The Ultimate Guide To Applying Dial Cologne

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

- Apply cologne to clean, dry skin immediately after showering.

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

- Apply cologne to pulse points, such as the neck, wrists, chest, behind the ears, and inside the elbows.

- Start with a light application and reapply if needed.

- Avoid spraying cologne on your clothing, as it can damage fabrics and prevent the scent from developing fully.

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

- Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid applying too much cologne in office settings or indoor areas.

Apply to pulse points

Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt. These are the best spots to apply scent, due to the warmth of your blood. The heat will cause the fragrance to continue to smell good all day long.

The pulse points are located behind your ear, at the bottom of your throat, on your wrist, inside your elbow, and behind your knee.

When applying cologne, you should target these pulse points. Start with one spritz to each pulse point. If you're using a cologne without a spray nozzle, use the dabbing method. Cover the open bottle with your finger, tip the bottle, then right the bottle and put it down. Dab the liquid on your finger in the area where you wish to apply the cologne.

You don't have to apply cologne to all of these points. For everyday use, we'd recommend just applying it to the bottom of your throat (neck). If you're going out to a noisy social scene, you might want to consider applying a small amount behind your ear—that way, when people lean in to speak to you, they'll get an attractive smell to ponder on.

You can also use your wrist to press the cologne into your skin. The wrist is a great method to place the cologne into your skin, as it is also a pulse point.

Don't overdo it

The fear of over-application is a common concern for many men. Most people have encountered or worked with someone who wore excessive amounts of cologne. Overdoing it will make you "that guy", so be careful. Here are some tips to avoid over-application:

• Apply sparingly: Start with one spray on one area of your body, such as the neck or forearms. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply. You can always add more, but it's harder to fix over-application.
• Choose the right concentration: Different colognes have different concentrations of perfume oils, which affect their strength and longevity. Eau Fraiche, for example, has a very light concentration of 1-3% oil and will wear off quickly, while Parfum or Extrait de Parfum has a high concentration of 15-30% oil and will last up to 24 hours. Choose a concentration that suits your needs, keeping in mind that you don't want the scent to be overpowering.
• Target pulse points: Apply cologne to your pulse points, which are areas of your body that produce a lot of body heat. The heat will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry. Pulse points include the neck, wrists, chest, behind the ears, inside the elbows, and behind the knees.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away: When spraying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-application, while spraying from further than 6 inches away may result in under-application.
• Reapply sparingly if needed: Depending on the type of cologne, you may need to reapply, especially if you are going out for the evening. When reapplying, dab a small amount onto your pulse points.
• Get a second opinion: It can be challenging to judge how you smell yourself. Ask a friend or partner for their honest opinion.
• Avoid mixing with other smells: Do not wear cologne with strongly-scented deodorant or aftershave. The different smells might not mix well together and could create an unpleasant combination.
• Be mindful of your lifestyle: Drinking, smoking, and eating certain foods can alter the smell of your cologne. Be mindful of how your activities and environment may impact your scent.

Choose the right cologne for the occasion

Choosing the right cologne for the occasion is a complex olfactory landscape to navigate. Here are some tips to help you select a fragrance that amplifies your confidence, leaves an unforgettable impression, and aligns seamlessly with the occasion and season:

• Consider the occasion: The scent you wear should match the occasion and setting. For example, a business meeting calls for a subtle, light, and aromatic scent, while a formal event like a wedding calls for a more sophisticated and elegant fragrance. For casual outings, opt for fruity or aquatic notes that are unpretentious and inviting.
• Understand fragrance notes and families: Fragrance notes are the individual building blocks that create the complex aroma profile of a cologne. Citrus, floral, woody, spicy, and musky notes are some of the most common ones, each offering a unique contribution to the overall scent. These notes can be grouped into fragrance families: Citrus Family, Floral Family, Woody Family, Spicy Family, and Musky Family. Choose the notes and families that resonate with you and the occasion.
• Take into account the season: Lighter and fresher scents are more suitable for warmer months, while richer, spicier, and woodier scents are perfect for fall and winter.
• Know your skin type: Your skin type and chemistry can affect how a cologne interacts with your body. Oily skin can prolong the lifespan of a fragrance, while dry skin may cause scents to evaporate more quickly. Sensitive skin requires gentle and less irritating fragrances.
• Sample before you buy: Testing colognes on your skin is crucial, as each person's skin chemistry is unique and can magnify or distort a fragrance. Sampling allows you to assess how the cologne interacts with your skin, how long it lasts, and how it evolves over time.
• Intensity and longevity: Consider the intensity and longevity of the cologne. Do you prefer a subtle scent or a more assertive fragrance? Do you want a fragrance that evolves throughout the day or remains consistent? Choose a cologne that aligns with your preferences and the duration of the occasion.

Apply to the right areas

Applying cologne to the right areas is key to making the scent last longer and avoiding over-application. Here are the areas to target when applying cologne:

Pulse Points

Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt, and they are considered the best spots to apply cologne. These areas produce a lot of body heat, which helps to diffuse the fragrance throughout the day. The heat also allows the cologne to meld with your body chemistry, creating your signature scent. The pulse points include the wrists, neck, behind the ears, inside the elbows, and behind the knees.

Chest

The chest is another great area to apply cologne. Applying cologne to the chest helps to scent your shirt and provides a nice burst of scent for anyone you might hug.

Forearms

The forearms are also considered heat points, and applying cologne to these areas can help diffuse the scent throughout the day.

Neck

Applying cologne to the neck is a good idea, especially if you're planning on getting close to someone during the evening. The cologne will mix with your natural scent, creating a unique fragrance.

How Much to Apply

When applying cologne, less is more. Start with a light application and choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, for one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and apply cologne there the next time. You can also ask a friend or family member for their opinion on whether the application is appropriate, as you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often.

Don't mix with other smells

Don't Mix with Other Scents

While cologne can be layered with other fragrances to create a unique scent, it's important to be cautious when mixing different smells. Wearing too many fragrances at once can be overwhelming and unpleasant for both you and those around you. Here are some tips to help you avoid mixing your cologne with other smells:

• Avoid Mixing with Other Fragrances: Don't mix your cologne with other strong-smelling products like body sprays, hair perfumes, or scented lotions. These can clash with your cologne and create an unappealing combination.
• Be Mindful of Your Environment: Consider the scents and smells in your environment. For example, wearing a strong cologne to a restaurant serving fragrant cuisine, such as Indian food, can result in an interesting mix of scents that may not be pleasant.
• Choose a Signature Scent: Instead of mixing multiple colognes, consider finding a signature scent that fits your personal lifestyle and suits most occasions. This way, you can avoid the hassle of mixing different fragrances and risk creating an unpleasant combination.
• Consider Your Skin Type: Keep in mind that fragrances tend to last longer on oily skin compared to dry skin. Adjust the amount of cologne you apply based on your skin type to avoid overdoing it.
• Layer with Caution: If you do choose to layer fragrances, start with a foundation scent and build upon it with other fragrances of varying intensities. For example, you can use a shower gel with an amber or musk scent and then apply a shaving balm with a hint of vanilla or pine.

Remember, less is more when it comes to cologne. It's better to start with a subtle application and slowly add more if needed, rather than applying too much and having the scent overpower you and those around you.

Frequently asked questions