The Mystery Of Cologne: What's That Smell?

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. If not done properly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly. There are many ways to apply cologne, but not all of them are effective. For example, spraying cologne on your clothes prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, which gives it its unique quality. The best way to apply cologne is to target the pulse points, the areas where your heart pulse can be felt, such as the wrists, neck, and chest.

Pulse points

There are nine pulse points on the body, including the foot, temples of the head, two points on the neck, and the inner wrist. The neck and wrist are the most common pulse points for cologne application. However, other pulse points include behind the ear, inside the elbow, and behind the knee.

When applying cologne to pulse points, it is recommended to spray the cologne between three and six inches away from the skin. One to four spritzes is usually enough, depending on the strength of the cologne. It is important to be gentle with non-spray bottles to avoid spills.

For everyday use, it is recommended to apply cologne to the neck and inner wrist. For going out or special occasions, you may also want to apply cologne behind the ear or on the chest. It is important to consider the strength of the cologne and adjust the amount applied accordingly.

Uncommon pulse points for cologne application include the inside of the elbow, the back of the knee, and the top of the foot. Applying cologne to these areas can be suitable for dates, nights out, or outdoor activities. However, it is important to use a lighter scent and apply less cologne when targeting multiple pulse points.

Applying cologne to pulse points is important because they are warmer spots on the body, which helps diffuse the fragrance and makes it more effective and long-lasting. When applying cologne, it is crucial to consider the strength of the scent, your skin type, and the occasion to determine the appropriate amount and placement of the cologne.

How much is too much?

When it comes to cologne, the general consensus is that less is more. The purpose of cologne is to create a subtle signature scent, not to overwhelm those around you. It's important to remember that cologne should be discovered, not announced. It should be applied sparingly and strategically to ensure it lasts all day.

So, how much is too much? According to Deborah from Murdock London, cologne should be sprayed a maximum of three times upon application. This may seem like a lot, but it's important to remember that you will become used to your fragrance within 30 minutes, and may be tempted to reapply when it's not necessary. It's crucial to understand that even when you can no longer smell your cologne, others still can.

The best areas to spray cologne are the neck, the crease of the arm (inner elbow), and the wrist. These areas benefit from body heat, which will warm the fragrance and allow it to diffuse throughout the day. The subtle scent will also be noticeable during a handshake. The back of the neck is an essential target area, as heat is continuously produced here, keeping the fragrance alive throughout the day.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches 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—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.

It's worth noting that the type of cologne you use will also determine how much is too much. Colognes with higher concentrations of perfume oils will be stronger and may require fewer sprays. Eau Fraiche, for example, has a concentration of just 1-3% perfume oil and will wear off quickly, while Eau de Parfum has a concentration of 15-20% perfume oil and will last for up to 8 hours.

When in doubt, it's always a good idea to ask for a second opinion from a friend or family member. Our sense of smell can become accustomed to scents we wear often, so it's helpful to get an outside perspective.

Where to spray

The best places to spray cologne are the pulse points, or heated areas, of the body. These include the wrists, neck, chest, forearms, and behind the ears. Spraying cologne on these areas will help the scent to diffuse throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

It is generally recommended to spray cologne on the skin rather than clothing. This is because fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of the skin, enhancing and prolonging the scent. Additionally, applying cologne to the skin will help prevent it from staining or damaging clothing.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from the body. This will ensure that the cologne is not over or under-applied. It is also important to apply cologne sparingly—one or two sprays are usually sufficient, and you can always add more if needed.

Wrists

The insides of the wrists are a common spot for cologne application. However, some people argue that this is not an ideal location as the wrists are prone to breaking down and corrupting the fragrance. Wrist application can also cause the cologne to transfer to shirt cuffs, desk surfaces, and other objects throughout the day.

Neck

The neck is a good choice for cologne application, especially if you plan on getting up close and personal with someone. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much cologne on the neck can be overpowering.

Behind the Ears

The area behind the ears is another popular spot for cologne application. This area will help to radiate the scent and create a subtle fragrance trail.

Chest

Applying cologne to the chest is a great way to scent your shirt and provide a nice burst of scent to anyone you may hug.

Collarbone

The collarbone is another pulse point that can be targeted for cologne application.

Inner Elbows

Like the wrists, the inner elbows are pulse points that produce heat and help to diffuse the fragrance.

Behind the Knees

Some people recommend applying cologne behind the knees, as this can leave a faint trail when walking and radiate the scent when stationary. However, this area is well outside the projection sphere, so it may not be the most effective location.

Shoulders

Applying cologne to the shoulders can be a good choice for a night out, as it will help to reinforce the fragrance's projection.

Remember, you don't need to use all of these spray zones at once. Choose a few areas that align with the occasion and create a balanced projection sphere.

When to apply

The best time to apply cologne is after a shower when your skin is clean, dry, and still warm. The steam and heat from the shower open up your pores, allowing the cologne to sink into your skin and help it last longer. Applying cologne immediately after showering also ensures that your skin is free of any other scents, which can interfere with the cologne's fragrance.

It is recommended to moisturize your skin after showering and before applying cologne. Moisturized skin can help the fragrance absorb more efficiently and prolong its duration. You can enhance this effect by using a lotion with a complementary scent to your cologne, creating layers to your fragrance.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle about three to six inches away from your skin. Spraying too close can lead to over-application, while spraying from too far may result in under-application. Apply the cologne directly to your skin, targeting the pulse points, which are the warmest areas of your body. These include the neck, wrists, inner elbows, chest, armpits, and behind the ears. The heat from these areas helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry, creating a unique signature scent.

Remember that less is more when it comes to cologne application. Start with a light application and choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, for one or two sprays. You can always add another spray to a different area if you feel the scent is too faint. It is important to note that your nose may become accustomed to the fragrance, so consider seeking a second opinion from a friend or family member to ensure you are not over-applying.

Cologne longevity

The longevity of a cologne depends on several factors, including the cologne's ingredients and how your skin reacts to the product. Generally, colognes with woodsy or heavier ingredients and scents tend to last longer.

How to Make Cologne Last Longer

• Spritz right after a shower.
• Moisturise your skin before applying cologne.
• Apply cologne to your pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, and chest, where the skin is thinner and warmer, helping to diffuse the fragrance.
• Apply cologne to your clothes.
• Use a body lotion or deodorant with a similar scent.
• Layer your cologne by applying more than one fragrance or staggering them throughout the day.
• Store cologne in a cool, dark place, as fluctuations in temperature and exposure to light can shorten its lifetime.

Long-Lasting Colognes

Some long-lasting colognes include:

• Creed Aventus
• Byredo Sundazed
• Aramis
• Club De Nuit Intense Man
• Dior Sauvage
• Versace Eros
• Hugo Boss Bottled
• Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum
• Tom Ford Private Blend Oud Wood
• Paco Rabanne Invictus Victory
• Givenchy Eau de Parfum Reserve Privee
• Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin Mood
• Blu Atlas Atlantis
• Calvin Klein CK One
• Dior Sauvage
• Club de Nuit Intense Man
• Hugo Boss Bottled
• Bvlgari Man in Black
• Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme
• Guerlain L'Homme Idéal
• Narciso Rodriguez Bleu Noir
• Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 + Guaiac Wood
• Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche for Men

Frequently asked questions