The Art Of Applying Cologne: Finding The Perfect Balance

Knowing how much cologne to apply is an art form. Too much and you risk becoming that guy whose overpowering scent chokes everyone in the room. Too little and your fragrance might fade before the day is done. The key is to apply sparingly and strategically.

The general consensus is that you should apply cologne to your pulse points, such as your neck, wrists, and chest. These areas emit more heat, allowing your fragrance to diffuse into the air and develop your signature scent. It's best to choose one or two spots and start with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and apply a second spray.

It's also important to apply cologne to clean, dry skin, as this will help the scent absorb and last longer. Additionally, avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this can cause the scent to fade faster.

Where to spray cologne

Where you spray your cologne is just as important as how much you spray. The best spots to spray cologne on the body are heated areas, including the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These points are warmer, so they have longer staying power and can better project the scent.

When applying cologne, aim to spray it on pulse points such as the wrists, neck, and chest. These areas generate heat and will help to diffuse the fragrance. The back of the neck is an essential target area to spray because heat is continuously produced here, which will keep the fragrance alive throughout the day.

If you like to spray cologne on your wrists, be sure to avoid the common mistake of rubbing them together, as this disrupts the molecules of the fragrance.

While it may seem like a good idea, spraying cologne into the air and walking through it is not an effective method of application. This will cause the scent to fade quickly, as much of the cologne ends up on your clothes or is lost to the air.

It is generally recommended to spray cologne on your skin rather than your clothes. Fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin, which helps to enhance and prolong the scent. Applying cologne directly to your skin will also help prevent it from staining or damaging your clothing.

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

How much cologne is too much?

Cologne is an important part of a man's personal style and can make him feel more attractive and confident. However, applying too much cologne can be overwhelming and unpleasant for the people around you. So, how much cologne is too much?

The Right Amount

The key to applying cologne is to start with a light application and then build up if needed. The general consensus is that you should start with one or two sprays and then add another spray or two if you want a stronger scent. Aim to create a subtle signature scent that people can only appreciate when they come close to you.

Where to Spray

It is recommended to spray cologne on your skin rather than your clothes. The best areas to spray cologne are the pulse points or heated areas of your body, such as your wrists, neck, inner elbows, and chest. These areas generate heat, which helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry. When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body to ensure you don't over or under-apply.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is spraying the cologne into the air and walking through it. This method wastes cologne and does not provide an even application. Another mistake is spraying the cologne on your clothes, which can prevent it from mixing with your natural oils and developing its full scent. It can also stain or damage your clothing.

Knowing When You've Applied Too Much

You'll know you've applied too much cologne when you can smell yourself from a mile away, or when your friends' eyes water upon your entrance. Another way to tell is to ask a friend to stand at arm's length and spritz yourself while they tell you if they can smell it or not. If they can smell it from that distance, you've applied too much.

How to apply cologne correctly

Applying cologne correctly is an art form. Done right, your cologne will leave a subtle yet inviting scent. Done wrong, and you may be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

Apply to Pulse Points

Target the pulse points on your wrists and neck, where you can feel your blood pumping through your veins. These are the "warmest" points on your body, and applying cologne to these spots helps build the best projection/cast/sillage for your scent. Other pulse points include your inner elbows, chest, and forearms.

Hold the Bottle 3-6 Inches Away

Hold the cologne bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your skin. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, while spraying any further than 6 inches may result in under-application.

Start with a Light Application

It's better to start with a light application and build up if needed. Typically, you should start with around one or two sprays and slowly build up to four or five if you want a stronger aroma.

Reapply if Needed

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

Apply Directly to Skin, Not Clothes

Always apply cologne directly to clean, dry skin, rather than spraying it on your clothes. Fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin, which helps to enhance and prolong the scent. Applying cologne to your skin also prevents staining or damaging your clothing.

Avoid Rubbing the Cologne into Your Skin

Allow the cologne to air dry. Rubbing it into your skin can change or diffuse the scent, and may even cause it to fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance.

Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

Consider the occasion and your surroundings when applying cologne. For example, if you're at the office, it's better to be conservative with your cologne. However, if you're attending a party or dinner, you can opt for a stronger scent.

Ask for a Second Opinion

It can be challenging to judge how you smell yourself. If you're unsure, don't be afraid to ask a friend or partner for their opinion.

Remember, the key to applying cologne correctly is to strike a balance. You want your scent to be subtle yet inviting, creating a lasting impression on those around you.

How to store cologne

Choosing a Storage Space

• Keep your cologne in a dark, dry place away from direct light. Sunlight can damage the bottle and its contents.
• Store your cologne away from extreme temperatures. Avoid placing it in areas that are too hot or too cold, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
• Avoid humid areas. Humidity can affect the quality of your cologne.
• Consider storing your cologne in the refrigerator, as long as it's not too cold.
• A closet is usually the ideal place for storage, as it is dark and has a consistent temperature.

Choosing a Storage Container

• Keep your cologne in its original bottle if it is attractive and made of glass.
• Store your cologne in its box before placing it on a shelf or in a closet. Boxes provide extra protection from heat and sunlight.
• Invest in travel-sized containers if you want to take your cologne with you on the go.

Preventing Damage

• Always keep the cap on the bottle when not in use.
• Avoid shaking the bottle, as this can expose the cologne to excess air.
• Limit the use of applicators, as they can introduce bacteria and oils into the bottle.
• Keep fragile bottles off high shelves to prevent them from falling and shattering.

How to test cologne

Testing a cologne before you buy it is important to see how it will react with your skin chemistry. Here are some tips on how to test cologne:

Research colognes online

Using the colour scent wheel and any previous knowledge of scents you might have, think about which scents might be appealing to you. Use a search engine to search for the fragrances that include these scents so that you have a starting point once you reach the store. Remember, you can always decide that you don’t like a certain type of scent after smelling it in person, and the store representative should be able to direct you toward another scent based on your preferences.

Use cologne testers or scent blotters

A convenient option for trying colognes from home is to order fragrance testers that come in smaller bottles when you think you’ve found a scent you like. Or, you can choose a store that has scent blotters available to test the fragrances you are initially interested in in-person. Scent blotters are usually small, white cardboard strips that absorb the fragrance and help you smell the scent without putting it on your body. When applying the cologne to the scent blotters, spray two or three times in a downward motion onto the blotter.

Test the fragrance on your skin

Once you have narrowed it down to between two and four fragrances, it’s time to see how they react to your skin’s chemistry. Spray one cologne type on each wrist. If you’re testing more than two, spray onto your inner elbows as well. Do not test more than four at a time or this could confuse your sense of smell.

Give the scent time to develop

Walk around the store or do something else for 30 minutes. Once the scent has had a chance to mix with the oils on your skin, give them each another sniff. In between each sniff, it can be helpful to smell something different to cleanse the nostrils (coffee works well for this). Notice how each smell has developed once it’s had a chance to work with your body chemistry. This will give you a true idea of what each cologne will smell like on you.

Ask for a second opinion

It's difficult to judge how you smell yourself. Ask a friend or partner for their opinion.

Frequently asked questions