The Secret Language Of Cologne Bottles

Cologne is a type of fragrance typically used by men, although women can use it too. It contains a low concentration of perfume oils, usually only 2-4%, which gives it a light scent that lasts just a few hours. The best way to apply cologne is to target the pulse points on your wrists and neck, where your blood vessels are closest to the surface, and to hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body when spraying.

Cologne should be applied to pulse points

Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt. These are the best spots to apply scent, due to the warmth of your blood. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

Where are the pulse points?

Pulse points include the neck, armpits, knees, wrists, and behind the ears and knees. You don't need to spray the fragrance on all your pulse points, but just a few. The best spots to apply cologne are the neck and wrists, and for most people, this will be more than enough.

How to apply cologne to pulse points

Hold the bottle about three to six inches from the skin and spray. You can also lightly dab the cologne onto your pulse points. Then, using your wrist, press the cologne into your skin so it sits below the skin in the pulse point and not above the skin, where it will slowly die away over the day.

Less is more when it comes to cologne. You don't want to be the person everyone can smell from a mile away. One or two spritzes is generally enough, especially with a high-quality Eau de Parfum (EDP) cologne.

When to apply cologne to pulse points

The best time to apply cologne is after a shower when your skin is still warm and your pores are open. This will help the fragrance absorb more efficiently and make it last longer.

It should be applied to clean skin

Applying cologne to clean skin is essential for ensuring that the scent lasts longer and doesn't turn flat or monochrome. Here are some reasons why:

Clean Skin Allows the Scent to Absorb Properly

When you apply cologne right after showering, your skin is free of any other scents, and your pores are open, which helps the cologne absorb better. This ensures that the fragrance interacts with your natural body oils and chemistry, creating a unique and evolving scent throughout the day.

Avoid Mixing with Other Scents

Applying cologne to unclean skin can result in the fragrance mixing with other scents on your body, such as sweat or residual products. This can alter the intended scent of the cologne, preventing it from developing as designed.

Prevent Staining and Discolouration

Applying cologne to dirty skin, especially if it has residues of other products or substances, may increase the risk of staining or discolouring your clothes. Starting with a clean base helps prevent this issue.

Maintain Good Hygiene

From a hygiene perspective, applying cologne to unclean skin can trap dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells, potentially leading to skin irritation or other issues. Keeping your skin clean ensures that you maintain good hygiene practices while enjoying your favourite fragrance.

Enhance the Fragrance's Longevity

Clean, moisturised skin can help prolong the fragrance. Oily or moisturised skin locks in the scent, making it last longer. Additionally, ensuring your skin is free of other products prevents interference with the cologne's intended scent, allowing it to develop and evolve as designed throughout the day.

It should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place

Cologne should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place.

Cologne should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place. This is because cologne has three main aggressors: heat, light, and humidity. By storing cologne away from these elements, you can prolong its shelf life.

The ideal storage place is free of direct sunlight and has a consistent, cool temperature. A closet in the living room or hallway is a good option, as it is away from light and generally has a consistent temperature. Alternatively, a bedroom drawer is a great place to store cologne, as it keeps it out of direct light.

The kitchen and bathroom are off-limits for cologne storage. The kitchen can get very hot during cooking, and the bathroom tends to get warm and humid when people shower or bathe. These extreme temperature and humidity changes can destroy the molecular integrity of the cologne.

If you have a dehumidifier set up in a room, this can be a great place to store your cologne. You can also store cologne in the refrigerator, as long as it is not too cold. However, very cold refrigerators can damage cologne, so if your drinks, fruits, or vegetables tend to freeze slightly in your fridge, it is best to avoid storing your cologne there.

To summarise, cologne should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place, such as a closet, drawer, or refrigerator (if it's not too cold). By avoiding heat, light, and humidity, you can prolong the shelf life of your cologne.

It should be applied after a shower

Applying cologne after a shower is a great way to ensure that your skin is clean and free of any other scents that may interfere with your cologne. The shower opens your pores, helping the scent absorb better into your skin. It is best to completely dry off before applying cologne, as spraying it on damp skin may affect the longevity of the scent.

Applying cologne after showering also gives you a chance to moisturize your skin, which can further help the fragrance absorb and last longer. You can use an unscented moisturizer or a scented lotion with complementary notes to your cologne to add more layers to your scent.

If you take very hot showers, it is recommended to wait for your skin to cool down to room temperature before applying cologne, as the heat can cause the fragrance to evaporate faster. Similarly, if you tend to perspire after showering, it is best to wait until your skin has adjusted to room temperature to prevent the cologne from fading too quickly.

Some people also recommend applying cologne to wet skin right after showering and then again after getting dressed. However, this method may not allow the fragrance to evolve as it would otherwise, and it may not be suitable for those with oily skin.

Ultimately, there is no hard and fast rule about when to apply cologne, and you can experiment to find what works best for you and your particular cologne.

It should be layered with complementary products

Layering Cologne with Complementary Products

Layering cologne with complementary products is an art and a great way to create a unique, signature scent. It is a highly personal process that allows you to express your personality, mood, and taste. Layering can also increase the longevity of a scent by applying it to a well-hydrated base.

How to Layer Scents

The key to successful layering is experimentation and understanding the different layers in fragrances. Fragrances are typically composed of top notes, middle notes, and base notes. Top notes are the initial, lighter scents that linger after application, while middle notes form the heart of the fragrance and are usually warmer and softer. Base notes are the boldest scents and develop last, lasting up to six hours after application.

When layering, it is recommended to start with two fragrances that you enjoy and feel would complement each other. Spray the stronger scent first, followed by the lighter scent in a different area to avoid overpowering it. Choose different pulse points for each fragrance, such as behind the ear, the bottom of the neck, the wrist, inside the elbow, or behind the knee.

Additionally, consider the order in which you layer the fragrances. Heavier scents should generally be sprayed first, followed by lighter scents. You can also layer a single-note perfume under or over an existing scent. For example, if you have a favourite citrus fragrance that doesn't last long, you can layer it with a sandalwood or cedarwood base.

Choosing Complementary Products

When choosing complementary products for layering, look for those with complementary, contrasting, or linear scents. You can opt for products from the same fragrance family, such as combining different types of floral scents. Alternatively, you can experiment with combining perfumes from different fragrance families to create unique results.

Moisturising your skin before applying cologne can also enhance the longevity of your scent. Well-hydrated skin provides a better base for the fragrance molecules to cling to. Applying a complementary scented lotion before your cologne can add depth and intensity to your fragrance while also hydrating your skin.

Tips for Successful Layering

• Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin after application as it can damage the molecules and cause them to dissipate faster.
• Be mindful of the amount of cologne you apply. It's better to start with a light application and add more if needed.
• Allow your layered scent to mature. Walk around for about 30 minutes to understand how the fragrances interact with your unique skin chemistry.
• Store your cologne properly to prolong its shelf life. Keep it in a cool, dark place, as sunlight and heat can cause the components to break down faster.

Frequently asked questions