The Manly Art Of Applying Cologne: A Guide

Choosing and wearing cologne is an important part of a man's personal style and can influence how people perceive and remember him. While visual cues are most important for men when choosing a woman, scent is the most powerful factor for women when choosing men. A man's sense of smell is much more sensitive than his sense of vision, and smell triggers memories better than any of the other senses.

When it comes to applying cologne, there are several dos and don'ts. Firstly, it is important to start with clean, dry skin, preferably right after a shower. Hold the spray nozzle 3-6 inches from your skin and target the pulse points on your wrists and neck. It is recommended to start with one single spray on your chest and, as you become more familiar with the scent, you can add a few more sprays in different areas.

It is also important to note that cologne should not be rubbed into the skin, as this weakens the scent, and should not be sprayed onto clothing, as it will not mix with your natural oils.

How to choose the right cologne

Cologne is an important part of a man's personal style. It influences how people perceive and remember you. Your sense of smell is much more sensitive than your vision, and smell triggers memories better than any of the other senses.

• Don't let others choose for you: There is a reason why gifted scents often sit unused for years. While you can use the opinions of others to reinforce or question your decision, you are the best person to determine which scent suits you.
• Don't blind buy: Don't purchase a cologne just based on someone's recommendation without trying it yourself.
• Test the perfume: The best method is to test if the perfume complements your natural body odour over the period of a day. Department stores are great for this purpose. Spray one scent on each wrist (and each inner elbow if testing four). Avoid using the cards provided to smell the colognes, as they only let you smell the top notes and not how it smells on you.
• Don't overspray: You want to smell good without imposing your fragrance on everyone who comes within 10 feet. Start with one spray on your chest, and as you become more comfortable, you can add a few more sprays in different areas.
• Apply to the right areas: Apply cologne to your pulse points, which are the warmest parts of your body: chest, neck, lower jaw, wrist, forearm, inner elbow, and shoulder. Your body heat will push the scent throughout the day, creating a nice scent trail.
• Storage matters: Fragrances do not last forever. Rapid heat fluctuations like those found in most bathrooms will cause the molecules in a fragrance to break apart. Sunlight does the same thing. Extend the lifespan of your fragrance by storing it in cool, dark, dry environments, such as a bedroom closet.
• Consider the concentration: The term "cologne" is one of the weakest categories in terms of concentration and power. If you want something stronger, look for an Eau de Toilette (5-8% concentration) or Eau de Parfum (8-15% concentration).

How to apply cologne

Applying cologne is an art. Too much, and you might overpower those around you. Too little, and your scent won't be noticed. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to apply cologne like an expert:

Step 1: Know Your Cologne Concentration

Before applying cologne, it is important to understand the concentration of your fragrance. The concentration determines the strength and longevity of the scent. Different colognes have different concentrations, such as Eau Fraiche, Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, and Parfum. Knowing the concentration will help you gauge how much cologne to apply.

Step 2: Apply to Clean Skin

For optimal results, apply cologne to clean skin, preferably right after a shower. This ensures that your skin is free of any sweat, sebum, or buildup that might interfere with the perfume oils.

Step 3: Target Pulse Points

Apply cologne to your pulse points, which are the areas where you can feel your heartbeat, such as your wrists and neck. These areas are the warmest parts of your body, and applying cologne to these points helps the scent to project and last longer.

Step 4: Hold the Bottle 3-6 Inches Away

When spraying cologne, hold the nozzle 3 to 6 inches away from your skin. This distance allows for a focused application without over-concentrating or under-concentrating the scent. It also prevents too much alcohol from being sprayed onto your skin.

Step 5: Start with One Spritz

When first applying a new cologne, start with a single spritz. Spray your wrists and gently rub them against your neck. After a few wears, if you feel you need more, gradually add another spritz to different areas.

Step 6: Avoid Rubbing or Spraying on Clothes

Do not rub the cologne into your skin, as this breaks the molecular bond, making the scent weaker. Additionally, avoid spraying cologne onto your clothes. The fragrance needs to mix with your body's natural oils to create a unique scent, and it won't last as long if applied to fabric.

Step 7: Re-apply Only When Needed

You can add more cologne to your wrists or pulse points later in the day if the scent starts to fade. However, be mindful that cologne should be discovered, not announced. People nearby should be able to smell your cologne subtly, without being overwhelmed by it.

Bonus Tip: Get a Second Opinion

It can be challenging to judge how your cologne smells on yourself. Ask a friend or partner for their honest opinion. They can tell you if your cologne is too strong, too subtle, or just right.

