How To Properly Apply Cologne: Rub Or Spray?

Applying cologne is an art form. If not done properly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly. One common mistake is to spray cologne on your clothes, but this can prevent the scent from mixing with your natural oils, and it can also damage certain fabrics. So, should you rub cologne into your skin after spraying?

The consensus is that you should not rub cologne into your skin. This is because rubbing can dull the top notes of the fragrance and vigorously mix the perfume with your natural oils, altering the way it smells. It can also cause the scent to fade faster, as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance. Instead, you should let the scent soak into your skin, or gently dab your wrists together, or dab them onto other pulse points.

Why you shouldn't rub cologne into your skin

Rubbing cologne into your skin can cause the scent to fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance. Here are some more reasons why you shouldn't rub cologne into your skin:

It can dull the top notes

Rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne can dull the top notes, or the scents you smell in the first few minutes of applying. Top notes are the initial, lighter set of smells that linger on the skin soon after application, lasting from 15 minutes to two hours. By rubbing them in, you may miss out on these lighter notes.

It can change the way the cologne smells

Rubbing cologne vigorously into your skin can alter the way it smells as it mixes the perfume with your natural oils. The scent of cologne is designed to evolve throughout the day, with top, middle and base notes released from the top down as the fragrance develops. By rubbing it into your skin, you may be changing the way the scent develops and preventing it from reaching its full potential.

It can reduce the longevity of the scent

Rubbing cologne into your skin can cause the scent to evaporate more quickly, reducing its lasting power. A luxurious fragrance is designed to have delightful depths, so it is best to allow it to develop naturally on your skin.

It can be wasteful

Rubbing cologne into your skin can cause it to absorb more quickly, meaning you may need to use more product to achieve the desired level of scent. This can be wasteful, especially if you are using a high-quality cologne.

It can be irritating to the skin

Some colognes contain high levels of alcohol, which can be drying and damaging to the skin. Rubbing the cologne into your skin can increase the risk of irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

The best time to apply cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. If not done properly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly. The best time to apply cologne is after a hot shower, as the steam opens your skin's pores, allowing the scent to be absorbed better. Here are some tips on how to apply cologne correctly and effectively:

• Apply to clean skin: Start with a fresh, clean canvas. This ensures that sweat, sebum, or other buildup does not interfere with the perfume oils.
• Target pulse points: Apply cologne to your wrists and neck, where you can feel your pulse. These areas generate heat, helping to diffuse the fragrance throughout the day and allowing it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent. Other pulse points include the chest, forearms, inner elbows, and the base of the throat.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away: Holding the bottle at this distance allows you to focus the scent on a specific target without over or under-applying.
• Start with a light application: Begin with one spray on one area, such as the neck or forearms. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area to spray next time. You can also re-apply if needed, especially if you are going out in the evening.
• Do not rub the cologne: Rubbing the cologne into your skin can make the scent fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance. Instead, let the scent soak into your skin, or lightly dab your wrists together or to other pulse points.
• Avoid spraying on clothes: Spraying cologne directly on your clothes can prevent it from mixing with your natural oils, resulting in a flat and monochrome scent. It can also damage certain fabrics. If you prefer to apply cologne to your clothing, spray a small area such as the collar or cuff.
• Use the right amount: The concentration of the cologne will determine how much you need to apply. The more concentrated a scent, the less you need to use. Start with one or two sprays and adjust as needed.

How to prevent cologne from staining your clothes

While cologne is designed to be sprayed on your skin, it can be frustrating when it stains your clothes. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

Apply Cologne to Your Skin, Not Your Clothes

Fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin. Applying cologne directly to your skin will help prevent it from staining or damaging your clothing. Aim to spray cologne on your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and chest. These areas generate heat and will help diffuse the fragrance.

Spray from a Distance

If you are already dressed, try to spray your cologne from a distance of about 3-6 inches away from your skin. This will ensure that the fragrance mist is more spread out, so the oils won't saturate your clothes in one spot, reducing the risk of staining.

Test Your Cologne on Scrap Fabric

Not all fragrances stain, but there is no way to tell until you try them out. If possible, spray your cologne on a piece of scrap fabric made from a similar material to your garment. Wait a while to see if a stain appears, as they may not be visible right away.

Apply Cologne Before Getting Dressed

One of the best ways to prevent stains is to apply cologne directly to your skin and let it dry completely before getting dressed. This will help prevent the oils in the cologne from soaking into and staining your clothes.

Avoid Rubbing the Cologne Into Your Skin

Rubbing cologne into your skin can make the scent fade faster and may also cause staining. Instead, let the scent soak into your skin, or lightly dab your wrists together or against other pulse points.

How to test if you're applying too much cologne

Testing a cologne before buying it is important to see how it will react with your skin chemistry. However, you can only test a few scents on your skin at a time, so it's best to research colognes online first and narrow it down to a few fragrances you think you might like. You can then test these out in person using scent blotters, which are small, white cardboard strips that absorb the fragrance.

Once you've narrowed it down to a few fragrances, it's time to test how they react to your skin's chemistry. Spray one type of cologne on each wrist, and if you're testing more than two, spray onto your inner elbows as well. Do not test more than four at a time, as this could confuse your sense of smell.

Give the scent time to develop. Wait around 30 minutes, and then smell each fragrance again. It can be helpful to smell something different, like coffee, in between each sniff to cleanse the nostrils. Notice how each smell has developed once it's had a chance to work with your body chemistry. This will give you a true idea of what each cologne will smell like on you.

How to Tell if You're Applying Too Much

• Closeness is a key sign, according to Kineda. If people can smell your cologne from a distance, you've probably applied too much.
• If you're constantly smelling the fragrance yourself, you've likely overdone it.
• If a tissue sticks to the spot where you've applied cologne, this is a sign that you've used too much.
• If your cologne is causing people to sneeze or giving them a headache, this is a sign that you're wearing too much.
• Ask a friend or family member for their opinion. You can become nose-blind to scents you wear often, so it's always good to get a second opinion.

The best places to apply cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. Done properly, it can give you a boost of confidence and perhaps even earn you the occasional compliment. Done improperly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades too quickly.

Apply to Clean, Dry Skin

The best time to apply cologne is immediately after a shower, when your skin is clean and dry. The shower will cleanse your body of any other scents, and the heat and steam will open your pores, helping the scent absorb. If you can't shower first, apply a non-scented lotion to your skin before spraying cologne.

Target Pulse Points

Apply cologne to your pulse points, which are areas of your body where you can feel your heartbeat, such as your wrists, neck, chest, inner elbows, and forearms. These areas emit more heat than other parts of your body, which helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent.

Hold Bottle 3-6 Inches Away

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

Start with a Light Application

It's better to start with a light application and add more if needed than to over-apply. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply. You can always ask a friend or family member for their opinion if you're unsure about the application.

Re-apply if Needed

Depending on the type of cologne and how long you need it to last, you may need to re-apply, especially if you're going out in the evening. When re-applying, simply dab a little cologne onto your pulse points.

Frequently asked questions