The Art Of Applying Strong Cologne: A Guide

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. Cologne should be applied to the skin, not clothing, as the natural oils in your skin will interact with the fragrance to create a unique scent. Cologne should be applied to the pulse points, or warmest areas of the body, such as the neck, wrists, and chest. These areas will project the scent more efficiently, meaning less fragrance is required.

Apply to pulse points

Applying cologne to your pulse points is a great way to make your fragrance last longer and smell more intense. Pulse points are areas of your body that produce a lot of body heat, and the heat helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day. These areas include your neck, chest, wrists, inner elbows, and forearms.

• After showering and drying off, spray the cologne onto your pulse points. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin when spraying.
• Don't overspray. Two to four squirts are ideal.
• Don't rub the cologne into your skin after application, as this can damage the molecules and cause them to dissipate faster.
• If you need to reapply, spray under your clothes again or just stick to the wrists and neck.
• Don't spray cologne onto your clothes, as it can be harmful to some fabrics and prevent the scent from developing fully.
• Don't fall into the trap of spraying into the air and walking through it. This renders the cologne almost useless, as most of it ends up on the floor.
• Don't apply cologne to areas where you sweat excessively, as less appealing smells don't mix well with cologne.

Spray from 3-6 inches away

When applying cologne, it is important to hold the bottle at the right distance from your skin. The recommended distance is 3-6 inches. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-application, and spraying from further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application.

Holding the bottle at the correct distance will ensure that the correct amount of cologne is applied to your skin. This is an important step in the art of applying cologne, as over-application can be off-putting to those around you, while under-application will result in the scent fading too quickly.

To apply cologne correctly, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body and spray onto your heated areas, such as your neck, chest, wrists, forearms, or inner elbows. These areas are ideal as the heat will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent.

When applying cologne, remember to always apply sparingly and strategically, so that the scent lasts all day without being overwhelming.

Don't rub it in

When applying cologne, it's important to remember not to rub it into your skin. This is a common mistake that can alter the scent and reduce its longevity.

Rubbing cologne into your skin can break down the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing the scent to fade faster. Instead, simply dab the cologne onto your skin and let it dry. This will allow the fragrance to absorb into your skin and interact with your body chemistry, creating a unique scent that is truly yours.

If you're using a spray bottle, hold it 3-6 inches away from your body and apply it to your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and chest. These areas generate heat, which helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day. Start with one spritz and adjust as needed.

If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, you can apply it by covering the opening of the bottle with your finger, tipping it upside down, and then dabbing it onto your pulse points. Again, resist the urge to rub it in.

Remember, when it comes to cologne, less is more. You want to smell good without imposing your fragrance on everyone around you.

Avoid spraying on clothes

While it may be tempting to spritz your cologne onto your clothes, this is actually one of the worst ways to apply it. Here are some reasons why you should avoid spraying cologne on your clothes, as well as some alternative methods to achieve a long-lasting and pleasant fragrance.

Preventing the Fragrance from Developing

Spraying cologne directly onto your clothes prevents it from mixing with your natural oils and chemicals. This is important because it is this interaction with your body that gives the cologne its unique quality and allows it to develop through its different scent stages.

Harming the Fabric

The oils and alcohols in fragrances can also be harmful to certain fabrics, especially more delicate ones. To preserve your clothes, it is best to avoid spraying them directly with cologne.

Applying to the Skin

So, where should you apply your cologne? The best spots are the heated areas of your body, known as pulse points, which include the neck, chest, wrists, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas emanate more heat, allowing the scent to diffuse into the air and develop your signature scent as it interacts with your body chemistry throughout the day.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin and apply sparingly. You only need 2-4 squirts, and it's best to focus on just one or two pulse points so that the smell isn't overwhelming.

It is also recommended to apply cologne to clean, dry skin straight out of the shower. The shower will cleanse your body of any other scents and open your pores, helping the scent absorb and develop.

Reapplication

If you need to reapply your cologne throughout the day, it's a good idea to stick to spraying your wrists and neck, as it can be difficult to spray under your clothes while fully dressed.

Alternative Methods

If you're set on having your clothes smell like your fragrance, there are alternative methods to achieve this without spraying your cologne directly onto your clothes. One way is to spray the cologne onto your skin before getting dressed, allowing the scent to permeate your clothes as you put them on. Another suggestion is to spray the cologne onto a small area of your clothing, such as the collar or cuff, rather than all over. However, be sure to test a small, inconspicuous area first to avoid any potential staining or discolouration.

Reapply sparingly

Reapplication is an important part of wearing cologne, but it's important to be sparing. Your nose will get used to the scent, and you'll lose recognition of it after wearing it for a while. This is called "nose blindness" or "anosmia". However, just because you can't smell your cologne doesn't mean other people can't.

If your cologne has proven to be extremely light (citrus-forward scents are known for this), a discreet reapplication may be in order. A friend or partner could help you identify if a scent tends to stick around or not.

If you do need to reapply, simply dab a little onto your pulse points. These are the warmest points on your body, and will help the scent to project and perform to its fullest potential. Pulse points include your wrists, neck, chest, forearms or inner elbows.

When reapplying, hold the bottle about 3-6 inches from your body. Any closer than 3 inches and you risk over-applying; any further than 6 inches and you'll likely under-apply.

Remember, cologne should be a subtle enhancement to your image. Less is more.

Frequently asked questions