The Art Of Applying Cologne: A Gq Guide

Knowing how to apply cologne is essential for men who want to smell good without being overpowering. The first step is to understand the different types of fragrances and their concentrations, as this will determine how long the scent lasts and how many sprays are needed. The next step is to apply the cologne to the right areas of the body, known as the pulse points, which are the warmest parts of the body and help the scent to develop and linger. It is also important to apply cologne to clean, moisturized skin and to avoid rubbing the wrists together, as this can affect how long the scent lasts.

Apply to pulse points

Applying Cologne to Your Pulse Points

Applying cologne to your pulse points is a great way to make your fragrance last longer and smell stronger. Pulse points are areas of your body where you can feel your heartbeat through your veins, and they are the warmest parts of your body. This warmth helps your cologne's scent to develop fully and linger, allowing its middle and base notes to shine.

The most common pulse points to apply cologne to are your wrists and neck. Spraying your cologne on these areas will help your fragrance project and perform to its fullest potential. When applying to your wrists, avoid rubbing them together, as this can "bruise the scent," causing it to break down faster. Instead, you can spritz one wrist and gently dab it with the other. You can also spray your neck and then gently dab your wrists on your neck to transfer the scent.

Other pulse points you can apply cologne to include the back of your ears, your elbows (especially if you have extra body hair there), your chest, the nape of your neck, your forearms, and behind your knees. Remember to hold the cologne bottle about 5-6 inches away from your skin when spraying. This ensures that you don't under or over-concentrate the fragrance.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, it's important to consider the concentration of your fragrance. If you're using an eau de parfum or parfum, which are more concentrated, you may need fewer sprays. On the other hand, if you're using an eau de toilette or eau de cologne, which are less concentrated, you may need an extra spritz or two.

Spray from 5-6 inches away

Spraying cologne from 5-6 inches away is the optimal distance to avoid over or under-concentrating the fragrance. This distance allows you to focus the scent on specific target areas, such as the pulse points on your wrists and neck, without applying too much or too little.

Pulse points are the warmest parts of your body, and applying cologne to these areas helps the fragrance to develop to its full potential. By spraying from 5-6 inches away, you can ensure that the cologne is evenly distributed and not too concentrated in one area. This distance also helps to avoid getting the cologne in your eyes, which can happen if you spray too closely.

Additionally, spraying from this distance can help prevent bruising the scent. Rubbing cologne between your wrists or on your skin can cause the fragrance to break down faster, reducing its longevity. Spraying from a slight distance allows the cologne to be evenly distributed without the need for rubbing or excessive application.

It's important to note that the concentration of your cologne will also determine how much you need to apply. Higher concentrations, such as eau de parfum or parfum, may require fewer sprays, while lighter concentrations like eau de toilette or eau fraiche might benefit from an extra spritz.

In summary, spraying cologne from 5-6 inches away is a crucial step in properly applying cologne. It ensures an even and balanced application, targeting the pulse points without overdoing it. This technique helps your cologne to smell great and last longer.

Apply to clean skin

Applying Cologne to Clean Skin

Applying cologne to clean skin is the best way to ensure you get the most out of your fragrance. Starting with a fresh, clean canvas means that no sweat, sebum, or other buildup will interfere with the perfume oils.

The best time to apply cologne is right after a shower, as your pores are at their most open, allowing the cologne to seep into the skin and giving you a longer-lasting aroma. You should also moisturize beforehand, as cologne won't absorb as efficiently into dry skin, making it evaporate more quickly. An unscented body lotion is best, as you don't want to introduce competing scents that could detract from your cologne.

If you're applying cologne multiple times a day, make sure you're cleaning the areas you're applying it to first. This will ensure the scent isn't being mixed with old applications, sweat, or dirt.

Applying cologne to clean skin is just one part of the process, though. You also need to consider the concentration of your cologne, where you're applying it, and how much you're applying.

Moisturise beforehand

Applying cologne to dry skin is like applying cologne to parched ground after a drought. Without proper moisturising, your skin won't retain the cologne as efficiently, and the scent will evaporate more quickly.

To avoid this, make sure you moisturise beforehand. This will help the cologne absorb more effectively, making it last longer.

You can use an unscented body lotion, or a complementary body balm or cream from the same fragrance family as your cologne to avoid competing scents.

However, it's important to note that you should always apply cologne before any other products, as the alcohol in the cologne can damage the lotion or cream if applied on top.

By moisturising and then applying cologne to your pulse points, you'll be able to achieve a long-lasting, well-rounded fragrance that develops fully and lingers on your skin.

Don't spray on clothes

While it may be tempting to spray your cologne directly onto your clothes, this is actually not recommended. Firstly, because colognes are often alcohol-based, spraying them directly onto your clothes can damage the fabric. Secondly, if you apply cologne to your clothes, the scent will dissipate more quickly due to airflow.

So, where should you apply your cologne? The best approach is to target your pulse points—the places on your body where you can feel your blood pumping through your veins, such as your wrists and neck. These are the warmest parts of your body, and applying cologne to these areas will help the scent to develop fully and linger for longer.

Another tip is to apply cologne right after you shower. When you've just stepped out of the shower, your pores are at their most open, allowing the cologne to seep into your skin and giving you a longer-lasting aroma. It's also a good idea to moisturize before applying cologne, as this will help the fragrance absorb more efficiently.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle about 5-6 inches away from your skin. Start with one spritz on each wrist, and then gently rub your wrists on your neck. If you feel like you need more, you can always add a second spritz.

Remember, the key is to apply cologne in a way that is subtle and not overpowering. By avoiding common mistakes like spraying directly onto your clothes, you can ensure that your cologne smells great and lasts throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions