The Art Of Cologne: Face Spraying Techniques

Should you spray cologne on your face? The answer is no. While cologne is meant to be sprayed on pulse points such as the wrist and the bend of the arm, it should not be applied to the face. Instead, cologne should be applied to the body, often the neck and chest. This is because cologne has a higher percentage of fragrance and can be too strong for the face. Aftershave, on the other hand, is a diluted version of cologne with glycerin added and is meant to be applied to the face to soothe and heal the skin after shaving.

Why you shouldn't spray cologne on your face

While cologne is designed to make you smell appealing to others, spraying it on your face is not recommended. Here are several reasons why you shouldn't spray cologne on your face:

It can be irritating to the skin and eyes:

Cologne contains a high concentration of fragrance components, including oils and alcohol, which can be irritating to the delicate skin on your face. The alcohol can dry out your skin and cause redness or irritation.

It can be overwhelming:

The face is a sensitive area with a high concentration of pulse points, which are areas of the body that produce heat. Spraying cologne on the face can result in an overwhelming amount of the fragrance, which may be unpleasant for both the wearer and those around them. It's important to remember that just because you may become nose-blind to the scent, doesn't mean others can't smell it.

It can be wasteful:

The face has a relatively small surface area compared to the rest of the body. Spraying cologne on the face can result in a lot of the fragrance being wasted as it evaporates quickly. It's also important to note that cologne should be applied sparingly and strategically to ensure that the scent lasts all day.

It can interfere with other products:

If you use other products on your face, such as moisturizers or lotions, the cologne may interact with them in a way that alters the scent or causes skin irritation. It's best to apply cologne to clean skin to ensure that it smells as intended and doesn't cause any unwanted reactions.

It can be unsafe:

The high concentration of alcohol in cologne can be flammable, especially if sprayed near an open flame or heat source. Spraying cologne on the face increases the risk of accidental exposure to the eyes or mouth, which can be dangerous.

Instead of spraying cologne on your face, it is recommended to apply it to the pulse points on your body, such as the wrists, neck, chest, and inner elbows. These areas generate heat, which helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry, creating a unique and subtle signature scent. Remember, when it comes to cologne, less is more!

Where to spray cologne on your body

The best spots to spray cologne on the body are heated areas, including the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas generate heat, which helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop a signature scent.

It is not recommended to spray cologne directly on the face, as the skin in this area is thin and sensitive. Instead, target the pulse points on the neck and wrists, which are the warmest points on the body and help build the best projection for your scent.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from the skin. This distance ensures that the scent is focused on a specific target without over or under-concentrating it. Start with a light application—choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and begin with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply.

It is generally recommended to spray cologne on the skin rather than clothing. Fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of the skin, enhancing and prolonging the scent. However, if you have sensitive skin, spraying on your clothes may be a better option. The fibres of the clothes will absorb and retain the perfume longer than the skin. Just be mindful that some fragrances may interact with certain fabrics and leave stains or discolouration, so it is important to test a small, inconspicuous area first.

How to make cologne last longer

While cologne is a great way to boost your confidence and feel more attractive, it can be frustrating when the scent fades faster than you'd like. Here are some tips to make your cologne last longer:

Apply to Pulse Points

Apply cologne to your pulse points, which are areas where veins and arteries are closer to the surface of the skin, making them warmer than the rest of your body. These include your wrists, neck, inside of your elbows, and the back of your knees. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day, allowing it to meld with your body chemistry and develop your signature scent.

Apply After Showering

Apply cologne right after showering, when your skin is still slightly damp and your pores are open. This allows the cologne to seep into your skin and gives you a longer-lasting aroma.

Moisturize Beforehand

Use an unscented lotion or moisturizer before applying cologne. Moisturized skin retains the scent longer. You can also use petroleum jelly on your pulse points as a base to make the cologne last longer.

Store Properly

Keep your cologne in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as your bedroom or closet. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, as fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause the fragrance to spoil. Light exposure can also cause fragrances to deteriorate, so it's best to keep the cologne in its original box or a dark drawer.

