The Art Of Applying Cologne: Tips For Men

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. Apply it correctly and you'll feel more attractive and confident; apply it incorrectly and you risk becoming that guy whose overpowering scent clears a room in seconds. The key to success is to apply sparingly and in all the right places. So, where exactly are these magical places and how much cologne should you be applying?

Pulse points

There are nine pulse points on the body, including the inner wrist (a well-known pulse point), the temples of the head, the foot, and two points on the neck. Other pulse points include the chest, behind the ears, the inside of the elbows, and behind the knees.

When applying cologne to pulse points, it is recommended to spray from three to six inches away, using one to four spritzes, depending on the strength of the cologne. It is important to be gentle with non-spray bottles to avoid spills.

For everyday use, applying cologne to the neck and inner wrist or chest is sufficient. However, for a night out or a date, you may want to add a small amount behind the ear, allowing people to catch a pleasant whiff when they get close to your face.

The number of pulse points you apply cologne to depends on the strength of the cologne and the situation. The more pulse points you target, the less cologne you need to use, and a lighter scent is generally preferable. It is also important to consider your skin type, as oilier skin will hold the scent longer, while drier skin may require more applications.

After a shower

Applying cologne after a shower is a great way to ensure that your fragrance lasts longer. Here are some detailed tips on how to spread cologne after showering:

Timing is important when it comes to applying cologne after a shower. While some people prefer to apply cologne immediately after showering, others suggest waiting for a while until your skin returns to its regular temperature. This is because warmer skin can cause the perfume to evaporate faster, and you may sweat more after a hot shower, which can affect the longevity of your cologne. Waiting for about 15 to 30 minutes after your shower can help prevent these issues. However, if you take a cold shower, you may not need to wait.

Before applying cologne, make sure your skin is completely dry. You can also apply an unscented or lightly scented moisturiser to your skin before applying cologne, as this can help the fragrance absorb better and increase its longevity. Just make sure to give the moisturiser time to absorb into your skin before spraying on your cologne.

When you're ready to apply your cologne, hold the bottle about 3 to 6 inches away from your body and spray onto your skin. Start with a light application—you can always add more later. Apply the cologne to your pulse points, which are areas of the body that give off more heat, helping to spread your scent throughout the day. These include your neck, wrists, inner elbows, and chest. You can also apply cologne to your forearms. Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this can break down its molecular structure, weakening the fragrance or corrupting the scent.

It's also important to note that you should avoid spraying cologne directly onto your clothes. This can damage certain fabrics, and the scent will dissipate more quickly due to airflow. Instead, focus on applying it to your skin, allowing it to mingle with your natural oils.

Don't rub it in

Rubbing cologne into your skin is a common mistake when applying cologne and should be avoided. While it may seem like the best way to ensure full coverage, it can actually reduce the intensity and longevity of the scent.

Why You Shouldn't Rub It In

Rubbing cologne into your skin can break down the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing the scent to fade faster. It can also lead to skin irritation, redness, and dryness. The fragrance is quite fragile, and even things like too much exposure to light or heat can alter its quality.

The Right Way to Apply Cologne

So, what's the best way to apply cologne? The key is to apply it to your pulse points—the areas of your body where your blood flow is closest to the skin. These include your wrists, neck, chest, forearms, and inner elbows.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3–6 inches away from your skin and spray or dab a small amount onto your pulse points. Do not rub it in; simply let it dry on the skin. This will allow the fragrance to warm up slowly throughout the day and interact with your body chemistry, producing its best, most fragrant notes.

Tips for Applying Cologne Without a Spray Nozzle

If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, you can apply it by covering the opening of the bottle with your fingertip, then turning the bottle upside down before setting it back down. This will give you a small amount of cologne on your fingertip, which you can then dab onto your pulse points.

Remember, when applying cologne, less is more. You don't want to overpower those around you with your scent. Start with a light application and reapply if needed.

Don't mix colognes

While it may be tempting to mix colognes, especially if you have a few favourites that you can't choose between, it's important to remember that colognes are carefully crafted with complexity and extensive experimentation. There are simply too many variables to account for if you mix colognes, such as projection, sillage, longevity, and note breakdown.

If you mix colognes, you may end up with an overpowering scent that doesn't smell pleasant. Each fragrance is designed with a unique combination of notes that are meant to settle and blend together over time. When you mix two colognes, you disrupt this process and end up with a jarring combination that doesn't smell good.

Additionally, colognes have different concentration levels, and mixing two colognes with different concentrations can result in an uneven and poorly concentrated application. The higher the concentration, the stronger the scent will be, and mixing two strong colognes can be overwhelming.

If you're looking to create a unique and personalised scent, consider investing in fragrance layering. This technique involves combining different fragrances to create a signature scent that reflects your individual style and personality. However, it's important to approach fragrance layering with caution and not overdo it. Start with a small amount of each fragrance and gradually build up as needed. It's also a good idea to use fragrances from the same brand, as they are designed to complement each other.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to mix colognes, it's best to avoid it. Mixing colognes can result in an overpowering and unpleasant scent. Instead, opt for fragrance layering if you want to create a unique scent, and always remember that less is more when it comes to cologne application.

Spritz from a distance

Spritzing from a distance is an important part of applying cologne correctly. If you spray too close to your skin, you risk over-applying, and you may end up with a concentrated puddle of cologne that drips down your skin and soaks your clothes.

The ideal distance to spritz from is somewhere between three to six inches away from your body. This allows the cologne to spread into a mist and lightly blanket your skin. It is also the perfect balance between avoiding too much alcohol concentration on your skin and losing too many particles from a poorly targeted spritz.

If you are using a cologne with a spray nozzle, do not spray right next to your skin. Hold the bottle a few inches away from your body and give yourself a light spritz.

If your cologne does not have a spray nozzle, you can spritz from a distance by placing one finger over the opening of the bottle and gently tipping it upside down. Then, spritz a small amount onto your finger and dab it onto your skin.

Remember, when applying cologne, less is more. You can always add more cologne, but you can't remove it.

Frequently asked questions