The Art Of Applying Cologne: A Guide For Men

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. Done right, it can make you feel more attractive and confident. Done wrong, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades too quickly. So, what is the best way to apply cologne?

Firstly, apply cologne to the pulse points or warmest areas of the body, such as the neck, wrists, chest, and inner elbows. These areas project the scent more efficiently, meaning less fragrance is required.

Secondly, it's important to hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from the skin when spraying. Any closer and you risk over-applying; any further and you'll likely under-apply.

Thirdly, it's generally recommended to spray cologne on the skin rather than clothes. Fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of the skin, enhancing and prolonging the scent.

Finally, less is more. One or two sprays are usually enough, and you can always add more if needed.

Pulse points

There are several pulse points on your body that you can apply cologne to. These include your:

• Neck
• Wrists
• Chest
• Forearms
• Inner elbows
• Behind your ears
• Bottom of your throat
• Behind your knees

When applying cologne to your pulse points, it's important to hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin. This will ensure that you don't over-apply or under-apply the cologne. Start with a light application and choose one area to apply the cologne, such as your neck or wrists. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another pulse point to apply the cologne the next time.

It's also important to note that you should not rub the cologne into your skin after application, as this can change the way the cologne smells and make the scent fade faster.

How much to use

The amount of cologne you should use depends on the strength of the fragrance, the occasion, and personal preference. The key is to apply sparingly and to start with a light application. You can always add more if needed, but it's difficult to undo an over-application.

As a general rule, one or two sprays or spritzes are enough, and you can increase to two or three sprays for stronger scents. Lighter fragrances, such as citrus or floral colognes, will usually require fewer sprays, while stronger, woodier, or muskier fragrances may need a few more.

When applying, choose one or two pulse points on the body, such as the wrists, neck, chest, or inner elbows. These areas emit more heat, which helps diffuse the scent throughout the day.

If you're unsure about the amount, it's better to use less rather than more. You can always reapply if needed, especially if you're going out in the evening.

How to Know if You've Used Too Much

You'll know you've used too much cologne when:

• You can smell yourself from a mile away.
• Your friends' eyes water when you enter the room.
• Someone can smell you from arm's length away.

Where to store it

Where you store your cologne is important as it can impact the smell of its scent and how long it lasts. Leaving your cologne in an area that is exposed to rapid changes in temperature, such as the top of your drawers in your bathroom, will cause the fragrance to break down faster. Sunlight will also have the same effect, so be sure to avoid any window sills. If you want your scent to last a long time, it’s best to store your cologne in an area that is consistently cool, dark, and dry. Your bedroom closet is a good option.

Colognes do not have an infinite shelf life, and many bottles will have a date on the bottom that indicates their optimal use-by date. To make your cologne last longer, keep it in its original box as light exposure over a period of time can cause fragrances to deteriorate. You can also choose to keep them in a dark drawer or cabinet, but avoid exposing them to direct sunlight if at all possible.

Fluctuations in temperature can also shorten the lifetime of a fragrance. This means that storing cologne in the bathroom will likely increase the likelihood of spoiling. The fluctuations in temperature and humidity can destroy the molecular integrity of the fragrance. Another place to avoid storing your cologne is in your car, where temperatures can fluctuate rapidly.

While some colognes naturally have longer shelf lives than others, properly storing the fragrances should allow you to enjoy them for many years.

Skin type

For Normal Skin:

• After showering, apply cologne to clean, dry skin. This ensures that your pores are open and can absorb the scent better.
• Target pulse points or warm areas of the body, such as the wrists, neck, chest, and inner elbows. These areas generate heat, which helps diffuse the scent throughout the day.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin when spraying. This ensures a balanced application without over or under-concentrating the scent.
• Start with a light application. Apply one or two sprays to the chosen areas and then assess if more is needed.
• Reapply throughout the day as needed, especially if you are going out in the evening or transitioning from day to night.

For Oily Skin:

• It is important to consider the concentration of the cologne when applying to oily skin. Look for colognes with a higher concentration of fragrance oil, such as Eau de Parfum or Parfum, as they will last longer on oily skin.
• Avoid applying cologne to areas of excessive sweating or body odour. The cologne may interact with the natural oils and chemicals on your skin, altering the scent or causing it to fade faster.
• Choose one or two spots for application instead of applying to multiple pulse points. This will help prevent the scent from becoming overwhelming for those around you.

For Dry Skin:

• Consider using a moisturiser before applying cologne to create a hydrated base for the fragrance. This can help the scent last longer on dry skin.
• Apply cologne immediately after showering, as the pores are still open and can absorb the scent better.
• Reapply the cologne throughout the day as needed. Dry skin may absorb the scent more quickly, requiring more frequent applications.

Remember, the key to applying cologne is subtlety. It is always better to start with a light application and add more if needed than to apply too much and risk overwhelming others. Additionally, be mindful of others and avoid applying excessive amounts of cologne, especially in indoor areas or when spending time in close quarters with others.

How to apply it

How to Apply Cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. Done properly, it can make you feel more attractive and confident. Done incorrectly, and you run the risk of over-application or a scent that fades too quickly. Here is a guide on how to apply cologne correctly.

Step 1: Choose the Right Cologne

Colognes are made up of different notes, which evaporate at different intervals, causing the fragrance to change throughout the day. Top notes last 15 minutes to two hours, mid-notes last 30 minutes to five hours, and base notes last five to ten hours. When choosing a cologne, it's important to consider how these notes will interact with your body chemistry.

Step 2: Know How Much to Apply

Less is more when it comes to cologne. One or two sprays are usually enough, and you can always add more if needed. If you're using a cologne with a higher concentration of essence, you may only need one spray.

Step 3: Know Where to Apply It

Apply cologne to your pulse points or the warmest areas of your body. These areas, which include the neck, chest, wrists, and inner elbows, project the scent more efficiently, meaning less fragrance is required. Choose one or two of these spots to apply cologne, being careful not to overdo it.

Step 4: Apply to Clean Skin

Apply cologne to clean, dry skin, preferably immediately after showering. The shower will cleanse your body of any other scents and open your pores, helping the scent absorb.

Step 5: Hold the Bottle 3-6 Inches Away

When spraying cologne, hold the bottle three to six inches away from your body. Holding the bottle any closer risks over-application, and any further may result in under-application.

Step 6: Don't Rub It In

After applying cologne, don't rub it into your skin. This can change the way the cologne smells and cause the scent to fade faster. Simply spray or dab it on and let it dry.

Step 7: Reapply If Needed

Depending on the type of cologne, you may need to reapply throughout the day, especially if you're going out in the evening. When reapplying, dab a small amount onto your pulse points.

Frequently asked questions