The Art Of Applying Cologne: A Gq Guide

Knowing how to apply cologne is an important part of any man's style routine. While there are many ways to apply cologne, not all of them are effective. For instance, spraying cologne on your clothes or hair can be ineffective and may even cause damage. The best way to apply cologne is on clean skin, targeting the pulse points on your wrists and neck. This allows the cologne to interact with your body heat, helping it to diffuse and perform to its fullest potential. It's also important to hold the bottle about 6 inches away from your skin to avoid over or under-concentrating the scent. Finally, it's a good idea to get a second opinion, as it can be difficult to judge how you smell yourself.

Choose the right cologne for the occasion

Choosing the right cologne is an important part of a man's style routine. The right scent can elevate your style and provide an extra touch of confidence that sets you apart from the crowd. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect cologne for any occasion:

Occasion

Consider the occasion and the time of day you'll be wearing the cologne. Are you looking for a scent to wear during the day or something more suitable for a night out? For instance, lighter and fresher scents such as citrus fragrances are perfect for summer days, while heavier and warmer scents like woody or spicy fragrances are ideal for winter. For formal occasions like weddings or business meetings, opt for subtle and elegant fragrances such as floral or fruity scents. If you're heading out for a date or a party, bolder fragrances like leather or tobacco can be a great choice.

Personality and Style

Think about the impression you want to make and choose a cologne that aligns with your personality and style. Do you prefer a bold, masculine scent or something more subtle? Are you an outgoing person who wants to make a statement with your fragrance, or do you prefer something understated? If you lean towards a classic, elegant look, consider colognes with woody or spicy notes. For a more casual, laid-back style, fresher, citrusy scents can be a great option.

Fragrance Families

Understanding fragrance categorization can help you make an informed decision. There are 14 "fragrance families," each evoking different moods, energies, and feelings. For example, a heavy musk, amber, and spice cologne might be too intense for a family reunion or a warm summer day, but it could be perfect for a date night or a winter evening.

Sampling

Don't be afraid to sample different colognes before settling on one. Many sites offer small sample vials or "discovery sets" at a low cost, allowing you to test a fragrance for a week or so. You can also explore fragrance subscription services, which send you different small-volume vials at regular intervals, giving you the opportunity to try a variety of options.

Second Opinion

It can be challenging to judge how you smell yourself, so don't hesitate to ask a trusted friend or partner for their opinion. Their feedback can help you determine if you've found the right cologne for the occasion and your personal style.

Remember, choosing the right cologne is about feeling confident and comfortable in your skin. Take your time, explore different options, and find a scent that truly represents your unique personality and style.

Pick a scent that matches your personal style

Picking a cologne that matches your personal style is an important part of any man's style routine. It can be a daunting task with so many options available, but it's worth putting in the time and effort to find a scent that suits your personality.

Firstly, consider the occasion. Are you looking for a daytime scent or something for a night out? Different occasions call for different fragrances. For example, a formal occasion might call for a subtle and elegant fragrance, while a casual date might be better suited to a bolder, more adventurous scent.

Next, think about the impression you want to make. Do you want a bold, statement scent that makes people take notice, or do you prefer something more subtle and understated? Are you looking for a signature scent that will become your trademark, or do you want a variety of fragrances to suit different moods and occasions?

Your personality will also play a role in the type of cologne you choose. If you're a confident, outgoing person, you might want to go for a stronger, more assertive fragrance. On the other hand, if you're more reserved and introverted, a softer, more delicate scent might be a better fit.

Your style is another important factor. Do you prefer a classic, elegant look, or are you more casual and laid-back? Perhaps you like to mix it up with different styles on different days. If you lean towards the former, a cologne with woody or spicy notes could be a good choice. If it's the latter, fresher, citrusy scents might be more up your alley.

Remember, the scent of a cologne can vary depending on your skin type and body chemistry, so it's always a good idea to test a fragrance before buying it and wearing it for a day to see how it develops. You can buy small sample vials to try out, or ask for take-home samples if you're in a store.