Layer Your Fragrances

Use complementary products such as soaps, aftershaves, or body balms with similar or matching scents. This helps to remove competing scents and enhance the aroma of your cologne.

Avoid Over-Application

Less is more when it comes to cologne. Start with a light application and gradually increase if needed. Over-application can be overpowering and unpleasant for those around you.

Additionally, avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this can cause the scent to break down faster. Instead, lightly dab or spray it onto your skin.

By following these tips, you can make your cologne last longer and enjoy your signature scent throughout the day.

How to test cologne before buying

Testing cologne before buying is an important step in finding a scent that complements your natural body chemistry. Here is a guide on how to test cologne before purchasing:

Research and Recommendations

Before heading to the store, do some research on the types of cologne that may appeal to you. Consider the different scent categories, such as woody, spicy, citrus, or floral notes, and decide which ones you are drawn to. You can use online resources, like fragrance wheels, to help identify potential options.

Testing with Blotters

Once you have an idea of the scents you want to try, the next step is to test them using blotters. Blotters are small pieces of cardboard, usually white, onto which you spray the cologne. Testing with blotters is a simple and common method, often freely available in perfume stores. Spray the fragrance twice in a downward motion in front of you, then swiftly pass the blotter through the vapour cloud. Wave the blotter under your nose and inhale.

Blotters only provide a glimpse of the fragrance's character as they do not benefit from the skin's heat and natural oils. However, they allow you to test a wide range of fragrances without overwhelming your sense of smell.

Testing on Your Skin

After testing with blotters, the next step is to try the cologne on your skin. This will help you understand how the fragrance evolves and interacts with your body chemistry.

Spray the cologne on your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, or inner elbows. These areas generate heat, which helps diffuse the scent. Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin as this can break down the molecular bond, causing the scent to fade faster.

When testing on the skin, limit yourself to trying only one or two fragrances at a time. Testing multiple fragrances at once can contaminate the scents and confuse your sense of smell.

Getting a Second Opinion

It can be challenging to judge how a fragrance smells on yourself. Ask a friend or trusted companion to accompany you during the testing process and provide their feedback.

Other Tips

• Avoid wearing fragrances when testing new colognes, as the lingering scent can interfere with the results.
• Test fragrances in the morning, as your sense of smell is often sharper during this time.
• Coffee beans are known to neutralise odours, so you can use them to cleanse your olfactory palate between different fragrances.
• If possible, ask for take-home samples to test how the cologne reacts with your body chemistry over a more extended period.

How much cologne is too much

Cologne is meant to be a subtle enhancement to your image. The key to applying cologne is to start with a light application and build up if needed. You should also be mindful of the concentration of your cologne, as stronger concentrations may require fewer sprays.

It is recommended that you apply cologne a maximum of three times upon application. Start with one spray on your neck or forearms and increase the number of sprays if needed. If you notice that your scent fades quickly, choose another area to spray, such as your wrists, chest, or inner elbows. These areas generate heat, which helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

Where Should I Spray Cologne?

Avoid spraying cologne directly on your face or on broken or irritated skin. Instead, apply cologne to your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and chest. These areas generate heat and will help diffuse the fragrance. If you prefer to apply cologne to your clothing, spray it on a small area such as the collar or cuff, and always test on a small, inconspicuous area first to avoid staining or discolouration.

Common Mistakes When Applying Cologne

• Spraying the fragrance on your clothing: This prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils, which gives it its unique quality. It can also prevent the scent from evolving and render it flat and monochrome.
• Splashing the cologne on your skin: This is an easy way to over-apply. If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, place one finger over the opening of the bottle and gently tip it upside down before dabbing the scent on your body.
• Spraying a mist cloud and walking through it: This method results in most of the cologne ending up on the floor rather than your body.
• Rubbing the cologne into your skin: This makes the scent fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance.
• Applying too much cologne: Start light and ask a friend or partner for feedback if needed.

Frequently asked questions