The Art Of Wearing Cologne: A Guide For Men

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. If not done properly, it can lead to either over-application or a scent that fades almost immediately. Here are some tips on how to use cologne properly:

- Apply cologne to pulse points and heated areas of the body, such as the neck, wrists, chest, and inner elbows. These areas generate heat, which helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to create a unique aroma.

- Hold the cologne bottle 3-6 inches away from your body when spraying. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-application, while spraying from further than 6 inches away may result in under-application.

- Apply cologne to clean, dry skin immediately after showering. Showering opens up your pores, which helps the scent absorb better.

- Start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply.

- Reapply cologne if needed throughout the day, especially if you are going out in the evening.

- Avoid spraying cologne on your clothing, as it prevents the scent from mixing with your natural oils and can harm certain fabrics.

- Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as it can make the scent fade faster and alter the way it smells.

- Be mindful of your surroundings and the people around you. Avoid applying too much cologne, as it can be overpowering and unpleasant for others.

Apply to pulse points like the wrists, neck, and behind the ears

Applying cologne to your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and behind your ears, is a great way to make your fragrance last longer and smell more intense. These areas of your body emit more heat, which helps the scent to diffuse throughout the day and allows it to blend with your body chemistry, creating a unique aroma.

When applying cologne to your wrists, hold the bottle about 3 to 6 inches away and spray once or twice, being careful not to over-apply. You can also dab a small amount on your wrists throughout the day to freshen up your scent. Avoid rubbing your wrists together after application, as this can degrade the scent and make it fade faster.

The neck is another great spot for cologne application. Spray a small or medium amount on your neck, depending on how strong you want the scent to be. Applying cologne to your neck allows the fragrance to mix with your natural scent, creating a unique smell that is truly yours.

You can also apply cologne behind your ears, especially if you're going to be in a noisy social setting. This way, when someone leans in close to speak to you, they'll catch a pleasant whiff of your cologne. Remember, a little goes a long way, so one spritz behind each ear should be enough.

In addition to the wrists, neck, and behind the ears, other pulse points you can apply cologne to include the insides of your elbows and your chest. Just be mindful not to apply cologne to areas with excessive friction, such as your armpits or knees, as this can cause the scent to degrade.

Don't spray on clothes, apply directly to skin

While it may be tempting to spritz your cologne onto your clothes, this is actually one of the worst ways to apply it. Here are some reasons why you should always apply cologne directly to your skin:

It Prevents the Scent from Mixing with Your Natural Oils

When you spray cologne directly onto your skin, it interacts with your natural oils, creating a unique scent that is truly yours. This is part of what gives cologne its appeal. By spraying it onto your clothes, you're missing out on this key aspect of the fragrance.

It Can Damage Your Clothes

The high alcohol content in cologne can be harmful to certain fabrics. Spraying cologne onto your clothes can cause staining or discolouration, especially on lighter-coloured garments. It's best to avoid spraying cologne directly onto your clothes to prevent any accidental damage.

It Won't Last as Long

Fragrances are designed to interact with the heat of your skin, which helps the scent to develop and last longer. When you spray cologne onto your clothes, it will evaporate more quickly and won't have the same lasting power as it would if applied to the skin.

How to Apply Cologne to Your Skin

So, where exactly should you apply cologne to your skin? The best spots are your pulse points, which are areas of your body that emit more heat. These include your neck, wrists, chest, and inner elbows. When applying, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin and start with one spray. You can always add more if you feel it's necessary, but it's better to err on the side of caution to avoid over-application.

Don't rub it in, let it dry

Rubbing in cologne is a common mistake when applying fragrance. The best way to apply cologne is to spray or dab it onto your skin and let it dry. This is because rubbing the cologne into your skin can change the way it smells and make the scent fade faster.

How to apply cologne

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply cologne properly:

• Take a shower: The hot water will open your pores, providing a good base for the cologne.
• Dry off: Make sure your skin is completely dry before applying cologne.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body: Holding the bottle too close can lead to over-application, while holding it too far away can result in under-application.
• Spray or dab cologne onto pulse points: Pulse points are areas of your body that produce a lot of body heat, such as your wrists, neck, and inner elbows. The heat will help the fragrance continue to smell good throughout the day.
• Don't rub it in: Simply let the cologne dry on your skin.
• Reapply sparingly: You may want to reapply cologne during the day, especially if you're going out in the evening. A little goes a long way, so dab a small amount onto your pulse points as needed.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Spraying cologne on your clothing: This can prevent the scent from mixing with your natural oils, causing it to smell flat and monochrome. It can also damage certain fabrics.
• Rubbing the cologne into your skin: As mentioned earlier, this can alter the scent and make it fade faster.
• Applying too much cologne: A subtle enhancement is best. Remember, less is more.

Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from the body when spraying

Holding the bottle at the correct distance from your body is crucial when applying cologne. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body when spraying. Any closer and you risk over-applying, and spraying from further away will result in under-application. This distance allows you to focus the scent on a specific target, in this case, the pulse points of your body. The pulse points are the warmest parts of your body, and applying cologne here will help the scent to develop throughout the day and create your signature scent.

Pulse points include the neck, wrists, and inner elbows. These areas generate heat and will help to diffuse the fragrance. You can also apply cologne to the chest, which scents your shirt and provides a burst of scent for anyone you hug.

If you are applying cologne to your wrists, spray from 6 inches away, and then rub your wrists on your neck. If you are applying cologne to your chest, hold the bottle 6-9 inches away and spray once or twice.

Choose different colognes for different occasions

Choosing a cologne is an important part of personal style and can make you feel more attractive and confident. However, it is important to choose the right cologne for the occasion and not to over-apply.

For daytime wear or work, a lighter, citrus-based scent is often recommended. These scents are less intense and won't be overpowering in an office environment or during the day. They are also better suited to warmer weather and environments.

For evenings out, or for colder months, a stronger scent with spice or musk notes is a good choice. These scents are often preferred for nights out or colder weather as they are more intense and will be noticed by those around you.

It is also worth considering the environment you will be in. For example, if you are going to a restaurant with strong-smelling food, a strong cologne might not be the best choice as the scents could mix in an unpleasant way.

Additionally, if you are going clubbing or to a noisy social event, you might want to apply cologne behind your ears so that when people lean in close to speak to you, they will notice your cologne.

It is also important to consider your skin type when choosing a cologne. Oily skin will hold fragrance for longer, whereas drier skin will soak up the scent more quickly, so you may need to apply more frequently.

Finally, remember that cologne should complement your own scent, not drown it out. It should be discovered, not announced, so apply sparingly and choose different colognes for different occasions to ensure you have the right scent for the right situation.

Frequently asked questions