The Art Of Applying Cologne: Rub Or Leave?

There are many different opinions on how to apply cologne, but one thing is clear: it's an art form. The way you apply cologne can make or break your scent. One school of thought says that you should apply cologne to your pulse points—areas where your heart pulse can be felt, like your neck, wrists, and behind your ears. These spots are said to be the warmest points on your body, helping your cologne project and linger. However, some people suggest that you should avoid rubbing cologne into your skin, as it can dull the top notes and vigorously mix the cologne with your natural oils, changing the way it smells. Instead, you should let the cologne soak into your skin or lightly dab your wrists together.

Don't rub cologne into your skin as it makes the scent fade faster

Don't Rub Cologne into Your Skin

Rubbing cologne into your skin is not recommended as it can cause the scent to fade faster. This is because the friction from rubbing can break down the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing it to dissipate more quickly.

How to Apply Cologne

The best way to apply cologne is to spray it onto your skin, rather than rubbing it in. Here are some tips on how to apply cologne correctly:

• Apply to clean, dry skin, preferably right after showering. This will help the scent absorb better and last longer.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin when spraying. This will ensure that you don't over or under-apply.
• Target pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and chest. These areas generate heat, which helps to diffuse the scent and allows it to develop throughout the day.
• Start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or wrists, and apply one spray. If you find that the scent fades quickly, you can apply another spray to a different area the next time.
• Reapply if needed. Depending on the type of cologne, you may need to reapply, especially if you are going out in the evening. Simply dab a small amount onto your pulse points.
• Avoid spraying directly onto your clothes. This can prevent the scent from mixing with your natural oils and going through its scent stages, resulting in a flat and monochrome fragrance. It can also be harmful to certain fabrics.
• Don't over-apply. A subtle enhancement is best when it comes to cologne. Start with a light application and ask a friend or family member for feedback if needed.

Other Tips to Make Your Cologne Last Longer

In addition to proper application, there are a few other things you can do to make your cologne last longer:

• Moisturize your skin before applying cologne. This will help the fragrance absorb better and slow down evaporation.
• Store your cologne in a cool, dark, and dry place. Heat, humidity, and light can speed up the breakdown of the fragrance.
• Layer your fragrance with complementary products, such as soaps, aftershaves, and body balms, to remove competing scents.
• Avoid using other scented products at the same time as they can impair the performance of your cologne and make you smell garish.

Apply cologne to pulse points

Applying cologne to your pulse points is an effective way to make your fragrance last longer and smell stronger. Pulse points are areas of your body where your heart pulse can be felt, and they include your wrists, neck, chest, behind your ear, inside your elbow, and behind your knee. These spots are ideal for applying cologne because the warmth from your blood helps to project and intensify your scent.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your skin and spray or dab a small amount onto the desired area. You can also use your wrists to press the cologne into your skin, helping it to sit below the skin at the pulse point rather than above, where it will slowly fade throughout the day.

It's important to remember that you don't need to apply cologne to all of your pulse points—just a few will do the trick. For everyday use, applying cologne to the bottom of your throat or neck is generally sufficient. However, if you're going out to a noisy social gathering, you might want to apply a small amount behind your ear so that people can catch a pleasant whiff when they lean in to speak to you.

Additionally, it's recommended to start with a light application and reapply as needed. This will help you avoid over-application and ensure that your cologne lasts throughout the day.

Don't spray cologne on your clothes

While spraying cologne on your clothes may seem like a good idea, it is actually one of the worst ways to apply cologne. Here are several reasons why you should avoid spraying cologne on your clothes:

Preventing the Unique Scent Development

Spraying cologne on your clothes prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, which is essential for developing its unique scent. This can also interfere with the scent's evolution, as fragrances typically go through three stages of evaporation (top, medium, and base notes) when applied to the skin, resulting in a flat and monochrome scent.

Potential Damage to Clothing

The alcohol-based composition of colognes can damage certain fabrics. Additionally, some colognes may cause discolouration or staining, especially on light-coloured fabrics. It is always recommended to test a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to avoid any unwanted stains or discolouration.

Accelerated Scent Dissipation

Applying cologne directly to your clothes can lead to quicker dissipation due to airflow. The scent will evaporate more rapidly, resulting in a shorter-lasting fragrance.

Hindering the Optimal Fragrance Experience

Colognes are designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin, enhancing and prolonging the scent. By spraying it on your clothes, you miss out on the unique way the fragrance blends with your body chemistry, preventing you from experiencing the full potential of the cologne's scent.

Limited Application Control

When you spray cologne on your clothes, you have less control over the amount applied. This can lead to either under or over-application, affecting the overall fragrance experience.

Potential Health Concerns

Some colognes contain chemicals that may be harmful if inhaled directly from clothing. It is always advisable to spray colognes directly onto the skin, allowing the fragrance to blend with your natural body chemistry.

Moisturise before applying cologne

Moisturising before applying cologne is a common practice, but does it really work?

Some people swear by applying a fragrance-free moisturiser before spraying on their cologne. The logic is that dry skin is bad for fragrance longevity, so moisturising beforehand helps the skin retain the scent. However, others argue that mixing fragrance with moisturisers can change the scent of the cologne and reduce its projection.

If you want to try this method, it's recommended to wait a few minutes after applying the moisturiser to let it sink into the skin before spraying your cologne. This will help prevent the cologne from mixing with the moisturiser and potentially altering its scent.

Another option is to apply petroleum jelly to the areas where you plan to spray your cologne. Petroleum jelly is odourless and less likely to interfere with the scent of your cologne. However, some people find it too sticky or goopy.

Ultimately, the best method may vary from person to person, so it's worth experimenting with different techniques to see what works best for you.

Don't overapply cologne

While cologne can be an absolute game-changer for anyone, it's important to know how, when, and where to apply it. Overapplying cologne can be off-putting to those around you, and you don't want to be "that guy" who imposes his fragrance on everyone within a 10-foot radius. Here are some tips to avoid overapplying cologne:

• Start with a light application. Choose one area, like the neck or forearms, and begin with one spray. You can always add another spray if needed, but it's better to start conservatively and increase as necessary.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, and spraying further than 6 inches away may result in under-application.
• Apply to heated areas of the body. These areas, known as pulse points, include the neck, wrists, chest, forearms, and inner elbows. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent.
• Avoid spraying on your clothes. Spraying cologne directly on your clothes can prevent it from mixing with your natural oils, which gives the scent its unique quality. It can also cause the scent to dissipate more quickly due to airflow and may even damage certain fabrics.
• Don't rub it in. Rubbing cologne into your skin can cause the scent to fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance. If you're not spraying, simply dab it on, but don't rub.
• Ask for a second opinion. It can be challenging to judge how you smell yourself. Ask a trusted friend or family member if your application is appropriate, as you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often.
• Be mindful of the occasion. While there's never a bad time to smell good, certain colognes are more suited for formal events, while others are better for casual wear. For example, a citrus or floral cologne may be more appropriate for the office, while a woody or spicy fragrance can be perfect for a weekend outing.

Frequently asked questions