The Art Of Applying Cologne: A Guide For Men

Knowing how much cologne to apply and how often to reapply is an art form. Too much cologne can lead to coughing, trouble breathing, headaches, or nausea in both the wearer and those around them. To avoid this, it's recommended that cologne is applied sparingly and strategically to ensure it lasts all day. The best spots to spray cologne are the heated areas of the body, including the neck, chest, wrists, forearms, inner elbows, and pulse points. When applying, the bottle should be held around six inches from the body, and it's best to start with just one or two sprays.

How much cologne to apply

When applying cologne, it's important to remember that less is more. Over-application can lead to a strong, overpowering scent that may be unpleasant for those around you. To avoid this, it is recommended that you stick to a maximum of two sprays of cologne, or three as an absolute maximum.

When spraying, hold the bottle at least three to six inches away from your body. This ensures an even distribution of the fragrance and prevents over-application in one area. Apply to your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows—areas that generate heat, helping to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allowing it to meld with your body chemistry.

If you're using a spray cologne, avoid rubbing the product into your skin as this can damage the molecules and cause them to dissipate faster. Similarly, avoid spraying cologne directly onto your clothes as it can stain or damage certain fabrics. Instead, apply cologne to your skin, allowing it to mix with your natural oils and develop your signature scent.

If you're unsure about the amount of cologne you're applying, ask a friend or family member for their opinion. It's easy to become nose-blind to scents you wear often, so a second opinion can help ensure you're not overdoing it.

Where to apply cologne

The best spots to apply cologne are heated areas of the body, including the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, inner elbows, and wrists. These areas generate heat, helping to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allowing it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

Applying cologne to the chest or biceps before getting dressed is a good trick, as it traps the fragrance between your skin and clothing, making it last much longer.

It is recommended to avoid spraying cologne directly onto your clothes. This is because colognes can stain and damage certain materials. Additionally, the scent will dissipate more quickly due to airflow.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle about three to six inches from where you want to apply the scent. This will ensure you don't under or over-apply.

How often to reapply cologne

The longevity of a cologne depends on several factors, including the type of cologne, where it is applied, and the condition of your skin. Here are some tips on how often you should reapply cologne to ensure that you smell amazing all day.

Choosing the Right Cologne

The first step to ensuring your cologne lasts is to choose a cologne that has a long shelf life. Colognes with higher concentrations of perfume oils tend to last longer. The different types of colognes, in ascending order of concentration, are:

• Eau Fraiche (1-3% perfume oil)
• Cologne/Eau de Cologne (2-4% perfume oil)
• Eau de Toilette (5-15% perfume oil)
• Eau de Parfum (15-20% perfume oil)
• Parfum (20-30% perfume oil)

Applying Cologne to the Right Areas

To make your cologne last longer, apply it to heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. The heat from these areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry.

Preparing Your Skin

Applying cologne directly after a shower is ideal because your pores are more open, allowing the cologne to seep into your skin. Additionally, moisturising your skin before applying cologne will help the fragrance absorb more efficiently.

Reapplication

Depending on the type of cologne you use, you may need to reapply it throughout the day, especially if you plan on going out in the evening. When reapplying, simply dab a small amount onto your pulse points. It is important to remember that your nose may become desensitised to the scent, so you may need to ask a friend or family member for their opinion on whether the application is appropriate.

When not to wear cologne

While cologne can be a great way to express your personal style and preferences, there are certain times when it's best to forgo this fragrance. Here are some scenarios where it's generally not appropriate to wear cologne:

• Funerals: It's best to smell as subdued as your clothing. Skip the cologne altogether for these occasions.
• International flights: In confined spaces like an aeroplane, your strong cologne can be overwhelming for those seated near you.
• First and second dates: Wearing cologne on a first or second date can be risky. It's best to play it safe and avoid wearing any strong scents that may be off-putting to your date.
• The gym: Strong fragrances in the gym can be unpleasant for others. Stick to deodorants or body sprays designed for physical activity.
• Job interviews: You don't want to give the interviewer any reason not to hire you. Keep your fragrance subdued or avoid wearing any cologne at all.
• Meeting your significant other's parents: When meeting your partner's parents for the first time, it's best to keep your fragrance subtle or non-existent. You don't want to draw attention to yourself with a strong cologne.
• Camping: Strong fragrances can attract unwanted attention from wildlife. It's best to avoid wearing cologne when camping or engaging in other outdoor activities.
• Wine tasting: Strong fragrances can interfere with your sense of taste and the aromas of the wine. Avoid wearing cologne to wine tastings or when drinking fine wine.
• Recording studios or confined spaces: In sealed environments like recording studios, smells can quickly become concentrated and overwhelming. Avoid wearing cologne in these spaces to prevent discomfort for others.
• Road trips: In a small car, strong fragrances can become overpowering. Stick to more subtle fragrances or skip the cologne altogether.
• Malls or shops: With the multitude of smells already present in malls and shops, adding your cologne to the mix can be overwhelming. It's best to avoid wearing strong fragrances when visiting these places.
• The dentist's office: Strong fragrances can be distracting for the dentist or hygienist, who needs to focus on precise work inside your mouth. Avoid wearing cologne to dental appointments.
• Fine dining restaurants: If you or your date are foodies, a strong cologne can interfere with the dining experience. Opt for a subtle or no fragrance in these settings.
• Animal shelters: Stressed animals may react negatively to strong fragrances. Avoid wearing cologne when visiting animal shelters or interacting with animals.
• Surgery or medical procedures: Fragrances can be irritating or distracting in medical settings. It's best to avoid wearing cologne when undergoing or assisting with medical procedures.

In general, it's important to be mindful of the amount of cologne you apply and the sensitivity of those around you. While it's great to express your personal style, always consider the occasion and choose a fragrance that is appropriate and not overwhelming for others.

How to store cologne

Storing cologne correctly is essential to prolonging its shelf life. Here are some tips on how to store cologne:

Choose the Right Storage Space

The ideal storage space for cologne is a dark, cool, and dry place, as heat, light, and humidity are the perfume aggressors that can degrade the scent. Avoid storing cologne in direct sunlight, as it can damage the bottle and cause the cologne to deteriorate faster. Keep the cologne away from extreme temperatures and humidity, and instead opt for a place with a consistent and cool temperature, such as a bedroom or hallway closet. The kitchen and bathroom are off-limits due to the extreme temperature changes and high humidity levels.

Select the Right Storage Container

It is best to keep the cologne in its original bottle and box, as they are designed to be airtight and protect the cologne from oxygen and light. If the original bottle is unattractive, you can transfer the cologne to an opaque, airtight container to minimise oxidation and protect it from harmful rays. For travel, it is recommended to purchase a smaller version of your cologne or transfer it to a smaller container to avoid exposing the entire supply to air.

Prevent Damage

Always keep the cap on the bottle when not in use to minimise oxygen exposure. Avoid shaking the bottle before use, as it can introduce unwanted oxidation. Do not spray cologne directly onto your clothes, as it may stain and damage the material. Instead, apply it to your skin, preferably your neck, chest, or biceps, to trap the fragrance between your skin and clothing, making it last longer. Keep fragile bottles on lower shelves or in drawers to prevent them from falling and shattering.

Frequently asked questions