The Art Of Applying Cologne: A Guide For Men

Knowing how and where to apply cologne is an art form. Applying cologne correctly can help you feel more attractive and confident, while applying it incorrectly can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly. To avoid being that guy who wears too much cologne, it's important to apply sparingly and strategically. Here are some tips on where and how to apply cologne for a subtle and long-lasting scent:

Where to Apply Cologne:

- Pulse points: Apply cologne to areas of your body that produce a lot of heat, such as your wrists, neck, behind your ears, inner elbows, and chest. The heat will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to blend with your body chemistry.

- Avoid excessive sweating areas: Don't use cologne to mask body odour. Less appealing smells don't mix well with cologne.

How to Apply Cologne:

- Clean skin: Apply cologne to clean, dry skin. Taking a shower first helps open your pores and provides a good base for the cologne.

- Distance: Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin when spraying to avoid over or under-application.

- Less is more: Start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. Reapply to another area if you feel the scent fades too quickly.

- Don't rub: Rubbing the cologne into your skin can make the scent fade faster and alter its smell. Simply spray or dab it on and let it dry.

Pulse points

When applying cologne to your pulse points, hold the bottle about 3 to 6 inches from your skin and spray or dab it onto the pulse point. Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin as this can break down the fragrance molecules and cause the scent to fade faster.

You should also be mindful not to apply too much cologne to your pulse points. One small dab or spritz to each pulse point is usually sufficient. Applying too much cologne can be overpowering for those around you and may lead to a sense of disarray. Instead, aim for a subtle signature scent that people can appreciate when they come close to you.

After a shower

Applying cologne after a shower is a great way to ensure your skin is clean and ready for the scent. Here are some detailed tips on how to apply cologne after showering:

• Wait until your skin is dry: It is best to apply cologne to dry skin. This ensures that the fragrance absorbs well and doesn't rub off or stain your clothes.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away: When spraying, hold the bottle about 3 to 6 inches away from your skin. This distance ensures you don't apply too much or too little cologne.
• Focus on heated areas: Apply cologne to areas of your body that generate heat, such as your neck, chest, wrists, inner elbows, and forearms. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day.
• Start with a light application: Begin with one spray on one or two areas. You can always add more later if needed. This is especially important if you are using a strong fragrance or one that you are unfamiliar with.
• Reapply if needed: Depending on the type of cologne and how long you need it to last, you may need to reapply. Simply dab a small amount onto your pulse points, such as your neck or wrists.
• Avoid common mistakes: Don't rub the cologne into your skin, as this can make the scent fade faster. Also, avoid spraying it onto your clothes, as this prevents it from mixing with your natural oils and can damage certain fabrics.

There are some differing opinions on whether to apply cologne immediately after a shower or to wait a bit. Some people suggest that you should wait until your skin returns to its regular temperature, especially if you tend to take hot showers. This is because higher skin temperature can cause the perfume to evaporate faster. However, others argue that pores don't actually open or close, so you can apply cologne whenever you want without worrying about it. Experiment to see what works best for you and the specific cologne you are using.

How much to apply

The general consensus is that less is more when it comes to cologne. You want to smell good without overpowering those around you. The ideal scenario is that someone notices your scent when they lean in to hug you or whisper something in your ear.

The number of sprays will depend on the strength of the cologne, the occasion, and personal preference. A good rule of thumb is to start with one or two sprays and build up from there if needed. For lighter fragrances, such as citrus or floral colognes, one or two sprays should be enough. For stronger scents, such as woody or musky fragrances, you may want to start with two or three sprays.

If you're using a cologne without a spray nozzle, use the dabbing method. Cover the opening of the bottle with your finger, tip it upside down, then right the bottle and put it down. Dab the liquid onto your finger and apply it to your chosen pulse point. One small dab is enough; don't double-dab.

It's important to note that you'll quickly become used to the smell of your cologne, but others will still be able to smell it. So, resist the urge to keep reapplying!

Where to spray

The best spots to spray cologne are the pulse points, or heated areas, of your body. These include your neck, wrists, inside of your elbows, and behind your ears and knees. The heat from your body will help the fragrance to diffuse throughout the day, allowing it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent.

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

Choose one or two spots to apply cologne, rather than applying it to all your pulse points, to avoid an overwhelming scent. The back of the neck is a good choice as it continuously produces heat, keeping the fragrance alive throughout the day. The wrists are also a popular option, as they are both pulse points and allow you to get more bang for your buck.

If you're going out in a noisy social scene, you might want to apply a small amount of cologne behind your ears so that people can catch a pleasant whiff when they lean in to speak to you. The chest is another recommended spot, as it scents your shirt and provides a burst of fragrance to anyone you hug.

Avoid applying cologne to areas where you tend to sweat excessively, as less appealing smells don't mix well with cologne. It's also best to avoid spraying it directly onto your face, broken or irritated skin, or your genital area, as this can cause irritation.

Common mistakes

While applying cologne, it's easy to go overboard and overwhelm yourself and those around you. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Spraying on Your Clothes

Spraying cologne on your clothes prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, giving it a unique quality. It can also prevent the scent from going through its different stages, making it fall flat. Additionally, it can be harmful to some fabrics.

Over-Application

It's easy to assume that if you can no longer smell your cologne, others can't either, but that's not the case. Over-application can be off-putting and overpowering. A subtle scent is more appealing, and you want people to notice you, not just your cologne.

Rubbing It In

Rubbing cologne into your skin can make the scent fade faster and change the fragrance by breaking the molecular bond. Instead, simply dab or spray it on and let it dry.

Spraying a Mist Cloud and Walking Through It

While this method may seem like it prevents over-application, it actually renders the cologne almost useless, as most of it ends up on the floor. The majority of your cologne should be placed on your body.

Applying to the Wrong Areas

Pulse points, such as the neck, wrists, behind the ears, and chest, are ideal for cologne application. These areas benefit from body heat, which helps release the scent. Avoid applying cologne to areas of excessive sweating or broken/sensitive skin.

Mixing with Other Smells

Avoid mixing cologne with strongly scented deodorants or aftershaves. The combination may not be pleasant, and you don't want to smell like a department store perfume counter.

Frequently asked questions