The Art Of Spraying Cologne: A Guide For Men

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. Done properly, a man's cologne can be an important part of his personal style, making him feel more attractive and confident. However, get it wrong and you risk over-application or a scent that fades almost immediately. So, when is the best time to apply cologne, and where?

Pulse points

There are several pulse points to focus on when applying cologne. One of the most common is the wrist. The wrist is a great method for application as it is a pulse point itself and allows you to get more bang for your buck. Another common pulse point is the neck, specifically the bottom of the throat, which is recommended for everyday use. For a night out, you might want to apply a small amount behind the ear so that people can catch a whiff when they lean in to speak to you.

Other pulse points include the inside of the elbows, the back of the knees, and the ankles. These points are great if you're wearing shorts, a dress, or showing some leg. You can also spritz a bit of cologne on your chest, especially if you're wearing a low-cut top. Just be mindful not to stain your clothes, as fabric can absorb and sustain fragrance longer than your skin.

Skin, not clothes

The consensus is clear: cologne should be applied directly to the skin, not to clothing.

Spraying cologne on your clothes can easily ruin them, as cologne contains oils and alcohol that can damage fabrics. It also prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils, which gives it its unique quality.

Applying cologne to your skin allows the fragrance to interact with your body's natural oils and develop your signature scent. The warmth of your skin also allows the scent to disperse naturally, from top notes to dry-down notes.

So, when should you apply cologne to your skin? The best time is after a shower when your skin is clean and still warm, and your pores are open. This allows the cologne to absorb more efficiently and last longer.

When applying, hold the bottle about three to six inches from your body and target your pulse points—the warmest spots on the body where blood flows close to the skin. These include the neck, chest, wrists, inner elbows, armpits, and behind the ears.

Remember, less is more. Start with one spray and see how the scent develops. You don't want to be that guy who everyone can smell from a mile away.

Timing

The best time to apply cologne is after a shower when your skin is clean, dry, and still warm. This is because the steam and heat from the shower open up your pores, allowing the cologne to sink into your skin and last longer.

Applying cologne straight after showering also gives the fragrance a chance to mix with your body's natural oils, creating a unique scent.

If you moisturise after showering, the cologne will cling to your skin more easily and is less likely to evaporate over time.

If you're in a hurry, at least make sure your skin is clean and dry before applying cologne. Wash your arms if you're applying a balm or wax, and clean your neck if that's where the cologne will be applied.

Don't apply cologne to broken or irritated skin.

You can also apply cologne later in the day if you need to reapply.

Less is more

When it comes to cologne, a little goes a long way. The key to applying cologne is to be sparing and strategic. You want to leave a subtle impression, not an overpowering one.

The first step is to choose the right cologne. The higher the percentage of oil in the cologne, the longer it will last and the less you will need to apply. Eau de Toilette, for example, is a lower concentration of fragrance, lasting a few hours, whereas Eau de Parfum is stronger and will last longer.

Once you have your cologne, the next step is to apply it correctly. The best time to apply cologne is after a shower when your skin is clean and dry. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body and spray onto heated areas of the body such as the neck, chest, wrists, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day.

When applying, start with one spray on one area, such as the neck or forearms. You can always add another spray to a different area if you feel the scent is too faint. It is important to note that your nose may become accustomed to the scent, so consider asking a friend or family member for their opinion.

Remember, cologne should be an enhancement to your image, not the main event. So, when it comes to cologne application, less is definitely more.

Storage

The way you store your cologne can have a big impact on how long it lasts and its scent. If you want to preserve the smell and make your fragrance last longer, it's best to store it in a cool, dry place, like a drawer or cupboard in your bedroom. These areas are less prone to moisture, humidity and temperature fluctuations, and it's unlikely that they will affect your fragrance.

While some people keep their fragrances in the bathroom, this can be a bad idea. Direct sunlight should also be avoided as it can alter the fragrance notes and cause the scent to break down more quickly. The sun and strong exposure to light can break down the fragrance faster, and heat will make the alcohol and water in the cologne evaporate more quickly.

If you rarely use cologne, store it in the refrigerator. This removes many factors that can spoil a fragrance and will give you a refreshing boost during application.

Cool, dark and dry places are ideal for maintaining fragrances and can make most colognes last much longer than expected.

Frequently asked questions