The Art Of Applying Cologne: A Man's Guide To Fragrance

Knowing where to apply cologne is an art form that, if not done properly, can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly. The best spots to spray cologne are heated areas of the body, 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 a signature scent. It's important to remember that cologne should complement your own scent, not drown it out.

Pulse points

When applying cologne to pulse points, it is important to hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from the skin to avoid over or under-application. Start with a light application—choose one area, such as the wrists or neck, and start with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another pulse point and apply cologne there the next time. It is also suggested to ask for a second opinion from a friend or family member, as it can be difficult to judge how you smell yourself.

It is worth noting that your nose can get used to the scent, and you may develop "nose blindness" throughout the day, so just because you don't smell your cologne doesn't mean others can't. If your scent is extremely light, a discreet reapplication may be necessary.

After a shower

Applying cologne after a shower is a great way to ensure the scent lasts longer. Here's what you need to know about applying cologne after showering:

Clean Slate

Start with a clean slate by showering first. This helps wash away any lingering odours on your skin, ensuring that your cologne is the only scent that comes through.

Open Pores

Showering also opens up your pores, which then allows your skin to better absorb the cologne. This is one of the main benefits of applying cologne right after a shower.

Dry Skin

It's important to ensure your skin is completely dry before applying cologne. The cologne should be applied directly to dry skin. Do not apply cologne to wet skin as this can affect how the scent develops.

Pulse Points

Apply cologne to your pulse points, which are the warmest parts of your body. These include your neck, chest, lower jaw, wrist, forearm, inner elbow, and shoulder. Your body heat will help push the scent throughout the day, creating a nice scent trail.

Distance

Hold the cologne bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your skin when applying. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-application, while holding it further than 6 inches away may result in under-application.

Light Application

Start with a light application. Apply a single spritz to one or two warm locations and then wait to see how the scent develops. You can always add more sprays later if needed. It's better to start light and add more than to over-apply and be left smelling too strong.

Re-application

Depending on the type of cologne and how long the scent lasts, you may need to re-apply, especially if you're going out for the evening. When re-applying, simply dab a small amount onto your pulse points.

Common Mistakes

There are a few common mistakes to avoid when applying cologne after a shower. Firstly, do not rub the cologne into your skin as this can break down the molecular bond, making the scent weaker. Secondly, do not spray a cloud of cologne and walk through it as most of it will end up on the floor. Finally, avoid applying cologne directly to your clothing as this prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, which gives cologne its unique quality. Instead, always apply cologne directly to your skin.

Hold the bottle 3-9 inches away

Holding the cologne bottle the correct distance from your body is key to applying the right amount of cologne. If you hold the bottle too close, you risk over-applying, and if you hold it too far away, the scent won't be strong enough. The consensus is that you should hold the bottle between 3 and 9 inches from your body when spraying.

Holding the bottle 3-9 inches away from your body allows you to focus the scent on a specific target, usually a pulse point, without over or under-concentrating it. This distance gives you a good balance between turning your skin red from too much alcohol concentration and losing too many particles from a poorly targeted spritz.

A good rule of thumb is to hold the bottle no closer than the width of your palm.

Start with one spray

Where Should a Man Apply Cologne?

When applying cologne, it's important to remember that less is more. Overdoing it can be off-putting, so it's best to start with a light application and adjust as needed. A sophisticated fragrance should be subtle and complement your natural scent rather than overwhelm it.

The key to applying cologne correctly is to target the pulse points or heated areas of your body. These areas generate heat, which helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry, creating a unique signature scent.

• Apply to clean skin: Start with a fresh, clean canvas. Showering opens up your pores, which helps the scent absorb better. Completely dry your skin before spraying cologne.
• Target the pulse points: Aim for the wrists, neck, inner elbows, chest, and crease of the arm. These areas are the warmest points on your body and will help build the best projection for your scent.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away: This distance allows for a focused application without over or under-concentrating the scent. It's the perfect balance between avoiding too much alcohol concentration on the skin and minimising the loss of particles from a poorly targeted spritz.
• Start with one spray: Begin with one spray on the wrists or neck. If you feel that's not enough after a few wears, consider adding a second spray to another pulse point.
• Do not rub the cologne into the skin: Rubbing the cologne can damage the molecules and cause them to dissipate faster. Instead, let it dry before putting on a shirt to ensure the scent stays on your body.
• Re-apply if needed: Depending on the type of cologne and the occasion, you may need to re-apply, especially if you are going out in the evening. When re-applying, dab a small amount onto your pulse points.
• Avoid spraying on clothing: Fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin. Spraying directly on clothes can prevent this interaction, stain or damage the fabric, and affect how long the scent lasts.
• Get a second opinion: It can be challenging to judge how you smell yourself. Ask a friend or partner if the application is appropriate, as you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often.

Reapply if needed

Reapplication is a key part of wearing cologne. It is important to remember that your nose will get used to the scent, and you will lose recognition of it after wearing it for a while. This is called "anosmia" or "nose blindness". However, just because you can't smell your cologne, doesn't mean that others can't.

If your cologne has proven to be extremely light, a discreet reapplication may be in order. A friend or partner could help you identify if a scent tends to linger or fade quickly.

When reapplying, simply dab a little cologne onto your pulse points. Pulse points are the warmest points on your body, and they help to build the best projection/cast/sillage for your scent, helping it perform to its fullest potential. These include your wrists, neck, and chest.

It is also important to remember that cologne does not have an infinite shelf life. Many bottles will have a date on the bottom that indicates its optimal use-by date. To make your cologne last longer, keep it in its original box, as light exposure can cause fragrances to deteriorate. You can also store them in a dark drawer or cabinet, but avoid exposing them to direct sunlight.

Frequently asked questions