The Sweet Spot: Spraying Cologne At The Neck's Pulse Point

Knowing where to spray cologne is an important part of a man's personal style and can make him feel more attractive and confident. The best spots to spray cologne on the body are heated areas, including the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent. One spray on each side of the neck and wrist is ideal, for a total of four sprays. However, it's important to remember that less is more when it comes to cologne application. Overdoing it can be overpowering and off-putting to those around you.

Pulse points

The pulse points on the neck include the sides of the neck and the back of the neck. Spraying cologne on the sides of the neck is a great way to ensure that you smell good without being overpowering. The back of the neck is also a good option as it helps reduce olfactory fatigue while still providing nice projection.

In addition to the neck, other pulse points that can be targeted when applying cologne include the wrists, inner elbows, chest, and forearms. These areas will help to enhance and prolong the scent.

When applying cologne to the neck, it is recommended to hold the spray bottle 3–6 inches away from the skin. This distance ensures that you do not over-apply or under-apply the cologne. It is also important to apply cologne sparingly and strategically, allowing the scent to last all day.

How much cologne to use

The amount of cologne to use depends on the fragrance and the desired strength of the scent. It's important to strike a balance when applying cologne: too much can be overwhelming, while too little may not be noticeable. The general guideline is to use 3 to 4 sprays per application. However, this is not a strict number, and you can adjust it based on your preference and the situation.

When deciding how much cologne to use, it's better to start with a lighter application and build up as needed. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply. You can also ask a friend or family member for their opinion, as it's easy to become nose-blind to scents you wear often.

It's recommended to apply cologne sparingly and strategically so that it lasts all day. Hold the spray bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body. Applying cologne directly to the skin is better than spraying it onto clothes, as it allows the fragrance to mix with your natural oils and develop your signature scent. The best spots to apply cologne are heated areas of the body, known as pulse points, including the wrists, neck, inner elbows, chest, and armpits.

In addition to the number of sprays, the type of cologne you use will also determine its strength and longevity. Colognes with higher concentrations of perfume oils, such as Eau de Toilette or Eau de Parfum, will be stronger and last longer than traditional colognes, which typically contain 2-4% perfume oil and last around two hours.

When applying cologne, it's important to avoid common mistakes such as spraying it onto your clothing, splashing it on your skin, or rubbing it into your skin, as these can affect the scent and its longevity. Instead, apply cologne directly to clean, dry skin, targeting the pulse points. You can also apply cologne right after showering, as the warm water opens up your pores, allowing the scent to absorb and lock in.

To summarise, the amount of cologne to use depends on the fragrance and your desired scent strength. Start with a light application and adjust as needed. Target pulse points and apply cologne directly to the skin, holding the bottle 3 to 6 inches away. Remember that less is more, and it's better to err on the side of caution to avoid overwhelming others with your scent.

How to spray cologne

Step 1: Choosing a Cologne

The first step to spraying cologne is to choose a scent that suits your personality and character. It's important to test a cologne before buying it to see how it reacts with your body chemistry. You can do this by spraying a small amount on your wrist or inner elbow and giving it 30 minutes to develop.

Step 2: Timing

The best time to apply cologne is immediately after a shower when your pores are still open and will absorb the fragrance.

Step 3: Application

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body. Spray a small amount on your neck, focusing on the back of the neck and the Adam's apple. You can also apply cologne to your wrists, chest, inner elbows, and forearms. Avoid spraying cologne on your clothes, as this can prevent the scent from developing properly and may damage certain fabrics.

Step 4: Reapplication

Depending on the type of cologne, you may need to reapply, especially if you are going out in the evening. Simply dab a little onto your pulse points.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not rub the cologne into your skin after applying, as this can make the scent fade faster.
• Do not spray a cloud of cologne and walk through it, as this will render the cologne almost useless.
• Do not apply cologne to your face or broken/irritated skin.
• Do not apply too much cologne. Your fragrance should be subtle and discovered, not announced.

How to test your cologne

Testing a cologne before buying it is important to see how it will react with your body chemistry. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to test your cologne:

Step 1: Research colognes online

Using a fragrance wheel or any previous knowledge of scents, think about which scents might appeal to you. You can use Google to search for fragrances that include these scents so that you have a starting point when you go to the store. Remember, you can always decide you don't like a scent after smelling it in person, and the store representative should be able to direct you toward another scent based on your preferences.

Step 2: Use cologne testers or scent blotters

A convenient option for trying colognes from home is to order fragrance testers, which come in smaller bottles. Or, you can visit a store that has scent blotters available to test the fragrances you are interested in. Scent blotters are usually small, white cardboard strips that absorb the fragrance and help you smell the scent without putting it on your body. When applying the cologne to the scent blotters, spray two or three times in a downward motion onto the blotter.

Step 3: Test the fragrance on your skin

Once you have narrowed it down to between two and four fragrances, it's time to see how they react to your skin's chemistry. Spray one cologne type on each wrist. If you're testing more than two, spray onto your inner elbows as well. Do not test more than four at a time, as this could confuse your sense of smell.

Step 4: Give the scent time to develop

Walk around the store or do something else for 30 minutes. Once the scent has had a chance to mix with the oils on your skin, give them each another sniff. In between each sniff, it can be helpful to smell something different to cleanse the nostrils (coffee works well for this). Notice how each smell has developed once it's had a chance to work with your body chemistry. This will give you a true idea of what each cologne will smell like on you.

Step 5: Buy your favourite

If there is one or more fragrances you really enjoy after the 30-minute development period, it's likely that you'll enjoy owning that scent!

Step 6: Don't forget to test from home

You can also do this from the comfort of your home by ordering fragrance samples online. If you prefer the help of a human attendant to help you pick your fragrance for the first time, you can always order the cologne at a discount online.

Common mistakes when applying cologne

When applying cologne, it is easy to overcomplicate things. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Spraying the Fragrance on Your Clothing

Spraying cologne on your clothes prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, which gives the cologne its unique quality. This can also prevent the scent from going through its scent stages, resulting in a flat and monochrome fragrance. Additionally, spraying cologne on certain fabrics can be harmful to them.

Applying Too Much Cologne

A man's cologne should be a subtle enhancement to his image. Less is more when it comes to cologne—it should not be overpowering. Start with a light application and reapply as needed.

Rubbing the Cologne into Your Skin

Rubbing cologne into your skin can make the scent fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance. Instead, simply dab the cologne onto your skin and let it dry.

Splashing the Cologne on Your Skin

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, gently tip it upside down, and then dab the cologne onto your body.

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. To get the most out of your cologne, it must be applied directly to the skin.

Forgetting the Mid and Base Notes

The top notes of a cologne, which are the initial, lighter set of smells, can evaporate within the first 15 minutes to two hours after application. The mid and base notes, on the other hand, last much longer—up to an hour for the mid notes and all day for the base notes. So, when choosing a cologne, pay more attention to the mid and base notes rather than the top notes.

Fatiguing Your Nose

When testing out colognes, it is easy to get overwhelmed and fatigued. Your nose can get tired, and you may start to get lost in unknown or similar scents. To avoid this, go in with a plan. Tell the salesperson what notes you like or what impression you want to make, and ask for their recommendations.

Frequently asked questions