The Art Of Spraying Cologne: A Gq Guide

Knowing where and how to apply cologne is an art that can quickly be mastered. The way you smell plays a crucial role in how others perceive and remember you, so it's no surprise that applying cologne correctly is important. The ideal places to apply cologne are the pulse points or warmest areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, wrists, and inner elbows, as these areas project scent more efficiently. However, it's important not to spray cologne directly onto the chest or clothes, as this can be overpowering for those around you. Instead, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin and target one or two pulse points with 2-4 squirts of cologne. It's also recommended to apply cologne soon after showering, as your body heat will intensify the base notes of the fragrance.

Where to apply cologne

Applying cologne is an art, and where you apply it is key to wearing a scent well. The ideal spots are the pulse points or warmest areas of the body, which help to project the scent more efficiently. These include the wrists, neck, chest, shoulders, and inner elbows.

One recommended combination is to apply cologne to the wrists and neck. Spraying cologne on the inside of the elbows is also suggested, as this area has movement, creating heat and helping the fragrance to lift.

It is also advised to avoid applying cologne behind the ears, as the sebum-producing glands will interfere with the perfume and alter the scent. Similarly, the crutch, armpits, and behind the knees are warm areas, but they are not usually ideal for cologne.

In addition, it is important not to spray cologne directly onto the chest, clothes, or neck, as this can be overpowering for those around you.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin, and avoid rubbing it into the skin after application.

How much cologne to use

When applying cologne, it's important to remember that less is more. You want your cologne to be discovered, not announced. Using too much will give those around you a headache, and it's likely to be an unpleasant experience for yourself, too.

The number of sprays you need depends on the fragrance you're using. Strong scents may only require two or three sprays, while lighter fragrances, such as spring and summer colognes, may need four to six sprays to have the same effect.

It's also important to consider the time of year. In warmer months, a small amount of a lighter, fresher scent is more appropriate, while in winter, heavier scents like musks can be used in slightly larger doses.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin and target your pulse points or warmest areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, wrists, and inner elbows. These areas will project the scent more efficiently, meaning less fragrance is required.

If you're using an Eau de Toilette, you may need to reapply to your wrists later in the day when the fragrance wears off.

How to make cologne last longer

There's nothing worse than spritzing yourself with cologne in the morning, only to find that it's disappeared by the time you get to the office. The good news is, there are several things you can do to make your cologne last longer.

Before You Spray

• Take a shower: The steam from a warm shower will open your pores, helping your skin absorb the fragrance.
• Moisturise your skin: Hydrated skin will soak up your cologne, so apply a body lotion or cream before you spray.
• Apply petroleum jelly: Dabbing some petroleum jelly on your pulse points will create a barrier between your skin and the cologne, helping the fragrance to "stick" all day.

When You Spray

• Layer your scent: Use other products that have the same scent as your cologne, such as body washes, deodorants, and body creams.
• Target pulse points: Spray your cologne on the inside of your wrists, the inside of your elbows, behind your ears, the base of your throat, and behind your knees. These are the warmest spots on your body, which will help keep the scent strong.
• Avoid rubbing your wrists: Contrary to popular belief, rubbing your wrists together can break down the scent, causing it to fade faster.
• Spritz your hair: Spraying cologne on your hair will boost its staying power, as hair is more porous than skin and will hold onto the scent for longer.
• Spray your clothes: Applying cologne to your clothing will make the fragrance cling to the fabric until you wash it. However, be mindful of delicate fabrics that could be ruined by fragrance oils, such as silk or suede.
• Reapply: Depending on the weather or your activities, you may need to reapply your cologne throughout the day. Consider investing in a travel-sized bottle that you can easily carry with you.

Choosing Your Cologne

• Select a heavy scent: Colognes with woody or spicy notes, such as cedar, patchouli, juniper, clove, ginger, or nutmeg, tend to last longer.
• Check the expiration date: Colognes containing a lot of natural ingredients may have a best-by date. Over time, these ingredients can start to turn, weakening or changing the scent.
• Store properly: Extreme temperatures and direct sunlight can alter the oils in your cologne, causing the scent to change or fade. Store your cologne in a cool, dark location, away from the bathroom.

The best time to apply cologne

Applying cologne is an art, and there is a technique to wearing it well. The best time to apply cologne is immediately after a shower, to clean, dry skin. Your body heat will intensify the base notes of the fragrance, so the sooner you apply it, the better.

It is also important to remember that your cologne should be applied to your skin, not your clothes. The oils in cologne are designed to be absorbed and mixed with your skin's natural oils, creating a unique scent. This cannot happen if you apply it to your clothing.

When applying cologne, target the pulse points or warmest areas of the body. These include the neck, chest, shoulders, wrists, and inner elbows. These areas project the scent more efficiently, meaning less fragrance is required.

Be mindful not to overdoo it, as this can be overpowering for you and those around you. A little goes a long way, and cologne should be discovered, not announced.

Finally, remember that your cologne should be reapplied throughout the day, especially if you are using an Eau de Toilette. A quick spritz on your wrists will boost your scent.

How to choose a good cologne

Choosing a good cologne is an important part of your personal style and can increase your attractiveness and boost your confidence. Here is a guide on how to choose a cologne that suits you.

Sample Different Colognes

Start by spraying colognes from a distance onto sample cards and decide which scents you initially like best. Keep in mind that fresh and light fragrances are typically better for summer, while stronger scents with notes of wood or spice are ideal for winter.

Test on Your Skin

Once you've narrowed down your choices, the next step is to test how the cologne interacts with your skin. Spray a sample on your wrist and leave it for the day, regularly smelling it to see how it develops. This will give you a good idea of what it will be like to wear the cologne regularly.

Understand Fragrance Breakdown

Colognes are made up of top notes, mid-notes, and base notes, each of which dries up at different intervals, causing the fragrance to change over time. Top notes last 15-120 minutes, mid-notes can last 30 minutes to 5 hours, and base notes can stick around for 2-8 hours or more. Understanding this breakdown will help you know how the cologne will smell throughout the day.

Choose the Fragrance Yourself

Remember that colognes can smell different on different people due to their unique skin chemistry. Therefore, it is important that you test the fragrance on yourself before purchasing it. Don't let someone else choose it for you, and don't buy one just because it smells good on a friend.

Storage

Where you store your cologne can also impact its scent and longevity. Keep your cologne in a cool, dark, and dry place, like your bedroom closet, to ensure it lasts a long time. Avoid exposing it to rapid temperature changes or direct sunlight, as this can cause the fragrance to break down faster.

Frequently asked questions