The Art Of Wearing Cologne: Subtle Yet Memorable

Knowing how to wear cologne is an art. Too much and you risk becoming an air horn; too little and it might not be noticeable. The key is to find a balance between smelling intriguing to others without overpowering them.

Colognes are a mixture of oils, alcohol, and water, with higher percentages of oils making them longer-lasting on the skin. Traditional colognes contain only around 2-4% oil, while Eau de parfums (EDP) are the heavyweights, with 15-20% oil. Pure parfums and extracts contain the highest concentration, at around 20-30%target the pulse points—the wrists and neck, where you can feel your blood pumping through your veins. This helps build the best projection/cast/sillage for your scent, allowing it to perform to its fullest potential.

How much cologne you should spray varies depending on its concentration. For lighter colognes, two sprays should be enough—one on the neck and the other on the centre of your shirt. For stronger colognes, one spray on the wrists, rubbed into the neck, may be sufficient.

It's worth noting that your nose will get used to the scent, so just because you can't smell it doesn't mean others can't. Asking a friend or partner for their opinion can be helpful.

Additionally, consider the occasion—a musky, sexy fragrance may be great for a night out, but a lighter, inoffensive scent is more appropriate for an office environment or enclosed spaces.

Apply to pulse points

Pulse points are areas of the body where you can feel your heartbeat through your veins. These points are usually warmer than the rest of your body, which helps the cologne to project and cast its scent more effectively.

The pulse points you should target are your wrists and neck. Spray the cologne from about six inches away, and start with just one spritz on each wrist. You can then rub your wrists together and apply any excess behind your ears or on your neck.

If you're using a solid cologne, start with a small amount on each wrist and your neck, and adjust the amount as needed.

Applying cologne to your pulse points is a great way to make your fragrance last longer, without overpowering those around you.

Spritz from 6 inches away

When applying cologne, it's important to remember that less is more. You want to smell good without overpowering those around you. A good rule of thumb is to spritz from 6 inches away, targeting the pulse points on your wrists and neck. These are the warmest points on your body, allowing for the best projection of your scent.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master the art of applying cologne without overpowering others:

• Start with one spritz: Hold the cologne bottle about 6 inches away from your wrist and spritz once. This distance allows for a focused application without over-concentrating the scent in one area.
• Apply to wrists: Focus your spritz on one wrist and then gently rub your wrists together. This distributes the cologne evenly, ensuring a balanced application.
• Target pulse points: After applying to your wrists, bring them up to your neck and gently tap or rub the scent onto your pulse points. These points include the sides of your neck, just below your ears, and your collarbone area.
• Avoid over-spraying: It's easy to get carried away and keep spritzing, but resist the urge! One or two sprays are usually enough. Remember, you can always add a second spritz if needed, but it's harder to remove excess cologne once it's applied.
• Allow it to dry: Once you've applied the cologne, resist the temptation to rub or dab the area. Let the cologne dry naturally. Rubbing the product can damage the fragrance molecules, causing them to dissipate faster and reduce the longevity of the scent.
• Reapply discreetly: If you feel that the scent has faded throughout the day, reapply sparingly. Opt for a single spritz on your wrists and gently tap them together before applying to your neck.
• Be mindful of your environment: While it's great to smell fantastic, always be considerate of those around you. Avoid wearing strong fragrances in small, enclosed spaces like elevators, planes, or offices. Strong scents can trigger allergies or cause discomfort for others.
• Ask for feedback: Our sense of smell can become accustomed to a fragrance, making it difficult to judge the intensity accurately. Ask a trusted friend or partner for their honest opinion on the strength of your cologne.

Remember, the key to wearing cologne without overpowering others is moderation and awareness. Spritzing from 6 inches away allows for a precise and controlled application, ensuring you smell great without overwhelming those in your vicinity.

Start with one spray

When applying cologne, it's important to remember that less is more. You want to smell good without overpowering those around you. Start with one spray on your wrists and rub them on your neck. This will allow you to target your pulse points, which are the warmest parts of your body, helping the scent perform to its fullest potential. If you feel like that's not enough after a few wears, consider adding a second spray.

The key to wearing cologne without overpowering others is to apply it to your pulse points, which include your wrists, neck, and chest. These areas will help to amplify the scent and ensure it lasts throughout the day. When applying cologne to your neck, be sure to spritz from about six inches away. This will allow you to focus the scent without over or under-concentrating it.

Another tip to avoid overpowering others with your cologne is to apply it to your clothes instead of directly to your skin. Spraying cologne on your shirt collar or chest can help prolong the scent, as it will last longer on your clothes than on your skin. Just be cautious not to spray too much, as you don't want to be detected by others from 10 feet away.

Additionally, it's important to consider the concentration of your cologne. Colognes typically have a lower concentration of fragrance, ranging from 2-5% oil. Eau de toilettes have a slightly higher concentration of 5-8%, while eau de parfums contain 15-20% oil. The higher the concentration, the less you need to apply, as a little goes a long way.

