The Art Of Applying Cologne: A Guide For Men

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. If not done properly, it can lead to either over-application or a scent that fades almost immediately. Here are some tips on how men should apply cologne to avoid these common mistakes and achieve the desired fragrance experience.

Pulse points: wrists, neck, behind ears, inside elbows, and behind knees

Pulse points are the areas of your body where you can feel your pulse. This is because the artery is close to the surface of your body, allowing you to feel your heart pumping blood through it. These areas are warmer due to the proximity of the blood flow and are therefore ideal spots to apply cologne, as the warmth helps to diffuse the fragrance, making it more effective and long-lasting.

The pulse points include the wrists, neck, behind the ears, inside the elbows, and behind the knees. When applying cologne, you don't need to spray all of these points. For everyday use, it is recommended to apply cologne to the bottom of your throat (neck). For a night out or a date, you can apply a small amount behind your ears so that people get a pleasant whiff when they lean in close to speak to you.

The inside of the elbows and the back of the knees are also uncommon pulse points that you can apply cologne to, especially if you're wearing shorts or spending time outdoors, as there is room for the scent to travel. However, remember that less is more when it comes to cologne, and you don't want to be that guy who douses himself in fragrance. One spritz to each pulse point is usually enough.

Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away

Holding the cologne bottle the correct distance from your body is key to applying the right amount of cologne. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body when applying. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, and spraying any further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application.

The optimal distance allows you to focus the scent on a specific target, in this case, the pulse points, without over or under-concentrating it. This distance is a perfect balance, preventing your skin from turning red due to too much alcohol concentration while minimising the loss of particles from a poorly targeted spritz.

When applying cologne, it is important to remember that less is more. You want the cologne to complement your natural scent, not overpower it. It should be a subtle hint of fragrance that intrigues people and draws them in, not something that announces your presence.

To apply cologne correctly, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body and spritz or dab it onto your pulse points. These are areas where you can feel your heartbeat, such as your wrists, neck, behind your ears, inside your elbows, and even behind your knees. These spots are ideal because the warmth of your blood helps the scent to diffuse throughout the day.

If you are applying cologne to your neck, be mindful of the setting. While spritzing your neck is great for a date, it may be too much for an office environment. Keep the fragrance under your clothes to ensure the application stays subtle.

Apply to clean, dry skin

Applying cologne to clean, dry skin is the best way to wear fragrance.

Firstly, ensure your skin is clean. You don't always have to shower before applying cologne, but you do want a clean base. Wash your arms if you're applying a balm or wax, and clean your neck if that's where the cologne will be applied.

Secondly, make sure your skin is dry. The ideal time to apply cologne is after a shower, when your skin is still warm and your pores are open, as this helps the scent absorb. However, be sure to completely dry your skin before spraying cologne.

Thirdly, hold the cologne bottle about three to six inches from the area of application. Any closer than three inches and you risk over-applying; any further than six inches and you'll likely under-apply.

Finally, target the pulse points. These are the places on your wrists, neck, and chest where you can feel your blood pumping through your veins. These points are the warmest on your body, helping the scent to diffuse throughout the day.

Remember, when applying cologne, less is more. You want the cologne to complement your own scent, not drown it out.

Don't rub it in

Rubbing cologne into the skin is a common mistake when applying cologne. It is important to know that rubbing cologne into the skin can actually make the scent fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance. This is why it is recommended to simply dab the cologne onto the skin, rather than rubbing it in.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle about 3-6 inches from the skin and spray. The cologne should be applied to the pulse points, which are the areas on the body where the heart pulse can be felt, such as the neck, wrists, and chest. These areas tend to emanate more heat, thus helping to diffuse the fragrance into the air.

After applying cologne, it is best to let it dry before putting on a shirt. This allows the cologne to stay mostly on the body, and the body heat will keep the scent active. It is also important to note that fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of the skin, so it is generally recommended to spray cologne on the skin rather than on clothing.

Reapply to pulse points if needed

Reapplying cologne to pulse points is a great way to top up your scent throughout the day. However, it's important to remember that less is more when it comes to cologne application. You want your cologne to complement your natural scent, not overpower it.

Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt. These points include your wrists, neck, behind your ear, inside your elbow, and behind your knee. When you apply cologne to these areas, you're targeting the warmest points on your body, which helps to build the best projection for your scent.

If you're going to reapply cologne to your pulse points, it's best to do so sparingly. Start with a small amount and increase as needed. You can also ask a friend or partner for their opinion on whether your application is appropriate. Remember, your nose will get used to the scent, so just because you can't smell your cologne doesn't mean others can't.

When reapplying cologne, hold the bottle about 3-6 inches away from the desired pulse point and spray. Be careful not to rub the cologne into your skin, as this can damage the molecules and cause the scent to dissipate faster. Simply let it dry before putting on any clothing.

Frequently asked questions