The Art Of Applying Cologne: A Guide For Men

Applying cologne is an art form. Done properly, it can make you feel more attractive and confident. Done improperly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly. Here are some tips on how to apply cologne effectively:

- Apply to clean skin, preferably immediately after showering, as this will help the scent absorb better.

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

- Target pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, and chest, as these are the warmest points on your body and will help the scent project better.

- Start with a light application - one spray on the neck or forearms is usually enough. You can always add more if needed.

- Avoid spraying cologne on your clothing, as this can prevent it from mixing with your natural oils and may damage certain fabrics.

- Don't rub the cologne into your skin, as this can make the scent fade faster.

- Be mindful of the concentration of your cologne - stronger concentrations may require fewer sprays.

Apply cologne to pulse points

Pulse points are the areas on your body where you can feel your pulse. This is because there is an artery close to the surface of your skin, and your heart is pumping blood through it. These spots are warmer due to the proximity of contracting blood, which helps to diffuse the fragrance, making it more effective and long-lasting.

There are nine pulse points on the body, including the foot, temples of the head, neck, and inner wrist. When applying cologne, you should focus on two to four of these pulse points. The number of pulse points you apply cologne to depends on the strength of the cologne. The stronger the cologne, the fewer pulse points you should use.

For everyday use, apply cologne to the neck area, as there are pulse points on each side of the throat. You can also spritz your inner wrist or chest. If you are going out, you may want to apply cologne behind your ears so that people can smell it when they get close to your face.

Other pulse points include the inside of the elbow and the back of the knee. Applying cologne to these areas can help to subtly increase the overall strength of the scent. The back of the knee is particularly good when wearing shorts or spending time outdoors, as there is room for the scent to travel.

Spray from 3-6 inches away

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

Holding the bottle at this distance allows you to focus the scent on a specific target, in this case, the pulse points on your wrists and neck. These are the “warmest” points on your body, and applying cologne here helps to build the best projection and sillage for your scent.

When applying cologne, it is also important to remember that less is more. You want the cologne to complement your own scent, not drown it out. It should be a subtle hint of fragrance that draws people in, not something that overpowers them.

If you are applying cologne to your wrists, be sure to spray the outside of your arms rather than the inside of your wrists. This will make the scent last longer as it is less likely to be rubbed off.

Finally, be sure to let the cologne dry before putting on a shirt. This will ensure that the scent stays mostly on your body, and your body heat can keep the scent active.

Start with a light application

When applying cologne, it's important to start with a light application to avoid over-application. Choose one area of your body, such as the neck, wrists, chest, or forearms, and start with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply. You can always add more cologne, but it's difficult to remove if you've applied too much.

The key is to complement your natural body scent, not drown it out. The cologne should be a subtle hint that draws people in, rather than something overpowering. It should be discovered, not announced. A good test is that your cologne should be noticeable during a hug, not a handshake.

It's also important to apply cologne to clean, dry skin, as this helps the scent absorb and last longer. Applying cologne after a shower is ideal, as the shower will cleanse your body of any other scents and open your pores. Make sure your skin is completely dry before spraying cologne.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body. This distance allows for a focused application without over or under-concentrating the scent. Spraying too close can also cause too much alcohol concentration on the skin, which can be irritating.

If you're unsure about the amount of cologne you're applying, don't be afraid to ask a friend or family member for their opinion. It can be difficult to judge how you smell yourself, and others may be able to provide valuable feedback.

Don't spray on your clothes

Why you shouldn't spray cologne on your clothes

Spraying cologne on your clothes is one of the most common mistakes people make when applying cologne. Here are a few reasons why you should avoid doing this:

It prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils

The unique quality of a cologne comes from the way it mixes with your natural body oils. When you spray cologne on your clothes, you prevent this process from happening, which can result in a flat and monochrome scent.

It can be harmful to your clothes

Not only will spraying cologne on your clothes result in a less appealing scent, but it can also damage your clothing. Certain fragrances can stain or discolour fabrics, so it's best to avoid spraying them directly onto your clothes.

It won't last as long

The heat from your body helps to diffuse the scent of the cologne throughout the day. When you spray it on your clothes, the fragrance won't last as long because it's not being diffused by your body heat.

It can be wasteful

Spraying cologne onto your clothes can also be a wasteful practice. Much of the fragrance will be absorbed by the fabric, meaning that less of it will be noticeable to those around you. You'll likely need to use more cologne to achieve the same level of scent projection as you would if you sprayed it directly onto your skin.

How to apply cologne correctly

So, if you shouldn't spray cologne on your clothes, where should you apply it? The best spots to spray cologne are the heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas will help to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to develop your signature scent.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin and start with a light application. You can always add more if needed, but it's important not to overdo it. Remember, a little cologne goes a long way!

Apply after showering

Applying cologne after showering is a great way to ensure that your skin is clean and free of any other scents that may interfere with your cologne. It's also important to completely dry off your skin before applying cologne, as this will help the scent absorb better.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle about 3 to 6 inches away from your body. Start with a light application—one spray on your neck or forearms is usually enough. You can always add another spray in a different area if you feel you need more. Remember, it's better to apply too little than too much. You want your cologne to complement your natural body scent, not overpower it.

Apply cologne to the heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. These areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry, creating your signature scent.

If you're unsure about the amount of cologne you're applying, don't be afraid to ask a friend or family member for their opinion. Over time, you'll get a better sense of how much cologne you need and which areas of your body to target.

Frequently asked questions