The Ultimate Cologne Application Guide For Men

Knowing where to apply cologne is an art form that, if done incorrectly, can result in either over-application or a scent that vanishes almost instantly. The best areas to spray cologne are the neck, the inner elbow, the wrist, the chest, and the forearms. These areas benefit from body heat, which helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent. It is recommended to hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body when applying cologne to avoid over or under-application.

Pulse points

When applying cologne, you should target these pulse points. Start with one spritz to each pulse point. You can then press your wrist into the point so that the cologne sits below the skin, rather than above it, where it can slowly die away over the day.

If you are just applying cologne for everyday use, it is recommended to apply it to the bottom of your throat (neck). However, if you are going out to a noisy social scene, you might want to apply a small amount behind your ear so that when people lean in to speak to you, they get a pleasant waft of your cologne.

It is also important to note that you should avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne to them, as this disrupts the molecules of the fragrance.

After a shower

Applying Cologne After a Shower

Applying cologne after a shower is a great way to ensure the scent lasts longer. The shower cleanses your body of other scents and opens your pores, allowing the cologne to absorb into your skin.

How to Apply Cologne After a Shower

• Ensure your skin is completely dry before applying cologne.
• Hold the cologne bottle 3-6 inches from your body. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-application, while holding it further than 6 inches away will likely result in under-application.
• Apply cologne to heated areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent.
• Start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and apply cologne there the next time.
• Re-apply if needed. Depending on the type of cologne, 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 common mistakes such as spraying the cologne onto your clothes, splashing or rubbing it onto the skin, or applying too much. These mistakes can lead to over-application, a flat scent, or staining and damaging your clothing.
• Store your cologne properly to make it last longer. Keep it away from heat and direct sunlight, as fluctuations in temperature can shorten its lifespan. Instead, store it in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as your nightstand or a drawer.

How much is too much?

When it comes to cologne, the general consensus is that less is more. Overdoing it can be off-putting and even lead to coughing, trouble breathing, headaches, or nausea in others. It can also give the impression that you are trying to cover up foul body odour.

The key to knowing how much is too much is to understand the concentration of your cologne. The higher the concentration, the less you need to apply. Cologne (Eau de Cologne) has a concentration of 3-5% perfume oil, while Eau de Toilette has a concentration of 5-8%, and Eau de Parfum has 15-20%. Parfum or Extrait de Parfum has the highest concentration at 15-30%, with some options going up to 40%.

The number of sprays you need will depend on the concentration of your cologne, the strength of the fragrance, the occasion, and personal preference. As a general rule, it is best to start with one or two sprays and build up from there if needed. For a lighter fragrance, such as a citrus or floral cologne, one or two sprays should be enough. For a stronger scent, such as a woody or musky fragrance, you may want to start with two or three sprays.

It is important to remember that you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often, so it is a good idea to ask a friend or family member for their opinion. You can also test the cologne on your skin to see how it reacts with your body chemistry.

When applying cologne, it is recommended to target the pulse points, which are the warmest points on your body. These include the wrists, neck, chest, inner elbows, and forearms. These areas generate heat, helping to diffuse the scent throughout the day.

To avoid over-application, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body when spraying. Applying cologne directly to your skin is also better than spraying it on your clothes, as it allows the cologne to mix with your natural oils and develop your signature scent.

In summary, the key to knowing how much cologne is too much is to start with a small amount and build up as needed. Remember that less is more, and don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion.

How to avoid common mistakes

Spraying cologne on your clothes

Spraying cologne on your clothes is a common mistake. This prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils, which gives it its unique quality. As a result, the scent may become flat and monotone, or it may fail to go through its scent stages. Additionally, spraying cologne directly on certain fabrics can be harmful to them.

Applying cologne by splashing or slathering it on your skin

If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, avoid the temptation to splash or slather it on 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 on your body.

Spraying a mist cloud and walking through it

While this method may seem like a way to prevent over-application, it actually renders the cologne almost useless, as most of it ends up on the floor. The majority of your cologne should be placed on your body.

Rubbing the cologne into your skin

Rubbing cologne into your skin can break the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing the scent to fade faster. If you're not going to spray it, simply dab it on your skin without rubbing.

Applying too much cologne

A man's fragrance should be a subtle enhancement to his image. Less is more when it comes to cologne, and you don't want it to be overpowering. Start with a light application and ask a friend or family member for their opinion if you're unsure.

How to make it last longer

How to Make Cologne Last Longer

There are several ways to make your cologne last longer. Firstly, it's important to apply cologne to the right areas of the body. These are known as pulse points, which are the warmest areas of the body, such as the wrists, neck, chest, and inner elbows. The body heat generated at these points will help to amplify the fragrance throughout the day.

It's also important to apply cologne to clean, dry skin, ideally right after a shower. The hot steam of a shower opens up the pores, allowing the cologne to soak into the skin and last longer. When applying, hold the bottle around 3-6 inches away from the skin.

Another way to make cologne last longer is to moisturize the skin before application. This will help the skin retain the fragrance for longer. It's best to use an unscented moisturizer so as not to interfere with the cologne's scent.

It's recommended to avoid spraying cologne directly onto clothing. This can damage the garment, and the scent will dissipate more quickly due to airflow. However, if you wish to spray cologne on your clothes, hold the bottle around 4-6 inches away to avoid causing stains.

Finally, to make a bottle of cologne last longer, it should be stored correctly. Keep it in a cool, dark, dry place, as heat, humidity, and light can cause fragrances to break down more quickly.

Frequently asked questions