The Art Of Applying Cologne: A Guide For Men

Knowing where to apply cologne is an art form that, if not done properly, can lead to over-application or a scent that fades too quickly. The best spots to spray cologne on the body are heated areas, including the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas generate heat, which helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop a signature scent. It is recommended to start with a light application and then adjust as needed. Additionally, it is generally advised to spray cologne on the skin rather than on clothing, as fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of the skin.

How much cologne to apply

Applying cologne is an art form. Too much and you risk becoming "that guy" – the one who chokes everyone in the room with their overpowering scent. Too little and your fragrance fades before its time. So, how much cologne is just enough?

The consensus is that less is more. Start with one or two sprays and build up from there. You can also adjust the number of sprays depending on the occasion. For example, if you're going to the office, it's better to be conservative with your cologne. If you're going out in the evening, you can afford to be a little more liberal.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body. Aim for pulse points like your wrists, neck, inner elbows, and chest. These areas are warmer and will help diffuse the scent throughout the day.

If you're unsure whether you've applied enough cologne, ask a friend for a second opinion. It's difficult to judge how you smell yourself.

Finally, remember that cologne should be applied directly to the skin, not clothing. This is because fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin. Applying cologne to your skin will also help to prevent stains or damage to your clothes.

Where to spray cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. Done right, it can make you feel more attractive and confident. Done wrong, and you risk becoming "that guy" who wears way too much cologne. Here's how to apply cologne correctly and avoid overdoing it.

Firstly, always apply cologne directly to the skin, not your clothes. This allows the cologne to mix with your natural oils and develop your signature scent. It also prevents staining or damaging your clothing. The best spots to apply cologne are the heated areas of your body, including the neck, chest, pulse points (wrists), forearms, and inner elbows. These areas generate heat, helping to diffuse the scent throughout the day.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body. Any closer than 3 inches and you risk over-applying, any further than 6 inches and you won't apply enough. Start with a light application—choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. If you notice the scent fading quickly, choose another area and apply a second spray.

It's worth noting that it's difficult to judge how you smell to yourself. Asking a friend or partner for a second opinion can be helpful. Over time, as you become more familiar with your cologne, you can experiment with applying a few more sprays in different areas. Remember, less is more—a subtle signature scent is more appealing than an overwhelming cloud of fragrance.

Pulse points

The pulse points commonly recommended for cologne application are the wrists, neck, and inner elbows. The back of the neck is an especially good target area, as heat is continuously produced here, keeping the fragrance alive throughout the day. Applying cologne to the wrists is also a good option, but it is important to avoid rubbing your wrists together after application, as this disrupts the molecules of the fragrance.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, it is best to hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body. This distance allows for a focused application without over or under-concentrating the scent.

It is also important to remember that less is more when it comes to cologne application. Start with a light application and choose one area, like the neck or wrists, for one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and apply cologne there the next time. You can always add more sprays to your pulse points later in the day if needed.

Common mistakes when applying cologne

While applying cologne can be an art form, there are a few common mistakes that men make when applying their chosen fragrance.

Firstly, avoid spraying cologne directly onto your clothing. This prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils, which is what gives it its unique quality. It can also be harmful to some fabrics and prevent the scent from developing as it should.

If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, avoid splashing it onto your skin. This is an easy way to over-apply. Instead, place one finger over the opening of the bottle and gently tip it upside down before dabbing the scent onto your body.

Another common mistake is spraying a mist cloud and walking through it. This method is wasteful and ineffective as most of the cologne ends up on the floor.

Rubbing cologne into your skin is also ill-advised as it can make the scent fade faster and break the molecular bond in the fragrance.

Finally, applying too much cologne is a common mistake. A man's fragrance should be subtle and enhance, rather than overpower, his image. It's best to start with a light application and build up if needed.

How to test your cologne

Testing cologne is an important step in choosing the right scent for you. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to test your cologne:

Research:

Start by researching different colognes online. Use a scent wheel to identify the types of scents that might appeal to you. You can also read about different fragrances and their notes to get an idea of what you might like.

Use blotters or testers:

Once you have an idea of the colognes you want to try, the next step is to use scent blotters or testers. Blotters are small strips of cardboard that absorb the fragrance. Spray the cologne onto the blotter two or three times in a downward motion, then wave the blotter under your nose, keeping it at least an inch or two away. This will allow you to get an initial impression of the scent without applying it directly to your skin.

Test on skin:

After narrowing down your options to a few fragrances, it's time to test them on your skin. Spray one type of cologne on each wrist, or on your wrists and inner elbows if testing more than two. Be sure to spray directly onto clean, dry skin, and avoid rubbing the cologne in as this can alter the scent.

Give it time:

After applying the cologne, wait at least 30 seconds for the scent to settle and start to dry. Then, bring your wrist or hand up to your nose and inhale, keeping a distance of about an inch or two. Over time, the fragrance will deepen as the different notes unfold, so it's important to give it time to develop.

Take a break:

After testing the colognes on your skin, take a break and do something else. Go for a walk, grab a coffee, or browse a store. Wait for at least 15-30 minutes to see how the fragrance develops and interacts with your body chemistry. Our sense of smell is usually sharpest in the morning, so it's best to test scents earlier in the day.

Mind your senses:

When testing colognes, avoid wearing other fragrances as they may interfere with your ability to perceive new scents. It's also recommended to limit yourself to testing no more than three fragrances in a day, as your sense of smell can get overwhelmed. If you need to reset your sense of smell between fragrances, avoid using coffee beans as this is a myth. Instead, try sniffing your unscented skin or taking a break to get some fresh air.

Make your purchase:

If you find a fragrance that you love after following these steps, go ahead and make the purchase! Remember, choosing a cologne is a personal decision, so select one that you truly enjoy and that works well with your body chemistry.

Frequently asked questions