Applying Oil-Based Colognes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. Applying cologne the right way can make you feel more attractive and confident. Perfume oils are more concentrated and longer-lasting than spray perfumes. They are also a great choice if you want to wear your perfume on specific areas of your body. It is recommended to apply perfume oil to your body's pulse points, which are the spots where you can feel your heartbeat and that tend to be the warmest. These include your wrists, inner elbows, the back of your knees, and behind your ears.

It is best to apply perfume oil after a shower, as fresh, clean skin will help the perfume stick to you and last longer. You can also rub an unscented moisturiser onto your skin before applying perfume oil, as this will help the perfume stick.

If you are using a roll-on perfume, simply roll it directly onto your skin. If you are using a bottled oil, pour a drop or two of the oil onto your fingers and use your fingers to rub it onto your skin. Remember, a little goes a long way!

Apply to pulse points like wrists, elbows, knees, and neck

Applying cologne to your pulse points is a great way to make your fragrance last longer and exude a subtle yet enticing aroma throughout the day. Here are some tips on how to apply cologne to your wrists, elbows, knees, and neck:

Wrists

The wrists are classic pulse points for perfume or cologne application. Your arms are in constant motion, creating a sense of movement and helping to diffuse your fragrance into the air around you. To apply cologne to your wrists, remove the cap from the bottle, invert it, and gently rub it back and forth on your skin. You can also use a rollerball applicator for more precision. Avoid rubbing your wrists together after application, as this can alter the fragrance.

Elbows

Applying cologne to the inner elbows is another excellent way to take advantage of your pulse points. The bends of your arms will slightly obscure the smell, making it a perfect application for long-lasting diffusion. This is especially suitable if you work in an office and wash your hands frequently. When applying cologne to your inner elbows, gently rub a small amount onto the skin, being careful not to over-apply.

Knees

The backs of your knees are warmer and softer than other areas of your body, making them ideal for projecting your chosen scent. Applying cologne behind your knees will allow the fragrance to rise throughout the day, especially when you walk or bend your legs. This application is perfect for summer, as the crossing and uncrossing of your legs will emit your chosen fragrance.

Neck

Applying cologne to the sides or back of your neck can create a sense of diffusion as you move throughout the day. The heat from this area will help to intensify and disperse the scent. Be sure to apply gently and sparingly, as the neck is a sensitive area, and too much cologne can be overpowering.

Remember, when applying cologne to any of these pulse points, a little goes a long way. You don't want to over-apply and end up with an overpowering scent. It's always better to start with a small amount and add more if needed. Enjoy experimenting with your fragrance and finding the application methods that work best for you!

Use roll-on or bottled oil

Roll-on or bottled oil colognes are easy to apply and are a great way to wear your favourite scent. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use them:

Preparation:

Firstly, roll-on or bottled cologne oils are best applied after a warm bath or shower as your skin's open pores will better absorb the fragrance. It is also recommended to use an unscented body wash and moisturiser to prevent any clashing with the fragrance. Dry but well-moisturised skin is the best base for fragrance oils as they will latch on better and last longer.

Application:

Roll-on fragrance oils are simple and precise to use. Remove the cap and gently massage the rollerball onto the area of skin you wish to apply the oil to. You can apply the oil to your pulse points, such as your wrists, collarbone, neck, inner elbows, and the back of your knees. These points allow you to project the fragrance most effectively as your body naturally emits heat.

If you are using bottled oil, simply pour a drop or two onto your fingertips and gently massage it onto your skin. Remember, a little goes a long way!

Post-Application:

Avoid rubbing the fragrance oil into your skin as this can cause it to rub away or dry out, leading to a loss of scent and lasting power. Instead, let it sit on top of your skin and mix with your natural oils.

Additional Tips:

• Roll-on cologne oils are great for on-the-go application as they are portable and discreet.
• When applying fragrance oils to clothing, ensure the fabric is clean and can be washed.
• You can layer fragrances, but it is generally better to avoid layering two powerful scents.

