The Art Of Wearing Cologne: A Guide For Men

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. If not done properly, it can lead to either over-application or a scent that fades almost immediately. The key is to apply sparingly and strategically so that the cologne lasts all day. Cologne should complement your own scent, not drown it out. It should be a hint of fragrance that draws people in for more, not something that hits them over the head.

Apply to pulse points

Pulse points are the areas of your body that allow for the most even distribution of scent since the skin there is warmer. These are the best spots to apply scent to, due to the warmth of your blood. The pulse points are located behind your ear, at the bottom of your throat, on your wrist, inside your elbow, and behind your knee.

You don't need to spray the fragrance on all your pulse points. This would be overkill. Pick just a few and see what works best for you. We recommend starting with just the neck and wrists. For most of us, this will be more than enough to get the job done.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3–6 inches from your body. If you’re wondering where to spray cologne, holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches away risks over-applying; spraying any further than 6 inches and you will likely under-apply.

Apply cologne to heated areas of your body. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away

Holding the cologne bottle the correct distance from your body is a key part of applying cologne correctly. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, and spraying any further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application. Holding the bottle at this distance will allow you to focus the scent on a specific target, without over or under-concentrating it. It's the perfect balance between turning your skin red from too much alcohol concentration and losing too many of the particles from a poorly targeted spritz.

If you are applying cologne to your chest, hold the bottle 6-9 inches away. One pump will be enough, but you can do two if you must. You want the cologne to complement your own scent, not drown it out. It should be a subtle hint of fragrance that draws people in, not something that overpowers your natural scent.

If you are applying cologne to your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and chest, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away. These are the warmest points on your body, and applying cologne here will help the scent to project and perform to its fullest potential.

Apply to heated areas

Applying cologne to heated areas of the body is an important step in ensuring that your cologne lasts throughout the day. The heat from these areas helps to diffuse the scent and allows it to meld with your body chemistry, creating a unique signature scent.

The best spots to apply cologne are the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas generate heat, which helps to enhance and prolong the scent. By targeting these areas, you can create a subtle fragrance that complements your natural body odour, rather than overpowering it.

When applying cologne to heated areas, it is important to hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body. This distance allows for a focused application, ensuring that you don't over or under-apply the cologne. Start with a light application and adjust as needed. It is recommended to 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 apply an additional spray the next time.

It is also important to apply cologne to clean, dry skin. Showering before application helps to cleanse the body of any other scents and opens the pores, aiding in scent absorption. Applying cologne immediately after showering and before getting dressed ensures that the fragrance goes onto the body and not onto clothing, where it can stain or damage the fabric.

In addition to applying cologne to heated areas, you can also apply it to your hair. However, it is important to note that colognes contain a high amount of alcohol, which can dry and damage hair. Therefore, it is recommended to use a dedicated hair perfume rather than a standard cologne on your hair.

Start with a light application

When applying cologne, it's important to remember that less is more. You want your cologne to complement your natural scent, not drown it out. It should be a subtle hint that draws people in, not something overpowering that hits them over the head.

To avoid over-application, start with a light application. Choose one area to spray, such as your neck, wrists, chest, or forearms. Hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body and apply one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply. You can always add more, but it's harder to fix over-application.

You might want to ask a close 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. Remember, your cologne should be smelled during a hug, not a handshake.

If you're applying cologne to your wrists, avoid rubbing them together as this can alter the chemistry of the fragrance and destroy its essence. Instead, simply let it dry before putting on a shirt, so that your body heat can keep the scent active.

Reapply if needed

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

Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt. These are the best spots to apply scent to, due to the warmth of your blood. The points are located behind your ear, at the bottom of your throat, on your wrist, inside your elbow, and behind your knee.

When reapplying cologne, you should still aim to spray from 3-6 inches away from your body. If you are reapplying cologne to your wrists, remember not to rub your wrists together, as this will destroy the delicate balance of the cologne.

Frequently asked questions