The Art Of Applying Cologne: A Guide For Men

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. Too much and you risk becoming that guy who chokes everyone in a room; too little and your scent will fade almost immediately. The key is to apply sparingly and strategically so that your cologne lasts all day without being overpowering.

So, how should a man put on cologne?

Apply to pulse points

Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt. These points are located behind your ear, at the bottom of your throat, on your wrist, inside your elbow, and behind your knee. Applying cologne to these spots targets the "warmest" points on your body, helping the scent perform to its fullest potential.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your skin. This distance allows you to focus the scent on a specific target without over or under-concentrating it. It's important to avoid spraying too close to your skin, as this can cause the scent to be too strong, or too far away, which can cause it to dissipate too quickly.

For everyday use, it is recommended to apply cologne to the bottom of your throat (neck) only. However, if you are going out to a noisy social scene, you may want to consider applying a small amount behind your ear as well. This way, when people lean in to speak to you, they will catch an attractive scent.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, simply spritz or lightly dab the scent onto the desired area. Then, using your wrist, press it into place so that the cologne sits below the skin. This will help the scent last longer throughout the day.

Remember, when it comes to cologne, less is more. It's better to start with a light application and add more if needed than to apply too much and have an overpowering scent.

Don't overdo it

The biggest fear many men have about fragrance is over-application. You don't want to be "that guy" who imposes his cologne on everyone within a 10-foot radius. Heavily applied colognes can even be worse than body odour, leading to coughing, trouble breathing, headaches, or nausea. In a 2016 survey, Vogue.com found that too much cologne was a valid reason for breaking up with someone.

So, how much is too much? According to r/AskReddit, Lifehacker, and The Wall Street Journal, two sprays is the maximum. One on the neck and one on the centre of your shirt, or on your wrists, is enough. You can also apply any excess behind your ears.

You know you've overdone it when you can smell yourself from a mile away, or your friends' eyes water when you walk into the room. If you're unsure, spritz your cologne while a friend stands at arm's length. If they can smell you from that distance, you've applied enough.

The strength of your cologne also matters. The more concentrated a cologne, the less you need to apply. Eau de Parfum, for example, will be stronger than Eau de Toilette, and an extra spritz may be needed for the latter.

Spray from 3-6 inches away

When applying cologne, the distance from which you spray is crucial. Hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches from your body. Any closer and you risk over-applying, and any further away, the scent might not be strong enough and could dissipate too quickly. A good rule of thumb is to hold the bottle no closer than the width of your palm.

The optimal distance of 3-6 inches allows for a focused application to a specific area, such as the pulse points on your wrists and neck, without over or under-concentrating the cologne. It strikes the perfect balance between avoiding too much alcohol concentration on the skin and minimising the loss of particles from a poorly targeted spritz.

When applying cologne, it is important to start with a light application. Begin with one spritz on your wrists and rub them on your neck. After a few wears, if you feel that's not enough, consider adding a second spritz to another pulse point, such as your neck, chest, lower jaw, forearms, inner elbows, shoulders, or behind your ears.

It's worth noting that it's challenging to judge how you smell yourself, so don't be afraid to ask a friend or partner for their opinion. They can let you know if your cologne is too strong or if you need to apply more.

Apply to clean skin

Applying cologne to clean skin is essential for getting the most out of your fragrance. The same goes for any product – a fresh, clean canvas ensures that your skin can properly absorb the perfume oils. Bathing washes away lingering odors and opens up your pores, allowing your skin to absorb the scent better.

Applying cologne after showering also gives you a blank slate to work with. This way, the cologne won't interact with other scents on your body, and you can be sure that it will smell as intended.

You should also consider using a bath and shower soap in the same scent as your cologne to create a fragrant foundation. This way, you can layer your scent and create a more well-rounded fragrance.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body. This distance allows you to focus the scent on a specific target without over or under-applying it.

Apply cologne to your pulse points or the warmest parts of your body. These include your wrists, neck, lower jaw, forearm, inner elbow, chest, and shoulders. These areas generate heat, which helps diffuse the scent throughout the day.

Applying cologne to these hot spots also allows the fragrance to interact with your body chemistry, creating a signature scent that's unique to you.

When applying cologne to your skin, avoid rubbing it in. The friction can make the scent fade faster, and the heat generated while rubbing can change how the fragrance blends with your natural aroma. Instead, simply spritz or gently dab the cologne on your skin and give it time to dry.

Reapply if necessary

Reapplication is an important part of wearing cologne. Depending on the type of cologne, you may need to reapply, especially if you are going out in the evening. Cologne should be reapplied to the pulse points, such as the neck, wrists, and forearms.

The number of sprays of cologne will depend on the strength of the fragrance, the occasion, and personal preference. It is best to start with one or two sprays and then add more if needed. For lighter fragrances, such as citrus or floral scents, one or two sprays should be enough. For stronger fragrances, such as woody or musky scents, you may want to start with two or three sprays.

It is important not to over-apply cologne, as this can be overwhelming and off-putting to others. Cologne should be discovered, not announced. People who are close by should be able to smell your cologne, but not be overpowered by it.

When reapplying cologne, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body. This allows for a focused application without over or under-concentrating the scent.

Additionally, it is important to consider your skin type when reapplying cologne. Fragrances tend to cling to men with oily skin longer than those with drier skin, so adjust the dose accordingly.

Finally, be mindful of your lifestyle when wearing cologne. Drinking, smoking, and eating certain foods will alter the smell of your cologne. For example, wearing too much cologne in a restaurant that serves spicy food can result in an interesting mix of scents.

Frequently asked questions