The Best Way To Apply Wrist Cologne: Rub Or Dab?

Should you rub or dab cologne on your wrists? The answer is not so simple. While some people claim that rubbing cologne on your wrists can dull the top notes and accelerate evaporation, others argue that this effect is negligible. So what's the verdict?

The truth is, there is no right or wrong answer. Rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne may cause the top notes to disappear more quickly, but this is usually not something you would even notice. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy the classic gesture of spraying one wrist and then rubbing your wrists together, go for it!

Dabbing wrists together can change the scent

Dabbing your wrists together after applying cologne can change the way the scent performs on your skin. Typically, complex scents are a combination of top notes, middle or heart notes, and base notes. Top notes are more delicate and lighter, dissipating the quickest, while base notes are heavier molecules that last longer. Dabbing your wrists together can fast-forward your scent experience, causing you to bypass the opening and go straight to the heart notes.

The friction between the perfume and your skin's natural oils can "rush the fragrance", according to master perfumer Harry Frémont. This can result in the loss of those light-molecule top notes, which are often the reason you fell in love with the perfume in the first place. Additionally, vigorously mixing the cologne with your natural oils can also alter the scent.

To avoid this, lightly dab your wrists together instead of rubbing them vigorously. Allow the cologne to air-dry, and consider applying an unscented moisturizer to your skin before applying the cologne to ensure all-day wear.

Dabbing can cause the top notes to dissipate faster

Dabbing cologne on your pulse points, such as your wrists, is a convenient and easy way to apply it. However, dabbing can cause the top notes of the cologne to dissipate faster. Top notes refer to the most delicate molecules in the fragrance mixture, which are usually the scents that draw people to the cologne in the first place. By dabbing your wrists together after applying cologne, you may unintentionally get rid of these top notes right away, resulting in a shorter-lasting and less effective scent.

The top notes of a cologne are often the scents that are noticeable within the first five minutes of application. These molecules have less intermolecular force and lower vapour pressure, allowing them to enter the vapour phase more readily and escape from the perfume deposited on your skin. As a result, they are the first scents to be detected and the first to dissipate.

When you dab your wrists together, the friction and heat generated can accelerate the evaporation of these delicate top notes. While the temperature increase from rubbing your wrists together may be minimal, it can still affect the intended evaporation curve of the fragrance compounds. This can lead to a quicker dry-down and a shorter duration of the top notes.

Additionally, dabbing cologne on your wrists and then rubbing them together can mix the cologne vigorously with your natural oils. This mixture can alter the way the cologne smells, potentially changing its scent profile. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne and instead let the cologne air-dry.

Dabbing wrists is better than rubbing them

Dabbing your wrists is better than rubbing them when applying cologne. While spraying cologne on your wrists is the correct move as applying it to pulse points warms it up so it emits fragrance throughout the day, rubbing them together can dull top notes and accelerate evaporation. Top notes are the most delicate molecules in the mix and usually the reason you fell in love with the cologne in the first place, so by getting rid of them right away, you’re not getting the most out of that pricey bottle. Vigorously mixing cologne with your natural oils can also change the way it smells.

Instead, lightly dab your wrists together and then let the cologne air-dry. You can even take it a step further to ensure all-day wear by applying an unscented moisturizer to the skin right before you spritz. The better hydrated your skin, the longer your scent will stay on.

If you rub your wrists together, you're essentially rubbing in the fragrance oils as if they were lotion, which will affect longevity and the natural wear of a fragrance. This is also why, if you’re someone who says cologne never lasts on you, you might want to moisturize with an unscented lotion prior to applying cologne.

In conclusion, dabbing your wrists is a better application method than rubbing them together when applying cologne. This will help preserve the top notes and intended fragrance, as well as improve the longevity of the scent.

Applying cologne to hydrated skin can make the scent last longer

Applying Cologne to Hydrated Skin

How to Apply Cologne

To apply cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body and spray it onto your pulse points, which are areas of your body that produce a lot of body heat. The heat will cause the fragrance to continue to smell good all day long. Good spots to apply cologne include the insides of your wrists, behind the ears, the base of your throat, the insides of your elbows, your neck, and your chest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When applying cologne, it is important to avoid rubbing it into your skin, as this can dull the top notes and accelerate evaporation, changing the way the cologne smells. Instead, let the cologne air-dry naturally on your skin. It is also recommended to avoid spraying cologne directly onto your clothes, as this can prevent the scent from mixing with your natural oils and may cause stains on certain fabrics.

Applying cologne to the pulse points can make the scent last longer

However, it is important to note that rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne is not recommended. While it may seem like a harmless action, it can dull the top notes and accelerate their evaporation. Top notes are the delicate molecules that give your cologne its unique scent. By rubbing your wrists together, you are removing these top notes and changing the way your cologne smells. Instead, lightly dab your wrists together and let the cologne air-dry.

To further enhance the longevity of your cologne, you can apply an unscented moisturiser to your skin before spraying. The better hydrated your skin is, the longer the scent will last. Additionally, spraying your cologne into the air and walking through the mist can help distribute the fragrance evenly across your body and hair.

Frequently asked questions