The Best Places To Spray Your Cologne

Knowing where to spray cologne is an art form. Spraying it on your clothes is a common mistake and can be one of the worst ways to apply cologne. Cologne should be applied to the pulse points of the body, which are the warmest parts of the body, such as the wrists, neck, and chest. These points generate heat and help diffuse the fragrance throughout the day. It is also important to hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from the body to avoid over-application.

Pulse points

The pulse points include the insides of your wrists, your neck, the crease of your arm (inner elbow), behind the ear, and behind the knee.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches from your body. This distance allows you to focus the scent on a specific target (the pulse point) without over or under-concentrating it.

Apply cologne sparingly. Choose one area, such as 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.

Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne, as this disrupts the molecules of the fragrance.

If you're going to be in a close group setting, consider applying a small amount of cologne behind your ear. This way, when people lean in to speak to you, they will notice an attractive scent.

Behind the ears

Applying cologne to the back of the ears is a great way to ensure your fragrance is long-lasting and subtly emanates from your body's pulse points. The area behind the ears is one of the warmest points on the body, and the heat generated here will help the cologne's scent to diffuse throughout the day. This is especially effective if you're heading out to a noisy social event, as people will be able to smell your fragrance when they lean in close to speak to you.

When applying cologne to the back of the ears, it's important to remember that a little goes a long way. One spritz to each pulse point is usually enough, and you should always apply cologne to clean, dry skin. It's also important to avoid rubbing cologne into the skin, as this can change the scent and cause it to fade faster.

The back of the neck is another recommended area for cologne application, as heat is continuously produced here, keeping the fragrance alive throughout the day. However, be mindful that cologne should never be sprayed onto broken or irritated skin.

Other pulse points that can be targeted when applying cologne include the wrists, the neck, the crease of the arm (inner elbow), and the chest. These areas will also benefit from body heat, helping the fragrance to develop and diffuse.

It's worth noting that cologne should not be sprayed onto clothing, as this can prevent it from mixing with your natural oils and developing its unique scent. It can also cause stains or discolouration on certain fabrics.

The neck

When spraying cologne on the neck, it is important to hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from the skin to avoid over-application. Spraying too close can lead to over-application, while spraying from too far away may result in under-application. It is also recommended to apply cologne to the sides and back of the neck, rather than the front, as the alcohol in perfume can dry out the skin and lead to premature ageing. Additionally, the sides and back of the neck are closer to the carotid arteries, which produce heat to project the fragrance.

While the neck is an excellent location for cologne application, it is important to remember that less is more. Overdoing it can be overpowering and lead to negative reactions, such as coughing, trouble breathing, headaches, or nausea. It is generally recommended to stick to a maximum of two sprays on the neck, and to choose a lighter fragrance if you plan to apply cologne to multiple areas of the body.

In addition to the neck, other recommended areas for cologne application include the inner elbows, wrists, chest, and forearms. These areas generate heat and help diffuse the scent, allowing it to blend with your body's natural chemistry.

The chest

When applying cologne to the chest, it's important to hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from the body to avoid over-application. It's also a good idea to apply the cologne after showering, as this will help the scent absorb better.

Some people prefer to spray cologne on their neck or wrists, as these areas are more accessible for others to smell. However, spraying cologne on the chest can help to project the scent towards the person in front of you, making it a good choice for dates or other intimate interactions.

It's worth noting that some people find that spraying cologne on their chest can cause skin irritation, so it's always a good idea to test how your skin reacts to a new fragrance before applying it liberally. Additionally, if you're wearing a shirt, it may cover up some of the scents, so you may need to experiment with different application techniques to find what works best for you.

The wrists

However, some people believe that the wrists are not the best place to apply cologne. The wrists are in constant movement and come into contact with objects and surfaces, which can cause friction and remove the cologne. Additionally, if you wear a watch or work in an office, the scent can be rubbed off on these surfaces.

If you decide to apply cologne to your wrists, it is recommended that you avoid rubbing your wrists together. This can dull the top notes of the cologne and vigorously mix the perfume with your natural oils, altering the scent. Instead, let the scent soak into your skin, or lightly dab your wrists together or against other pulse points.

Applying cologne to the wrists can be a good way to sample a new fragrance. It is easy to check how the scent progresses throughout the day, and if the fragrance becomes overpowering, it is easy to wash off. It is also a convenient way to enjoy the scent yourself, as you can bring your wrist up to your nose to smell it without looking conspicuous.

If you are going to be wearing long sleeves, it may be better to apply cologne to the inner elbows instead of the wrists, as the fabric can mask the scent.

Frequently asked questions