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 — the one whose overpowering scent lingers in everyone's nostrils long after he's gone. Apply too little and your fragrance will fade almost immediately. So, how do you strike the right balance?

Firstly, it's important to understand the different concentrations of cologne. Cologne is actually one of the weakest categories of fragrances, with a concentration of just 2-4% perfume oil. Other categories include Eau Fraiche (1-3% oil), Eau de Toilette (5-8%), Eau de Parfum (8-15%), and Parfum (15-30%). The higher the concentration, the more expensive the cologne tends to be, but also the stronger and longer-lasting.

When applying cologne, always start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. If the scent fades quickly, choose another area and apply a second spray. You can also ask a friend or family member for their opinion, as it's easy to become nose-blind to scents you wear often.

It's generally recommended to apply cologne directly to the skin rather than clothing. This allows the fragrance to interact with the natural oils and pH of your skin, enhancing and prolonging the scent. The best spots to apply cologne are the pulse points: areas where your heart pulse can be felt, such as the neck, wrists, behind the ears, and inside the elbows. These areas produce more body heat, which helps the fragrance diffuse throughout the day.

It's also a good idea to apply cologne after showering, as this will ensure your skin is clean and your pores are open, helping the scent absorb. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body when spraying, to avoid over-application.

Apply to pulse points

Applying cologne to your pulse points is a great way to make your fragrance last longer and smell more attractive. Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt, and the warmth of your blood helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day.

• Start with a light application: Choose one pulse point, such as your neck, wrists, or forearms, and start with one spray. You can always add more if needed, but it's better to avoid over-application.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away: Holding the bottle too close can lead to over-application, while spraying from too far away may result in under-application. The ideal distance is 3-6 inches from your body, which allows for a focused application without concentrating too much on one spot.
• Don't rub the cologne: Rubbing the cologne into your skin can break down the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing the scent to fade faster. Instead, simply spray or dab it on and let it dry on the skin.
• Choose one or two pulse points: Applying cologne to multiple pulse points can be overwhelming for those around you. It's best to choose a few spots and keep the application subtle.
• Reapply if needed: Depending on the type of cologne and the occasion, you may need to reapply. When reapplying, dab a small amount onto your pulse points.
• Be mindful of your surroundings: Avoid applying too much cologne in indoor areas, as some people may be sensitive or allergic to fragrances.
• Consider the occasion: Choose different colognes for different occasions. For example, a light, citrus-based scent may be more suitable for afternoons or workplace environments, while a stronger, spicy or musky scent may be better for evenings out.

Don't overdo it

The most important thing to remember when applying cologne is not to overdo it. You want to smell good without imposing your fragrance on everyone who comes near you. Heavily applied colognes can lead to coughing, trouble breathing, headaches, or nausea, and in a 2016 survey, Vogue.com found that too much cologne was reason enough for a breakup.

• Choose one or two spots to apply cologne. Target the pulse points on your wrists and neck, as well as other heated areas of the body such as the chest, forearms, or inner elbows. These areas produce a lot of body heat, which will help the fragrance continue to smell good all day long.
• Hold the spray bottle 3-6 inches away from your body when applying. This will ensure you don't over or under-apply.
• Start with a light application. Choose one area to spray and see how the scent develops throughout the day. You can always add another spray next time if needed.
• Re-apply sparingly if needed, especially if you are going out in the evening. Simply dab a little onto your pulse points.
• Avoid spraying cologne on your clothing. This prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, which gives the cologne its unique quality. It can also harm certain fabrics.
• Don't rub the cologne into your skin. This changes the way the cologne smells and makes the scent fade faster. Instead, just spray or dab it on and let it dry.
• Don't mix cologne with other smells. Avoid wearing strongly-scented deodorant or aftershave that might clash with your cologne.
• Don't reapply too often. You'll quickly become used to the smell of your cologne and think it has worn off, but others will still be able to smell it. Once a day is usually enough.
• Ask for a second opinion. It's hard to judge how you smell yourself, so ask a friend or partner if your cologne is too strong.

Choose the right concentration

Choosing the right concentration of cologne is important to ensure you get the desired effect. The concentration of a cologne refers to the amount of fragrance oil it contains, which can range from 1-45%. The higher the concentration, the stronger the scent and the longer it will last.

There are seven types of fragrance concentrations to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics:

Eau Fraiche

Eau Fraiche has the lowest concentration of fragrance oil, ranging from 1-3%. It is usually made up of mostly water, with little to no alcohol. This type of cologne is ideal for those with sensitive skin, as it is less likely to cause irritation. Eau Fraiche provides a subtle, delicate aroma that is perfect for everyday use. However, due to its low concentration, it may need to be reapplied throughout the day.

