The Art Of Applying Cologne: 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. The key is to apply sparingly and strategically, so the cologne lasts all day. The best spots to spray cologne are heated areas of the body, including the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. It's also important to hold the bottle 3-6 inches from the skin to avoid over or under-application.

Apply to pulse points

Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt. These points are located behind your ear, at the bottom of your throat, on your wrist, inside your elbow, and behind your knee. These are the best spots to apply cologne because the warmth of your blood helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body. Spray one pump onto your wrist and rub it onto your neck. If you feel like that's not enough, you can add a second pump. You can also apply cologne to multiple pulse points, but be careful not to overdo it. Remember, less is more when it comes to cologne. You want the scent to complement your natural body odour, not overpower it.

If you're going out in the evening, you may need to reapply cologne to your pulse points. Simply dab a small amount onto these areas.

It's worth noting that the optimal number of sprays will depend on the strength of the cologne. For lighter fragrances, such as citrus or floral scents, one or two sprays should be enough. For stronger fragrances, such as woody or musky colognes, you may need two or three sprays.

Spray from 6-9 inches away

When applying cologne, it's important to hold the bottle at the right distance from your body. Hold the spray bottle 6–9 inches from your body. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, while spraying any further than 6 inches will likely result in under-application.

Holding the bottle at this distance allows you to focus the scent on a specific target (the pulse point) without over or under-concentrating it. This distance strikes the perfect balance between avoiding too much alcohol concentration on the skin and losing too many particles from a poorly targeted spritz.

When applying cologne, it's also important to remember to apply sparingly and strategically so that the scent lasts all day. Choose one area, like the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. If you notice that your scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply.

You can also ask a friend or family member for a second opinion, as you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often.

Don't spray on clothes

Spraying cologne on your clothes is one of the most common mistakes people make when applying cologne. While it may seem convenient to spritz your fragrance onto your shirt as you're running out the door, this is actually one of the worst ways to apply cologne. Here are several reasons why you should avoid spraying cologne on your clothes:

It Prevents the Scent from Mixing with Your Natural Oils

Fragrances are designed to interact with the natural oils and pH of your skin. By applying cologne directly to your skin, you allow the scent to mix with your body chemistry, creating a unique signature scent. This process is hindered when cologne is applied to clothing, resulting in a flat and monochrome scent.

It Can Damage Your Clothes

The alcohol and other chemicals in cologne can be harmful to certain fabrics. Spraying cologne on your clothes can cause stains, discolouration, or even damage to the fabric. It's especially important to avoid spraying cologne on delicate or light-coloured garments.

It May Not Last as Long

The fragrance will not adhere to your clothes in the same way it adheres to your skin. As a result, the scent may not last as long, and you may find yourself needing to reapply more frequently.

It Can Be Overpowering

When you spray cologne on your clothes, it can be difficult to control the amount of fragrance you are applying. This can lead to over-application, resulting in an overpowering scent that may be unpleasant for those around you.

Alternative Application Methods

So, if you shouldn't spray cologne on your clothes, where should you apply it? The best places to apply cologne are the pulse points on your body, such as your wrists, neck, and chest. These areas produce a lot of body heat, which will help the fragrance continue to smell good throughout the day. When applying cologne, hold the bottle a few inches away from your skin and give yourself a light spritz. If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, use the dabbing method by covering the open bottle with your finger, tipping it briefly, and then dabbing a small amount onto your skin.

Apply after a shower

Applying cologne after a shower is a great way to ensure the scent lasts longer. The best time to apply cologne is immediately after a shower when your skin is still warm and your pores are open, which is ideal for fragrance application. However, if you take very hot showers, it might be a good idea to wait a while, until your body temperature has returned to normal, so that the top notes of your cologne don't evaporate too quickly.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle at least 3 inches away from your body. Spray it on your pulse points and naturally warm areas, such as your neck, wrists, chest, inner elbows, and forearms. These areas emit heat throughout the day, allowing the cologne to interact 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.

It is recommended to apply cologne directly to dry skin. Some people suggest applying cologne to wet skin and then rubbing it in, but this can alter the way the top notes smell. If you want to moisturize, do so before applying cologne, and make sure any moisturizer you use is unscented.

Finally, remember that less is more when it comes to cologne. Start with a light application and reapply if needed. You can always add more cologne as the day goes on, but it's better to under-apply at first.

Start with a light application

When applying cologne, it's important to start with a light application to avoid over-application. The key is to not overpower your own scent but to complement it. You want people to notice your cologne during a hug, not a handshake.

To start, apply one spray of cologne to one area of your body, such as your neck or forearm. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area, like your chest or pulse points, and spray there the next time you apply. You can also ask a close friend or family member for their opinion on whether the application is appropriate, as you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle about 3 to 6 inches away from your body. This distance ensures you don't over or under-apply. Apply the cologne to heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. These areas generate heat, helping to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allowing it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent.

It's recommended to apply cologne directly to your skin rather than your clothes. Fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin, enhancing and prolonging the scent. Applying cologne to your clothing can also lead to staining or damage.

If you're using a cologne without a spray nozzle, place one finger over the opening of the bottle, gently tip it upside down, and then dab the scent onto your body. Avoid rubbing it into your skin, as this can make the scent fade faster by breaking the molecular bond in the fragrance.

Frequently asked questions