Applying Expensive Cologne: Tips For Getting The Most Scent

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. When done properly, it can help you feel more attractive and confident, but when done improperly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades almost immediately. Here are some tips on how to apply cologne correctly:

- Apply cologne directly to dry skin, preferably right after a shower when your skin's pores are most open.

- Hold the spray nozzle 3-6 inches from your skin while applying.

- Apply cologne to heat areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, wrists, inner elbows, and forearms. These areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day.

- Start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. You can always add more sprays or apply to additional areas if needed.

- Re-apply if necessary, especially if you are going out in the evening.

- Avoid spraying cologne on your clothes, as it can prevent the scent from mixing with your natural oils and may stain certain fabrics.

- Don't rub the cologne into your skin, as this can break the molecular bond and cause the scent to fade faster.

- Less is more – cologne should be discovered, not announced.

Pulse points: wrists, neck, cleavage, forearms, inner elbows

Pulse points are areas on the body where a heartbeat can be felt, and where the veins are closest to the skin. The blood flow in these areas generates more heat, which helps the fragrance develop faster and diffuse into the air. These pulse points include the wrists, neck, cleavage, forearms, and inner elbows.

The wrists are one of the most common areas to apply cologne. Apply the cologne to the inner wrists, where the pulse is strongest, and do not rub your wrists together to distribute the fragrance. Apply it to each wrist separately.

The neck is another common pulse point for cologne application. Apply the cologne to the base of the neck, just below the jawline, where the carotid artery is located, and the pulse is one of the strongest.

The inner elbows are also a good place to apply cologne. Applying fragrance inside the elbows allows the scent to bubble around you. It is important to have cologne diffusing from not only your core but also your limbs.

The cleavage or chest area is another pulse point for cologne application. This area can help to project the scent forward and make it more noticeable.

When applying cologne to pulse points, it is important to be mindful of the strength of the fragrance and adjust the amount applied accordingly. It is recommended to apply cologne to no more than two or three pulse points at a time to avoid overwhelming the senses.

Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from the skin

Holding the cologne bottle the correct distance from your skin is a crucial step in applying cologne. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your skin while applying. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, and spraying further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-applying. The recommended distance ensures that the cologne is dispersed properly onto your skin and prevents the liquid from dripping down your clothes.

When applying cologne, it is important to spray onto 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. Additionally, applying cologne to your skin helps prevent staining or damaging your clothing.

The best spots to spray cologne on the body are heated areas, including the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas emit heat, which helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

Don't rub it in

Rubbing cologne into the skin is a common mistake when applying cologne. It may seem like the logical thing to do, but it can actually cause the scent to fade faster. This is because rubbing the cologne breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance, weakening the scent.

Instead of rubbing the cologne into your skin, simply dab it onto your wrists and neck. If you are applying cologne from a bottle without a spray nozzle, place one finger over the opening of the bottle, tip it upside down gently, and then dab the scent onto your body.

Another common mistake to avoid is spraying a cloud of cologne and walking through it. While this may seem like a way to avoid over-application, most of the cologne will end up on the floor, rendering the cologne almost useless.

To apply cologne correctly, hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body and spray onto your heat points, such as your neck, chest, wrists, forearms, and inner elbows.

Apply after a shower

Applying cologne after a shower is a great way to ensure that your skin is clean and ready for the fragrance. Here are some detailed tips on how to apply cologne after showering:

Timing:

While you can apply cologne immediately after stepping out of the shower, some people suggest waiting for a brief period. This is because very warm skin can cause the top notes of the fragrance to evaporate faster, reducing its longevity. Waiting for your skin to cool down to its regular temperature can help the fragrance last longer. This could be around 15-30 minutes, or even an hour if you have time.

Skin preparation:

Make sure your skin is completely dry before applying cologne. You can also apply an unscented moisturiser to the areas you intend to spray, as this can help the fragrance absorb and last longer. However, if you're using a scented moisturiser, be careful to avoid areas where you plan to apply the cologne, as the scents may clash.

Application technique:

Hold the cologne bottle 3-6 inches away from your body when spraying. Any closer and you risk over-applying, any further and you may under-apply. Apply the cologne to your pulse points and naturally warm areas of the body, such as the neck, wrists, chest, inner elbows, and forearms. These areas emit heat throughout the day, helping the fragrance to diffuse and creating your signature scent as it mixes with your body chemistry. Avoid areas with too much friction, such as the crotch, armpits, and knees, as this can cause the scent to degrade faster.

Amount:

When applying cologne, less is more. Start with a light application—one spray on one area such as the neck or forearms is enough. You can always add another spray to a different area if you feel you need more. Over-application of cologne can be unpleasant for you and those around you.

Reapplication:

Depending on the type of cologne and how long you need it to last, you may need to reapply during the day, especially if you're going out in the evening. Simply dab a small amount onto your pulse points.

Choose the right cologne

Choosing the right cologne can be a daunting task, but it's important to remember that it's a very personal choice. The right cologne can boost your confidence, make you more attractive to others, and help you stand out from the crowd. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect cologne for yourself:

Understand the Notes

Colognes are made up of different notes, which can be thought of as the "lifecycle" of the cologne after application. There are typically three types of notes: top, middle or heart, and base notes. Top notes are the initial scents you smell after spraying, and they tend to be lighter and fresher, such as citrus or floral. Middle notes are the core of the cologne and last for a few hours. They often include spices like cinnamon or clove, and some fruity scents. Base notes are the boldest and tend to become more noticeable as the day progresses. These can include scents like sandalwood, moss, leather, and smoke. Understanding the notes will help you predict how the cologne will smell throughout the day and choose a cologne that suits your preference.

Consider the Season

Choosing a cologne that matches the season is a great way to narrow down your options. While some colognes work well year-round, you may want to consider having a signature scent for each season. For example, floral, citrus, and aquatic scents are perfect for summer, while warmer notes like tobacco, leather, and spice are ideal for winter. Spring and fall also have their unique scent families, with floral and citrus for spring, and patchouli, musk, and vanilla for fall.

Know Your Skin Type

Your skin type plays a crucial role in how a cologne will smell on you. Oily skin, for instance, can create longer-lasting and more powerful scents but may also lead to funky odors if too much oil combines with the cologne. In this case, opting for lighter fragrances and applying less cologne is recommended. On the other hand, dry skin breaks up cologne faster, so you may want to choose stronger fragrances designed for colder seasons. If you have sensitive skin, it's best to keep it simple and opt for fragrances with natural ingredients to avoid allergic reactions.

Sample Different Colognes

The best way to find the right cologne is to try them out. Sample different colognes and pay attention to how they interact with your body chemistry. You can ask for samples at retail stores or subscribe to sampling services that provide trial-size products. Remember, what smells good on someone else may not smell the same on you due to differences in body chemistry.

Trust Your Instincts

At the end of the day, choosing a cologne is a personal decision. Trust your instincts and go with what you think smells good on you. Everyone has unique preferences, and no two people will perceive a scent in the same way. So, if you find a cologne that makes you feel confident and suits your personality, go for it!

Frequently asked questions