The Art Of Dabbing Cologne: A Guide For Men

Dabbing cologne is an art, and there are many ways to do it wrong. Too much cologne can be overpowering, so it's important to apply the right amount to the right places. Dabbing cologne on the pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears, is a common technique. This allows the natural aromatics to warm up throughout the day and interact with your skin chemistry. It's also important to prepare your skin adequately by ensuring it's clean and moisturized before applying cologne. Additionally, avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this can decrease its longevity and complexity.

How to dab cologne on your wrists

Dabbing is one of the two popular ways to apply cologne, the other being spraying. To apply cologne by dabbing, you need to identify the pulse points on your body. These are areas where your heart pulse can be felt, and they include the wrist, neck, behind the ears, inside the elbow, and behind the knee.

Pulse points emit more heat than the rest of your body, making them the best spots to apply cologne. The warmth of your blood intensifies the scent, helping it to last longer and smell better.

To apply cologne to your wrists, start by preparing your skin. Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and ensure an even surface, and apply an unscented or subtly-scented moisturiser to prevent any overwhelming combination of fragrances.

Once your skin is prepared, you can begin the process of dabbing cologne onto your wrists. Open the bottle and lightly tap or dab the cologne onto your wrists. Use a small amount of cologne on each wrist for a subtle yet long-lasting scent. You can then use your wrists to press the cologne into your skin, ensuring it sits below the skin in the pulse point.

Remember, when it comes to applying cologne, less is more. Start with a small amount and gradually build up if needed. A subtle and well-placed application can leave a lasting impression.

How to dab cologne on your neck

Dabbing cologne on your neck is a great way to make your fragrance last longer and smell more intense. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to dab cologne on your neck effectively:

Step 1: Prepare Your Skin

Before applying cologne, it is crucial to prepare your skin to ensure that the scent lasts longer and smells better. Start by cleansing your skin in the shower, using a gentle, unscented or subtly scented soap or body wash to avoid conflicting fragrances. Exfoliate your skin regularly to remove dead skin cells and create an even surface for the cologne to adhere to. After showering, dry your skin completely, as fragrance lasts longer on dry skin.

Step 2: Choose the Right Cologne

Selecting a cologne that complements your natural body chemistry is essential. Consider testing different colognes to find one that suits your preferences and interacts well with your skin. Spray a small amount on your wrist and give it time to settle, allowing you to gauge how it interacts with your body chemistry. Observe the longevity and intensity of the scent throughout the day to make an informed decision.

Step 3: Identify Pulse Points

Pulse points are areas on your body where you can feel your pulse, and they emit heat, intensifying your cologne's scent. The neck is one of the key pulse points, along with the wrists and behind the ears. These areas provide an ideal canvas for your cologne, enhancing its projection and longevity.

Step 4: The Dabbing Technique

Now it's time to dab! Lightly dab or tap a small amount of cologne onto your neck, focusing on the areas where you can feel your pulse. Avoid rubbing the cologne, as this can alter the fragrance and cause it to fade faster. The dabbing technique ensures a more subtle yet long-lasting scent.

Step 5: Maximise Longevity

To make your cologne's scent last even longer, consider layering complementary scents. Apply a non-scented or subtly scented moisturiser before applying your cologne, as this provides a perfect base for the fragrance to adhere to. Additionally, store your cologne properly, keeping it away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to preserve its quality.

Step 6: Avoid Common Mistakes

It's important to avoid common mistakes, such as over-application. Remember, less is more when it comes to cologne. Apply sparingly and strategically to ensure the scent lasts all day without becoming overpowering. Also, refrain from spraying cologne directly onto your clothes, as it can stain or damage them, and it prevents the cologne from interacting with your natural body oils.

How much cologne is too much?

The whole point of cologne is to smell alluring, but applying too much can have the opposite effect on those around you. Cologne is very strong in scent, so too much can leave your (and others) nostrils in disarray.

The key to application is not to overdo it. Less is more when it comes to cologne, and it is better to experiment by slowly adding than putting on too much and having to shower to remove the smell.

When applying cologne, there are a number of key 'pulse points' that you should hit. Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt. These are the best spots to apply scent, due to the warmth of your blood. The points are located behind your ear, at the bottom of your throat, on your wrist, inside your elbow, and behind your knee.

If you are applying cologne with a spray nozzle, one spritz to each pulse point is best practice. If you are applying cologne without a spray, you can use your wrist or a cotton ball to dab a small amount onto each pulse point.

