The Art Of Applying Strong Cologne: A Guide

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. Too much cologne can be overpowering and off-putting, while too little may not be noticeable at all. The key is to apply sparingly and in all the right places.

The first step is to choose the right cologne. This will depend on your body chemistry, the scent notes you find appealing, and where you plan to wear it. For example, a musky, sexy fragrance may be great for a night out, but a lighter fragrance may be better for summer.

Once you've chosen your cologne, it's important to apply it correctly. The best places to apply cologne are the pulse points or warmest areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, wrists, and inner elbows. These areas will project the scent more efficiently, meaning you won't need to use as much. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin when spraying, and remember that less is more—2-4 squirts are ideal.

It's also important to apply cologne to clean, dry skin, preferably right after a shower. This will ensure that the scent lasts longer and mixes well with your body chemistry. Reapply to your wrists if the fragrance wears off throughout the day.

Now that you know the basics of how to apply cologne, you'll be able to do it with confidence and make sure you don't cause a stink when you walk into the room!

How to Apply Strong Cologne

Apply to pulse points

Applying cologne to your pulse points is an important step in ensuring your fragrance lasts throughout the day. Pulse points are areas of your body that produce a lot of body heat, and this heat will help the cologne smell good for longer.

The insides of your wrists are good pulse points to apply cologne, as is the base of your neck and your chest. These areas will also allow your cologne to be noticed by those around you, such as someone hugging you or with their head close to your neck.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, hold the bottle around 3-6 inches away from your skin and apply sparingly. One small dab or spritz should be enough. Do not rub the cologne into your skin after applying it, as this can change the scent and make it fade faster.

You can also apply cologne behind your ears, but be careful not to apply it to your face or to broken or irritated skin.

Don't overdo it

It's easy to go overboard with cologne, but it's important to remember that less is more. You want to smell good without overwhelming those around you. Here are some tips to avoid overdoing it:

Choose the Right Concentration

Colognes come in different concentrations, which determine their strength and longevity. Traditional colognes (Eau de Cologne) typically contain 2-5% perfume oil and last around two hours. If you're looking for something stronger and longer-lasting, opt for an Eau de Parfum (15-20% perfume oil) or Parfum (15-30% perfume oil). These higher concentrations will be more expensive, but a little goes a long way.

Apply Sparingly

When it comes to application, a little cologne can go a long way. Start with one or two sprays, targeting your pulse points. These are the warmest areas of your body, such as your wrists, neck, chest, and inner elbows. The heat will help diffuse the scent throughout the day. If you feel like you need more, you can always add another spray, but it's better to start light and build up than to overdo it.

Avoid Rubbing or Over-Applying

Resist the urge to rub the cologne into your skin after application. This can break down the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing it to fade faster. Instead, let it dry on your skin. Similarly, avoid spraying too close to your skin, as this can lead to over-application. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body for the best results.

Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

Remember that your nose will get used to the scent, so just because you can't smell it doesn't mean others can't. Be mindful of the people around you, especially in enclosed spaces like an office. If you're going to be in close quarters with others, consider skipping the cologne altogether or opting for a lighter fragrance.

Reapply Discreetly

If your cologne has proven to be light or doesn't last long, a discreet reapplication may be necessary. However, be cautious not to overdo it. A single spray on your pulse points should be enough to freshen up your scent without overwhelming those around you.

Target heated areas

Applying cologne to the heated areas of your body is an important step in ensuring your fragrance lasts throughout the day. These areas, known as pulse points, are where your body produces a lot of heat, which helps to diffuse the scent.

The best spots to apply cologne are the neck, chest, wrists, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas are close to the veins, where you can feel your blood pumping, and are considered the warmest points on your body.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your skin and spray once or twice. Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this can change the scent and cause it to fade faster. Instead, let it dry on your skin.

You can also apply cologne to your chest, which will scent your shirt and provide a nice burst of fragrance for anyone you hug. However, be careful not to apply cologne to areas where you tend to sweat excessively, as less appealing smells can mix with the cologne and create an unpleasant odour.

In addition to targeting heated areas, it's important to choose the right type of cologne. Colognes with higher concentrations of perfume oils, such as Eau de Parfum or Parfum, tend to be longer-lasting.

Spray from a distance

When applying cologne, it's important to hold the bottle at the right distance from your body. Hold the spray bottle 3–6 inches from your body. Any closer than 3 inches risks over-application, and spraying further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application. This distance allows you to focus the scent on a specific target without over or under-concentrating it. It's the perfect balance between turning your skin red from too much alcohol concentration and losing too many particles from a poorly targeted spritz.

If your cologne has a spray bottle, do not spray right next to your skin; you don't want the liquid dripping down your shirt. It'll be way too strong, so hold it a few inches from your body and give yourself a light spritz.

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 sufficient; don't double-dab. Wash your hands after using this method, so you don't get cologne smell on everything you touch.

Don't rub it in

Rubbing in your cologne can be a common mistake when applying cologne, but it's important to resist the temptation.

Rubbing the cologne into your skin can actually make the scent fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance. Instead, you should simply spray or dab it on and let it dry on the skin. This will ensure that the fragrance lasts longer and smells as intended.

If you're using a spray cologne, hold the bottle about 3-6 inches from where you want to apply the scent, preferably targeting pulse points like the wrists, neck, and chest. These areas generate heat and will help to diffuse the fragrance.

If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, place one finger over the opening of the bottle and gently tip it upside down. Then, dab the scent onto your chosen area of skin. Remember, just one small dab is sufficient; don't be tempted to double-dab!

So, when applying cologne, resist the urge to rub it in. By following this advice, you'll ensure your fragrance lasts longer and smells just right.

Frequently asked questions