The Art Of Applying Cologne: Mastering Subtlety

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. Too much and you risk becoming that guy who chokes people with your overpowering scent, but too little and your fragrance might fade away before the day is done. The key is to apply sparingly and in all the right places.

Apply cologne to pulse points, like the wrists and neck

Applying cologne to your pulse points is a great way to make your fragrance last longer and smell more intense. The pulse points on your body are areas where you can feel your heartbeat through your veins, such as your wrists and neck. These spots are the "warmest" on your body, and applying cologne to these areas helps to build the best projection and sillage for your scent.

When applying cologne to your wrists, hold the bottle a few inches away from your skin and spray once or twice. You can then dab your wrists together a few times to prevent the alcohol from spreading and evaporating too quickly. Be sure not to rub your wrists, as this can change the scent of the cologne and make it fade faster.

You can also apply cologne to your neck, focusing on the area under the hinge of your jaw and behind your ears. This allows the cologne to mix with your natural scent, creating a unique fragrance. Remember, you don't need to apply cologne to all your pulse points; choosing just a few spots will help ensure that your scent is subtle and not overwhelming for those around you.

In addition to the wrists and neck, other pulse points you can apply cologne to include the chest and inner elbows. By applying cologne to these heated areas of the body, you can help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry.

Don't rub it in, dab it

Rubbing cologne into your skin is a common mistake when applying cologne. It may seem like the right thing to do, but it can actually make the scent disappear faster. So, when applying cologne, simply spray or dab it on and let it dry on the skin.

How to dab cologne on

If your bottle doesn't have a spray nozzle, use the dabbing method. Cover the open bottle with your finger, tip the bottle, then right the bottle and put it down. Dab the liquid on your finger in the area where you wish to apply the cologne. One small dab is enough; don't double-dab. Wash your hands after using this method, so you don't get cologne on everything you touch.

Where to dab cologne

Apply cologne to your pulse points. These are the areas of your body that produce a lot of body heat. The heat will cause the fragrance to continue to smell good all day long. The insides of your wrists are a good spot, as is your neck, chest, and behind the ears.

Avoid spraying on clothes

Spraying cologne on your clothes is one of the worst ways to apply it. Firstly, cologne is designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin, which helps to enhance and prolong the scent. When you spray it on your clothes, you prevent it from mixing with your natural oils, resulting in a flat and monochrome scent.

Secondly, spraying cologne on your clothes can be harmful to some fabrics and may cause staining or discolouration. Cologne contains alcohol, which can dry out and damage fabrics.

Thirdly, spraying cologne on your clothes can also be a waste of the product. Most of the cologne will end up on your clothes, but some of it will be wasted as it will fall onto the floor.

So, if you want to make the most of your cologne and ensure that it smells its best, avoid spraying it on your clothes. Instead, apply it directly to your skin, focusing on areas such as the wrists, neck, and chest, which generate heat and help diffuse the fragrance.

Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away

Holding the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body is the ideal distance to apply cologne without overdoing it. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, and spraying any further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-applying. This distance allows you to focus the scent on a specific target, usually a pulse point, without over or under-concentrating it. It is a perfect balance, ensuring that neither too much nor too little cologne is applied.

Pulse points are the areas of your body that produce a lot of body heat. The heat from these points will cause the fragrance to continue to smell good all day long. The insides of your wrists, your neck, behind the ears, your chest, and your pulse points are all good spots to target.

When applying cologne, it is also important to remember not to rub it into your skin. This changes the way the cologne smells and makes the scent fade faster. Instead, simply spray or dab it on and let it dry on the skin.

Start with one spray

How to Apply Cologne Without Overdoing It

The key to applying cologne is to remember that less is more. You want to smell good without overpowering those around you. Start with one spray on either your neck or your forearms. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area to spray the next time you apply. You can always add another spray, but it's harder to fix overapplication.

If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, use the dabbing method. Cover the open bottle with your finger, tip the bottle, then right the bottle and put it down. Dab the liquid on your finger in the area where you wish to apply the cologne. One small dab is sufficient; don't double-dab. Wash your hands afterward so you don't get cologne on everything you touch.

Pulse points

Apply cologne to your pulse points, the areas of your body that produce a lot of body heat. The heat will help the fragrance continue to smell good all day long. The insides of your wrists, your neck, behind your ears, and your chest are all good spots.

Other tips

• Take a shower first. The hot water will open your pores, providing a good base for the cologne.
• Don't rub it in. This changes the way the cologne smells and makes the scent fade faster.
• Don't mix cologne with other smells. You shouldn't wear cologne with strongly-scented deodorant or aftershave.
• Don't reapply too often. You'll quickly grow used to the smell of your cologne, but other people will still be able to smell it.
• Don't spray on your clothes. This can be harmful to some fabrics, and it won't be as effective as applying to your skin.
• Don't spray a mist and walk through it. This renders the cologne almost useless, as most of it ends up on the floor.

Frequently asked questions