Choosing The Right Cologne: A Guide For Men

Choosing the right cologne is an art, and when done right, it can make you feel more attractive and confident. The key to wearing cologne is to be subtle and understated, allowing your scent to be discovered rather than announced. Here are some tips to help you choose and apply the right cologne:

- Start by researching different colognes online and narrow down a few options that you think you might like.

- When testing colognes, avoid using cards as they only allow you to smell the top notes. Instead, use scent blotters or test the cologne directly on your skin, applying it to your wrists or inner elbows.

- Give the cologne time to develop – walk around the store or wait for about 30 minutes to understand how the cologne reacts with your body chemistry.

- When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body and start with a light application.

- Apply cologne to your pulse points or heated areas of your body, such as your neck, wrists, chest, or behind your ears.

- Avoid common mistakes such as rubbing the cologne into your skin, spraying it on your clothes, or walking through a cloud of mist.

- Remember, less is more – you don't want your cologne to be overpowering.

Apply cologne to pulse points like the wrists, neck, and chest

Applying cologne to the pulse points is a great way to make the most of your fragrance. The pulse points on your body are areas where your heart pulse can be felt, and these are ideal spots to apply scent because the warmth of your blood helps to diffuse the cologne throughout the day. The key pulse points are your wrists, neck, and chest.

When applying cologne to your wrists, avoid the common mistake of rubbing them together, as this disrupts the molecules of the fragrance. Instead, spritz or dab the cologne onto your wrists and then use your wrists to press the scent into your pulse points. This will help the cologne to sit below the skin and prolong its longevity.

The neck is another important pulse point for cologne application. The heat produced here will keep the fragrance alive throughout the day. Spray your cologne onto the back of your neck, and consider applying a small amount behind your ears as well. This way, when someone leans in close to speak to you, they will be treated to an attractive scent.

Finally, the chest is a great place to apply cologne because it has the right amount of warmth and is located at the right distance from your nose. Spraying cologne on your chest allows for oscillations in the intensity of the smell, so you can fully appreciate the perfume without overwhelming your olfactory senses.

Don't spray cologne on your clothes

While it may be tempting to spritz your favourite cologne onto your shirt before a big night out, there are several reasons why you should avoid spraying cologne directly onto your clothes.

Firstly, cologne is designed to interact with the natural oils and pH of your skin. When you spray it onto your clothes, you're preventing it from mixing with your body's natural chemistry, which gives cologne its unique quality. This can result in a flat, monochrome scent that hasn't blended with your body's natural oils.

Secondly, cologne can be harmful to certain fabrics. The oils in cologne can stain or discolour fabrics, leaving you with an unsightly mark on your favourite shirt.

Thirdly, cologne applied directly to clothing is unlikely to last as long as cologne applied to the skin. This is because your body heat helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day, allowing it to meld with your body chemistry and develop your signature scent.

Finally, cologne applied to the skin can boost your confidence and make you feel more attractive. This is because scent is strongly linked to memory and emotion. A unique scent can create a deep, emotional connection and boost your confidence and attractiveness to others.

So, the next time you reach for the cologne, remember to spray it on your skin rather than your clothes. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body and apply to heated areas of the body such as the neck, chest, wrists, forearms or inner elbows. Start with a light application and reapply if needed.

Take a shower first to open your pores

Taking a shower before applying cologne is an important step in ensuring the scent lasts longer. The hot water from the shower helps to open up your pores, providing a good base for the cologne to settle into your skin. This is crucial because spraying cologne onto dry skin may result in the scent not lasting as long.

Additionally, showering before applying cologne ensures your skin is clean and free from any lingering odours. This is important because cologne mixed with the smell of dirty skin is unlikely to smell pleasant.

When applying cologne, it is recommended to hold the bottle a few inches away from your skin and spray it lightly onto one or two spots, such as your neck, wrists, or behind your ears. These areas, known as pulse points, emit more body heat, which helps the fragrance to continue smelling good throughout the day.

If your cologne bottle does not have a spray nozzle, you can use the dabbing method. To do this, cover the opening of the bottle with your finger, tilt it briefly, and then dab your finger onto the area where you wish to apply the cologne. Remember to only dab a small amount and avoid rubbing it into your skin, as this can change the scent and cause it to fade faster.

Don't rub cologne into your skin

Rubbing cologne into your skin is one of the most common mistakes people make when applying cologne or perfume. While it may seem intuitive to rub cologne into the skin, this method of application can actually distort the scent and cause it to fade faster.

Rubbing Cologne Can Alter the Scent

Rubbing cologne into your skin can dull the top notes of the fragrance, which are the initial, lighter scents that you smell in the first few minutes after application. By rubbing the cologne, you mix it vigorously with your natural oils, which can change the way it smells. Instead, you should let the cologne soak into your skin naturally to preserve the integrity of the scent.

Rubbing Can Cause the Scent to Fade Faster

Rubbing cologne into the skin can break the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing the scent to weaken and fade more quickly. This is because the cologne is an oil meant to sit on top of your skin and naturally mix with your body's natural oils over time. By rubbing it in, you are forcing it to be absorbed by your skin faster, which can result in a less intense and shorter-lasting scent.

Avoid Applying to the Wrong Areas

When applying cologne, it's important to apply it to heated areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. These areas generate heat, which helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day. Applying cologne to colder areas, such as the wrists, can cause the scent to dissipate too slowly or not travel as intended.

Apply Sparingly and Strategically

It's important to apply cologne sparingly and strategically to avoid over-application. Start with a light application on one area, such as the neck or forearms, and assess how the scent develops over time. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, you can apply it to another area the next time you use it. You can also re-apply cologne throughout the day if needed, especially if you're going out in the evening.

Test the Fragrance Before Purchasing

Before purchasing a cologne, it's important to test how it reacts with your body chemistry. Spray the cologne on your skin, rather than a card or your clothes, and give it time to develop. Walk around or perform other activities for 30 minutes, and then smell the cologne again to see how it has evolved. This will give you a true idea of what the cologne will smell like on you.

Choose a cologne that suits your body chemistry

Choosing a cologne that suits your body chemistry is an important part of the fragrance selection process. Here are some tips to help you select a cologne that complements your natural body odour:

• Scientific studies suggest that men can naturally select the cologne that works best with their body scent. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to try out different fragrances to find the one that suits you best.
• Test the cologne on your skin: The way a cologne smells on a card or piece of paper may be different from how it smells on your skin. Spray a small amount on your wrist or inner elbow and give it some time to settle and interact with your body chemistry.
• Consider your body's hot spots: Apply cologne to the warmest areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, wrists, and inner elbows. These areas produce more body heat, which helps to diffuse the fragrance throughout the day and allows it to blend with your natural body chemistry.
• Start with a light application: Begin with a single spray on one or two warm spots. You can always add more later if needed. Ask a friend or family member for their opinion if you're unsure about the strength of the fragrance.
• Reapply sparingly: Depending on the strength of your cologne and the occasion, you may need to reapply during the day. Dab a small amount onto your pulse points, such as your neck or wrists.
• Avoid over-application: Too much cologne can be overwhelming and off-putting. Remember that fragrance should be discovered, not announced. Start with a light application and gradually increase the amount or number of sprays if needed.
• Be mindful of allergies and sensitivities: Some people may be allergic or sensitive to certain fragrances. When wearing cologne in an office or indoor setting, be considerate of others and avoid applying too much.

Frequently asked questions