Ultimately, the right cologne for you is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable in your skin. It should be an extension of your personal style and a reflection of your unique personality.

Apply cologne to pulse points

Pulse points are areas of your body where you can feel your heartbeat through your veins. These points include your wrists and neck. Cologne should be applied to these areas as they are the warmest points on your body, helping your chosen fragrance perform to its fullest potential.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, hold the bottle about 6 inches away from your skin. This distance allows you to focus the scent on a specific target without over or under-concentrating it. It also prevents too much alcohol concentration from being applied to your skin, which could turn it red.

If you are using a spray cologne, start with one spritz on each wrist, then rub your wrists against your neck. If you feel that this is not enough after a few wears, consider adding a second spritz.

If you are using a solid cologne, start with a small amount of product for each wrist and the neck, then adjust the amount as needed.

It is important to remember that cologne should be applied to clean skin, as any sweat, sebum, or buildup can interfere with the perfume oils and affect the scent. Additionally, be sure to store your cologne in a cool, dry, and dark place to prolong its life.

By following these tips, you can effectively apply cologne to your pulse points and ensure that you smell great all day!

Don't overdo it

When it comes to cologne, less is more. Overdoing it can be off-putting and even repulsive to those around you. It's important to remember that cologne should enhance your natural scent, not overpower it. Here are some tips to avoid overdoing it:

• Start with a small amount: Apply just a small amount of cologne to your pulse points, such as your wrists and neck. These areas produce heat that helps to diffuse the scent, so you don't need to use too much. Remember, you can always add more if needed, but it's difficult to remove excess cologne once it's applied.
• Consider the concentration: Different colognes have different concentrations, which affect their strength and longevity. Eau Fraiche, for example, has a very light concentration of 1-3% oil, while Parfum or Extrait de Parfum has a high concentration of 15-30%. Understanding the concentration of your cologne will help you gauge how much to apply.
• Be mindful of your surroundings: If someone can smell you from a normal conversational distance, you're likely wearing too much. Be respectful of others' sensory sensitivities and avoid applying so much cologne that it becomes intrusive to those around you.
• Choose the right occasions: While it's great to have a signature scent, be mindful of the occasion when applying cologne. A heavy, musky fragrance may be too intense for a hot summer day or a family gathering. Opt for something lighter and fresher during the day or for more casual occasions, and save the stronger scents for evenings out or special events.
• Layer with caution: Layering cologne with other scented products like hair perfume or scented lotion can be tricky. The different scents may clash or become too overwhelming when combined. If you choose to layer, use products with complementary scents and go easy on the application to avoid overdoing it.
• Ask for feedback: It can be challenging to judge how strong your cologne is to others. Ask a trusted friend or partner for their honest opinion. They can tell you if your cologne is too strong or needs to be reapplied.

Remember, the key to wearing cologne is subtlety. You want to smell good without imposing your fragrance on everyone around you. Finding the right balance will ensure you leave a positive and lasting impression.

Get a second opinion

Now, this is important: it's genuinely very difficult to judge how you smell yourself. So, ask your partner or a friend. Say it with me: "Bro, how's my sillage right now?"

As Romain Alès, president of the French perfumer Caron, says: "When it comes to men's fragrances, a woman's opinion is obligatory. Your fragrance is a seduction tool, it's a way to connect with another. And if once you put it on it doesn't react well with your skin, then there's a problem. So you need her to smell it on you."

Of course, you can ask a man or a woman, or both. But bring someone you trust.

Your skin chemistry interacts with that of your cologne and changes the scent from what it smells like straight out of the bottle. So you have to test it on your skin. Ask for a take-home sample if possible.

As Alès says: "If I take 40 men and put the same cologne on all of them, I'll have 40 different odors."

It's also worth noting that cologne should be applied to your body directly because body heat is what activates the odours that we are assured will seduce, enchant and captivate the object of our desire.

Frequently asked questions