The Ultimate Guide To Applying Cologne For Men

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form, and if not done properly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly. The key is to apply sparingly and strategically, so the cologne lasts all day. The best spots to spray cologne are the pulse points, including the neck, wrists, chest, behind the ears, and inner elbows. These areas produce heat, which helps diffuse the scent and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to create a signature scent. It is recommended to hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from the body when applying.

Pulse points

The pulse points include the wrists, neck, and chest. When applying cologne to the wrists, avoid the common mistake of rubbing your wrists together as this disrupts the molecules of the fragrance. Instead, spritz the cologne onto your pulse points and allow it to soak into your skin.

Another pulse point is the back of the neck, which continuously produces heat, keeping the fragrance alive throughout the day. You can also spritz cologne behind each ear and on the inner elbows. These areas benefit from body heat, which will warm up the fragrance.

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

After a shower

Applying Cologne After a Shower

Applying cologne after a shower is a great way to ensure the scent lasts all day. Here are some tips for applying cologne after showering:

Timing

Wait until your skin has cooled down and completely dried off before applying cologne. Some people suggest waiting for up to half an hour after showering to allow your skin to return to its regular temperature. This is because applying cologne to warm skin can cause the perfume to evaporate faster, reducing its longevity.

Application

Hold the cologne bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body when applying. Any closer and you risk over-applying, any further and the scent may not be strong enough. Apply to heated areas of the body such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, lower jaw, inner elbows, shoulders and wrists. These areas will help to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to develop your signature scent by mixing with your body chemistry.

Amount

It's best to start with a light application. Choose one or two areas and apply a single spray to each. If you notice the scent fading quickly, choose another area and apply there the next time you use cologne. You can also ask a friend or family member for their opinion on the strength of the scent.

Reapplication

Depending on the type of cologne and how long you need the scent to last, you may need to reapply. When reapplying, simply dab a small amount onto your pulse points.

Other Tips

• Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin as this can cause the scent to fade faster.
• Avoid spraying cologne onto your clothes as this can prevent it from mixing with your natural oils and developing its unique scent. It may also damage certain fabrics.
• Avoid walking through a mist cloud of cologne after spraying as this is wasteful and ineffective.
• Avoid applying cologne to broken or irritated skin.

Mist your clothes

While some fragrance experts advise against it, misting your clothes with cologne is a surefire way to make the scent last longer. The key is to do it properly.

The main drawback of spraying cologne directly onto your clothes is that it can cause stains on certain fabrics. Some fragrances have a high oil content, which can spoil materials such as silk and satin. Long-lasting colognes may also linger on clothing after washing.

To avoid this, it is recommended that you spray your shirt before you put it on. Hold the bottle at a distance of 8-10 inches and spritz your shirt 2-3 times, moving your hand in a sweeping, wafting motion to ensure an even, all-over mist.

If you are going to spray cologne on your clothes, it is better to do so before dressing and from a distance.

Reapply to skin

When it comes to reapplying cologne, it's important to remember that a little goes a long way. If you're heading straight from your desk to a date, you'll want to smell great, so reapplication is key.

When reapplying, it's best to aim for pulse points, such as the wrists and neck. If you can, spritz your cologne inside your shirt rather than on top. Scent on the skin develops a little quicker than on clothes, so you'll hit those base notes earlier.

If you're in a hurry, remember that scent on the skin develops faster than on clothes, so you can spritz your pulse points and be on your way.

It's also worth noting that cologne lasts longer and is more effective on well-moisturised skin. The ideal time to moisturise is after your morning shower. However, if you don't like the feeling of tacky skin before getting dressed, moisturise at night and throw on a robe to help the moisturiser soak in.

It's easy to overdo it with cologne, and this can be off-putting to those around you. A sophisticated fragrance should be subtle and kept to your personal space. Only when someone comes close should they be able to appreciate your scent.

Moisturise daily

Moisturising daily is an important step in any skincare routine, and men are no exception. Here are several reasons why men should moisturise their skin every day:

• Prevent skin damage from the sunsun can damage the skin by drying it out or causing sunburns, especially during the times when we are most active (10 am to 4 pm). Using a daily moisturiser with SPF can help mitigate this damage and protect your skin.
• Avoid premature ageing: Sun damage and ageing go hand in hand. Over time, UV rays break down elastin and collagen in the skin, causing it to lose its natural elasticity. Regular use of an anti-aging moisturiser can help replenish these essential proteins and slow down the appearance of ageing.
• Restore the skin's protective barrier: The moisture in the skin acts as a protective barrier, keeping dangerous pathogens and toxins out. By moisturising daily, you reinforce this barrier and help your skin stay healthy.
• Relieve dry skin: Dry skin can become itchy, red, inflamed, and even crack and bleed. A daily moisturiser can help prevent these uncomfortable and possibly harmful conditions.
• Soothe skin after shaving: Shaving is a form of exfoliation, and moisturising after exfoliation can help soothe the skin and restore its protective barrier.
• Improve skin health and appearance: A good moisturiser helps retain moisture in the skin, making it feel more comfortable, smoother, and healthier. It can also help minimise pores and improve skin texture, resulting in a brighter and more youthful complexion.

Frequently asked questions