The Ultimate Guide To Applying Cologne Like A Pro

Knowing where to apply cologne is an art form. If not done properly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly. There are several pulse points on the body that are recommended for cologne application. These include the neck, wrists, chest, behind the ears, inside the elbows, and behind the knees. It is also important to hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches from the body when applying cologne, as this will ensure that the scent is not too strong or too faint.

Pulse points

When applying cologne to pulse points, it is important to hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from the skin. This ensures that the cologne is not over or under-applied. Start with a light application—one spray on one or two pulse points. If the scent fades quickly, apply another spray to a different pulse point.

The wrist is a great method for applying cologne to the skin, as it is a pulse point itself. After applying cologne to the wrist, you can rub your wrists together and then rub your neck with them. This helps to distribute the cologne evenly and allows your body heat to keep the scent active.

It is recommended to apply cologne to pulse points instead of clothing. Cologne is designed to interact with the oils and pH of the skin, which enhances and prolongs the scent. Applying cologne directly to the skin will also help prevent staining or damaging your clothes.

After showering

Applying cologne after showering is a great way to ensure the scent lasts longer. Here is a detailed guide on how to apply cologne after showering:

Timing

Wait for your skin to cool down to room temperature after showering. Hot water can cause your skin to be warmer, which may cause the perfume to evaporate faster. It is recommended to wait for at least 15 minutes, and preferably 30 minutes to an hour, to allow your skin to cool and for your natural oils to be restored. This will help the fragrance "stick" better and prevent it from disappearing too quickly.

Preparing Your Skin

Before applying cologne, ensure your skin is completely dry. You can also apply an unscented moisturiser to your skin, as this will help the cologne absorb more effectively and make it last longer.

Applying Cologne

Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body and spray onto your skin, focusing on heated areas such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, 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. Start with a light application—one spray on one area is enough. You can always add more later or the next time you apply if you feel you need more.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not spray the cologne onto your clothes, as this can prevent the scent from developing properly, damage the fabric, and cause the scent to dissipate more quickly. Also, avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this can make the scent fade faster.

Onto dry skin

Applying cologne to dry skin is the best way to make the scent last longer. The ideal time to apply cologne is immediately after showering, as the shower washes away any lingering odours and opens up your pores, allowing your skin to absorb the scent better.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body. Any closer and you risk over-applying, and any further will result in under-application. Spray the cologne onto your pulse points, which are the areas where you can feel your blood pumping through your veins. These include your wrists, neck, bottom of your throat, inside your elbows, and behind your knees. These are the warmest points on your body, and applying cologne to these spots helps build the best projection/cast/sillage for your scent, allowing it to perform to its fullest potential.

It is also important to remember that less is more when it comes to cologne. Start with a light application of one spray on one or two pulse points. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another pulse point and spray there. You can always add more cologne, but it is harder to fix over-application.

From the right distance

The distance from which you spray your cologne is important. If you spray too close, you may find the scent too strong, and if you spray too far away, the scent may dissipate too quickly. The consensus is that you should hold the bottle between 3 and 6 inches from your body. A good rule of thumb is to hold the bottle no closer than the width of your palm. This distance allows you to focus the scent on a specific target (the pulse point) without over or under-concentrating it.

Pulse points are areas where you can feel your blood pumping through your veins. These are the "warmest" points on your body, and by applying cologne to these spots, you help build the best projection/cast/sillage for your scent. The pulse points include your wrists, neck, bottom of your throat, inside your elbow, behind your knee, and chest.

When applying cologne, it's best to start with a light application. You can always add more if you feel it's not enough, but it's harder to fix over-application. Choose one area, like the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. If you notice that your scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply. You can ask a close friend or family member for their opinion if you're unsure about the strength of your fragrance.

It's worth noting that your body heat will help diffuse the scent throughout the day, so applying cologne to heated areas of your body is ideal.

Light application

When applying cologne, less is more. You want to smell good without overpowering those around you. The key is to apply sparingly and strategically so that the cologne lasts all day. Here are some tips for a light application:

• Start with one spray: Choose one area like the neck, chest, or forearms and apply one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away: Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-application, while spraying farther than 6 inches away will result in under-application.
• Apply to heated areas: Apply cologne to the warmest areas of your body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, inner elbows, or lower jaw. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to create a signature scent.
• Apply to clean skin: Apply cologne immediately after showering to a dry body. Showering cleanses your body of any other scents and opens your pores, helping the scent absorb better.
• Reapply if needed: Depending on the type of cologne and the occasion, you may need to reapply. When doing so, dab a small amount onto your pulse points, such as the neck or wrists.
• Get a second opinion: It can be challenging to judge how you smell yourself. Ask a friend or family member if the strength of your fragrance is appropriate.
• Avoid common mistakes: Don't rub or splash the cologne on your skin, and don't spray it on your clothing. These methods can lead to over-application, prevent the scent from mixing with your natural oils, and cause staining or damage to fabrics.

Frequently asked questions