The Ultimate Guide To Spraying Cologne For Men

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. Applying cologne correctly can help you feel more attractive and confident, but applying too much can be overpowering. The key is to apply sparingly and strategically, so the scent lasts all day without being too strong. Here are some tips on how to spray cologne correctly:

- Apply cologne to clean, dry skin, preferably immediately after showering as this helps the scent absorb better.

- Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body when spraying.

- Target pulse points, which are the heated areas of your body, such as the neck, wrists, chest, forearms, and inner elbows.

- Start with a light application - one or two sprays is usually enough.

- Re-apply if needed throughout the day, especially if you're going out in the evening.

- Avoid spraying cologne on your clothes, as this can damage the fabric and prevent the scent from mixing with your natural oils.

- Don't rub the cologne into your skin, as this can make the scent fade faster.

How much cologne to use

The amount of cologne to use depends on the strength of the fragrance, the occasion, and personal preference. However, the general consensus is that less is more. You want your cologne to complement your natural scent, not drown it out. It should be a subtle hint of fragrance that draws people in, rather than something that smacks them over the head.

The best way to apply cologne is to spray it directly onto your skin, rather than your clothes. Aim for the heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. These areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to create a unique signature scent.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body. Spraying any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, while spraying further than 6 inches will likely result in under-applying. Start with one or two sprays, and if you feel it is necessary, build up from there so that you don't over-apply. For lighter fragrances, such as citrus or floral colognes, one or two sprays should be enough. For stronger scents, such as woody or musky fragrances, you may want to start with two or three sprays.

It's important to remember that you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often, so consider asking a friend or family member for their opinion on whether your application is appropriate. Additionally, avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne, as this can disrupt the molecules of the fragrance and alter its chemistry.

Remember, your cologne should be a subtle enhancement to your image. It should be discovered, not announced.

Where to spray cologne

The best places to spray cologne are heated areas of the body, such as the neck, the crease of the arm (inner elbow), the wrist, the chest, and the pulse points. These areas benefit from body heat, which will warm the fragrance. The subtle scent will also be appreciated when offering a handshake.

The back of the neck is an essential target area to spray, as heat is continuously produced here, keeping the fragrance alive throughout the day.

Pulse points are the areas of the body that allow for the most even distribution of scent since the skin there is warmer. For men, these points include the neck, armpits, knees, wrists, and behind the ears.

When applying cologne, it is recommended to spray it on pulse points such as the wrists, neck, and chest, as these areas generate heat and will help diffuse the fragrance.

It is important to note that cologne should not be sprayed on the chest, downstairs region, or bed sheets, as advised by Mr Sean Chenery from Hackett Spitalfields.

When to apply cologne

The best time to apply cologne is after a shower when your skin is clean and dry. The steam and heat from the shower open up your pores, allowing the cologne to sink into your skin and helping it last longer.

Applying cologne immediately after a shower also ensures that your skin is free of any other scents that might interfere with the cologne. It is important to note that you should not spray cologne onto damp skin, as this can affect the scent and may lead to skin irritation.

If you are planning to go out in the evening, you may want to reapply cologne before you head out, especially if you applied it in the morning.

Pulse Points

The best places to apply cologne are the pulse points, which are the warmest areas of your body. These include the neck, wrists, chest, armpits, knees, forearms, and behind the ears. The heat from these areas helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry, creating your signature scent.

When applying cologne to pulse points, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your skin. This ensures that you apply the right amount of cologne and do not over-saturate the area.

It is recommended to apply cologne to just a few pulse points, rather than all of them. The neck and wrists are good starting points, and you can experiment to find the combination that works best for you.

Common mistakes to avoid

Spraying on Clothing

Spraying cologne on your clothes is a common mistake. It prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils, which gives it its unique quality. It can also cause the scent to become flat and monochrome, rather than going through its scent stages. Additionally, the oils and alcohol in cologne can damage or discolour fabrics.

Over-application

Over-application is a common fear for many men. You don't want to be known as the person who wears too much cologne. It's important to apply sparingly and strategically, so the scent lasts all day. Start with a light application—one spray on the neck or forearms. If the scent fades quickly, choose another area to spray next time.

Rubbing the Wrists

Rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne is a big no-no. This can destroy the delicate balance of the cologne, changing its chemistry and fragrance. Instead, spritz both wrists lightly and let the liquid sink in without rubbing.

Spraying a Mist Cloud

Avoid spraying a mist cloud and walking through it. This method renders the cologne almost useless, as most of it ends up on the floor. The majority of the cologne should be placed on your body.

Improper Storage

Cologne should be stored in a cool, dark spot. Exposure to sunlight and a wide range of temperatures can shorten its shelf life and alter its scent.

How to test your cologne

Testing a cologne before buying it is important to see how it will react with your body chemistry. Here are some tips on how to test your cologne:

Start with Blotters

Use the scent blotters or paper blotters (the strips of paper you see near fragrance display bottles) to initially test the cologne. These are small, white cardboard strips that absorb the fragrance and help you smell it without putting it on your body. Spray two or three times in a downward motion into a cloud and pass the scent strip through the cloud, letting it absorb. Wave the scented strip under your nose, being careful not to touch it. Blotters should be kept at least an inch or two away.

Test on Skin

Once you have narrowed it down to two to four fragrances, it's time to see how they react to your skin's chemistry. Spray one cologne type on each wrist. If you're testing more than two, spray onto your inner elbows as well. Do not test more than four at a time, as this could confuse your sense of smell.

Give the Scent Time to Develop

Walk around or do something else for 15 to 30 minutes. Once the scent has had a chance to mix with the oils on your skin, give them each another sniff. It can be helpful to smell something different in between each sniff to cleanse the nostrils (coffee works well for this). Notice how each smell has developed once it's had a chance to work with your body chemistry. This will give you a true idea of what each cologne will smell like on you.

Take Your Time

Something you may love in the store may not be what you love at home, so it's recommended to take some time after spraying the cologne to do something else and allow the fragrance to play with your body's natural chemistry.

Mind Your Senses

It can be easy to overload your sense of smell when trying a variety of new fragrances. Avoid wearing other fragrances when testing out something new. While you may love your everyday perfume, it could hinder your ability to experience a new fragrance. It's also a good idea not to test out more than three fragrances on blotters on a given day, as your sense of smell can only handle about three scents well before it gets confused.

Research Colognes Online

Using a scent wheel and any previous knowledge of scents you might have, think about which scents might be appealing to you. Use Google to search for the fragrances that include these scents so that you have a starting point once you reach the store.

Order Fragrance Testers

A convenient option for trying colognes from home is to order fragrance testers, which come in smaller bottles when you think you've found a scent you like.

Frequently asked questions