The different types of cologne

There are six primary types of cologne, each with a different concentration of fragrance oils, longevity, and price point. The different types of cologne, in order of fragrance concentration from strongest to weakest, are:

• Parfum: The most expensive type of cologne, parfum contains 25-30% fragrance oil concentration and will last 10-12+ hours.
• Eau de Parfum (EDP): With a 15-20% fragrance concentration, EDP is a good balance of potency and longevity. It will last 8-10 hours and is suitable for winter wear.
• Eau de Toilette (EDT): Arguably the most popular choice, EDT contains 5-15% perfume extract. EDT is a budget-friendly option that will last 3-4+ hours.
• Eau de Cologne (EDC): A light and invigorating option with a 2-4% fragrance concentration. EDC is suitable for daytime dates and will last 2+ hours.
• Eau Fraiche: A rare type of cologne with a 2-3% fragrance concentration. Eau Fraiche is subtle and ultra-light, perfect for the gym or for those who tend to over-spray. It will last 1-2 hours.
• Perfume Oils: A type of cologne with a pure oil base and no alcohol or water. Perfume oils are suitable for those with sensitive or dry skin and will last up to 4-6 hours.

In addition to these six primary types, colognes can also be categorized into fragrance families based on their scent profiles. The four main fragrance families are:

• Warm: Includes floral and fruity scents such as DKNY's Be Delicious.
• Woody: A warm and captivating scent often favoured for evening wear. Woody fragrances include wood-based smells like cedarwood, sandalwood, vetiver, and amber.
• Oriental: A luxurious, warm, sweet, and spicy fragrance family. Includes floral oriental, soft oriental, and woody oriental scents with notes of cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, jasmine, orchid, and orange blossom.
• Fresh: Includes citrus, water, and green notes for a refreshing, zesty, and vibrant smell. Citrus fragrances are created with lemon, mandarin, and bergamot, while water fragrances feature aquatic notes like sea spray. Fresh green fragrances are herbal and leafy, with notes of lavender, rosemary, or basil.

How much cologne to spray

The amount of cologne to spray depends on the concentration of the fragrance, the number of pulse points you apply it to, and the radius you want the scent to reach.

Cologne concentration is usually indicated on the bottle. The higher the concentration, the more expensive the cologne, and the less you need to apply. Cologne (Eau de Cologne) has a 3-5% concentration, while Parfum or Extrait de Parfum has a 15-30% concentration.

When applying cologne, target the pulse points on your wrists and neck. These are the warmest points on your body, and will help the scent perform to its fullest potential. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your skin and start with one spray on the chest. You can add more sprays to your wrists in the second half of the day, depending on how long the scent lasts.

Remember, less is more. Fragrance should be discovered, not announced.

How to store cologne

Storing cologne correctly is essential to prolong its shelf life and prevent it from going bad. Here are some tips on how to store your cologne to make it last as long as possible:

• Keep it in a cool, dry place: Store your cologne in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can damage the bottle and affect the quality of the cologne. A bedroom or hallway closet is ideal.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Do not store cologne in areas with extreme temperatures, such as the kitchen or bathroom. The heat and humidity from cooking or showering can alter the quality of the cologne.
• Store in a dark place: Light can break down the chemical makeup of the cologne, altering its scent. Keep the cologne in its original box or a dark cabinet or drawer.
• Avoid humidity: Humidity can affect the quality of cologne, so it is best to avoid storing it in humid areas like the bathroom. If you have a dehumidifier in your bedroom, this can be a good place to store your cologne.
• Keep the bottle sealed: Oxygen is a perfume's worst enemy. Always keep the bottle tightly sealed when not in use to prevent oxidation and evaporation.
• Store in the original box: The original box provides extra protection from light and temperature fluctuations. It is also helpful for storing the cologne in a safe place, such as a closet or cupboard.
• Store on a low shelf: Keep your cologne on a low shelf or in a cabinet to avoid accidental spills or breakage.
• Avoid shaking the bottle: Shaking the bottle introduces unwanted oxidation and can break delicate chemical bonds in the cologne.
• Store in the refrigerator: You can store cologne in the refrigerator, but only if it is not too cold. Very cold temperatures can damage the cologne.
• Check for discoloration: Discoloration may indicate that the cologne is starting to go bad, especially in synthetic fragrances. Natural fragrances may darken over time without affecting the scent.
• Use smaller bottles for travel: When travelling, purchase a smaller bottle or transfer a small amount of cologne to a travel-sized container. This will reduce the risk of spilling or losing your entire supply.

Frequently asked questions