The Ultimate Guide To Applying Cologne Like A Pro

Knowing how to apply cologne correctly is an art form that, if not done properly, can lead to over-application or a scent that fades almost immediately. The key to applying cologne is to use it sparingly and strategically so that it lasts all day. It is recommended to apply cologne immediately after showering to clean, dry skin, targeting pulse points or the warmest areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, wrists, and inner elbows. The ideal distance to hold the bottle from the skin when spraying is 3-6 inches, and 2-4 squirts are usually enough. It is also important to note that rubbing the cologne into the skin after application can damage the molecules and cause them to dissipate faster.

Apply cologne to pulse points/heated areas of the body

Applying cologne to your pulse points and the heated areas of your body is a great way to ensure your fragrance lasts all day and develops your signature scent. The heat from these areas helps diffuse the scent, allowing it to meld with your body chemistry.

• Neck: Spritzing your neck is a great way to make your fragrance noticeable, especially for a date. However, be cautious in an office environment, as you don't want your cologne to be too overpowering.
• Chest: The upper chest area is ideal for applying cologne. Hold the bottle about six inches away and spritz. This area is generally covered by clothing, helping to keep the scent subtle.
• Wrists: Your wrists are a common pulse point, and applying cologne here can help you easily smell the fragrance throughout the day.
• Inner elbows: Similar to your wrists, the inner elbows are pulse points that can help you smell your cologne as you go about your day.
• Behind the knees: This area is another pulse point that can be targeted to ensure your fragrance lasts.
• Feet: The top of the foot, just below the ankle, is a pulse point that can be targeted. However, it may be more challenging to find this pulse due to the client's anatomy, fluid volume load, or circulatory issues.

Remember, when applying cologne to these areas, always hold the bottle about three to six inches away from your skin to ensure you don't over-apply. Start with a light application and ask for feedback from a friend or family member if needed.

Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from the skin when spraying

Holding the cologne bottle the correct distance from your body when spraying is crucial to applying the right amount of cologne. Hold the bottle too close, and you risk over-applying; too far away, and you won't be applying enough. The general rule is to hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body when spraying. This distance ensures you are applying a light, subtle amount of cologne that will not be overpowering to those around you.

Holding the bottle at this distance also helps to target the pulse points or warmest areas of the body, which are the best spots to apply cologne. These areas, including the neck, chest, wrists, and inner elbows, emanate more heat, diffusing the fragrance into the air and helping it to last longer.

It is also important to remember not to rub the cologne into your skin after application, as this can damage the molecules and cause them to dissipate faster. Instead, simply hold the bottle at the correct distance, spray, and let the cologne dry.

Avoid spraying cologne on your clothes

Although spraying cologne on your clothes may seem like a good idea, there are several reasons why you should avoid doing so. Firstly, spraying cologne directly on your clothes prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, which gives the cologne its unique quality. The scent may also fail to go through its different stages, resulting in a flat and monochrome fragrance.

Another reason to avoid spraying cologne on your clothes is that it can be challenging to remove the scent from certain fabrics. Some perfumes can stain or discolour certain fabrics, so it is always a good idea to test the cologne on a small, hidden spot on the fabric before applying it more liberally. Additionally, if you plan on changing your cologne frequently, you may find it challenging to get rid of the scent from your clothes, even after washing them.

If you want to create a long-lasting scent, it is best to apply cologne to your skin rather than your clothes. The heat from your body will help diffuse the scent throughout the day, and it will also allow the cologne to develop your signature scent as it interacts with your body chemistry. Apply cologne to heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows.

Finally, if you spray cologne on your clothes, you may end up using more than you need. By applying cologne directly to your skin, you can control the amount you use and avoid over-application. Remember, when it comes to cologne, less is more. You want your scent to be a subtle enhancement to your image, not an overpowering cloud that turns heads away.

Moisturise your skin first to help the fragrance absorb more efficiently

Moisturising your skin before applying cologne is an important step in ensuring the fragrance lasts longer. Ideally, you should apply cologne immediately after showering, as the shower cleanses your body of any other scents and opens your pores, which helps the scent absorb. Once you are dry, moisturising your skin will help the fragrance absorb more efficiently.

You can further enhance the longevity of the scent by choosing a moisturiser with a complementary fragrance to your cologne. This will add layers to your scent, creating a unique signature scent.

If you are using a spray cologne, hold the bottle about six inches from where you want to apply the scent, preferably the upper chest area. Be careful not to rub the product once it is applied as this can damage the molecules and cause them to dissipate faster.

Applying cologne to your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and chest, is also recommended as these areas generate heat and help diffuse the fragrance.

Test colognes on your skin before buying

Testing cologne on your skin is an important step in the process of choosing a new fragrance. This is because the same cologne can smell different on different people, depending on their body chemistry. Testing colognes will allow you to find a scent that complements your natural body chemistry and fits your lifestyle in terms of how long the scent lasts.

Steps to testing colognes on your skin:

• Research colognes online first: Think about which scents might appeal to you and use Google to search for fragrances that include these notes.
• Use testers or scent blotters: Try out colognes from the comfort of your home by ordering fragrance testers, or visit a store that has scent blotters available. Scent blotters are small, white cardboard strips that absorb the fragrance, allowing you to smell it without putting it on your body.
• Test the fragrance on your skin: Once you've narrowed it down to a few options (2-4 fragrances), it's time to see how they react with your skin chemistry. Spray one type of cologne on each wrist, and if you're testing more than two, also spray your inner elbows.
• Give the scent time to develop: Walk around the store or wait for about 30 minutes to let the scent mix with the oils on your skin. Then, smell each fragrance again to notice how it has developed and what it smells like on you.
• Buy it if you still love it: If there's a fragrance you really enjoy after the development period, there's a good chance you'll enjoy owning and wearing it.

Additional tips:

• Order samples online: If you prefer, you can order fragrance samples online to test out colognes from the comfort of your home.
• Get a second opinion: Ask a friend or partner if a scent tends to stick around or make a quick exit.
• Test on clean skin: Ensure your skin is clean before testing colognes. Wash your arms if you're applying a balm or wax, and clean your neck if that's where the cologne will be applied.
• Start with one spray: Always start with just one spray and give it a few minutes to see how the scent develops on your skin.
• Test on pulse points: Apply colognes to your pulse points or warmest areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, wrists, and inner elbows. These areas project the scent more efficiently, meaning less fragrance is required.
• Don't test too many at once: Avoid testing more than four fragrances at a time, as this can confuse your sense of smell.

Frequently asked questions