Wear pure parfums

Pure parfums are the highest concentration of fragrance you can buy, so a little goes a long way. Here are some tips for wearing pure parfum without overpowering those around you.

Firstly, it's important to understand that the more concentrated a scent, the more expensive it tends to be, but it will also have better sillage (the trail it leaves when you walk) and longevity. A pure parfum will be noticeably stronger than an eau de toilette, so you won't need to use as much.

When applying pure parfum, always apply to clean skin. This provides the perfect canvas for your fragrance. Start with one spritz on your wrists, then rub them on your neck. If you feel this isn't enough, add another spritz. You can also dab a little on your pulse points, such as the insides of your elbows, the back of your knees, your chest, and the sides of your neck. These areas are naturally warm and moist, and the heat from your body will help the fragrance to develop and project.

Avoid rubbing parfum into your skin, as this can cause the top notes to fade and evaporate. Instead, let the liquid sink into your skin. It's also best to avoid spraying parfum directly onto your hair, as the alcohol can dry out and damage your strands. If you want to add fragrance to your hair, opt for a non-alcohol-based scent or a pure perfume oil.

When storing parfum, keep it in a cool, dark, dry place, as water, humidity, and changing temperatures can alter its composition. The box it came in is a good option, or a bedroom dresser or vanity drawer.

Choose light, inoffensive perfumes

When choosing a light and inoffensive perfume, it's important to consider something that will enhance your natural scent without being too overpowering. Here are some recommendations for light and inoffensive perfumes:

Unisex Perfumes

• CK One by Calvin Klein: A versatile and inoffensive scent that's perfect for couples who like to share fragrances. It evokes a relaxed weekend vibe.
• Escentric Molecules Molecule 01: This scent is famous for being a "no-fragrance fragrance." It contains a single molecule, Iso E Super, which expresses itself differently on each wearer's skin. It's a subtle and inoffensive choice.
• Glossier You: This perfume is warm, woody, and clean, with minimal floral or fruity notes. It's an excellent option for enhancing your natural scent.
• Miu Miu L'eau Rosée: This variation of the original Miu Miu scent is lighter and rosier, making it feel fresh and elegant.
• DedCool Fragrance 02: A vegan, unisex fragrance with notes of juniper berry and sandalwood. It's one of the "louder" scents that still manages to be charming and inoffensive.
• Chanel Chance Eau De Parfum: A lovely floral and romantic scent, perfect for nights out or flirty occasions. A little goes a long way with this perfume.
• Marc Jacobs Honey: A soft, subtle, and charming fragrance with honey and vanilla notes that are surprisingly not too sweet.
• Mrs. Meyer's Geranium Candle: This affordable candle is excellent for aromating your room. It has a fresh and clean scent that can help eliminate unpleasant odours.
• Boy Smell Ash Candle: A clean and subtle candle that will make your space smell nice without being too dominating.

Men's Perfumes

• Dior Homme Cologne 2013 by Christian Dior: A fresh and inoffensive scent that's perfect for summer or vacation.
• Versace Pour Homme: An inoffensive fragrance that's so subtle you might question if it's good or bad.
• L'Homme by Yves Saint Laurent: A light, clean, and inoffensive scent.
• Dior Sauvage: A non-overpowering scent with notes of bergamot, pepper, and amberwood, perfect for winter or summer.
• Ralph Lauren Polo Blue: An inoffensive, clean, and safe fragrance.
• Jaguar for Men: A simple, clean, and inoffensive option.
• Prada Infusion d'Homme: A classic and inoffensive choice.
• Thierry Mugler Cologne: A perfect light and inoffensive fragrance for summer.
• Eight & Bob: A versatile and inoffensive scent that's perfect for the office. It's like a thick, white soap with a hint of vanilla.
• Tom Ford Neroli Portofino: A fresh, clean, and inoffensive scent.
• The Body Shop White Musk For Men: If you want to smell shower-fresh without using a typical aquatic cologne, this is a great choice.
• Van Cleef & Arpels Tsar: This fragrance has a fresh, clean, and green scent that's reminiscent of Irish Spring soap.
• Ralph Lauren Polo EDT: A versatile and professional woody-aromatic scent that has stood the test of time.
• Le Labo Thé Matcha 26: A sophisticated and playful scent with notes of citrus, fig, and woods. It's an excellent choice for a signature fragrance.
• Hermès Terre d'Hermès Eau Intense Vétiver: An invigorating and head-turning masculine scent perfect for all seasons and scenarios.
• Ormonde Jayne Gatsby 22: A positive and uplifting citrus cologne, perfect for sharing an aperitif with your closest friend.
• Diptyque Eau de Minthé: The freshest scent on the list, reminiscent of a luxurious hotel shower.
• Aesop Rōzu: An uplifting floral cologne with notes of rose, sandalwood, vetiver, and shiso.
• Moschino Cheap & Chic I Love Love: A light and inoffensive option.
• Lacoste Pour Femme: A light and inoffensive fragrance.
• Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline: An extremely light and subtle scent.

Frequently asked questions