The Art Of Applying Cologne: An Expert's Guide

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 apply cologne like an expert:

- Apply cologne to your pulse points, which are the warmest parts of your body. These include your wrists, neck, and behind your ears.

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

- Start with a light application—one or two sprays is usually enough.

- Apply cologne to clean skin after showering.

- Don't rub the cologne into your skin, as this can change the scent and make it fade faster.

- Don't mix cologne with other smells, like strongly-scented deodorant or aftershave.

- Be mindful of your surroundings and the people around you. Some people are allergic to cologne, and wearing too much can be overwhelming for others.

Apply to pulse points

Applying cologne to your pulse points is an essential step in ensuring your scent lasts all day and leaves a lasting impression. Pulse points are areas of your body that produce a lot of body heat, and applying cologne to these spots helps to build the best projection for your scent. The heat from these points will cause the fragrance to continue smelling good throughout the day.

The insides of your wrists are classic pulse points to apply cologne. Spray or dab a small amount of cologne onto your wrists, ensuring you hold the bottle a few inches away from your skin to avoid over-application. You can also rub your wrists together and then onto your neck to apply the scent there.

Another pulse point to target is the base of your neck or throat. This is a great spot to apply cologne as it will scent your shirt and provide a burst of fragrance to anyone you hug. Just be sure to apply a medium amount, as cologne mixed with sweat can be overpowering.

If you're going out and want to make more of an impression, you can apply cologne behind your ears. This way, when people lean in close to speak to you, they'll catch a subtle whiff of your cologne.

Remember, you don't need to apply cologne to every pulse point – choose a few spots and keep the application subtle. One spritz to each pulse point is usually enough, and you can always add more if needed.

Don't overdo it

The whole point of wearing cologne is to smell good, feel good, and act confident. However, applying too much cologne can be off-putting to those around you. You want to be noticed, not your cologne.

• Start with a light application. Choose one area, like the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. If you notice that your scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply. You can always add another spray, but it's harder to remove cologne once it's been over-applied.
• Be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid wearing cologne in indoor areas, such as an office, where people may be sensitive or allergic to strong scents. Additionally, be aware of how your body's natural odour may interact with your cologne. For example, if you're going clubbing, applying lots of cologne may result in an even worse smell than just your natural body odour.
• Choose one or two spots to apply cologne. Applying cologne to all your pulse points will likely result in an overwhelming scent for those around you.
• Don't reapply too often. You'll quickly become used to the smell of your cologne and think it has worn off, but others will still be able to smell it. You probably don't need to apply cologne more than once a day, right before you go out.
• Don't mix cologne with other smells. Avoid wearing strongly-scented deodorant or aftershave that may not complement your cologne.
• Ask for a second opinion. It's difficult to judge how you smell yourself, so ask a friend or partner if your cologne is too strong.

Remember, with cologne, less is more. It's better to start with a subtle scent and add more if needed than to over-apply and have to wash it off.

Spray from a distance

When applying cologne, the distance from which you spray is important. If you spray too close to your skin, you risk applying too much, and the cologne may be too strong. Spraying too far away, however, and you may find that the scent fades too quickly. The recommended distance to hold the bottle from your body is between 3 and 6 inches. This is roughly the width of your palm.

Spraying from the correct distance ensures that the cologne is focused on a specific area of the body, without being too concentrated. It also prevents the liquid from dripping down your skin and shirt.

If you are using a cologne that does not have a spray nozzle, you can 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 from your finger onto the area where you wish to apply the cologne. One small dab is enough.

If you are using a spray bottle, be sure to hold it at the recommended distance and give yourself a light spritz.

Apply to heated areas

Applying cologne to heated areas of the body is a great way to make the most of your fragrance. The heat from these areas helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to create a signature scent.

The best spots to spray cologne on the body are heated areas, including the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas produce a lot of body heat, which will cause the fragrance to continue to smell good all day long.

When applying cologne to the neck, be sure to dab a medium amount on your neck. Cologne applied to this area mixes with your natural scent, creating a unique smell. If you're going on a date, it's a good idea to apply cologne to your neck, as your date's head may be close to your neck at some point during the evening.

The insides of the wrists are another good spot for cologne. These are pulse points, which are areas of the body that produce a lot of body heat. The heat will cause the fragrance to continue to smell good all day. You can also apply cologne to your wrists and then rub your wrists on your neck.

The chest is another great place to apply cologne. This scents your shirt and provides a nice burst of scent for anyone you might end up hugging.

When applying cologne to heated areas, be sure to choose just one or two locations to avoid an overpowering scent.

Don't rub it in

Rubbing cologne into the skin is a common mistake when applying cologne. It may seem like a good idea to rub the cologne in to ensure it's absorbed, but this action can actually break down the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing the scent to fade faster.

Instead, simply dab the cologne onto your skin, focusing on the pulse points. These are the warmest points on your body and will help the scent to diffuse throughout the day. The best spots to apply cologne are the neck, wrists, chest, forearms, and inner elbows.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body. This distance allows for a focused application without over or under-concentrating the scent. Starting with a light application is best, as you can always add more if needed. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply.

It's important to apply cologne to clean, dry skin. Showering first will cleanse your body of any other scents and open your pores, helping the cologne scent to absorb and mix with your natural oils. This creates a unique signature scent that melds with your body chemistry.

Frequently asked questions