Applying Liquid Cologne: A Step-By-Step Guide

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. If not done properly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly. Cologne should be applied sparingly and in all the right places. It is generally recommended to spray cologne on your skin rather than your clothes. The insides of your wrists, behind the ears, your neck, and your chest are good spots for cologne.

Apply to pulse points

Applying cologne to your pulse points is an art. These are the areas of your body that emit a lot of body heat, which helps the fragrance to continue smelling good all day long. The heat from these points will also help the cologne to meld with your body's natural chemistry, creating a unique scent.

Pulse points include the insides of your wrists, your neck, behind your ears, your chest, the inside of your elbows, and even behind your knees. You don't need to apply cologne to all of these points – one or two is enough, otherwise, your scent may be overwhelming for those around you.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, remember to dab or spritz, and don't rub it in. This will change the way the cologne smells and make the scent fade faster.

Don't rub it in

Rubbing cologne into your skin is not recommended as it can make the scent fade faster. This is because it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance.

If you are applying cologne to your wrists, simply dab them together a couple of times after application. This prevents the alcohol from spreading out too much and instantly evaporating. Your wrists should still be damp with cologne at this point.

If you are applying cologne to your neck, do not rub it in. Instead, allow it to sit and absorb into the skin.

Why You Shouldn't Rub Cologne In

Rubbing cologne into the skin can forcibly mix it with your natural oils, changing the way the top notes smell. It can also cause the scent to dissipate more quickly due to airflow.

By not rubbing cologne in, you allow the fragrance to develop and linger on the rich, long-lasting middle and base notes. This helps the scent to remain strong and fully develop.

Other Tips for Applying Cologne

• Apply cologne to heated areas of the body, such as the neck, wrists, and inner elbows.
• Avoid applying cologne to areas with too much friction, such as the crotch, armpits, and knees, as this can cause the scent to degrade.
• Hold the cologne bottle 3-6 inches away from your body when applying.
• Apply cologne immediately after showering, as this is when your pores are open, allowing the cologne to seep into the skin and giving you a longer-lasting aroma.
• Moisturize before applying cologne, as this helps the fragrance absorb more efficiently.
• Do not spray cologne directly onto your clothes, as it can damage the garment and cause the scent to dissipate more quickly.

Don't spray on clothes

Why you shouldn't spray cologne on your clothes

While it may be tempting to spray your cologne directly onto your clothes, this is not the best way to apply cologne. Here are a few reasons why you should avoid spraying cologne on your clothes and opt for applying it to your skin instead:

It prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils

Cologne is designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin. Applying it directly to your skin allows the scent to mix with your natural oils, which gives it its unique character. Spraying cologne on your clothes prevents this interaction, resulting in a flat and monochrome scent.

It can harm your clothes

The alcohol in cologne can stain or discolour certain fabrics. Even light washing may not be enough to eliminate the scent from your clothes, and you may have to wear the same perfume for as long as you wear that item of clothing. To avoid this issue, it's best to test the cologne on a small, hidden area of the fabric first.

It can be wasteful

Spraying cologne on your clothes can be wasteful, as much of the fragrance will be absorbed by the fabric. This can be especially frustrating if you're using a more expensive cologne.

It can affect the scent's projection and longevity

Spraying cologne on clothes can reduce its projection and disrupt the scent's evolution. While it may increase longevity, the scent will not project as strongly. This means you'll have to spray more to achieve the desired effect, using up your cologne more quickly.

It can be unpleasant when mixed with sweat

In hot weather, cologne mixed with sweat can be unpleasant. It's best to avoid spraying cologne on your clothes in hot weather, especially if you'll be sweating. Instead, opt for a light fragrance designed for warmer temperatures.

Apply after a shower

Applying Liquid Cologne After a Shower

Applying cologne after a shower is a great way to ensure the scent lasts all day. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying cologne after showering:

Dry Off:

Firstly, ensure your skin is completely dry. Some people prefer to wait a little while after showering to let their skin adjust to room temperature and to avoid perspiration. However, others recommend applying cologne immediately after drying off.

Spray or Dab:

Hold the cologne bottle 3-6 inches from your skin and spray onto the desired area. If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, place one finger over the opening and gently tip the bottle to dab the scent onto your skin. Avoid splashing or rubbing the cologne onto your skin, as this can lead to over-application.

Choose the Right Areas:

Apply cologne to heated areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day. You can also apply cologne to areas with hair, such as the wrists, as the hair helps with longevity.

Light Application:

Start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. If you notice the scent fades quickly, choose another area and apply an additional spray next time. You can always add more, but it's harder to fix over-application.

Reapply if Needed:

Depending on the type of cologne, you may need to reapply, especially if you're going out in the evening. Simply dab a little cologne onto your pulse points to refresh the scent.

Avoid Common Mistakes:

• Do not spray cologne onto your clothing, as it may stain or damage the fabric.
• Avoid creating a mist cloud and walking through it, as most of the cologne will end up on the floor.
• Do not rub the cologne into your skin, as this can make the scent fade faster.
• Be mindful of over-application. Cologne should be a subtle enhancement to your image.

Don't reapply too often

Reapplication of cologne is a personal preference and depends on the type of cologne you are using. However, it is generally advised not to reapply cologne too often, as this can lead to over-application and an overpowering scent. Here are some reasons why you shouldn't reapply cologne too frequently:

Overpowering Scent

The primary reason not to reapply cologne too often is to avoid an overpowering scent. Cologne is designed to be applied sparingly and strategically to last throughout the day. Reapplying too frequently can result in an excessive amount of cologne, which may be unpleasant for both you and those around you. Remember, less is more when it comes to cologne application.

Fragrance Evolution

Perfumes and colognes typically go through different stages of evaporation, known as fragrance notes. The top notes evaporate first, followed by the medium notes, and then the base notes. By reapplying too often, you may disrupt this natural evolution of the scent, preventing you from experiencing the full complexity of the fragrance. Allow the cologne to develop and change throughout the day, as this is part of its unique character.

Skin Chemistry

Your skin chemistry plays a significant role in how long a cologne lasts and how it smells. Factors such as diet, skin health, and underlying chemical makeup can affect how well the cologne wears on your skin. Additionally, hormonal changes, such as those experienced by pregnant women, may require more frequent application. However, reapplying too often can interfere with how the cologne interacts with your skin, potentially altering the scent in an undesirable way.

Fragrance Type

The type of cologne you use will determine how often you need to reapply. Some colognes are designed to last longer than others. For example, woody, amber, and oriental perfumes tend to have greater longevity on the skin, while citrus, floral, and fruity scents tend to fade faster. If you are using a long-lasting cologne, frequent reapplication may be unnecessary and could lead to over-application.

Application Technique

The way you apply cologne can also impact how often you need to reapply. Proper application techniques, such as applying to pulse points and heated areas of the body, can help extend the longevity of the scent. Additionally, using a stronger variation of the cologne, such as an eau de parfum, will require less frequent reapplication compared to an eau de toilette.

Frequently asked questions