The Art Of Wearing Cologne: A Guide For Men

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. Done improperly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades almost immediately. So, what's the best way to put on cologne?

Firstly, it's important to apply cologne to clean, dry skin, ideally immediately after a shower when your pores are open and can absorb the scent better. Hold the bottle around 3-6 inches from your body when spraying, targeting pulse points such as your wrists, neck, and chest. These areas emit more heat, allowing the fragrance to lift and react with your body heat.

It's also important not to over-apply cologne. One or two sprays should be enough, with the scent designed to complement your natural body odour, rather than drown it out.

Pulse points

There are nine pulse points on the body, including the foot, temples of the head, two places on the neck, and the inner wrist. For everyday cologne usage, you can put cologne on your neck area, as there are pulse points on each side of your throat. You can also spritz your inner wrist or chest. This combination should be suitable for a day at the office.

If you're going out, you might want to apply cologne to the area behind your ear. By adding fragrance in this area, you increase the scent's overall strength, and people will get a pleasant whiff when they get close to your face. This is also a good idea if you're hugging friends or relatives, or if you're in a noisy atmosphere and someone needs to lean in to hear you.

You could also consider placing cologne inside your elbow and the back of your knee. The elbow is a good choice for dates or nights out, and the back of the knee is ideal if you're wearing shorts or spending time outdoors. If you're at the beach or wearing low-profile boat shoes, you could even spritz the top of your foot.

Remember, the more pulse points you're hitting, the less cologne you need.

Spray distance

When applying cologne, the distance from which you spray is important. Spraying too close to the skin can result in over-application, while spraying too far away can lead to under-application. The recommended distance is generally between 3 to 6 inches (or 7.5 to 15 cm ) away from the body. This distance allows for the creation of a subtle mist that diffuses over a good proportion of the skin, blending with your natural scent.

Spraying at the recommended distance also helps to avoid wasting cologne. Spraying too close can cause too much to be applied in one spot, while spraying too far away can result in the cologne not reaching your body and evaporating into the air.

Additionally, spraying at the correct distance helps to prevent the cologne from turning your skin red due to the high concentration of alcohol in the fragrance. It also ensures that the cologne particles are targeted effectively, reducing the amount lost through a poorly directed spritz.

It is recommended to start with one spritz at the recommended distance and then adjust as needed. This helps to avoid over-application and ensures that the cologne complements, rather than overwhelms, your natural scent.

Absorption

Apply to Clean, Dry Skin

The ideal time to apply cologne is after a shower when your skin is clean and dry. The shower washes away any lingering odours and opens up your pores, providing a good base for the cologne. Applying cologne to dirty skin will not smell as good, and spraying it on wet skin may cause it to not last as long.

Apply to Pulse Points

Apply cologne to your pulse points, which are the warmest areas of your body. These include the neck, chest, wrists, and inner elbows. The heat from these areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day, and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to create a signature scent.

Hold Bottle 3-6 Inches Away

When spraying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-application, and spraying farther than 6 inches away may result in under-application.

Don't Rub It In

Rubbing the cologne into your skin can change the way it smells and cause the scent to fade faster. Instead, simply spray or dab it on and let it dry on the skin.

Don't Mix with Other Smells

Avoid wearing cologne with strongly-scented deodorant or aftershave. The different scents may not complement each other, and the combination could be overwhelming.

Reapply Lightly if Needed

You will likely become used to the smell of your cologne, even if others can still smell it. If you feel the need to reapply, keep it light, dabbing a small amount onto your pulse points.

Clothing

While cologne is designed to be applied to the skin, there are some tips and tricks to applying cologne to clothing.

Firstly, it is important to note that applying cologne to your clothes is not recommended, as it prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils, which gives cologne its unique quality. It can also cause the scent to fall flat and appear monochrome. Further, spraying cologne on your clothes can be harmful to some fabrics and cause discolouration or stains.

However, if you have sensitive skin or allergies to cologne ingredients, you may prefer to spray cologne on your clothes. If you do decide to spray cologne on your clothes, it is best to do so on a small area, such as the collar or cuff, rather than all over. It is also important to test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that the cologne does not damage or discolour the fabric.

If you are applying cologne to your skin, it is recommended that you apply it to your pulse points, which are the warmest areas of your body. These include the neck, chest, wrists, and inner elbows. These areas can project the scent more efficiently, meaning less fragrance is required.

When applying cologne, it is important to hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your skin and apply a light application. You can always add more cologne, but it is difficult to remove if you have applied too much. It is also recommended that you do not rub cologne into your skin after application, as this can change the scent and make it fade faster.

Application amount

The amount of cologne you apply depends on the strength of the fragrance, the occasion, and personal preference. However, the general consensus is that less is more when it comes to cologne. You want the scent to complement your natural body odour, not overpower it. It should be subtle and discovered, not announced.

A good rule of thumb is to start with one or two sprays and then build up if you feel it is necessary. For a lighter fragrance, such as a citrus or floral cologne, one or two sprays should be enough. For a stronger scent, such as a woody or musky fragrance, you may want to start with two or three sprays.

If you are applying cologne to your pulse points, one spray per pulse point is usually enough. Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt, such as your wrists, neck, chest, inside your elbows, and behind your knees. These are the best spots to apply cologne because the warmth of your blood helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day.

If you are applying cologne to your clothes, it is best to spray a small area such as the collar or cuff. Be mindful that some fragrances may interact with certain fabrics and cause stains or discolouration, so it is important to test a small, inconspicuous area first.

Frequently asked questions