The Art Of Applying Cologne: A Guide For Men

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. If not done properly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly. Here are some tips on how to apply cologne effectively:

- Apply cologne to pulse points, like the wrists, inner elbow, neck, chest, and behind the ears. These areas emit heat and help diffuse the scent throughout the day.

- Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin to ensure a fine mist covers the area without over-saturation.

- 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 cologne there the next time.

- Apply cologne to clean, dry skin after showering. The shower cleanses your body of any other scents and opens your pores, helping the scent absorb and mix with your natural oils.

- Avoid common mistakes such as rubbing the cologne into your skin, which can break down the fragrance molecules and alter the scent, and spraying it on your clothes, which can damage the fabric and prevent the scent from evolving naturally.

Apply to pulse points

Pulse points are the areas on your body where you can feel your pulse, as the artery is close to the surface of your skin. These spots are ideal for cologne application because they are particularly warm, and the close contact with contracting blood helps to diffuse the fragrance, making it more effective and long-lasting.

There are nine pulse points on the body, including the inner wrist, the temples of the head, the neck, behind the ears, the inside of the elbow, the back of the knee, the foot, and the chest. When applying cologne, you should focus on two to four of these pulse points.

For everyday use, it is recommended to apply cologne to the neck, as there are pulse points on each side of the throat. You can also spritz your inner wrist or chest for an added touch. This combination is suitable for a day at the office or a casual outing.

If you're going out to a social event, on a date, or to a lounge or bar, you might want to apply cologne behind your ears. This adds a subtle boost to the overall strength of the scent, and it gives people a pleasant aroma when they lean in close to you. You can also apply cologne to the area behind your knees, especially if you're wearing shorts or spending time outdoors, as it provides room for the scent to travel.

Remember, when applying cologne to pulse points, less is more. Start with a small amount and ask a trusted friend for feedback on the intensity. You don't want to overwhelm others with a strong scent. Additionally, be mindful of your skin type, as fragrances tend to cling longer to oily skin than to dry skin. Adjust the dose of cologne accordingly.

Spray from 6 inches away

When applying cologne, it's important to hold the bottle about 6 inches away from your body. This ensures a fine mist covers the area without over-saturating your skin. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, while spraying from further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application.

When spraying, target your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and inner elbows. These areas emit heat, helping to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allowing it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent.

If you're using a spray cologne, remember to apply it directly to your skin rather than your clothes. This is because fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin, enhancing and prolonging the scent. Applying cologne to your clothing can also cause staining and damage to the fabric.

For solid colognes, simply swipe your finger across the product and dab it onto your pulse points. This provides a more controlled and discreet application, making it perfect for touch-ups on the go.

Remember, when it comes to cologne, less is more. You want your scent to be a subtle enhancement that complements your natural body odour, rather than overwhelming it.

Start with one spray

When applying cologne, it's important to remember that less is more. Start with one spray on your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, or inner elbows. These areas emit heat and help diffuse the scent throughout the day. You can also try spraying your chest, behind your ears, or the back of your neck.

If you're using a stronger cologne, you may only need one spray. On the other hand, if you're using a weaker cologne, you may need to add an extra spray or two. It's important to find the right balance so that your cologne complements your natural scent without overwhelming it.

When spraying, hold the bottle about 3 to 6 inches away from your skin. This will ensure that you don't over-apply or under-apply. Apply the cologne to clean, dry skin, as this will help the scent last longer and mix better with your natural oils.

You can also try using solid cologne, which provides a more controlled and discreet application. Simply swipe your finger across the product and dab it onto your pulse points.

Remember, you can always add more cologne if needed, but it's difficult to remove it if you've applied too much. Ask a friend or family member for their opinion if you're unsure about the application amount.

Don't rub it in

Rubbing cologne into the skin can break down the fragrance molecules and alter the scent profile. This can also cause the scent to fade faster, as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance.

If you're applying a spray cologne, simply spray and let it dry. If you're using a solid cologne, swipe your finger across the product and dab it onto your pulse points.

If you want to lock in the scent, you can use an unscented moisturiser before applying your cologne.

Apply to clean skin

Applying cologne to clean skin is essential to ensure the scent lasts longer and mixes well with your natural oils. Ideally, you should apply cologne immediately after showering, as the shower will cleanse your body of any other scents and open your pores, allowing for better scent absorption.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body. This distance ensures a fine mist covers the target area without over-saturating the skin. Focus on applying cologne to your pulse points, such as your wrists, inner elbows, neck, chest, and behind your ears. These areas emit heat, helping to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allowing it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent.

It is recommended to start with a light application and choose one area, like the neck or forearms, for one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and apply cologne there the next time. You can always add more sprays, but it's essential not to over-apply, as this can be overpowering to others.

Additionally, it is best to avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this can break down the fragrance molecules and alter the scent. Instead, let it dry before putting on clothing, so your body heat can keep the scent active.

Frequently asked questions