The Perfect Time To Apply Cologne Before Your Date

Knowing when and how much cologne to apply for a date can be tricky. Get it right, and it can make a powerful, positive first impression. But over-apply or choose the wrong scent, and it can have the opposite effect.

Firstly, it's important to understand your scent. Cologne is a combination of raw scent ingredients, including top notes (the initial, temporary smell), middle notes (heavier floral or spice scents), and base notes (longer-lasting, bolder scents that become noticeable after application). The same cologne will smell different on different men, so it's important to test it out on your skin and see how it interacts with your body chemistry.

When applying cologne, it's best to start with one spray on the chest right after a shower. If that's not too overpowering, you can also apply to other pulse points like the wrists or neck. These areas produce a lot of body heat, which helps the fragrance continue to emit scent throughout the day.

Remember, less is more. You don't want to be known as that guy who wears too much cologne. It's also important to reapply throughout the day, as one application in the morning won't last until the evening.

So, when getting ready for a date, make sure to apply your cologne after showering and before getting dressed. Stick to one or two sprays on your pulse points, and you'll be sure to make a good impression.

Apply cologne to your pulse points

Applying cologne to your pulse points is a great way to make your fragrance last longer and smell more intense. Pulse points are areas of your body that produce a lot of body heat, and this heat will cause the fragrance to continue to smell good all day long.

• Wrists: The insides of your wrists are a good spot for cologne as they are pulse points and will help the fragrance to emanate from your body. Spray or dab a small amount of cologne on the inside of each wrist, making sure not to rub it in as this can change the scent and make it fade faster.
• Neck: Applying cologne to your neck is a great idea, especially if you're going on a date and think your date's head might be close to your neck at some point. Just be sure not to overdo it, as you don't want your date to smell sweat!
• Behind the Ears: This is another spot that many men like to utilise. Spray or dab a small amount of cologne behind each ear, allowing the heat of your body to help the fragrance emanate.
• Chest: The chest is a perfect place to apply cologne as it scents your shirt and provides a nice burst of scent to anyone who comes close to you, such as when hugging. Spray or dab a small amount of cologne on your chest, preferably before getting dressed to trap the fragrance between your skin and clothing, making it last longer.
• Forearms: Your forearms are another heated area of the body that can help diffuse the scent of your cologne throughout the day. Spray or dab a small amount of cologne on one or both forearms, and remember that less is more to avoid overpowering those around you.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, it's important to hold the bottle about 3-6 inches away from your body. This will ensure that the fragrance disperses evenly and doesn't create a puddle on your skin. It's also best to apply cologne right after showering, as this will ensure that the scent mixes with your natural body chemistry and that your pores are open, helping the scent to absorb and last longer.

Understand how much cologne to use

The first thing to know about applying cologne is how much to use. Our nasal receptors become rapidly desensitized to new odours, so we can end up overdoing it with the amount of cologne we apply.

Generally, it is best to stick to two sprays, or three as an absolute maximum. When spraying cologne, hold the bottle at least six inches away from your body. This allows the fragrance to disperse more and not just create one puddle on your skin.

Cologne is best applied to the neck and chest area. Applying it to your chest or biceps before getting dressed will trap the fragrance between your skin and clothing, making it last much longer.

One spray to the chest right after a shower is a good starting point. If the cologne isn't too overpowering, you can add another spray to pulse points on the wrists or on the side of the neck. These warm areas will help the fragrance continue to emit scent throughout the day.

You can also apply cologne behind the ears, or on the insides of the wrists. These are good spots because they produce a lot of body heat, which will cause the fragrance to continue to smell good all day long.

If you're going out in the evening, you may need to reapply. Simply dab a little onto your pulse points.

Remember, less is more. You don't want your cologne to be overpowering. Start light and don't be afraid to ask a friend or family member for their opinion.

Know where not to apply cologne

While there are many recommended spots to apply cologne, there are also places you should avoid. Here are some tips on where not to apply cologne:

• Avoid spraying cologne directly onto your clothes. Cologne should be applied to the skin, as it interacts with your body heat and natural oils to create your unique scent. Spraying it onto your clothes can also cause staining and damage to certain fabrics.
• Do not apply cologne to areas where you tend to sweat excessively. Excessive sweating can lead to body odour, and mixing cologne with body odour can result in an unpleasant smell.
• Stay clear of applying cologne to your face or broken/irritated skin.
• Keep cologne away from the genital area, as it may cause irritation.
• Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin after application. Rubbing can alter the scent and cause it to fade faster.
• Do not mix cologne with other strong scents, such as deodorant or aftershave. Mixing multiple scents can lead to an unappealing combination.
• Be mindful of others and avoid over-application. Less is more when it comes to cologne. Start with a light application and reapply sparingly if needed.

Choose the right cologne for the occasion

Cologne is an important part of a man's personal style. It can make a powerful, positive first impression and boost confidence. However, choosing the wrong scent or applying it incorrectly can have the opposite effect. Here are some tips on how to choose and apply the right cologne for any occasion:

• Understand your scent preferences: Cologne ingredients interact with your unique body oils, so the same cologne will smell different on different people. It's important to test out different scents directly on your skin to see how they work with your body chemistry over time. Start with a light, fresh-scented cologne and explore from there.
• Know when to wear cologne: Cologne is generally acceptable in most settings, including work, weddings, funerals, parties, and nights out. However, avoid wearing cologne during certain outdoor activities, in confined spaces with many people (e.g., on an airplane), or when spending time in indoor areas with people who may be allergic to fragrances.
• Choose the right cologne for the occasion: For work, opt for a subtle, refined scent. Citrus and floral scents are ideal as they are delicate and not too overpowering. For social events, you can experiment with more distinctive scents. Woody colognes mixed with spices or aromatic fragrances like mandarin, lime, and jasmine are excellent choices. For special occasions like weddings or dates, you can be more adventurous, but be careful not to go too strong with a new scent. A muskier scent with subtle undertones of citrus or tobacco can make you smell like a sophisticated gentleman.
• Apply cologne correctly: Always apply cologne directly to your skin, not your clothes. Spray cologne on pulse points such as your wrists, neck, and chest, as these areas generate heat and help diffuse the fragrance. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body when spraying. Start with a light application and reapply if needed. Remember, less is more when it comes to cologne.

Avoid common mistakes when applying cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. Done right, it can make a powerful, positive first impression and boost your confidence. However, there are several mistakes commonly made when applying cologne that can be easily avoided.

Over-applying

The most notorious mistake is using too much cologne. Less is always more. One spray should be enough, and two sprays maximum. Cologne should be applied sparingly and strategically to last all day.

Under-applying

On the other hand, some men apply cologne only once and forget about it. A morning application won't last until the evening, so reapplication is necessary.

Misapplying

There are certain points on the body that allow for a pleasant scent that isn't overpowering. The correct application technique is to spray cologne directly on the skin, not on clothes, and to avoid rubbing it in, as this can dull the scent.

Choosing the wrong scent

Cologne ingredients interact with your unique body oils, so the same cologne will smell different on different men. A scent that works for your friend might not work for you. It's important to test different colognes directly on your skin and see how they interact with your body chemistry over time.

Applying cologne to the wrong areas

Cologne should be applied to pulse points, which are heated areas of the body that help diffuse the scent throughout the day. These include the neck, chest, wrists, forearms, and inner elbows. It's best to choose one or two spots, rather than applying cologne to every pulse point, to avoid an overwhelming scent.

Mixing cologne with other smells

Cologne should not be worn with strongly-scented deodorant or aftershave, as the combination may be unappealing.

Frequently asked questions