The Art Of Applying Cologne: A Guide For Men

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. Done incorrectly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly. The key is to apply sparingly and strategically. Cologne should be applied to the pulse points or warmest areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, wrists, and inner elbows. This allows the scent to be projected more efficiently, meaning less fragrance is required. It is recommended to hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from the skin when spraying and to start with just one spray.

Apply cologne to pulse points/heated areas of the body

Applying cologne to pulse points and heated areas of the body is a great way to make your fragrance last longer and ensure it's subtly discovered, not announced.

Pulse points are areas where you can feel your heartbeat, such as your wrists and neck. These points are usually warmer, helping to diffuse the scent throughout the day. The heat also allows the cologne to meld with your body chemistry, creating a unique signature scent.

When applying cologne to these areas, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your skin and use a light application. Start with one spray on each pulse point and increase the number of sprays if needed. Be careful not to rub the cologne into your skin after application, as this can damage the molecules and cause them to dissipate faster.

In addition to the wrists and neck, other heated areas that can be targeted include the chest, forearms, and inner elbows. Applying cologne to these areas can help project the scent more efficiently, meaning less fragrance is required.

Remember, when it comes to cologne, less is more. You want the fragrance to complement your own scent, not drown it out. A subtle hint of fragrance will draw people in and leave a lasting impression without being overpowering.

Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from the skin when spraying

Holding the cologne bottle the correct distance from your body when applying is crucial to ensure you don't over-apply or under-apply the fragrance. The general rule is to hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body when spraying. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks applying too much cologne, while spraying from further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application.

Holding the bottle at the correct distance allows you to focus the scent on a specific target, in this case, the pulse points of your body, such as your wrists and neck. These areas are the warmest points on your body and will help the scent to project and perform at its fullest potential.

When applying cologne, it's important to remember that less is more. You want the fragrance to complement your natural scent, not overpower it. The ideal distance of 3-6 inches from the body will help you achieve this balance.

Additionally, holding the bottle at the correct distance will prevent too much alcohol from being sprayed onto your skin, which can cause redness. It will also ensure that the cologne particles are targeted effectively, preventing waste.

Avoid spraying cologne on your clothes

When you spray cologne onto your skin, the scent has a chance to mix with your body's natural oils, creating a unique fragrance that will smell slightly different on you compared to anyone else. This is part of the beauty of wearing cologne. It can become a signature scent, personalised by the wearer. Spraying cologne directly onto your skin also ensures that the scent will linger even as the top notes fade, as the warmth of your body will continue to subtly project the fragrance throughout the day.

If you are concerned about the cologne staining or marking your skin, or if you have particularly sensitive skin, you can apply a small amount of moisturiser to the area before spraying. This will create a barrier between the cologne and your skin, reducing the chances of irritation. It will also ensure that the scent lasts even longer, as moisturised skin will hold fragrance for longer periods. Applying cologne to your wrists and neck will also allow you to subtly notice the fragrance yourself throughout the day, without it becoming overpowering or obvious to those around you.

Applying cologne to your clothes, on the other hand, can create an overwhelming concentration of scent in one area, which can be unpleasant for both the wearer and those around them. It is also a waste of cologne, as the scent will not last as long on fabric, and you will need to reapply more frequently. In addition, spraying cologne onto your clothes can be a fire hazard, as the highly flammable liquid can easily catch alight if exposed to an open flame or spark. It is always best to apply cologne to your skin, allowing the fragrance to mix with your body's natural chemistry and create a subtle, personalised scent.

Apply cologne after showering

Applying cologne after a shower is a great way to ensure the scent lasts longer. The hot steam of a shower opens up your pores, allowing the cologne to soak into your skin.

How to apply cologne after showering

Firstly, ensure your skin is clean and dry. Hold the cologne bottle 3-6 inches away from your body and spray onto the pulse points, or hot spots, of your body. These include your neck, chest, lower jaw, wrist, forearm, inner elbow, and shoulder.

It is recommended to start with a light application. Choose one or two pulse points and apply a single spray to each. If you notice the scent fading quickly, choose another hot spot and spray there. You can ask a friend or family member for their opinion on the strength of your fragrance.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying cologne to your clothing – This prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils, which gives the scent its unique quality. It can also cause stains on certain fabrics.
• Rubbing the cologne into your skin – This can make the scent fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance.
• Spraying a cloud of cologne and walking through it – While this may seem like a way to prevent over-application, it is incredibly wasteful as most of the cologne ends up on the floor.
• Applying too much cologne – A man's cologne should be subtle and understated. Remember, less is more.

Tips for making cologne last longer

• Apply cologne soon after showering, as your pores are open and your skin is clean, helping the cologne to adhere better.
• Store your cologne in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and humidity to preserve its quality.
• Apply an unscented moisturiser before spraying cologne, as this can help to lock in the scent and make it last longer.
• If you have hairy wrists, you may find that the hair helps to amplify the fragrance.

Reapply to wrists when the fragrance wears off

When it comes to cologne, less is more. You want your cologne to be discovered, not announced. It should be a subtle enhancement to your image, a hint of fragrance that draws people in for more.

If your cologne has proven to be extremely light, a discreet reapplication may be in order. You can reapply cologne to your wrists when the fragrance wears off.

However, it's important to remember that you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often. Just because you don't smell your cologne doesn't mean others can't. A friend or partner could help you identify if a scent tends to stick around or make a quick exit.

If you're going to reapply cologne, remember to apply it to your wrists from 3 to 6 inches away. You can also apply it to other pulse points, such as your neck, chest, and inner elbows.

Frequently asked questions