The Art Of Wearing Cologne: Target Pulse Points

Knowing where to spray cologne is an art form that, if not done properly, can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly. The best spots to spray cologne are the heated areas of the body, including the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas generate heat, which helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to blend with your body chemistry to create a unique signature scent. It is recommended to hold the cologne bottle 3 to 6 inches away from the body when spraying, as this ensures an optimal amount of cologne is applied without over-saturation.

Pulse points

The pulse points include the wrists, neck, chest, forearms, inside of the elbows, behind the ears, and behind the knees. These areas generate heat, enhancing the projection and cast of the fragrance.

When applying cologne to the wrists, avoid rubbing them together as this can disrupt the molecules of the fragrance, reducing its effectiveness. Instead, gently dab or press the cologne into the skin to ensure it sits below the skin at the pulse point.

The neck is a particularly effective pulse point for cologne application, as heat is continuously produced in this area, keeping the fragrance alive throughout the day. The back of the neck is an ideal target, ensuring that the scent lingers and is noticeable to those nearby.

While the pulse points are ideal for cologne application, it is important to remember that less is more. Overdoing cologne can be overwhelming and off-putting to others. A subtle signature scent is more sophisticated and ensures that your fragrance stays within your personal space.

Additionally, it is recommended to apply cologne directly to the skin rather than clothing. Fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of the skin, enhancing and prolonging the scent. Applying cologne to the skin also reduces the risk of staining or damaging your clothes.

Wrists

The wrists are one of the best places to spray cologne, as they are considered a pulse point—an area on your body where your heart pulse can be felt. Applying cologne to these spots targets the warmest points on your body, helping the scent to diffuse throughout the day.

When applying cologne to your wrists, it's important to hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away. This ensures that you don't over or under-apply. After spraying, you can use your wrists to press the cologne into your neck, ensuring that it sits below the skin at the pulse point rather than above the skin, where it will slowly fade throughout the day.

It's worth noting that some people make the mistake of rubbing their wrists together after applying cologne. This should be avoided, as it disrupts the molecules of the fragrance.

If you're testing a new cologne, it's a good idea to spray it on your wrists to see how it reacts with your body chemistry. However, when applying cologne for everyday use, it's recommended to only spray the bottom of your throat (neck) as this creates a subtle signature scent.

In addition to the wrists, other recommended areas to apply cologne include the neck, chest, inner elbows, forearms, and behind the ears and knees. These areas benefit from body heat, which helps to warm the fragrance and diffuse the scent.

Neck

The neck is one of the best places to spray cologne, as it is a pulse point, an area where you can feel your heart pumping through your veins. Applying cologne to these spots targets the warmest points on your body, helping the scent to perform to its fullest potential.

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 to the neck, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away. Any closer than 3 inches risks over-application, and spraying further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application. Apply the cologne after showering, directly onto dry skin. One spritz on the neck is usually enough, but if you feel that's not enough, consider adding a second.

It's worth noting that the cologne will also last longer if you apply it to multiple pulse points, such as the wrists, chest, forearms, and inner elbows. However, if you choose to apply cologne to your wrists, avoid the common mistake of rubbing them together, as this disrupts the molecules of the fragrance.

Remember that even when you can no longer smell your cologne, others still can. It's easy to assume that nobody else can smell it anymore and then over-apply. Ask a friend or family member for their opinion, as you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often.

Behind the ear

Applying cologne to the back of the neck is a great way to ensure a subtle yet long-lasting scent. The heat produced at the nape of the neck will keep the fragrance alive throughout the day, allowing it to meld with your body chemistry and develop your signature scent.

When applying cologne to the neck, it is important to remember that less is more. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away and apply a light spray to the pulse point at the base of the neck. Avoid the temptation to spray more than once in this area, as others will still be able to smell your cologne long after you have become nose-blind to it.

If you are venturing into a noisy social scene, you may want to apply a small amount of cologne behind the ear. This way, when people lean in to speak to you, they will be met with an attractive scent.

When applying cologne to the neck and behind the ear, be sure not to rub the cologne into the skin, as this can cause the scent to fade faster. Instead, gently dab the cologne onto the skin and press it into place with your wrist, so that it sits below the skin at the pulse point.

Inner elbow

The inner elbow is one of the best places to spray cologne, as it is a pulse point. Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt, and they 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.

When applying cologne to the inner elbow, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from the skin. Spraying any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, and spraying further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application.

It is recommended that you apply cologne to your inner elbow after showering, as this will ensure that your body is free of any other scents and that your pores are open to help the scent absorb. Make sure your skin is completely dry before applying cologne.

When applying cologne, it is important to remember that less is more. Start with a light application and choose one area of the body, such as the inner elbow, to spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area to spray next time. You can always add more cologne, but it is difficult to remove the scent if you have applied too much.

In addition to the inner elbow, other recommended areas to apply cologne include the neck, wrist, chest, and forearm.

Frequently asked questions