Spraying Scents: May's Multi-Cologne Spritzing Adventure

The number of sprays of cologne a person should use is a highly debated topic. While some sources suggest that two sprays are enough, others recommend up to four or five sprays for a stronger aroma. It is recommended to start with fewer sprays and increase the number gradually if needed. Additionally, it is important to consider the type of cologne being used, as some fragrances may require more or fewer sprays depending on their strength and composition. It is also suggested that cologne should be applied to pulse points such as the wrists, neck, inner elbows, and chest, as these areas are warmer and help diffuse the scent.

Pulse points: wrists, neck, inner elbows, and chest

Pulse points are areas of the body where the blood is closest to the skin. These areas generate heat, which helps to diffuse the fragrance throughout the day. The pulse points include the wrists, neck, inner elbows, and chest.

The wrists are a well-known pulse point to spray perfume or cologne. The movement throughout the day helps to amplify the aroma each time you move. It is recommended to wait until the perfume dries on the skin before bending your elbow.

The neck is another ideal place for perfume or cologne as it is a heated area of the body. One spray on each side of the neck is recommended.

The inside of the elbows is also a good pulse point to apply fragrance. Like the wrists, this area is involved in a lot of movement throughout the day, helping to amplify the aroma.

The chest is a heated area and a good pulse point to spray perfume or cologne.

Don't rub it into the skin

Why You Shouldn't Rub Cologne into Your Skin

Rubbing cologne into your skin is a common mistake when applying cologne. While it may seem like the best way to ensure the cologne is absorbed, it actually has the opposite effect.

Firstly, rubbing cologne into your skin can cause the scent to fade faster, as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance. Secondly, rubbing the perfume into your skin can dull the top notes, or the initial scents you smell in the first five minutes of applying the cologne. Finally, rubbing cologne vigorously with your natural oils can change the way it smells.

So, if you're not going to spray the cologne, simply dab it onto your skin, but don't rub it in.

Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away

Holding the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body is the optimal distance for applying cologne. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-application, while spraying from any further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application.

The number of sprays of cologne you need can vary depending on the strength of the fragrance, the occasion, and personal preference. It is recommended to start with one or two sprays and then add more if needed so as not to over-apply. For lighter fragrances, such as citrus or floral colognes, one or two sprays should be enough. For stronger scents, such as woody or musky fragrances, you may want to start with two or three sprays.

It is generally best to apply cologne directly to the skin rather than clothing. Fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of the skin, enhancing and prolonging the scent. Applying cologne to the skin will also help prevent staining or damage to clothing.

When applying cologne, target pulse points such as the wrists, neck, and chest. These areas generate heat and will help diffuse the fragrance. Avoid spraying cologne directly onto your face or onto broken or irritated skin.

If you prefer to apply cologne to your clothing, it is best to spray a small area such as the collar or cuff. Keep in mind that some fragrances may interact with certain fabrics and cause staining or discolouration, so it is important to test a small, inconspicuous area first.

Reapply throughout the day

The number of times you reapply cologne during the day depends on the type of cologne you're using, the strength of the scent, and your skin type.

On average, cologne will last between two and eight hours. If you're wearing an eau de parfum, you should only need to reapply once throughout the day. If you're wearing an eau de toilette, you may need to reapply every four hours. The most potent perfumes shouldn't require any reapplication and can last a full 24 hours.

When reapplying cologne, spritz it three or four times on your pulse points, such as your neck, wrists, chest, and behind the ears.

Tips for Making Your Cologne Last Longer

• Apply cologne to freshly washed and moisturised skin.
• Apply petroleum jelly to the warmest points of your body before spraying cologne.
• Use eau de parfum instead of eau de toilette.
• Avoid rubbing cologne into your skin, as this can dull the top notes and change the perfume's scent.

Don't spray it in the air and walk through it

Spraying cologne in the air and walking through it is a waste of fragrance and will render the cologne almost useless. The majority of the cologne will end up on the floor or in the air, with very little of it actually landing on your body. This is not an effective way to apply cologne, and there are better methods to ensure that you smell amazing without suffocating those around you.

The purpose of cologne is to complement your own scent, not drown it out. It should be a subtle hint of fragrance that draws people in and enhances your natural body chemistry. A good cologne should be discovered, not announced. It should be smelled during an embrace, not a handshake.

So, how should you apply cologne? The best spots to spray cologne are heated areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body. Start with a light application and choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, to spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area to spray the next time you apply. You can also reapply cologne throughout the day if needed, especially if you are going out in the evening.

Additionally, it is recommended to spray cologne directly onto the skin rather than onto clothing. Fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of the skin, enhancing and prolonging the scent. Applying cologne to the skin also helps prevent staining or damaging your clothes. However, if you do choose to apply cologne to your clothing, spray it on a small area such as the collar or cuff, and test a small, inconspicuous area first to avoid any potential staining or discolouration.

Frequently asked questions