The Art Of Cologne Application For Men

The best places for men to spray cologne are the pulse points, or heated areas, of the body. These include the neck, armpits, knees, wrists, and behind the ears. The cologne benefits from the body heat in these areas, which helps to warm through the fragrance. It is recommended that men apply cologne to clean, dry skin, holding the bottle between 3 and 6 inches away from the body.

Wrists and neck

The neck and wrists are among the most common areas for men to spray cologne. These pulse points are said to be ideal because they are areas where the body generates extra heat, intensifying the fragrance. However, according to cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski, there is no evidence to support this claim. Cardiologist Jeffrey Schussler explains that while you can feel your pulse where it's fairly superficial, the body temperature is pretty much regulated.

Despite this, spraying cologne on the neck and wrists remains a popular practice. One reason for this is that these areas are often exposed, making it easier for the scent to be noticed by others. Additionally, in more proper eras, a gentleman was expected to kiss a lady's hand in greeting, and the neck was one of the few areas of skin available for passionate kisses. Applying cologne to these areas helped to mask body odour.

When applying cologne to the neck, it is recommended to spray it on the bottom of the throat, especially for everyday use. For a night out in a noisy social scene, you may want to consider applying a small amount behind the ear, so that when people lean in to speak to you, they catch an attractive scent.

As for the wrists, it is important to avoid rubbing them together after applying cologne, as this can disrupt the molecules of the fragrance. Instead, you can use your wrist to press the cologne into your skin, ensuring it sits below the skin at the pulse point, rather than on top where it can slowly evaporate throughout the day.

Pulse points

When applying cologne to your pulse points, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body. This distance ensures that you don't over or under-apply the cologne. Start with a light application—choose one area, such as the neck or wrists, 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 always add more cologne, but it's difficult to remove if you've over-applied.

In addition to the wrists and neck, other common pulse points for cologne application include the inner elbow and chest. These areas benefit from body heat, which helps to warm through the fragrance. Applying cologne to the inner elbow is especially recommended if you plan on offering someone a handshake.

After a shower

Applying cologne after a shower is the best way to ensure the scent lasts longer. The shower cleanses your body of any other scents and opens your pores, which helps the scent absorb. It is important to completely dry your skin before applying cologne.

Hold the spray bottle 3–6 inches from your body. If you hold the bottle any closer than 3 inches, you risk over-applying, and any further than 6 inches and you will likely under-apply.

Apply cologne to heated areas of your body. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent. The best spots to spray cologne on the body are the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows.

When applying cologne, it is recommended to start with a light 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 always ask a friend or family member for their opinion on whether the application is appropriate, as you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often.

It is also important to note that cologne should be applied directly to the skin rather than clothing. Fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of the skin, which helps to enhance and prolong the scent. Applying cologne directly to clothing can also cause stains or discolouration.

Don't spray on clothes

Why you shouldn't spray cologne on your clothes

Spraying cologne on your clothes is one of the most common mistakes men make when applying cologne. Not only does it prevent the cologne from mixing with your natural oils, which gives it its unique quality, but it can also harm the fabric of your clothes.

Prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils

Cologne is designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin. This helps to enhance and prolong the scent. When you spray cologne on your clothes, you miss out on this key benefit.

Can harm the fabric of your clothes

Cologne contains oil and alcohol, which can stain or damage certain fabrics. To avoid this, it is best to spray cologne directly on your skin, rather than your clothes.

Can prevent the scent from evolving

Colognes typically contain three notes: top notes, middle notes, and base notes. These notes evaporate at different times, causing the scent to change and evolve throughout the day. When you spray cologne on your clothes, you prevent the scent from going through these stages, resulting in a flat and monochrome scent.

Can be overpowering

When you spray cologne on your clothes, it can be difficult to control the amount of cologne you are applying. This can lead to over-application, making you "that guy" who wears too much cologne.

Less is more

When it comes to cologne, the key is subtlety. You want people to notice your scent, but only when they're close to you. A sophisticated fragrance should be subtle and kept to your personal space.

The ideal number of sprays is two or three, depending on the fragrance's power. You don't want to be the guy everyone can smell from a mile away. Remember, even if you can't smell it on yourself, it's probably still there – softly and subtly.

Mistakes to Avoid

• The mist technique: Spraying the fragrance in the air and walking through it doesn't work. This method coats the room rather than your body.
• Rubbing your wrists together: This is a no-go as you are just destroying the delicate balance of the cologne. Fragrances have different notes that work in unison, and if you rub your wrists together, you're changing the chemistry and destroying the fragrance's essence.
• Applying to clothing: Cologne is full of oil and alcohol and is designed to combine with your skin, not your clothes. It can also damage certain fabrics.
• Over-application: You don't want to be "that guy" who wears too much cologne. Start with a light application and build up if needed.

Where to Apply

The best areas to spray cologne are the neck, inner elbow, and wrist. These areas benefit from body heat, which will warm the fragrance. The back of the neck is an essential target area, as heat is continuously produced here, keeping the fragrance alive throughout the day.

Pulse points are the areas of your body that allow for the most even distribution of scent since your skin is warmer there. For men, these points include the neck, armpits, knees, wrists, and behind the ears. However, you don't need to spray the fragrance on all your pulse points; this would be overkill. Start with just the neck and wrists, and see what works best for you.

How to Apply

• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body. Any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, and any further than 6 inches will result in under-applying.
• Apply to clean, dry skin, ideally after a shower when your pores are open.
• Start with one spray on the neck or forearms. If you notice that your scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply.
• Re-apply if needed, especially if you're going out in the evening. Simply dab a little onto your pulse points.

Choosing a Cologne

When choosing a cologne, it's important to consider its concentration. The more concentrated a scent is, the more expensive it tends to be, but it will also have better sillage (the trail it leaves when you walk away) and longevity.

However, this doesn't mean you should always opt for the most concentrated option. Sometimes you may prefer something more subtle or short-winded. Understanding the different concentrations will help you choose the right cologne and know how much to apply.

Final Thoughts

Creating a subtle signature scent is an art form. By applying sparingly and strategically, you can ensure your cologne lasts all day without being overpowering. Remember, less is more.

Frequently asked questions