Applying Cologne To Your Wrists: The Right Way

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. The wrist is a great place to apply cologne as it is a pulse point, an area on your body where your heart pulse can be felt. These are the best spots to apply scent due to the warmth of your blood. However, some people believe that applying cologne to the wrist is inefficient, as it can be easily rubbed off by laying your hands on tables or washing your hands. Here are some tips on how to apply cologne to your wrist correctly.

Don't rub your wrists together

Rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne is a common practice, but it's not always the best idea. While it may seem like a harmless way to distribute the scent, there are a few reasons why you should avoid doing so:

It Can Alter the Scent:

Some experts claim that rubbing your wrists together after spraying cologne can change the way the scent performs on your skin. Complex fragrances are typically made up of top notes, middle or heart notes, and base notes. Top notes are lighter and more delicate, while base notes are heavier and longer-lasting. By rubbing your wrists together, you can disrupt these notes, particularly the lighter top notes, and alter the intended scent experience.

It May Reduce Longevity:

Rubbing your wrists together can also affect the longevity of the cologne. The friction generated by rubbing can cause the fragrance to dry faster, especially if it's an alcohol-based spray. As a result, the scent may not last as long as it would if you had simply let it air dry.

It's a High-Traffic Area:

The wrists are considered a "high-traffic" body part, meaning they come into contact with other surfaces frequently. Throughout the day, you may wash your hands, lay your wrists on tables, or engage in other activities that can rub off the fragrance. As a result, the scent on your wrists may not last as long as it would in other areas, such as the neck, chest, or inner elbows.

It's Unnecessary:

Rubbing your wrists together is simply not necessary for effective cologne application. The heat of your skin should be enough to help the fragrance absorb and disperse. If you feel the need to distribute the scent more evenly, a light tap or gentle pat of the wrists is preferable to vigorous rubbing.

It Might Be Unhygienic:

In certain situations, rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne could be unhygienic. For example, if you work in an office or handle food, rubbing your wrists on surfaces or objects could transfer the fragrance to places where it shouldn't be. It's always important to be mindful of your surroundings and avoid potential contamination.

Apply to the crease of your arm

Applying cologne to the crease of your arm is a great way to make the most of your fragrance. This area, known as the inner elbow, is a pulse point, which means it's a spot where your heart pulse can be felt. These areas are ideal for applying cologne because the warmth of your blood helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day, allowing it to meld with your body chemistry and develop your signature scent.

When applying cologne to the crease of your arm, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin. This will ensure that you don't over-apply or under-apply. Spray the cologne onto the crease of your arm, and avoid rubbing it into your skin as this can disrupt the molecular bond of the fragrance.

If you're experiencing redness or irritation when applying cologne to the crease of your arm, it's recommended to moisturise the area before application. Using an unscented lotion can help to create a barrier between your skin and the cologne, reducing the likelihood of irritation. Additionally, be sure to remove any residue at the end of the day with a sensitive skin cleanser.

Applying cologne to the crease of your arm is a great way to enhance your fragrance's projection and longevity. However, it's important to remember that this area may have more contact with other surfaces, especially if you wear a watch or work in an office. As a result, the fragrance may rub off more quickly.

You can also apply cologne to other pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and chest. These areas generate heat, helping to diffuse the fragrance. Remember, when it comes to cologne application, less is more. Start with a light application and re-apply if needed.

Avoid spraying on clothes

While spraying cologne on your clothes may seem convenient, especially if you're in a hurry, it's not the best idea. Here's why you should avoid spraying cologne directly onto your clothes:

It Can Damage Your Clothing

Perfumes and colognes contain chemicals that can potentially stain or discolour your clothes. This is especially important to consider if you're spraying on a small area, such as the wrist, as the concentration of the fragrance will be higher and more likely to cause damage. It's best to avoid spraying cologne directly onto your clothes to prevent any accidental stains or discolouration.

The Scent Won't Last

The scent of cologne applied directly to clothing tends to be short-lived. This is because the fragrance doesn't have the opportunity to mix with your natural body oils, which gives it its unique character. When cologne is applied to the skin, it interacts with your body chemistry, allowing the scent to develop and evolve throughout the day. By applying it to your clothes, you miss out on this key aspect of wearing a fragrance.

It May Affect the Scent

Spraying cologne on your clothes can prevent the scent from going through its intended stages of development. Fragrances are carefully designed with top, middle, and base notes that unfold over time. By spraying on your clothes, you may disrupt this process, resulting in a flat and monochrome scent.

Alternative Application Methods

Instead of spraying on your clothes, try applying cologne to your pulse points, which are areas of your body where you can feel your heart pulse. Common pulse points include the neck, wrists, inside of elbows, and behind the ears. These areas emit more heat than other parts of your body, which helps to activate and maximise your cologne. Remember to hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin to ensure an even and controlled application.

Additionally, you can try spraying cologne across the top of your forearm, where it will catch the air, or on your hair and shirt collar if you want the scent to last longer. These areas provide a larger surface area for the fragrance to settle and will allow you to enjoy the full development of the scent throughout the day.

Don't overdo it

Cologne is a very strong scent, so it's important not to over-apply it. You don't want to be "that guy" with an overpowering fragrance that lingers in people's nostrils long after you've left the room.

The key to applying cologne is to start with a light application and then slowly add more if needed. Choose one area, like the neck or wrists, and begin with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spritz there the next time you apply.

It's a good idea to get a second opinion, as it can be hard to judge how you smell yourself. Ask a friend or family member if your application is appropriate.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-application, while spraying from further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application.

It's also important to remember that cologne should be a subtle enhancement to your image. You want people to notice you, not your cologne. If you're going to be in an enclosed space, like an office or restaurant, be mindful that your fragrance could mix with other scents and become overpowering.

In addition, avoid applying cologne to areas where you tend to sweat excessively, as this can alter the scent in unappealing ways.

Finally, don't reapply cologne too often. You'll quickly become used to the smell and think it's worn off, but others will still be able to detect it. Once a day is usually enough.

Moisturise your skin first

Before applying cologne, it is important to moisturise your skin. This is because dry skin is bad for fragrance longevity. By moisturising, you can ensure that your skin is soft and hydrated, allowing the cologne to lock onto your skin.

Firstly, take a shower to open your pores and cleanse your body of any other scents. Then, apply an unscented body lotion, moisturiser, or Vaseline to the areas you plan to spray. It is important to note that you should wait for the moisturiser to be fully absorbed before applying cologne. This will prevent the cologne from mixing with the moisturiser, which can alter the scent.

Additionally, consider using a fragrance-free moisturiser or one with a neutral scent. While "fragrance-free" moisturisers contain odour-cancelling ingredients, they may still interfere with the scent of your cologne.

By moisturising your skin before applying cologne, you can improve its longevity and ensure that your skin remains pliant and receptive to the fragrance.

Frequently asked questions