Queer Eye's Guide To Wearing Cologne Confidently

In the Netflix show Queer Eye, Jonathan Van Ness (JVN) offers a three-step method for applying cologne: spray, delay, walk away. This involves spraying cologne into the air, walking through the mist, and then sashaying away. This method helps to avoid applying too much cologne, which can be overpowering. JVN also recommends applying cologne to wet skin straight out of the shower, as it helps it stick for longer.

Spray, delay, walk away

Applying cologne correctly is an art, and the experts from Queer Eye have shared their secrets. The "spray, delay, walk away" method is a fun and effective way to ensure you don't overdo it and end up overpowering those around you. Here's a step-by-step guide to mastering this technique:

Step 1: Spray

The first step is to spray your cologne into the air in front of you. Hold the bottle at arm's length and spray once or twice, creating a pleasant-smelling mist. Be mindful not to over-spray, as a little cologne goes a long way.

Step 2: Delay

After spraying, pause for a moment. This delay allows the cologne to settle in the air and ensures that you don't accidentally apply too much. Take a moment to appreciate the fragrance and get ready for the final step.

Step 3: Walk Away

Now it's time to walk through the scented mist you've created. As you move through the air, the cologne will gently settle on your body, providing a subtle and appealing fragrance. You don't want to douse yourself in cologne, so a light walk-through is perfect.

This method is a great way to avoid directly applying cologne to your neck and face, which can cause skin irritation or rashes. It also prevents you from leaving concentrated amounts of cologne on your clothes, which Queer Eye's Tan France would not approve of!

Additionally, as body heat rises, it's important to spray cologne slightly lower than nose height. This ensures that the scent doesn't overwhelm those around you.

So, the next time you reach for your bottle of cologne, remember to spray, delay, and walk away for a perfectly applied fragrance that will have you feeling confident and smelling great all day.

Apply to wet skin

Applying Cologne to Wet Skin

According to Queer Eye's grooming expert, Jonathan Van Ness, applying cologne to wet skin helps it to stick better, ensuring you stay fresh for longer.

How to Apply Cologne to Wet Skin

• Step 1: Get out of the shower and dry off, leaving your skin slightly damp.
• Step 2: Hold the cologne bottle at arm's length and spray once, aiming at your upper stomach.
• Step 3: Walk through the airspace to pick up any scent you missed.
• Step 4: Remember, the cologne scent will initially travel upward, so be sure to spray somewhere lower than nose height.

Tips for Applying Cologne

• Avoid directly applying cologne to your neck and face to prevent any chance of burning or rashes.
• Avoid leaving a high concentration of cologne on your clothes.
• Apply cologne to your hot zones, including your wrists, inside of the elbows, neck, and behind your ears.
• Only a little cologne is needed in these areas.
• Too much cologne is unpleasant and overpowering.

Avoid applying to neck and face

While the neck is often cited as one of the best places to apply cologne, there are a few reasons why you might want to avoid doing so. Firstly, the skin on your neck tends to be thinner and more sensitive, especially if you shave it. This means that you are more likely to experience skin irritation, redness, or stinging if you apply cologne to this area. If you have been experiencing these issues, it might be a good idea to switch up your routine and avoid applying cologne directly to your neck.

Another reason to avoid applying cologne to the neck and face is to prevent the scent from becoming overpowering. The heat generated in these areas can intensify the fragrance, and since the scent will be so close to your nose, you are more likely to become nose-blind to it and over-apply as a result.

If you want to avoid applying cologne to your neck and face, there are several alternative areas you can try. One option is to apply cologne to your wrists, which is a common pulse point that will help to diffuse the fragrance. However, be sure to avoid the common mistake of rubbing your wrists together after application, as this can disrupt the molecules of the fragrance and cause it to fade faster.

You could also try applying cologne to your forearms, the crease of your arm (inner elbow), or the back of your hands. These areas still benefit from body heat, which will help to warm through the fragrance, but they are less likely to cause skin irritation. Additionally, applying cologne to your hair can be a good option, as the skin on your scalp is thicker and will have minimal skin contact.

Remember, when it comes to cologne application, less is more. It's always better to start with a light application and then build up if needed. By avoiding applying cologne directly to your neck and face, you can help prevent skin irritation and ensure that your fragrance is subtle and pleasant for those around you.

Apply to pulse points

When applying cologne, it's important to target your pulse points. These are the areas of your body that emit heat, helping to activate and diffuse the fragrance.

Pulse points include your wrists, the inside of your elbows, the sides of your neck, and behind your ears. You can also apply cologne to your chest, the nape of your neck, and your temples. These areas are all close to the skin's surface, ensuring the cologne's scent will travel upward.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, remember to use a light touch. A little goes a long way, and you don't want to overwhelm those around you. Spray the cologne into the air in front of you, then walk through the mist, allowing it to gently settle on your body. This technique, known as "spray, delay, and walk away," is a favourite of Jonathan Van Ness, the grooming expert on Queer Eye.

If you're using a roll-on or open-spout cologne, you may want to apply the fragrance directly to your pulse points. In this case, be sure to use a gentle dabbing motion and allow the cologne to absorb into your skin before putting on clothing that might come into direct contact with those areas.

Applying cologne to your pulse points is a simple yet effective way to make the scent last longer and ensure you smell fantastic all day.

Apply to lower body

When applying cologne to your lower body, it's important to remember that a little goes a long way. You don't want to overwhelm people with your scent. Here are some tips to help you apply cologne to your lower body like a pro:

Spray the cologne into the air in front of you, at about waist level or slightly lower. This ensures that the scent will be lower than nose-height for those around you. Walk through the mist, allowing the cologne to gently settle on your body. This method is often referred to as the "spray, delay, and walk away" technique, popularized by Jonathan Van Ness (JVN) on Queer Eye. It's a fun and effective way to apply cologne without overdoing it.

When deciding where to spray, focus on the pulse points on your lower body. These areas emit more heat, which helps to activate and enhance your cologne's scent. The wrists, behind the ears, and the neck are common pulse points, but for the lower body, you'll want to focus on the inside of your elbows and the back of your knees. These areas will radiate heat that will carry your cologne's fragrance.

Be mindful of the strength and longevity of your cologne. Some colognes are stronger and longer-lasting than others. If you're using a particularly potent cologne, you may want to apply it only to one or two pulse points on your lower body, rather than all of them. This will help prevent the scent from becoming overwhelming.

If you're applying cologne after a shower, as recommended by JVN, be sure to pat your body dry first. The moisture will help the cologne stick to your skin, but you don't want to apply it to soaking wet skin. A light pat down with a towel before spraying will do the trick.

And remember, less is more. You can always add another spray if needed, but it's harder to remove excess cologne once it's been applied. One spray at a time, walk through the mist, and you'll be on your way to smelling fantastic without overpowering those around you.

Frequently asked questions