The Art Of Spraying Cologne: A Guide To Mastering The Scent

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. To avoid being that guy who wears too much cologne, it's important to apply sparingly and strategically. Here are some tips on how to correctly spray cologne:

- Apply cologne to the pulse points or warmest areas of the body, such as the neck, wrists, chest, and inner elbows. These areas help diffuse the scent throughout the day.

- Hold the spray bottle 3-6 inches away from the body to avoid over-application or under-application.

- Start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. Reapply if needed throughout the day.

- Apply cologne to clean, dry skin after showering. The shower opens up the pores, helping the scent absorb better.

- Avoid spraying cologne on your clothing, as it prevents the scent from mixing with your natural oils and can be harmful to certain fabrics.

- Don't rub the cologne into the skin, as it can make the scent fade faster by breaking the molecular bond.

- Be mindful of your lifestyle and the potential interactions with other scents, such as food or smoke.

- Store cologne in a cool, dark, and dry place to prolong its shelf life.

Apply cologne to pulse points

Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt. These are the best spots to apply cologne, due to the warmth of your blood. The cologne will be activated or become stronger and more effective.

The wrists are perhaps the most common place to apply cologne and are also a pulse point. Your wrists are a great way to spread your scent to other pulse points. Avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this can break down the top notes of the cologne and affect the way the scent develops on your skin. Instead, lightly dab your wrists together or dab them on other pulse points.

Another pulse point to focus on is the neck, specifically the bottom of the throat. This is a good choice for everyday use. If you are going out to a social event, you might want to apply a small amount behind the ear so that people get a hint of your scent when they lean in to speak to you.

The inside of the elbows is another pulse point to consider. If you are wearing long sleeves, the cologne will spread its scent through the fabric of your clothes. Similarly, applying cologne to the backs of the knees will ensure that your every movement is accompanied by a hint of your signature scent.

Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your skin

Holding the bottle at the correct distance from your body is crucial to applying cologne correctly. If the bottle is too close to your skin, you risk over-applying, and if it's too far away, you won't apply enough. The optimal distance is generally considered to be between 3 and 6 inches from your body. This allows the right amount of cologne to be applied without wasting any.

Holding the bottle at this distance also helps to focus the scent on a specific target, usually a pulse point, without over or under-concentrating it. Pulse points are areas of your body where your heart pulse can be felt, such as your wrists, neck, behind your ear, the bottom of your throat, inside your elbow, and behind your knee. These are the best spots to apply cologne because the warmth of your blood helps the scent to diffuse throughout the day.

When applying cologne, it's important to remember that less is more. It's better to start with a small amount and add more if needed than to over-apply and have the scent be too strong. One or two sprays are usually enough, and you should choose one or two pulse points to apply the cologne to, rather than applying it all over your body.

Don't rub it in

Rubbing cologne into your skin is a big no-no. It might seem like a good idea to rub your wrists together after applying cologne, but this can actually dull the top notes of the scent, changing the way it smells. It also mixes the cologne vigorously with your natural oils, which can cause the scent to fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance.

Instead, simply spray or dab the cologne onto your skin and let it dry without rubbing it in. This will allow the cologne to soak into your skin and help it last longer.

If you're applying cologne from a bottle without a spray nozzle, use the dabbing method. Cover the open bottle with your finger, tip it upside down, then right it and put it down. Dab the liquid onto your skin where you want to apply the cologne. Remember, one small dab is enough—don't double-dab!

Apply after a shower

Applying cologne after a shower is one of the best ways to ensure the scent lasts longer. The hot water from the shower cleanses your skin and opens your pores, providing a good base for the cologne.

How to apply cologne after a shower

• Ensure your skin is completely dry before applying cologne.
• Hold the cologne bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body when spraying. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-application, and any further than 6 inches will likely result in under-application.
• Apply cologne to your pulse points, which are the warmest areas of your body. These include the neck, chest, wrists, and inner elbows. The heat from these areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent.
• Start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and apply cologne there the next time.
• Reapply cologne if needed. Depending on the type of cologne, you may need to reapply, especially if you are going out in the evening. When reapplying, simply dab a little onto your pulse points.
• Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin after application, as this can change the scent and cause it to fade faster.
• Avoid applying cologne to areas where you sweat excessively, as less appealing smells may mix with the cologne in an unpleasing way.
• Choose different colognes for different occasions. You may prefer a lighter, citrus-based scent for the afternoon and a stronger, musky scent for the evening.

Tips for applying cologne

• Do not spray the cologne into the air and walk through it. This method will result in most of the cologne ending up on the floor rather than your body.
• Do not apply cologne to your clothing. Applying cologne to your skin allows it to mix with your natural oils, creating a unique scent. Applying cologne to clothing can also damage certain fabrics.
• Do not mix cologne with other smells, such as strongly-scented deodorant or aftershave. These combinations may not smell pleasant together.
• Be mindful of your lifestyle when choosing a cologne. Drinking, smoking, and eating certain foods can alter the smell of your cologne.
• Store your cologne in a cool, dark, and dry place. Exposure to sunlight and rapid changes in temperature can cause the fragrance to break down faster.

Reapply to wrists when the fragrance wears off

Reapplying cologne to your wrists when the fragrance wears off is a great way to keep your scent going throughout the day. However, it's important to remember that your nose will get used to the scent, so just because you can't smell it, doesn't mean others can't.

If you're going to reapply cologne to your wrists, it's best to do so sparingly. One small dab or one spray should be enough. You don't want to overwhelm those around you with your scent.

It's also important to remember that cologne applied directly to the skin will last longer than cologne sprayed onto clothing. This is because the cologne interacts with the natural oils in your skin, creating a unique scent.

If you're going to reapply cologne, it's also a good idea to ask a friend if you've applied too much or too little. It can be difficult to judge how much cologne you're applying when you're the one wearing it.

Frequently asked questions