Testing Cologne: The Best Surfaces To Spray And Sniff

When it comes to testing cologne, there are a few different methods to consider. One common method is to use paper blotters, which are absorbent strips of paper that allow you to quickly test how a fragrance smells. You can also test cologne on your skin, typically on your wrist, neck, or the back of your hand. It's important to give the cologne time to settle and interact with your body's natural chemistry before making a decision, as the fragrance will deepen over time. Additionally, it's recommended to test colognes earlier in the day, as our sense of smell is usually sharpest in the morning. When applying cologne, it's generally advised to hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin and start with a light application, as you can always add more if needed.

Paper blotters: Spray the cologne onto absorbent paper to get an initial impression

Paper blotters are an effective way to test cologne without spraying it directly on your skin. They are typically made of cardboard or paper and are long and narrow in shape. They are highly absorbent and porous, allowing the cologne to be absorbed quickly and effectively. This is important when testing colognes, as it gives you a good sense of the fragrance and how it might smell on your skin.

To use a paper blotter, hold it about 5 inches away from the cologne bottle and spray the scent onto the paper. Don't touch the blotter to your skin or nose as this can alter the scent. Allow the scent to settle for a few moments before smelling the blotter. Instead of directly sniffing it, gently wave it near your nose to capture the true essence of the fragrance.

It's important to remember that a blotter only represents the top notes of a cologne. If you want to understand the full range of notes, you will need to apply the cologne to your skin and wait for it to evolve through the middle and base notes. Always test one scent at a time to avoid confusing your nose.

While paper blotters are a convenient and simple way to test colognes, they may not provide an accurate representation of how the scent will react with your body chemistry. This is because the fragrance is not interacting with your natural oils or skin scent. Therefore, it is recommended to test the cologne on your skin to get a true idea of how it will smell on you.

Spraying technique: Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin and target pulse points

When applying cologne, it is important to hold the bottle at the correct distance from your skin. The recommended distance is 3-6 inches. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-application, and spraying further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application.

Holding the bottle at this distance will allow you to focus the scent on a specific target, in this case, the pulse points. The pulse points are the "warmest" points on your body, usually the wrists, neck, chest, inner elbows, and forearms. These areas generate heat, helping to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allowing it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

When applying cologne to these areas, it is recommended to start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and apply cologne there the next time. You can also re-apply to your pulse points if needed, especially if you are going out in the evening.

It is important to note that you should not rub the cologne into your skin after application, as this can make the scent fade faster. Additionally, avoid spraying cologne onto your clothes, as this prevents it from mixing with your natural oils and can be harmful to some fabrics.

Amount to spray: Start with one spray and increase if necessary

When testing a new cologne, it's important to start with a small amount and increase if necessary. This will help you avoid applying too much cologne, which can be off-putting to others and even cause coughing, trouble breathing, headaches, or nausea.

The general consensus is to start with one spray of cologne. Spray it onto your wrist or the back of your hand, and wait at least 30 seconds for the scent to settle on your skin. If, after a few wears, you feel that one spray is not enough, you can add a second spray to the other wrist, or another pulse point such as your neck, chest, or inner elbow.

When applying cologne, it's important to hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin and target your pulse points, or the warmest areas of your body. These areas will help project the scent more efficiently, meaning you'll need less fragrance overall.

It's also a good idea to ask for a second opinion from a friend or partner, as it can be difficult to judge how you smell yourself.

Skin application: Spray onto the wrists, neck, chest, forearms or inner elbows

Skin application is a great way to test cologne. Here are some tips for skin application:

Firstly, it is important to apply cologne to the right areas. The best spots are the wrists, neck, chest, forearms or inner elbows. These areas are ideal because they are pulse points or heated areas of the body. Pulse points are areas where you can feel your blood pumping through your veins, and they are often the warmest points on your body. Applying cologne to these spots helps to build the best projection/cast/sillage for your scent, allowing it to perform to its fullest potential and diffuse throughout the day.

When applying cologne to the skin, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, and spraying any further than 6 inches away will likely 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. You can always add more, but it's difficult to undo an over-application.

It's a good idea to get a second opinion on how your cologne smells. Ask a friend or family member if the application is appropriate, as it's easy to become nose-blind to scents you wear often. You may also want to re-apply cologne throughout the day, especially if you are going out in the evening. When re-applying, simply dab a little onto your pulse points.

When testing a cologne, it's important to give the scent time to develop. After applying, wait at least 30 seconds for the scent to settle on your skin, then bring your hand up and inhale. Then, do something else for 15-30 minutes to allow the fragrance to interact with your body's natural chemistry. Over time, the fragrance will deepen as you experience each of the levels of notes in its formulation. After this time has passed, take another sniff to see how the fragrance has developed.

Avoid: Spraying on clothes, hair or the air around you

When testing a cologne, it is important to avoid spraying it on your clothes, hair, or the air around you.

Spraying cologne on your clothes prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, which gives cologne its unique quality. It can also prevent the scent from going through its various stages, rendering it flat and monochrome. Furthermore, spraying fragrances directly on clothing can be harmful to some fabrics.

Spraying cologne on your hair is not advisable because most colognes contain a lot of alcohol, which can dry and damage your hair.

Spraying cologne into the air and walking through it is ineffective. This method renders the cologne almost useless as most of it ends up on the floor.

Frequently asked questions