Heidi Norton
Knowing how to wear cologne is an art form. Wear it correctly and you'll appear more attractive and confident; wear it incorrectly and you risk becoming that guy whose overpowering scent lingers in everyone's nostrils long after he's gone. The key to wearing cologne is to be subtle and understated – in other words, less is more. Here are some tips on how to wear cologne without overdoing it.
How to Wear a Cologne
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to apply | After showering, once skin is dry |
| How to apply | Spray from 3-6 inches away |
| Where to apply | Pulse points, wrists, neck, forearms, inner elbows, chest, shoulders, lower jaw |
| Amount to apply | Start with a light application, one spray on one or two points |
| Re-application | Re-apply to pulse points if required |
| Common mistakes | Rubbing into skin, splashing on, spraying on clothing, spraying and walking through it |
What You'll Learn
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 cologne because the warmth of your blood helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day. Pulse points include your wrists, neck, bottom of your throat, behind your ear, and inside your elbow.
When applying cologne to your pulse points, hold the bottle about 3 to 6 inches away from your skin and start with a light application. You can always add another spritz if needed, but it's important to avoid over-applying, as this can be off-putting to those around you.
If you're going out in the evening or notice that the scent is fading, you can reapply by dabbing a small amount onto your pulse points. Remember, when it comes to cologne, less is more!
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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 applying too much, and if you hold it too far away, you won't apply enough. The optimum distance is generally considered to be between 3 and 6 inches from your body.
Holding the bottle 3-6 inches away will allow you to target the cologne effectively without over or under-concentrating it. This distance will help you avoid turning your skin red from too much alcohol concentration, while also ensuring that you don't lose too many particles through a poorly targeted spritz.
A good rule of thumb is to hold the bottle no closer than the width of your palm. This will ensure that you don't apply too much cologne in one area, which can be overpowering.
When applying cologne, it's important to remember that less is more. You want your cologne to be discovered, not announced. People who are close by should be able to smell your cologne, but not be overpowered by it. Holding the bottle 3-6 inches away will help you achieve this subtle application.
Additionally, holding the bottle at the correct distance will help you build the best projection/cast/sillage for your scent. This is the "trail" of fragrance that you leave when you walk away, as well as the radius it builds around you when you're standing still. Holding the bottle 3-6 inches away will ensure that you're not wasting cologne by spraying too far away, while also preventing you from applying too much in one area.
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Start with a light application
When applying cologne, it's important to start with a light application. This means choosing one area of your body, such as the neck or forearms, and applying just one spray of cologne. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, you can choose another area and apply another spray there the next time.
It's worth noting that you can become nose-blind to scents that you wear often, so it's a good idea to ask a friend or family member if your application is appropriate. If you're new to wearing fragrances, it's best to start with a single spray and then add more as you become more comfortable and knowledgeable about how to wear cologne.
When applying cologne, hold the bottle about three to six inches away from your body. This will ensure that you don't over-apply or under-apply the fragrance.
It's also important to apply cologne to the heated areas of your body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. These areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to create a signature scent.
Remember, when it comes to cologne, less is more. You want your fragrance to be discovered, not announced. People who are close by should be able to smell your cologne, but not be overpowered by it.
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Reapply if needed
Depending on the type of cologne you use, you may need to reapply it during the day, especially if you are going out in the evening. When reapplying, use a small amount on your pulse points, such as your neck, wrists, or inner elbows.
Your nose will get used to the scent, so just because you can't smell your cologne doesn't mean others can't. This is called nose blindness or anosmia. A friend or partner could help you identify if your cologne is too strong or too weak.
If your scent is extremely light, a discreet reapplication may be in order. Citrus-forward scents, for example, are known for not lasting long.
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Avoid common mistakes
Now that you know the basics of how to wear cologne, it's important to go over some common mistakes that people make when applying cologne.
Applying too much cologne
A man's cologne should be subtle and understated. It should complement and enhance your style, not overpower it. Remember that with fragrance, less is more. It is best to start light and reapply as needed.
Rubbing cologne into your skin
When you spritz your skin with cologne, avoid the temptation to rub it in. The friction can make the scent fade faster and the heat generated while massaging your skin can change how the fragrance blends with your natural aroma. If your fragrance doesn't have a spray applicator, gently dab the cologne onto your skin and give it time to dry.
Splashing cologne onto your skin
If your cologne does not have a spray nozzle, avoid splashing it onto your skin. Instead, place one finger over the bottle's opening and carefully tip it upside down to apply it using a dabbing motion. This method gives you much more control over the amount of cologne you use.
Walking through the scent
Spraying a cloud of cologne and quickly walking through it may seem like a good idea, but it is incredibly wasteful and has minimal payoff. To get the most out of your cologne, it must be applied directly to the skin. By spraying it into the air, most of the scent will end up on the floor.
Spraying cologne onto your clothing
Cologne only works when applied to the skin. By spraying it onto your clothing, you're preventing it from mixing with your natural oils, which gives the scent its unique quality. Spraying cologne onto clothes can also inadvertently cause fading or damage to the fabric.
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Frequently asked questions
A little goes a long way with cologne. It is recommended to start with a single spray on one or two pulse points, and then build up from there if needed.
The best spots to apply cologne are the warmest parts of your body, such as your neck, chest, wrists, forearms, inner elbows, and behind your ears and knees.
It is best to apply cologne after showering, as this washes away lingering odours and opens up your pores, allowing your skin to better absorb the scent.