Now you're ready to roll on (or dab) your favourite scent and enhance your image!

Apply after a shower

Applying Oil Cologne After a Shower

Applying cologne after a shower is a great way to make your fragrance last longer. Here are some detailed tips on how to do it:

Timing

Wait until your skin is dry before applying cologne. Some people prefer to wait a little longer, up to half an hour, to let their skin temperature adjust and to allow their natural oils to return after being stripped by the shower. However, applying cologne while your pores are still open will help the scent absorb into your skin.

Application Technique

Hold the cologne bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body when spraying. Start with one spray on one area, such as your neck or forearm, and use more if you feel you need it. Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this can break the molecular bond and make the scent fade faster. Instead, simply dab it onto your skin if it doesn't have a spray nozzle.

Where to Apply

Apply cologne to the heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent.

Moisturise

You can improve the longevity of your cologne by moisturising before application. This is because cologne doesn't absorb as well into dry skin, and moisturised skin can help lock in the scent. Use an unscented moisturiser so that it doesn't interfere with your cologne.

Reapply

Depending on the type of cologne and how long you need it to last, you may need to reapply during the day, especially if you're going out in the evening. Simply dab a little onto your pulse points.

Ask for Feedback

It can be challenging to evaluate how you smell, so don't hesitate to ask a friend or partner for their opinion.

Avoid Common Mistakes

• Don't spray cologne onto your clothes. This prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, which gives cologne its unique quality. It can also damage certain fabrics.
• Don't splash or pour cologne onto your skin, as this can lead to over-application.
• Don't spray a mist and walk through it. This method renders the cologne almost useless as most of it ends up on the floor.
• Don't rub cologne into your skin. This breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing it to fade faster.
• Avoid over-application. Cologne should be discovered, not announced. Less is more.

Avoid rubbing wrists together

When applying cologne, it is best to avoid rubbing your wrists together. This is because doing so can change the way the scent performs on your skin. Typically, complex scents are a combination of top notes, middle or heart notes, and base notes. Top notes are more delicate, lighter molecules that dissipate most quickly, while base notes are heavier molecules that last longer. When you rub your wrists together, you spoil those light-molecule top notes. The friction between the perfume and your skin's natural oils accelerates the evaporation of the top notes, so you're fast-forwarding your scent experience and bypassing the opening stage of your fragrance, going straight to the heart notes.

While this is not catastrophic, it can be disappointing when you spend a lot of money on a fragrance, and the top notes are what attracted you to the perfume in the first place. By rubbing your wrists together, you are missing out on the first stage of your fragrance.

Instead of rubbing your wrists together, lightly dab them together and let the perfume air-dry. You can also apply an unscented moisturiser to your skin before applying cologne to ensure all-day wear, as the better hydrated your skin is, the longer your scent will last.

Apply sparingly

When applying cologne, it's important to remember that a little goes a long way. You should apply sparingly and strategically to ensure the scent lasts all day without being overpowering. Here are some tips for applying cologne sparingly:

• Start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and begin with a single spray or a few drops of oil. You can always add more if needed, but it's easier to add than to remove.
• Avoid over-application by holding the bottle 3-6 inches from your body. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches increases the risk of using too much, while spraying from further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application.
• Apply to heated areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to blend with your body chemistry.
• Apply cologne immediately after showering to clean skin. Showering removes other scents and opens your pores, helping the scent absorb better.
• If using a bottled oil, use your fingers to apply. You only need 2-3 drops; a little goes a long way.
• Apply perfume oil to your pulse points. These include your wrists, inner elbows, the back of your knees, and behind your ears. These areas are warmer and help project the scent.
• If using a roll-on perfume, apply directly to the skin. Roll-on bottles allow for extreme precision and discreet application.
• Re-apply sparingly if needed. If the scent fades throughout the day, simply dab a little onto your pulse points.
• Avoid rubbing the perfume into your skin, as this can make the scent fade faster by breaking the molecular bond. Instead, gently dab or spray and allow it to dry.

Frequently asked questions