The Art Of Wearing Cologne: A Guide For Men

Knowing how to wear cologne is a skill. The right cologne can make you feel more attractive and confident, but applying too much can be off-putting. The key is to be strategic and apply sparingly.

It's best to apply cologne directly to the skin, rather than clothing, as this allows it to mix with your natural oils and body chemistry, creating a unique signature scent. Apply to the warmest parts of the body, such as the neck, chest, wrists, and forearms, as body heat helps the scent to diffuse throughout the day.

It's also important to hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches from the skin when spraying, and to start with a light application—one spray is usually enough. You can always add more if needed.

How to apply cologne to your body

Applying cologne is an art form. Done properly, it can make you feel more attractive and confident. Done incorrectly, it can be off-putting and overpowering. Here are some tips on how to apply cologne to your body for just the right strength and staying power.

Prepare Your Body

Take a shower to cleanse your body of any other scents and open your pores. Dry your skin completely. Some sources suggest applying a moisturiser or lotion with a complementary scent to your cologne to help the fragrance absorb more efficiently and last longer.

Spray the Cologne

Hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body and spray onto your skin. One spray on your chest is usually enough, but you can add another if you feel it is necessary. Be careful not to rub the product once it is applied as this can damage the molecules and cause them to dissipate faster.

Apply to Pulse Points

Apply cologne to the warmest areas of your body, such as your neck, wrists, forearms, inner elbows, lower jaw, chest, shoulders, and pulse points. Your natural body heat will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to create a signature scent.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Do not spray cologne onto your clothing as this prevents it from mixing with your natural oils and developing its full scent. Do not rub the cologne into your skin as this can make the scent fade faster. Do not spray a cloud of cologne and walk through it, as most of the fragrance will end up on the floor.

How to test if a cologne suits you

Testing a cologne to see if it suits you is an important step in the process of choosing a signature scent. Here are some tips on how to test if a cologne suits you:

Understand your preferences

Firstly, it's important to understand your own preferences and personality. Do you prefer fresh and clean citrus scents, or warmer, more sensual oriental fragrances? Are you looking for a scent that is bold and unique, or something safer and more classic? Knowing what you want your fragrance to say about you will help guide your exploration.

Take a fragrance quiz

One way to narrow down your options is to take a fragrance quiz. These quizzes take into account factors such as fragrances you already like, your preferred scent family, how you want your cologne to make you feel, and whether you prefer a masculine or feminine scent. The results can give you personalized recommendations and a starting point for further exploration.

Sample and explore

Sampling different fragrances is crucial to finding the right cologne. Visit fragrance stores or explore online platforms that offer a wide range of colognes. Take advantage of testers and sample vials to try out various scents on your skin. Keep in mind that every fragrance smells different on each person due to body chemistry, so it's important to test how the cologne interacts with your natural body odour.

Understand fragrance families

Familiarize yourself with the different fragrance families to understand your preferences better. Common fragrance families include floral, oriental, woody, fresh, citrus, and aromatic. Learn about the key notes associated with each family to identify the types of scents you're naturally drawn to.

Ask for opinions

While it's important to fall in love with the fragrance yourself, don't be afraid to ask for the opinions of salespeople and close friends. They can offer a different perspective and help reinforce or question your decision. Just remember that you are the best judge of what suits you, so only consider changing your choice if multiple people tell you it's not working.

How to make cologne last longer

There's nothing worse than spritzing yourself with cologne, only to find that the scent has disappeared by the time you leave the house. Luckily, there are several things you can do to make your cologne last longer.

Apply to Pulse Points

Your pulse points are the warmest parts of your body, which helps to intensify the scent of your cologne and boost its longevity. These include the nape of your neck, your wrists, the inside of your elbows, and the backs of your knees. Spraying cologne on your ankles and calves will also cause the smell to rise.

Moisturise First

Applying an unscented moisturiser or lotion to your skin before spraying cologne will help to lock in the scent. This is because dry skin soaks up perfume oils, so by moisturising first, you create a better base for your cologne to adhere to.

Apply After a Shower

Applying cologne to freshly washed and slightly damp skin will help to strengthen its staying power. This is because your pores are more open after a shower, allowing the cologne to seep into your skin.

Layer Your Scents

Using complementary scented products, such as soaps, aftershaves, and body balms, will help to increase the longevity of your cologne by removing competing scents. You can also try layering different perfumes to create a unique, long-lasting scent.

Store in a Cool, Dark Place

Heat, humidity, and light can speed up the breakdown of your cologne, so it's important to store it somewhere cool, dark, and dry, like a bedroom or closet.

Common mistakes to avoid when applying cologne

Spraying on Clothing

Spraying cologne on your clothes is one of the most common mistakes people make when applying cologne. This prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils, which gives it its unique scent. Spraying cologne on your clothes can also cause the scent to fall flat and be monochrome, rather than going through its different scent stages. Additionally, spraying cologne on certain fabrics can cause harm and even discolouration.

Splashing on Skin

If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, avoid the temptation to splash it onto your skin. This is an easy way to over-apply. Instead, place one finger over the opening of the bottle, gently tip it upside down, and then dab the scent onto your body.

Spraying a Mist Cloud

While it may seem like a good way to avoid over-application, spraying a mist cloud and walking through it is a waste of cologne. Most of the cologne ends up on the floor, rather than on your body where it needs to be.

Rubbing into Skin

Resist the urge to rub cologne into your skin. Doing so breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing the scent to fade faster. If you're not going to spray, simply dab the cologne onto your skin.

Applying Too Much

A little goes a long way. A man’s fragrance should be a subtle enhancement to his image. Start with a light application and build up if needed. Ask a friend or family member for their opinion if you're unsure.

How to store cologne to extend its shelf life

To extend the shelf life of your cologne, there are several steps you can take to ensure it stays fresh for longer.

Firstly, keep the bottle sealed and closed until you are ready to use it. Once exposed to oxygen, the cologne will begin to oxidise, diluting the scent and causing it to fade over time. The oxidation process will also turn the cologne sour. Therefore, always keep the bottle closed when not in use and avoid excessive shaking, as this can introduce unwanted oxidation.

Secondly, store your cologne in a cool, dark place, such as a closet or cupboard, away from direct sunlight and artificial lighting. Light can break down the chemical structure of the fragrance, causing it to go bad within six months. The original box is a good place to store the bottle, as it offers protection from light and helps to keep the temperature consistent.

Thirdly, avoid storing your cologne in humid environments, like bathrooms, as this can cause chemical reactions to occur and alter the scent. Instead, opt for a dry place, such as a room with a dehumidifier.

Finally, keep your cologne in its original bottle, as this is designed to be airtight and to disperse the correct amount of scent. Decorative bottles may be aesthetically pleasing, but they are not designed to protect the fragrance.

Frequently asked questions