How To Properly Apply Cologne: Rub Or Not?

There are many misconceptions about how to apply cologne, including whether you should rub it in. According to some experts, rubbing cologne into the skin can distort the scent by dulling the top notes and accelerating evaporation. This is because the friction caused by rubbing cologne into the skin can heat it up and change the scent. However, others claim that this is a myth, and that rubbing cologne into the skin will not damage the scent.

Should you rub in cologne?

Don't rub cologne into your skin

Rubbing cologne into your skin is not recommended. Here are some reasons why you shouldn't:

It can distort the scent

The friction from rubbing your wrists together can change the way a cologne smells on your skin. This is because the heat generated can cause the top notes of the cologne to evaporate more quickly, meaning you miss out on experiencing the full scent profile. Top notes are usually the reason you fall in love with a perfume in the first place, so it's a shame to lose them!

It can reduce longevity

Rubbing cologne into the skin can cause it to be absorbed faster, reducing how long the scent lasts on your skin. This is because rubbing can cause the cologne to be absorbed by the skin, rather than sitting on top and slowly mixing with your natural oils as it is designed to do.

It's unnecessary

Cologne does not need to be rubbed into the skin as it will be naturally absorbed and mixed with your skin's natural oils. Simply patting or dabbing the cologne on your skin after application is enough to ensure even distribution.

It could be wasteful

If you've sprayed cologne onto your wrist and then rub your wrists together, you're likely to lose some of the cologne to evaporation or transfer it to your hands, where it will be wasted as you wash your hands throughout the day.

So, while it's not the end of the world if you do rub cologne into your skin, it's generally best to avoid doing so to get the most out of your cologne.

Spray cologne on your pulse points

Spraying cologne on your pulse points is one of the best ways to apply cologne. Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt. These points are located behind your ear, at the bottom of your throat, on your wrist, inside your elbow, and behind your knee. The warmth of your blood at these points helps to activate the cologne, making it stronger and more effective.

Applying cologne to your pulse points is a great way to ensure that your cologne has a long-lasting impact. The warmth of your blood will help to dissipate the oil's smell throughout the day. Just be careful not to apply it to an area that is too warm, as this could cause the smell to dissipate too quickly. Similarly, avoid applying it to a cold area, like your wrist, as the smell may not travel as effectively.

Spraying cologne on your pulse points is especially effective if you plan on venturing out into a noisy social scene. Applying a small amount behind your ear, for example, will ensure that people get a whiff of your attractive smell when they lean in to speak to you.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, it is important to remember not to rub it into your skin. This can cause the cologne to be absorbed by your skin faster, and it can even distort the scent. Instead, lightly dab your wrists together and let the cologne air-dry. You can also apply an unscented moisturiser to your skin before applying cologne to ensure all-day wear.

Don't apply cologne to clothing

While it may be tempting to spray your cologne onto your clothing, especially if you're in a hurry, this is not the best way to apply cologne. Here are several reasons why you should avoid applying cologne to your clothes:

Preventing the Unique Scent Creation

Firstly, cologne is designed to interact with your skin's natural oils. When you spray it on your clothes, you're preventing this interaction, which means you're not getting the unique scent that is created when the cologne mixes with your body chemistry. This can also prevent the scent from going through its different stages, resulting in a flat and monochrome fragrance.

Potential Damage to Clothing

Secondly, some colognes may contain ingredients that can stain or discolour certain fabrics. You don't want to risk ruining your favourite shirt or jacket by spraying it with cologne. It's always best to test a small, inconspicuous area first if you do decide to apply cologne to your clothing.

Negative Impact on Fragrance Longevity

The heat from your body helps to diffuse the scent of the cologne throughout the day. When you spray it on your clothes, you're missing out on this benefit, which can lead to the scent fading more quickly.

Possible Harm to Certain Fabrics

In addition to potential staining, some cologne ingredients may be harmful to certain fabrics. You don't want to risk damaging your clothing by spraying it with cologne.