Remember, the aim is to smell good, not to overpower people around you with your scent.

How to apply cologne without spraying

Choose Your Scent

Firstly, you need to select a fragrance that suits your style and the occasion. You could opt for a notable name brand or a niche style. Alternatively, choose a cologne based on the season or situation.

Apply to Your Pulse Points

Apply the cologne to your pulse points, which are areas of your body where your blood flow is closest to the skin. The pulse points include the base of the neck, the inside of the wrists, and behind the ears. The natural aromatics will warm up slowly throughout the day, interacting with your skin chemistry to produce their best, most fragrant notes.

Dab, Don't Rub

If you're applying cologne from a bottle without a sprayer, place your fingertip or wrist over the opening, turn the bottle upside down, then set it down. You'll have a small amount of cologne on your skin, which you can then dab onto your pulse points. Do not rub it into your skin, as this can damage the scent molecules and alter the natural scent of the cologne.

Store Your Cologne Properly

To make your cologne last longer, store it in its original box, or in a dark drawer or cabinet. Keep it somewhere cool and dry, and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or fluctuations in temperature.

Apply to Your Hair

You can also apply cologne to your hair, although this may make it oily. There are specific hair fragrances available, or you can use a pure perfume oil or a water-based formula.

Other Tips

• Apply cologne after showering, as the moisture will help the cologne diffuse properly across the skin.
• Do not apply cologne to cover up body odour, or to your armpits or underwear, as this will not be effective and could be unpleasant.
• Do not spray cologne onto your clothing, as it is designed to mix with the natural oils of your skin. However, you can dab a small amount onto your clothes, as long as it is not something that can stain, like silk.

How to choose the best scent for you

Choosing a cologne is a personal journey that can elevate your style and leave a lasting impression. The right cologne can complement your unique essence, reflect your individuality, and enhance your overall presence. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect scent:

Understand Your Body Chemistry

Your body chemistry plays a crucial role in how a cologne will smell on you. Factors such as skin type, pH level, water content, melanin (skin pigmentation), and natural body odour can influence the way a fragrance evolves on your skin. Oily skin and darker skin tones tend to retain scents longer and pair well with oriental, heavy fragrances or those with spices, sweetness, floral, balsamic, musky, and leathery notes. On the other hand, dry, fair, and acidic skin may benefit from more citrusy, green, ozonic, aromatic, fruity, floral, and woody notes. Understanding your skin type and pH level will guide you towards fragrances that complement your unique chemistry.

Explore Different Fragrance Families

Colognes are categorized into fragrance families such as floral, woody, oriental, leather, fruity, musky, sweet, aromatic, and fresh. Each family has its unique characteristics, and by exploring these families, you can discover the scents that align with your personal preferences and style. For instance, woody fragrances are often described as having depth and richness, while aromatic and citrus colognes are bright, refreshing, and energizing, making them ideal for everyday wear. Spicy and leather options, on the other hand, are more sensual and better suited for specific occasions.

Research Fragrance Notes and Families

Before diving into the world of fragrances, take the time to research different fragrance notes and families. Look for ingredients and natural essences that resonate with your preferences. Understanding the different fragrance families and the natural essences that compose them will help you narrow down your favourite scents and create a unique perfume that reflects your style.

Sample Fragrances

Sampling fragrances is an essential part of the selection process. Apply the colognes to your pulse points and allow them to develop on your skin for a few hours. Observe how the scent evolves during this time before making a final decision. You can request samples from fragrance boutiques or purchase discovery sets to try out different colognes at your leisure.

Consider the Season and Occasion

Adapt your fragrance choices to match the time of year and the specific event you're attending. Lighter, fresher scents are typically ideal for warmer months and daytime events, while richer and deeper scents are more suitable for cooler evenings or special occasions. For example, a bright and citrusy cologne like Chanel Bleu de Chanel is perfect for guys looking for their first cologne, while a warm and spicy fragrance like Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit de l'Homme is ideal for date nights.

Layer Fragrances for Personalization

Create a unique and personalized scent by layering different fragrances. Combine complementary scents to tailor your fragrance to your preferences and make it truly your own. This technique allows you to explore new dimensions of perfumery and craft a signature scent that is distinctly yours.

Seek Recommendations and Guidance

Don't hesitate to seek recommendations from friends, fragrance experts, or scent designers. They can provide valuable insights and guide you towards perfumes that align with your tastes and desired scent profile. Their advice can help you navigate the vast world of fragrances and find the perfect match for your unique self.

Frequently asked questions