The Art Of Subtle Scents: Everyday Cologne Tips

Knowing how much cologne to apply can be tricky. Too much and you risk overpowering people around you, too little and you won't be able to smell it at all. There are a few things to consider when applying cologne to ensure you don't overdo it. Firstly, the concentration of your cologne will determine its strength and how long it lasts. The higher the concentration, the more expensive it tends to be, but the better its sillage or cast (the trail it leaves). Secondly, it's important to apply cologne to clean skin, targeting the pulse points on your wrists and neck. Hold the bottle about 6 inches away from your skin and start with one spritz, adding more if needed. If you've overdone it, you can use rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball to tone down the fragrance.

Choose the right concentration

When buying cologne, it's important to understand the different categories of fragrances and their respective concentrations. The term "cologne" is often used as a consumer term for fragrances targeted at men, but it is actually one of the weakest categories in terms of concentration and strength.

• Eau Fraiche: Contains 1-3% perfume oils. Some aftershaves and body sprays fall into this category.
• Eau de Cologne: Contains 3-5% concentration. Typically refers to fragrances simply labeled as "cologne".
• Eau de Toilette (EdT): Contains 5-8% concentration. Considered the "standard" concentration.
• Eau de Parfum (EdP): Contains 8-15% concentration. Noticeably stronger than EdT.
• Parfum or Extrait de Parfum: The highest concentration, ranging from 15-30%, with some options reaching up to 40%.

The concentration of your cologne will determine its strength, longevity, and price. Higher concentrations tend to be more expensive, have better sillage (the trail it leaves when you walk away), and last longer. However, this doesn't mean you should always opt for the highest concentration. Sometimes, you may prefer something more subtle or short-lasting.

When choosing a cologne, consider the occasion and your personal preference for scent intensity. If you're looking for an everyday fragrance, a lower concentration like Eau de Cologne or Eau de Toilette might be a good choice. These options will provide a subtle scent that isn't too overpowering. On the other hand, if you want a stronger and longer-lasting scent for special occasions, you might opt for Eau de Parfum or Parfum.

Additionally, it's important to understand that different colognes have different longevity, even within the same concentration category. This is where research and sampling come in handy. Read reviews and test out different colognes to find the one that suits your needs.

Remember, the key is to find the right balance. You want to smell good without imposing your fragrance on everyone around you. Understanding the different concentrations will help you make an informed decision when choosing a cologne that suits your preferences and usage.

Apply to pulse points

Applying Cologne to Pulse Points

Pulse points are areas of your body where you can feel your heartbeat through your veins. These spots are usually warmer than the rest of your body, which helps the cologne's projection, cast, and sillage (the scent trail you leave behind when you walk or stand still).

The pulse points you should focus on are your wrists and neck. Spray the cologne from about 6 inches away. Start with one spritz on each wrist and then rub your wrists on your neck. If you feel like that's not enough, you can add a second spritz.

You can also apply cologne to other pulse points, such as behind your ears, your chest, the bend of your elbows, and the insides of your wrists. However, be careful not to overdo it, as too much cologne can be overpowering and unpleasant to others.

One important thing to remember is to avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin. Instead, gently tap the area of application to allow the cologne to dry without burning off due to friction.

Additionally, you can enhance the longevity of the scent by moisturizing the pulse points before applying cologne. The moisture will help the fragrance last longer on your skin.

Don't rub it in

Rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne is a common mistake. Doing so heats up your wrists too much, burning some of the cologne off your skin due to the friction. Instead, just tap your wrists together or tap the area of application with your wrist, allowing the cologne to dry without burning off.

If you're applying cologne to your neck, don't rub it in. Simply spray and allow it to dry. The same goes for your chest, the bend of your elbows, and the insides of your wrists—all common pulse points for applying cologne.

If you're using a non-spray cologne, use your fingertips to dab it on very lightly. Good colognes are super-concentrated, so avoid applying too much in one spot.

If you're applying cologne to your hair, be aware that most colognes contain a lot of alcohol, which can dry out and damage your hair.

Don't spray too close to skin

Don't Spray Too Close to the Skin

When applying cologne, it's important to hold the bottle at the right distance from your body. Holding the bottle too close to the skin can lead to over-application, while spraying from too far away may result in under-application. The recommended distance is generally between 3 to 6 inches away from the skin. This allows for a balanced application, avoiding both an overly concentrated scent and a waste of product.

Spraying cologne too close to the skin can result in a small, concentrated area of perfume liquid trickling down, which may be undesirable. Spraying from a slight distance, on the other hand, creates a larger, damp area with better spread-out coverage. This technique also increases the projection of the scent, allowing it to diffuse more effectively.

To achieve optimal results, it is suggested to start with one spray on the neck or forearms. If you find that the scent fades quickly, you can choose another area to target, such as the wrists, chest, or pulse points. It is also beneficial to ask for a second opinion from a friend or family member, as it can be challenging to accurately judge your own scent.

Additionally, it is recommended to apply cologne to heated areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, or inner elbows. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to blend with your body chemistry, creating a unique signature scent.

Ask for a second opinion

It's genuinely very difficult to judge how you smell yourself. So ask a friend or partner for their opinion.

If you think you've overdone it, ask a friend to be honest with you. If they say you stink, well, at least you know!

You can also try the tissue test. Put on your cologne as usual, wait five seconds, then put a tissue on the spot. If the tissue sticks, you've probably overdone it.

If you're worried about overdoing it, it's worth noting that cologne concentrations and strength vary. "Cologne" is a consumer term that includes all fragrances targeted at men, and it's one of the weakest categories in terms of concentration and power. The more concentrated a scent, the more expensive it tends to be, but the better its sillage or cast (the "trail" it leaves when you walk away).

• Eau Fraiche: 1-3% oil concentration
• Eau de Cologne: 3-5% concentration
• Eau de Toilette: 5-8% concentration
• Eau de Parfum: 8-15% concentration
• Parfum or Extrait de Parfum: The highest concentration at 15-30%, but some options may go up to 40%.

So, if you're using an Eau de Parfum or Parfum/Extrait de Parfum, you may not need to spray as much as you would with an Eau de Cologne or Eau de Toilette.

Additionally, consider the type of fragrance you're using. Perfumes are the heaviest scents, while eau de colognes are the lightest.

If you're still unsure, it's always better to start with less cologne and add more if needed. Remember, you don't want to impose your fragrance on everyone who comes within 10 feet!

Frequently asked questions