needed.

- Don't rub it in: Rubbing the cologne into your skin can change the way it smells and make the scent fade faster. Instead, just spray or dab it on and let it dry.

- Don't mix cologne with other smells: Avoid wearing strongly-scented deodorant or aftershave that might not complement your cologne.

Apply to pulse points

Applying cologne to your pulse points is an important step in ensuring your fragrance lasts all day. Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt, and they include the insides of your wrists, behind your ears, the bottom of your throat (neck), inside your elbows, and behind your knees. These spots are ideal for applying cologne because the warmth of your blood helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your skin and spray once or twice, depending on the strength of the fragrance. Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this can break down the fragrance notes, causing the scent to fade faster. Instead, gently dab the cologne onto your skin or let it dry on its own.

If you're using a cologne without a spray nozzle, cover the opening of the bottle with your finger, tip it upside down, then dab the scent onto your chosen pulse points. Wash your hands afterward to avoid transferring the cologne to other objects.

While you can apply cologne to all the pulse points mentioned, it's generally recommended to focus on one or two spots to avoid an overwhelming scent. The neck and wrists, in particular, are good choices as they provide a nice burst of scent when someone leans in for a hug or a handshake.

Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away

Holding the cologne bottle 3-6 inches away from your body is the ideal distance to ensure you don't over-apply or under-apply the cologne. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks applying too much, while holding it further than 6 inches away will likely result in too little being applied. This distance allows you to focus the scent on a specific target, such as your pulse points, without over or under-concentrating it.

Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt, and they include your wrists, neck, behind your ears, inside your elbows, and behind your knees. These areas are ideal for applying cologne because the warmth of your blood will help the fragrance continue to smell good throughout the day.

When applying cologne, it's important to remember that less is more. You want your cologne to complement your natural scent, not drown it out. It should be a subtle hint of fragrance that draws people in, not something that is overpowering. A good rule of thumb is to apply cologne so that only those within your personal space can detect it.

Spray onto the chest

Spraying cologne onto your chest is one of the best ways to apply fragrance. The chest is the optimal distance from your nose, allowing you to fully appreciate the scent without being overwhelmed. The warmth of your chest also helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day.

When applying cologne to your chest, hold the bottle about 3 to 6 inches away from your body. One spray should be enough, but you can add another if you feel it is necessary. Be sure to let the cologne dry before putting on a shirt. This will help the scent last longer, as it will cling to the fabric.

Spraying cologne on your chest is a great way to make the most of your fragrance. The fabric of your shirt will slow down the evaporation process, increasing the longevity of the scent. This means you'll get to enjoy unexpected whiffs of your cologne throughout the day.

If you're looking for a more subtle application, try spraying your cologne onto your chest and then putting on a shirt. This will muffle the scent, allowing only hints of the fragrance to be discovered by those close to you.

Remember, the key to applying cologne is to complement your own scent, not drown it out. You want people to be drawn in for more, not overwhelmed by a strong smell. So, spray onto your chest, let it dry, and enjoy your perfectly applied cologne!

Don't rub it in

Rubbing cologne into the skin is not recommended. This is because it can actually make the scent fade faster, as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance.

If you are not going to spray the cologne, then simply dab it onto your skin. However, it is generally recommended to spray cologne, rather than dab, onto your skin. This is because spraying allows you to focus the scent on a specific target, usually a pulse point, without over or under-concentrating it.

If you are spraying cologne, you should hold the bottle about 3-6 inches from your body. This is the optimal distance for application, any closer and you risk over-applying, any further and you are likely to under-apply.

When deciding where to apply cologne, you should aim for the heated areas of your body. These include your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas will help to diffuse the scent throughout the day and will allow it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

It is also important to note that cologne should not be sprayed onto your clothes. This is because it prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils, which gives it its unique quality. Spraying cologne directly onto clothing can also be harmful to some fabrics and can prevent the scent from going through its various scent stages, rendering the scent flat and monochrome.

Apply after a shower

Applying cologne after a shower is a great way to ensure that your skin is clean and your pores are open, allowing the scent to be absorbed and last longer. Here are some tips on how to properly apply cologne after showering:

Dry off completely

Before applying cologne, make sure your skin is completely dry. This will ensure that the cologne doesn't end up being diluted or washed away.

Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away

When spraying cologne, hold the bottle about 3-6 inches away from your body. Holding it any closer may result in over-application, while holding it further away may lead to under-application. This distance allows for a focused application without wasting the product.

Target pulse points

Apply cologne to your pulse points, which are areas where you can feel your heartbeat, such as your wrists, neck, and chest. These areas are generally warmer, helping the scent to diffuse throughout the day and develop your signature scent as it interacts with your body chemistry.

Start with a light application

It's important not to over-apply cologne. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area to apply it the next time. You can always ask a friend or family member for their opinion if you're unsure about the intensity.

Reapply if needed

Depending on the type of cologne you're using, you may need to reapply it, especially if you're going out in the evening. When reapplying, simply dab a small amount onto your pulse points.

Frequently asked questions