Why You Should Rub Cologne On Your Pulse Points

There are many different opinions on how to apply cologne, but one thing is clear: rubbing cologne into the skin is generally not recommended. Rubbing cologne onto the skin can make the scent fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance. It can also dull the top notes, or the scents you smell in the first five minutes of applying cologne. Instead, it is recommended to spray cologne at a distance of 3-6 inches from the body, allowing it to absorb into the skin.

Should I Rub Cologne?

Don't rub cologne into your skin

While it may be tempting to rub cologne into your skin, especially after a hot shower, this is not recommended. Here are some reasons why you should avoid rubbing cologne into your skin:

Rubbing Can Alter the Scent

Rubbing cologne into your skin can cause the fragrance notes to break down and evaporate too quickly. Cologne consists of complex top, middle, and base notes that are designed to be released from top to bottom as the fragrance develops. By rubbing the cologne into your skin, you disrupt this process, causing the scent to change and fade faster. It is best to let the cologne absorb naturally into your skin to allow the fragrance to develop and last longer.

Rubbing Can Affect the Integrity of the Fragrance

The friction created by rubbing your wrists together can heat up the skin, producing natural enzymes that alter the course of the scent. This can particularly affect the middle and top notes, as well as the dry-down or the last and longest period of the fragrance's unfolding. For example, with a floral cologne, the heat can cause it to lose its crispness. To preserve the integrity of your cologne and ensure it lasts longer, avoid rubbing and simply let the liquid sink into your skin.

Rubbing Can Mix the Cologne with Natural Oils

Rubbing cologne into your skin can cause it to mix vigorously with your natural oils, altering the way it smells. This can result in your signature scent becoming too sweet, too intense, or even sour. By avoiding rubbing and letting the cologne soak into your skin, you allow it to interact with your body chemistry and develop its unique quality.

Alternative Application Methods

Instead of rubbing, there are other ways to apply cologne that will enhance its scent and longevity. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body and spray onto heated areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. These areas emit more heat, which helps diffuse the scent throughout the day. You can also apply cologne to your hair for a long-lasting scent, as the movement will help diffuse the fragrance. Remember to always apply sparingly and strategically to avoid over-application and ensure the scent lasts all day.

Apply cologne to pulse points

Applying cologne to pulse points is an important step in ensuring your fragrance lasts throughout the day. Pulse points are areas of the body where the heart pulse can be felt, and due to the warmth of your blood, they are the best spots to apply scent. The key pulse points include the neck, wrists, inside of the elbows, behind the ears, and behind the knees.

When applying cologne to these areas, it is recommended to hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from the skin. This distance ensures you don't under or over-apply. You should also avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this can alter the chemistry of the fragrance and cause it to fade faster. Instead, simply spritz or dab the cologne onto the pulse point and let it sit.

If you're looking for an everyday application, it is recommended to apply cologne to just one or two pulse points, such as the neck or wrists. However, if you're going out in a noisy social setting, you may want to apply a small amount behind your ears as well. This way, when people lean in to speak to you, they will catch an attractive whiff of your scent.

It's also important to note that you don't need to apply cologne to all the pulse points. Start with a light application on one or two areas, and reapply to other pulse points if you notice the scent fading too quickly. Remember, less is more when it comes to cologne application!

Don't spray cologne on your clothes

While it may be tempting to spray cologne on your clothes, especially when you're in a hurry, there are several reasons why this is not a good idea. Firstly, spraying cologne directly on your clothes can prevent it from mixing with your natural oils, which is what gives it its unique scent. This can also cause the scent to fall flat and appear monochrome, rather than going through its various scent stages.

Secondly, spraying cologne on your clothes can be harmful to certain fabrics and may cause stains or discolouration. You may end up damaging your favourite shirt or jacket, and the scent won't last as long as it would on your skin.

So, what's the best way to apply cologne? Well, it's recommended to spray cologne on your skin, specifically on your pulse points such as your wrists, neck, and chest. These areas of your body emit more heat, which helps to activate and maximise your cologne. However, be sure to hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin to avoid over-application.

It's also important to remember that less is more when it comes to cologne. Start with a light application and then build up if needed. You don't want to overwhelm those around you with a strong scent.

Finally, avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin after application. This can cause the scent to fade faster and may even distort the fragrance by breaking down the molecular bond. Instead, let the scent soak into your skin or lightly dab your wrists together or against other pulse points.

Hold the cologne bottle 3-6 inches from your body

Holding the cologne bottle the correct distance from your body is an important part of the application process. 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 will help you to avoid over-application and ensure that the cologne is applied sparingly. This is important because cologne should be a subtle enhancement to your image. Less is more when it comes to cologne, and you do not want it to be overpowering.

Holding the bottle 3-6 inches from your body will also help to create a mist that diffuses over a good proportion of the skin area. This allows the cologne to mingle with your natural scent, rather than masking it. Creating a mist also opens up the fragrance, allowing you and those around you to pick out the developing fragrance notes.

Holding the bottle at the correct distance will also help to ensure that the cologne is absorbed properly into the skin. This will reduce the rate at which it is released, making your fragrance last longer.

Apply cologne after showering

Applying cologne after showering is a great way to ensure that your skin is clean and ready for fragrance application. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your cologne application post-shower:

Timing is Important

Wait for your skin to cool down after showering before applying cologne. If you apply cologne when your skin is too warm, the fragrance may evaporate faster, causing it to fade more quickly. It is recommended to wait at least 15 minutes after showering before applying cologne, and you may want to wait longer if you tend to take very hot showers. This will allow your body temperature to return to regular and prevent excessive sweating, which can also affect the longevity of your cologne.

Prepare Your Skin

Before applying cologne, make sure your skin is completely dry. You may also want to consider moisturising your skin before applying cologne, as this can help the fragrance "stick" better and enhance its longevity. Choose an unscented moisturiser to avoid interfering with the scent of your cologne.

Hold the Bottle at the Right Distance

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches may result in over-application, while holding it further than 6 inches may result in under-application.

Apply to Pulse Points and Warm Areas

Apply cologne to your pulse points and naturally warm areas of your body, such as your neck, wrists, inner elbows, chest, and forearms. These areas emit heat, which helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to create a unique aroma. Avoid areas with too much friction, such as the crotch, armpits, and knees, as this can cause the scent to degrade.

Start with a Light Application

When applying cologne, less is more. Start with a light application and choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, to apply one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area to apply the cologne next time. You can always add more cologne as the day goes on, but it's better to err on the side of under-application at first.

Reapply Throughout the Day

You can freshen up your scent throughout the day by reapplying a spray or two to your wrists. Remember not to rub your wrists together after spraying, as this can cause the scent to degrade faster.

Frequently asked questions