Eau de Cologne (EDC)

Eau de Cologne typically contains 2-5% fragrance oil, although some sources state it can be as low as 2-4%. It has a refreshing and invigorating scent, making it perfect for warmer months or casual wear. The classic Eau de Cologne is composed of volatile citrus notes, providing an intense sensation of freshness. Due to its low concentration, it may need to be reapplied after a few hours.

Eau de Toilette (EDT)

Eau de Toilette has a higher concentration of fragrance oil, ranging from 5-15%. It is a popular choice for those who want something longer-lasting than Eau de Cologne but not as strong as Eau de Parfum. EDTs usually consist of alcohol, water, and fragrant oils, and sometimes other ingredients to improve texture and feel on the skin. They are relatively inexpensive and offer great value for money.

Eau de Parfum (EDP)

Eau de Parfum typically contains 15-20% fragrance oil, although some sources state it can be as high as 25%. It offers a richer scent and longer-lasting effect, making it ideal for those who want a signature scent that will last all day. The notes in an EDP travel closer to the skin, becoming stronger as they settle. Due to its strong blend, it can last up to 8 hours and only needs to be reapplied once or twice a day.

Parfum

Parfum has a high concentration of fragrance oil, ranging from 25-40%. It is a powerful and intense scent that will last anywhere from 8-12 hours. The higher concentration of oil makes it more expensive than other types of cologne. Parfum is ideal for those who want a strong fragrance that will make them stand out.

Extrait de Parfum

Extrait de Parfum, also known as pure perfume, has the highest concentration of fragrance oil, ranging from 35-45%. It delivers an intense and complex scent that will last over 12 hours. Due to its high concentration, a little goes a long way, and you may find that you get better value for money with Extrait de Parfum compared to other concentrations.

When choosing the right concentration, consider the desired longevity, scent strength, and your budget. If you want a subtle, everyday fragrance, opt for Eau Fraiche or Eau de Cologne. For a longer-lasting scent, choose between Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, or Parfum. And for an intense, luxurious fragrance, Extrait de Parfum is the ideal choice.

Apply to clean skin

Applying cologne to clean skin is essential for getting the best benefits. Starting with a fresh, clean canvas ensures that no sweat, sebum, or other buildup interferes with the perfume oils. The shower cleanses your body of any other scents and opens your pores, providing a good base for the cologne. It won't smell good mixed with dirty skin, and if you spray it on dry skin, the scent may not last as long.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches from your body. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, while spraying any further than 6 inches may result in under-application. Spraying from this distance allows you to focus the scent on a specific target, such as a pulse point, without over or under-concentrating it.

Pulse points, or areas where you can feel your heartbeat, are ideal spots for cologne application. These include the insides of your wrists, the base of your throat, behind your ears, your chest, and the inside of your elbows. These areas are considered “warm” points on your body, and the heat helps the fragrance diffuse throughout the day, allowing it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent.

When applying cologne, less is more. Start with a light application, choosing one area, such as the neck or forearms, and begin with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply. You can always add more, but it's essential to avoid over-application, which can be overwhelming for those around you.

Additionally, avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this can alter the scent and cause it to fade faster. Instead, simply spray or dab it on and let it dry on the skin.

Don't mix with other scents

When applying cologne, it's important to avoid mixing it with other scents. This includes not only other fragrances but also scented body products like deodorant, body lotion, or hair mist. Mixing cologne with other scents can result in an unpleasant combination that detracts from, rather than enhances, your personal style.

The key to successful fragrance mixing is understanding how different fragrances interact with each other. Fragrances are categorized into different families based on their notes, and combining fragrances from complementary families will result in a harmonious scent. For example, floral scents are often combined with citrus or fruity notes to create a fresh and invigorating fragrance, while woody scents are paired with floral or spicy notes to achieve a warm and comforting effect.

However, it's important to use fragrances from the same family when layering, as combining different notes from various fragrances can be challenging and may result in a headache-inducing mix. For instance, pairing florals with other florals is not recommended, but florals can be successfully mixed with citrus notes to create a fresh and light fragrance.

Additionally, when creating a signature scent, it's crucial to start with a base scent and gradually layer other fragrances on top. This ensures a well-balanced fragrance that isn't overpowering. It's also important to experiment with different combinations and trust your instincts when mixing fragrances.

By understanding fragrance families and following these guidelines, you can successfully avoid mixing your cologne with other scents and create a unique and personalized fragrance.

Frequently asked questions