The Art Of Wearing Cologne: A Guide For Men

Knowing how to apply cologne correctly is an art form that can boost your attractiveness and confidence. The key to applying cologne is to use it sparingly and strategically so that it lasts all day without being overpowering. The best time to apply cologne is after a shower when your skin is still warm and your pores are open, and it's best to apply it directly to your skin rather than your clothes. Hold the bottle about three to six inches from your body and target pulse points or heated areas of the body such as the neck, chest, wrists, and inner elbows. Remember, less is more when it comes to cologne!

Apply to pulse points

Applying cologne to your pulse points is an essential step in using cologne correctly. Pulse points are the warmest areas of your body, which helps to project the scent more efficiently, meaning less fragrance is required. These areas include the neck, chest, shoulders, wrists, and inner elbows.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin when spraying. Two to four squirts are ideal, and you should avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin after application, as this can cause the scent to fade faster.

If you are applying cologne to your wrists, spray the fragrance onto your inner wrists, and then press your wrists into your skin to help the cologne sit below the skin in the pulse point. This will help the scent to last longer.

You can also apply cologne to the back of your neck, behind your ears, and behind your knees. However, it is recommended that you only apply cologne to a few pulse points to avoid overdoing it.

Applying cologne to your pulse points is a great way to ensure that your fragrance lasts longer and projects a subtle, attractive scent.

Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away

Holding the cologne bottle the correct distance from your body is crucial to applying the right amount of cologne. If you hold the bottle too close, you risk over-applying, and if you hold it too far away, you will likely under-apply. The general rule is to hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body when spraying. This distance ensures that the cologne is distributed evenly and allows you to control the amount you are applying.

Holding the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body gives you better control over where the cologne is applied. You can target specific areas, such as your pulse points, which are the warmest areas of your body, including the neck, chest, wrists, and inner elbows. These areas help project the scent more efficiently since they emit more heat. By holding the bottle at the correct distance, you can ensure that you are not wasting cologne by spraying too far away or applying too much by spraying too close.

Additionally, holding the bottle at the correct distance allows you to build up the scent gradually. You can start with a light application and then add more if needed. This is especially important when applying cologne to areas like the neck, where you don't want to apply too much at once. Holding the bottle 3-6 inches away gives you the flexibility to adjust the intensity of the scent as desired.

Finally, holding the bottle at the correct distance helps prevent over-saturation of the cologne on your skin. Applying cologne from too close a distance can result in a strong concentration of fragrance in one area, which may be unpleasant for you and those around you. By holding the bottle 3-6 inches away, you allow the scent to disperse more naturally, creating a more subtle and appealing fragrance.

Don't rub it in

Rubbing cologne into your skin is a big no-no. It might seem like a good idea to rub your wrists together after applying cologne, but this is a surefire way to ruin your scent.

Colognes are made up of different notes that work in harmony. By rubbing your wrists together, you're changing the chemistry and destroying the essence of the cologne. The delicate balance of the cologne is destroyed, and the scent will fade faster as you break the molecular bond in the fragrance.

So, the key thing to remember is to avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne. Instead, simply dab or spritz the cologne onto your skin and let it dry naturally. This will ensure that the fragrance lasts longer and smells as it should.

Additionally, it's important to remember that a little goes a long way with cologne. You don't want to be the guy who can be smelled from a mile away. Start with a light application and reapply as needed. Two to four squirts are usually enough, depending on the fragrance power.

Reapply to wrists

Reapplying cologne to your wrists is an excellent way to refresh your fragrance throughout the day. The wrists are a pulse point, an area where your heart pulse can be felt, and are therefore warmer spots on the body where blood flows. This warmth helps to project the cologne's scent, allowing it to diffuse into the air and ensuring that you smell amazing all day.

When reapplying cologne to your wrists, it is important to remember that less is more. You don't want to overwhelm others with your scent. One or two spritzes should be enough to refresh your fragrance. If you are using a balm or wax formula, be sure to clean your wrists before reapplication.

Additionally, you can reapply cologne to other pulse points such as your neck, chest, inner elbows, and behind your ears and knees. However, it is best to stick to just a few pulse points, rather than applying to all of them, to avoid overkill.

If you are going out in the evening, you may need to reapply your cologne, especially if you are using an Eau de Toilette. Keep a small, refillable bottle with you so that you can easily refresh your scent throughout the day or night.

Store in a cool, dark place

Storing cologne in a cool, dark place is essential to preserving its scent and preventing it from spoiling. Cologne is sensitive to changes in temperature and light exposure, which can cause the fragrance to break down faster. Therefore, it is best to store cologne in a cool, dark location, such as a bedroom closet, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations.

Fluctuations in temperature can significantly impact the lifetime of a fragrance. Storing cologne in areas exposed to rapid temperature changes, such as the bathroom or the car, can accelerate its deterioration. Sunlight will also have a similar effect, so it is crucial to avoid placing cologne near windowsills or other areas with direct sunlight.

Additionally, cologne should be kept in its original box when possible, as light exposure can cause fragrances to deteriorate over time. By taking these storage precautions, you can ensure that your cologne retains its scent and lasts for many years.

Frequently asked questions