Lance Carson
Knowing how to apply cologne correctly is an art form. Done properly, cologne can enhance your personal style, make you feel more confident, and leave a lasting impression. However, applying too much can be overpowering and off-putting. To avoid being that guy, it's important to apply cologne sparingly and strategically, so the scent lasts all day without being overwhelming. Here are some tips on how to wear cologne correctly.
How to Wear Cologne Correctly
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to apply | Directly after a shower, when pores are open and skin is clean |
| How close to hold the bottle | 3-6 inches from the body |
| Where to apply | Pulse points (wrists, neck, chest, inner elbows, collarbone, behind the knees) |
| How much to apply | Start with a light application, one spray on one area; build up if needed |
| How to apply | Spray and let dry; do not rub |
| Re-application | Re-apply to pulse points if needed |
| Storing | Keep in original box, in a cool, dry, dark place, away from direct sunlight |
What You'll Learn
Apply to pulse points
Applying cologne to your pulse points is a great way to make your fragrance last longer and to allow it to develop a unique scent. Pulse points are areas where blood flows close to the skin's surface, and due to the increased warmth, they help to diffuse your fragrance into the air.
There are several pulse points on the body that are ideal for applying cologne. These include the wrists, neck, chest, inner elbows, and behind the knees. When applying cologne to these areas, hold the bottle about three to six inches away from your skin and spray or dab the cologne onto the pulse point. It is generally recommended to avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this can break down the fragrance molecules and cause the scent to fade faster. Instead, simply dab or spritz the cologne and allow it to dry before putting on your clothes.
Applying cologne to your pulse points allows the heat from your body to interact with the fragrance, helping it to develop its full potential. The warmth of your skin will also help to release the scent throughout the day, creating a signature scent that melds with your body chemistry.
If you need to reapply cologne throughout the day, it is a good idea to target the same pulse points. This will ensure that your fragrance continues to be diffused and that its scent remains consistent.
By applying cologne to your pulse points, you can be confident that your fragrance will be noticed without being overpowering. A subtle hint of fragrance will draw people in and leave a lasting impression. So, the next time you reach for your cologne, remember to target those pulse points!
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Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away
Holding the bottle the correct distance from your body is crucial to applying cologne correctly. Hold the bottle too close, and you risk over-applying; too far away, and you won't be applying enough. The optimum distance is generally considered to be between 3 and 6 inches from the body.
Holding the bottle at this distance allows you to focus the scent on a specific target—in this case, the pulse points on your body. Pulse points are areas where blood flows close to the skin's surface, such as the wrists, neck, inner elbows, collarbone, and behind the knees. These areas tend to emanate more heat, thus helping to diffuse your fragrance into the air.
Applying cologne from 3-6 inches away also helps to avoid turning your skin red from too much alcohol concentration while ensuring that you don't lose too many particles from a poorly targeted spritz.
If you're unsure whether you're holding the bottle the correct distance away, a good rule of thumb is that people should only be able to smell your cologne during a hug, not a handshake.
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Spray on heated areas
To make your cologne last longer, apply it to heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. The heat from these areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.
Apply cologne to your pulse points, which are areas where blood flows closest to the skin's surface, such as your wrists, inner elbows, collarbone, and behind the knees. These areas generate heat, diffusing your fragrance into the air.
When applying cologne, hold the bottle about 3 to 6 inches from your skin and spray it onto the pulse point. Start with a light application—choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and apply cologne there the next time.
It's important to note that less is more when it comes to cologne. You want the cologne to complement your natural scent, not overpower it. A subtle hint of fragrance should draw people in and leave a lasting impression.
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Moisturise skin first
Moisturising your skin before applying cologne is a great way to ensure the fragrance lasts longer. Using a lotion or oil to moisturise creates a smooth, even base for the cologne, helping it to absorb and adhere to the skin.
Applying cologne to dry skin can cause it to concentrate in certain areas, so moisturising first can help to ensure an even spread of the scent. It is also beneficial to apply cologne directly after a shower, as the warm, damp environment can help the perfume to spread evenly across the skin.
It is important to note that moisturising your skin is not a substitute for applying cologne to clean skin. The efficacy of the cologne can be impacted by the presence of sweat, sebum, or other buildup, so be sure to start with a fresh, clean canvas.
Additionally, when moisturising, be mindful of the type of moisturiser you use. Some moisturisers may contain fragrances that could clash with your cologne, so opt for a fragrance-free option to avoid creating an unintended scent profile.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your cologne application is optimised for longevity and an even distribution of the fragrance.
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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. If you do need to reapply, it is a good idea to spray the cologne under your clothes again, but this can be difficult, so you may want to stick to your wrists and neck.
If you are going to reapply, simply dab a little cologne onto your pulse points. These are areas where blood flows close to the skin's surface, such as the wrists, inner elbows, collarbone, and behind the knees. These are ideal places to spray cologne, as the heat from your body will help release the scent.
If you are going to reapply cologne to your clothes, spray it on a small area such as the collar or cuff, rather than all over. Keep in mind that some fragrances may interact with certain fabrics and leave stains or discolouration, so it is important to test a small, inconspicuous area first.
Remember, less is more when it comes to cologne. A few spritzes should be enough to leave a lasting impression and a fragrant trail.
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Frequently asked questions
Less is more when it comes to cologne. Start with one spritz on each pulse point and add more if needed. You don't want to overwhelm people with your scent.
Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt, such as the insides of your wrists, behind your ears, the bottom of your throat, inside your elbows, and behind your knees.
Apply cologne to the warmest areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, wrists, and inner elbows. These areas will project the scent more efficiently, meaning you'll need less fragrance. Choose one or two spots, so the smell isn't overwhelming.
Hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your skin when spraying. This will ensure the scent isn't too strong or too weak.
Apply cologne to your pulse points, as the heat from these areas will help the fragrance diffuse throughout the day. Also, choose a cologne with a higher concentration of essence, such as Eau De Parfum or Parfum.
