The Art Of Applying Fragrance: 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 fragrance as a man:

- Apply cologne to your skin, not your clothes. Fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin. Applying cologne to the skin will also help prevent staining or damage to clothing.

- Apply cologne after showering. The shower cleanses your body of any other scents and opens your pores, which helps the scent absorb.

- Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body when spraying.

- Apply cologne to pulse points and heated areas of the body, such as the neck, wrists, inner elbows, and chest. These areas help distribute the fragrance and allow it to develop your signature scent.

- Start with a light application. You can always add more later if needed.

- Reapply cologne if necessary, especially if you are going out in the evening.

- Store cologne in a cool, dry place to make it last longer. Exposure to light, heat, or humidity can affect the fragrance and make it go stale.

Pulse Points: Neck, Wrists, Behind Ears, Inside Elbows

Pulse points are areas of the body that emit more heat than others. They are the perfect spots to apply fragrances because they help distribute the scent, giving you a more lasting fragrance.

The pulse points on the neck, wrists, behind the ears, and inside the elbows are common spots for spraying fragrances. These areas are where blood vessels are closest to the skin, and they tend to emanate more heat, diffusing your fragrance into the air.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body and spray it on either one or a combination of these pulse points. Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin as this can cause the scent to fade quickly. Instead, let the fragrance settle for a few minutes.

If you are worried about over-application, you can ask a friend for a second opinion. It can be challenging to evaluate how you smell, so an honest friend can tell you if your cologne is overpowering or just right.

Skin Prep: Shower, Moisturise, No Rubbing

Shower

Taking a shower before applying a fragrance is important for two reasons. Firstly, it cleanses your body of any other scents, preventing the fragrance from being corrupted by previous perfumes. Secondly, a hot shower will open your pores, allowing the fragrance's oils to seep into your skin.

Moisturise

It is recommended to moisturise your skin before applying a fragrance. This ensures that your skin doesn't absorb the fragrance too quickly, allowing it to radiate off you. Opt for a scentless moisturiser to avoid clashing with the fragrance. Some people also recommend rubbing a thin layer of Vaseline over the spray zones to create an extra barrier.

No Rubbing

After applying the fragrance, avoid rubbing it into your skin. This can break down the fragrance's molecular bond, causing it to fade faster and altering its scent. Instead, simply dab or spray the fragrance onto your skin and let it dry naturally.

Distance: Hold Bottle 3-6 Inches Away

When applying cologne, it's important to hold the bottle at the correct distance from your body. Hold the bottle too close, and you risk over-applying; too far, and you won't be applying enough. The general consensus is that you should hold the bottle 3-6 inches (or around 10-15cm) away from your body when spraying. This will ensure that the cologne is distributed evenly across your skin, creating a light, subtle fragrance.

Holding the bottle at this distance will also help you avoid wasting the product. If you're spraying a smaller area of your body, such as your wrists, you can hold the bottle a little closer (around 4 inches away) to ensure the cologne lands where you want it to.

It's worth noting that different atomisers perform differently. Some spray in a narrow, liquid stream, while others are more wide and vaporous. You may need to test your atomiser by spraying it in front of you and observing how the cloud dissipates to find the correct distance for your particular bottle.

Reapplication: Once Daily, Ask Others

The key to wearing cologne is to apply it in moderation. Less is always better than more, and you don't want to be overpowering. Cologne should subtly improve your appearance. When it comes to cologne, less is more; you don't want it to be overpowering.

The longevity of cologne depends on the type of scent and the quality of the product. A good rule of thumb is that one application in the morning should last throughout the day. However, if you want to reapply, do it no more than once daily.

Our nose gets accustomed to smells, so while you might not smell the cologne anymore, others around you may still do. Ask a friend or loved one if they think you need more or less cologne. It's challenging to evaluate how you smell, so don't hesitate to get a second opinion.

• Store your cologne properly: Keep it in a cool, dark place, such as a drawer or closet. Avoid exposing it to heat and light, which can weaken the scent.
• Moisturize your skin: Dry skin will immediately strip the fragrance of its top notes. Cologne lasts longer and is more effective on well-moisturized skin.
• Avoid rubbing it in: Cologne should sit on the skin's surface and absorb. Rubbing it in prevents you from experiencing the full range of top notes and progression, and it can also accelerate evaporation.
• Choose a stronger concentration: Colognes have a lower concentration of oils than other types of fragrances, such as eau de parfum or perfume, and therefore don't last as long. Opting for a stronger concentration may help your cologne last longer.

Storage: Cool, Dark Place, Original Box

Storing your fragrance in a cool, dark place is essential to keeping it fresh and preserving the scent. Fragrances are volatile, meaning they evaporate quickly when exposed to light and heat, so a cool, dark cupboard or drawer is ideal.

The original box is designed to protect the perfume from light and sudden temperature changes. It also helps to keep the bottle upright and stable, preventing any accidental spills or breakage. The cardboard may seem flimsy and irrelevant, but these boxes were made to hold the aromatic elixir within. Storing a bottle within the original box can drastically increase the life of a scent.

Choose a storage location that is cool, dry, and away from direct light. A bedroom drawer or a cupboard is ideal. Avoid places where the temperature fluctuates frequently, such as near windows, radiators, or in the bathroom. A consistent environment will help preserve the fragrance for a longer period.

The benefits of keeping your fragrance in a cool place are twofold. Firstly, it protects the perfume from its three main aggressors: heat, light, and humidity. Secondly, it maintains a stable temperature, keeping the perfume away from light and heat, and thus avoiding oxidation or chemical degradation.

Frequently asked questions