The Art Of Wearing 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 almost immediately. Here are some tips on how to best put on cologne:

- Apply cologne after showering, as the steam from the shower opens your skin's pores so the scent will be absorbed better.

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

- Apply cologne to heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows.

- Start with a light application—one spray on one area is usually enough.

- Re-apply cologne if needed, especially if you're going out in the evening.

- Avoid spraying cologne on your clothes, 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 your surroundings and the people around you—less is usually more when it comes to cologne.

Spray from a distance of 6-9 inches

To apply cologne effectively, it is recommended that you spray the cologne bottle from a distance of 6-9 inches. This is the optimal distance to focus the scent on a specific target, in this case, the pulse points, without over or under-concentrating it. Spraying from this distance will prevent too much alcohol concentration on the skin, which can cause redness, while also minimising the loss of particles from a poorly targeted spritz.

Pulse points are areas on the body where the heart pulse can be felt, and are considered the best spots to apply cologne. These points include the wrists, neck, bottom of the throat, inside of the elbows, and behind the knees. The warmth from these areas helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day, allowing it to blend with your body chemistry to create a unique signature scent.

When applying cologne, it is important to avoid spraying too close to the skin. By holding the bottle about 6-9 inches away, you create a subtle mist that blends with your natural scent, rather than masking it. This mist allows you and those around you to pick up on the different fragrance notes as the cologne develops on your skin.

Additionally, spraying from a distance of 6-9 inches helps to prevent over-application. Applying cologne too heavily can be overpowering and unpleasant for those around you. A light application of cologne is recommended, with the option to add more if needed.

Apply to pulse points

Applying cologne to your pulse points is one of the best ways to make your scent last all day. Pulse points are areas of your body where your veins are closest to the skin, emitting more heat. As fragrance lifts better with warmth, it will react with your body heat to continuously release the scent.

Pulse points include your wrists, neck, the base of your throat, behind your ears, your chest, your inner elbows, and behind your knees. When applying cologne, one spritz per pulse point is enough. You can also use your wrist to press the cologne into your skin, so it sits below the skin at the pulse point and doesn't slowly fade throughout the day.

If you want to smell your perfume throughout the day, apply it to the pulse points closest to your nose, like your neck, chin, and collarbones. Applying cologne to your wrists and inner elbows allows you to smell your perfume whenever you feel like it. If you want to leave a scent trail for others, apply cologne to the back of your neck and the inside of your knees.

It's recommended that you apply cologne to your pulse points after a hot shower. The steam from the shower opens your skin's pores, allowing the scent to absorb better into your skin.

Don't rub it in

Rubbing cologne into the skin can actually make the scent fade faster. This is because it breaks down the molecular bonds in the fragrance, causing the notes to evaporate too soon and reducing its longevity.

Cologne is made up of complex top, middle and base notes, each of which is released in turn as the fragrance develops. By rubbing your wrists after applying cologne, you disrupt this process and prevent the scent from fully developing on your skin.

If you wish to transfer the scent, gently dab it onto your other wrist. This allows the fragrance to develop naturally and ensures that you get the full experience of the cologne.

It is also recommended to avoid spraying cologne onto your clothes. This prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, giving it its unique character. Spraying cologne directly onto fabric can also cause staining and discolouration, especially with more concentrated, darker perfumes.

To make the most of your cologne, apply it directly to your skin, allowing it to mix with your body's natural chemistry.

Apply to the neck and chest

Applying cologne to the neck and chest is a great way to ensure your scent is long-lasting and subtly projects throughout the day. These areas are known as pulse points, where veins run close to the skin's surface and emit more heat. The heat from these areas will help your cologne to diffuse throughout the day and react with your body heat to continuously release the scent.

When applying cologne to the neck, it is best to target the base of the throat. You can also apply cologne to the back of the neck if you want to leave a scent trail for others to enjoy as you walk by.

For the chest, it is recommended to spray once from about 6-9 inches away. You can add a second spray if necessary, but be mindful not to overdo it. You want the cologne to complement your natural scent, not overpower it. Allow the cologne to dry before putting on a shirt so that it sits mostly on your body and your body heat can activate the scent.

If you are heading out to a noisy social scene, you may want to apply a small amount of cologne behind your ears. This way, when people lean in to speak to you, they will be met with an attractive scent.

Reapply if needed

Depending on the type of cologne you use, you may need to reapply it, especially if you are going out in the evening. When reapplying, simply dab a little onto your pulse points.

Pulse points are areas where your heart pulse can be felt, and they include your wrists, neck, bottom of your throat, inside your elbow, and behind your knee. These are the best spots to reapply scent to, due to the warmth of your blood. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

When reapplying cologne, it is important to remember not to over-apply. Cologne should complement your own scent, not drown it out. It should be a hint of fragrance that draws people in for more, not something that hits them over the head.

If you are going to reapply cologne to your clothing, it is best to spray it on a small area such as the collar or cuff, rather than all over your clothes. Keep in mind that some fragrances may interact with certain fabrics and leave stains or discolouration, so it is important to test a small, inconspicuous area first.

Frequently asked questions