Applying Non-Spray Cologne: Tips And Tricks

There are many ways to apply cologne, but not all of them are effective. One of the most common mistakes is spraying the fragrance on your clothing. This prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, which gives it its unique quality, and can also be harmful to some fabrics. Instead, cologne should be applied to the pulse points on your wrists and neck, where you can feel your blood pumping through your veins. This targets the “warmest” points on your body and helps the scent perform to its fullest potential.

If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, you can apply it by covering the open bottle with your finger, tipping the bottle, and then dabbing the liquid onto your pulse points. However, be sure to only dab a small amount and avoid rubbing it in, as this can change the scent and make it fade faster.

Apply cologne to pulse points

Applying cologne to your pulse points is the best way to ensure your fragrance lasts longer. Pulse points are areas on your body where you can feel your heart pumping blood through your arteries. These areas are particularly warm due to the close contact with contracting blood, which diffuses the fragrance, making it more effective and long-lasting.

There are nine pulse points on your body, including your foot, the temples of your head, two places on your neck, and your inner wrist. When applying cologne, you should choose one or two pulse points to apply a small amount to, rather than applying it to all of them. This will ensure that the scent is subtle and not overwhelming for those around you.

For everyday use, it is recommended to apply cologne to the neck area and the inner wrist or chest. If you are going out to a bar or on a date, you can also apply cologne to the area behind your ear. This will give people a nice, subtle whiff of your fragrance when they get close to your face.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, it is important to spray or dab gently, especially if your bottle does not have a spray nozzle. You should also avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this can change the scent and make it less long-lasting.

Avoid spraying on clothes

While applying cologne to your clothes may seem convenient, especially if you're in a rush, there are several reasons why you should avoid doing so.

Firstly, cologne applied directly to the skin tends to last longer. The heat and moisture on the skin help to slow down the evaporation process, extending the fragrance's longevity. When applied to clothes, the cologne doesn't have the benefit of activating with the heat from your skin, which means it may not last as long or have the same level of complexity as when applied to the skin.

Secondly, each individual's skin chemistry is unique, and this can affect the way a fragrance smells. Applying cologne to the skin helps create a personalised scent that suits your body chemistry. On the other hand, applying cologne to clothes can change the effect and scent of the fragrance, and it may not smell the same as it does on your skin.

Additionally, spraying cologne on your clothes can cause staining or discolouration, especially on delicate fabrics. The fragrance can also be overpowering if you apply too much, and it may end up choking out a room.

Lastly, it's important to be mindful of others when wearing cologne. While you may not be able to detect the scent after a while, other people will still be able to smell it. Choose one or two spots to apply cologne, such as your wrists, neck, or chest, and keep the amount subtle. This will help ensure that people notice you, not just your cologne.

Target heated areas of the body

To apply cologne to the right areas of your body, you need to target the heated areas. These areas are the pulse points of your body, which produce a lot of body heat. The heat from these areas will help the fragrance to continue to smell good all day long.

The insides of your wrists are a good spot for cologne application. You can also apply cologne to the back of your neck, where heat is continuously produced, keeping the fragrance alive throughout the day. The crease of your arm (inner elbow) is another good spot, as is the chest. These areas will all benefit from body heat, warming the fragrance.

When applying cologne, choose one or two spots only. Applying cologne to too many areas will result in an overwhelming scent for those around you.

Don't rub it in

When applying cologne, it is important to remember not to rub it into your skin. This is because rubbing the cologne changes the way it smells and causes the scent to fade faster. Instead, you should let it dry on your skin.

If you are using a spray bottle, hold it a few inches away from your body and give yourself a light spritz. If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, you can use the dabbing method. Cover the open bottle with your finger, tip the bottle, then put it down and dab the liquid onto your skin. Remember to only dab once and to wash your hands afterward so you don't get cologne on everything you touch.

It's also important to target the pulse points on your body, such as your wrists, neck, and chest. These areas produce a lot of body heat, which will help the fragrance continue to smell good all day long.

Apply from a distance of 3-6 inches

When applying cologne, it's important to hold the bottle at the correct distance from your body. Hold the spray bottle 3–6 inches from your body. Any closer than 3 inches and you risk over-applying, and spraying 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 (the pulse point), 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 your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, you can use the dabbing method. Cover the open bottle with your finger, tip the bottle, then right the bottle and put it down. Dab the liquid onto your finger and apply it to your chosen pulse point.

One small dab is enough; don't double-dab. Wash your hands after using this method to avoid transferring cologne to other surfaces.

Frequently asked questions