Tips for Applying Cologne

So, where should you apply cologne? The best spots are the heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to develop your signature scent. Remember to hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body when spraying and always apply sparingly to avoid over-application.

Don't spray too much cologne

When it comes to cologne, it's important to remember that less is more. Overdoing it can lead to an overwhelming and often unpleasant sensation for you and those around you. Here are some tips to avoid spraying too much cologne:

• Start with a light application. When applying cologne, it's best to start with just one or two sprays and then build up if needed. This way, you can avoid over-application and find the perfect balance for your scent.
• Apply to the right areas. Avoid spraying cologne all over your body or in a cloud and walking through it. Instead, target pulse points like your wrists, neck, inner elbows, and chest. These areas are warmer and will help the scent project and last longer.
• Consider the occasion. The amount of cologne you apply should depend on where you're going. For the office, it's best to be conservative, while you can go for a stronger scent when attending a party or dinner.
• Reapply if needed. Instead of spraying all your cologne at once, use fewer sprays and reapply more often throughout the day to maintain a subtle scent with staying power.
• Ask for feedback. You can become nose-blind to scents you wear often, so don't be afraid to ask a friend or family member for their opinion on whether your application is appropriate.

By following these tips, you can avoid spraying too much cologne and achieve a subtle yet inviting fragrance that makes a lasting impression. Remember, when it comes to cologne, it's always better to err on the side of caution and apply too little rather than too much.

Store cologne in a cool, dark, dry place

When it comes to storing cologne, it's important to remember that how you store your fragrance can significantly impact its longevity and overall quality. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your cologne stays fresh and potent:

• Choose a cool, dark location: Keep your cologne away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Sunlight can accelerate the degradation process, so avoid windowsills or areas with prolonged sun exposure. The ideal storage temperature is between 15-20 degrees Celsius (59-68 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Avoid extreme temperature changes: Don't store cologne in places with drastic temperature changes, such as bathrooms or near kitchen appliances.
• Opt for low humidity: High humidity can cause the fragrance to deteriorate, so aim for storage locations with humidity levels below 60%. If you live in a humid area, consider using a dehumidifier.
• Use opaque or tinted bottles: When purchasing cologne, choose fragrances in opaque or tinted bottles. These offer better protection against light exposure than clear glass bottles and help filter out harmful UV rays.
• Store in a dark location: Find a spot away from direct sunlight or strong artificial light. A drawer, cabinet, or cologne storage box is ideal for keeping the bottles in a dark environment.
• Avoid display shelves: While it may be tempting to showcase your cologne collection, avoid doing so if the shelf is exposed to constant light.
• Keep bottles upright and tightly closed: Always tighten the caps securely to prevent leakage or evaporation. Store the bottles upright to minimise the risk of spillage.
• Use travel-friendly containers: For transportation, use leak-proof travel containers to safely hold smaller amounts of cologne.
• Avoid excessive shaking: Excessive shaking introduces air into the cologne, potentially causing oxidation and altering the scent.
• Be mindful when travelling: Wrap the bottle in protective material like bubble wrap and place it in a zip-lock bag or travel case to prevent leaks or breakage during transit.
• Keep bottles clean: Regularly clean the exterior of the bottles to remove any dust or dirt. Use a soft cloth or gentle cleaning solution.
• Minimise skin contact: Avoid touching the nozzle or sprayer against your skin when applying cologne to prevent the introduction of oils, sweat, or bacteria into the bottle.
• Avoid sharing bottles: Sharing cologne bottles can increase the risk of cross-contamination. Each person has their natural body oils and bacteria, which can transfer onto the bottle and affect the scent.
• Use separate applicators: If you switch between multiple fragrances, use separate applicators for each scent to prevent mixing and reduce the chances of cross-contamination.
• Store away from strong scents: Keep your cologne away from other strong-smelling products like perfumes, essential oils, or cleaning chemicals to prevent their scents from transferring onto the cologne bottles.

Frequently asked questions