The Art Of Applying Men's Cologne: A 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. There are several tips and tricks to applying cologne properly, including applying it to the right areas of the body, holding the bottle at the correct distance, and applying it at the right time.

Apply to pulse points

Applying Cologne to Pulse Points

Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt. These points are located behind your ear, at the bottom of your throat, on your wrist, inside your elbow, and behind your knee. Applying cologne to these areas is ideal because the warmth of your blood helps the scent to diffuse throughout the day.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your skin. This distance allows you to focus the scent on the pulse point without over or under-applying. Start with one spritz to each pulse point and then assess if you need to add more.

If you are looking for an everyday scent, it is recommended to apply cologne to the bottom of your throat (neck). However, if you are going out to a noisy social scene, you may want to apply a small amount behind your ear. This way, when people lean in to speak to you, they will notice your attractive scent.

Another tip is to use your wrist to press the cologne into your pulse points. This helps the cologne to sit below the skin, ensuring that it does not slowly fade away throughout the day. The wrist is also a pulse point, so applying cologne to this area can provide better projection for the scent.

Remember, when it comes to cologne application, less is more. You want your cologne to complement your natural scent, not overpower it. A subtle hint of fragrance should draw people in and leave a lasting impression.

Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away

Holding the bottle the correct distance from your body is crucial to applying the right amount of cologne. If you hold the bottle too close, you risk over-applying, and if you hold it too far away, you will likely under-apply. The optimal distance is generally considered to be between 3 and 6 inches from your body.

Holding the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body allows for a focused application of the cologne to the desired area. This ensures that the cologne is not wasted and that it is applied evenly. It is important to note that holding the bottle too close can also result in too much cologne being applied in one area, leading to an uneven distribution.

Additionally, maintaining the recommended distance helps to avoid getting cologne on your clothes. Applying cologne directly to your clothes can prevent it from mixing with your natural oils, altering the scent and potentially damaging the fabric. It is best to apply cologne directly to your skin, allowing it to interact with your body chemistry and develop your signature scent.

By holding the bottle at the correct distance, you can also avoid getting too much cologne on your skin, which can be overwhelming and unpleasant for others. A light application is generally preferred, allowing your cologne to complement your natural scent rather than overpowering it.

In summary, holding the cologne bottle 3-6 inches away from your body ensures a precise and controlled application, helping you to avoid common mistakes such as over-application, staining clothes, and altering the intended scent.

Start with a light application

The key to applying cologne is not to over-apply. It's better to start with a light application and build up if needed, rather than applying too much and having to wash it off. Cologne is very strong, and too much can be overpowering.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body. Choose one area, such as the neck, chest, or forearms, and start with one spray. You can always add another spray next time if you notice the scent fades quickly.

It's a good idea to ask a friend or family member for their opinion on whether the application is appropriate, as it's easy to become nose-blind to scents you wear often. A man's cologne should be a subtle enhancement to his image. It should be a hint of fragrance that draws people in, not something that smacks them in the face.

Let the cologne dry before putting on a shirt, so that it stays mostly on your body and your body heat can keep the scent active.

Re-apply if needed

Depending on the type of cologne you use, you may need to reapply it throughout the day, especially if you are planning to go out in the evening. When reapplying, simply dab a little onto your pulse points.

It's worth noting that some colognes have better longevity than others. Colognes with a higher concentration of perfume oils tend to be longer-lasting. These include Eau de Toilette (5-15% concentration), Eau de Parfum (15-20%), and Parfum (15-30% or higher).

If you find that your cologne fades quickly, you may need to reapply it to a different area. Choose another pulse point, such as your neck, wrists, forearms, or inner elbows, and spritz or dab the cologne there the next time you apply it.

You can also ask a close friend or family member if your application is appropriate, as it's common to become nose-blind to scents you wear often.

Apply to clean skin

Applying cologne to clean skin is an essential step in ensuring that the scent lasts longer and interacts effectively with your body chemistry. Here are some detailed instructions for applying cologne to clean skin:

Firstly, it is recommended to apply cologne immediately after showering. The shower will cleanse your body of any other scents and open your pores, which helps the cologne absorb better. Make sure to completely dry your skin before applying cologne, as damp skin may affect the absorption and intensity of the scent.

When applying, hold the cologne bottle about 3 to 6 inches away from your skin. This distance ensures that you don't apply too much or too little. Spray the cologne directly onto your skin, targeting areas with higher body heat, such as your neck, chest, wrists, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas, known as pulse points, are where you can feel your heartbeat and are considered the best spots for applying cologne as the warmth helps diffuse the scent throughout the day.

It is important to remember that less is more when it comes to cologne application. Start with a light application by spraying once or twice on the chosen areas. You can always add more if needed, but it's easier to add than to remove if you've applied too much. Allow the cologne to dry before putting on your shirt, as this will help it stay on your body and allow your body heat to activate and diffuse the scent.

Additionally, consider your skin type when applying cologne. Fragrances tend to cling longer to men with oily skin, while drier skin may absorb the scent more quickly. Adjust the amount of cologne you apply accordingly.

Frequently asked questions