Make Your Cologne Last: Spray These Body Parts

Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. If not done properly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades almost immediately. So, where should you spray your cologne to make it last longer?

Apply after showering

Applying cologne after showering is one of the best ways to make your cologne last longer. The shower cleanses your body of any other scents and opens your pores, which helps the scent absorb. It is best to apply cologne to dry skin, so completely dry off after your shower before applying.

Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body when spraying. This will ensure that you don't over or under-apply the cologne.

Apply cologne to the heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

It is also recommended to moisturize your skin before applying cologne. Dry skin can soak up perfume oils, causing the scent to disappear quickly. Using an unscented moisturising cleanser and body lotion will help to hydrate your skin and provide a better base for your cologne.

Moisturise beforehand

Moisturising before applying cologne is an important step in ensuring your cologne lasts longer. Dry skin will soak up perfume oils, so it's important to ensure your skin is hydrated and ready to act as a canvas for your fragrance.

The best time to moisturise is immediately after stepping out of the shower. This is when your pores are at their most open, allowing cologne to seep into the skin and give you a longer-lasting aroma. It's also important to use an unscented moisturiser to avoid any olfactory interference.

Once you've moisturised, you should wait until your skin is dry before applying cologne. This will ensure the scent has a chance to settle and develop on your skin.

If you're moisturising specifically to make your cologne last longer, it's best to moisturise the pulse points on your body. These are the wrists, neck, and cleavage, where your body emits heat to help the fragrance notes develop quicker. Other pulse points include the inside of the elbows, behind the ears, the chest, and just above the pants line.

Don't spray on clothes

While spraying cologne on your clothes may seem like a good idea, there are several reasons why you should avoid doing so.

Firstly, cologne is designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin. When applied directly to the skin, the fragrance is enhanced and prolonged as it mixes with your natural oils and body chemistry. Spraying cologne on your clothes prevents this unique quality from developing and can result in a flat, monochrome scent.

Secondly, spraying cologne on your clothes can be harmful to the fabric. Many colognes are alcohol-based and can damage or stain certain fabrics, especially those that are light-coloured or made from natural materials like cotton, wool, silk, or linen. Even if you test the cologne on a small, hidden area first, a light wash may not be enough to eliminate the scent from your clothes.

Thirdly, applying cologne to your clothes can affect the projection and sillage of the fragrance. While it may increase longevity, spraying on clothes can reduce the sillage, meaning the scent will not project as strongly. The evolution of the fragrance can also be disrupted, as the top and middle notes may stick around for longer, altering the intended progression of the scent.

Finally, spraying cologne on your clothes limits your ability to change fragrances. Unless you plan to wear the same cologne for an extended period, spraying on your clothes can be inconvenient as you will need to wear the same perfume until the scent is washed out or you change your clothes.

In summary, while spraying cologne on your clothes may provide longer-lasting scent, it can negatively impact the quality, projection, and evolution of the fragrance. It can also damage or stain your clothes and limit your ability to switch between different colognes. Therefore, it is generally recommended to spray cologne on your skin, focusing on pulse points like the wrists, neck, and chest, to achieve the best results.

Pulse points

When applying cologne to your pulse points, hold the bottle about 3 to 6 inches away from your body. This will ensure that you don't over or under-apply the cologne. Start with a light application—choose one pulse point, such as the neck or wrists, and start with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another pulse point and apply there the next time.

Other pulse points you can apply cologne to include the forearms, inner elbows, behind the ears, chest, and just above the pants line. These areas will radiate the scent and help it last throughout the day.

It's important to note that you should avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne, as this can "`bruise the scent,`" causing it to break down faster. Instead, simply spray and allow the cologne to settle on its own.

Don't overapply

It's tempting to think that a more generous application of cologne will make the smell last longer. However, the only thing you're doing by dousing yourself is front-loading the day; chances are, you'll still be scentless by the same time, but everyone will hate you for over-odoring their morning. So keep it to a spritz or two, max.

The key is to apply sparingly and strategically so that the cologne lasts all day. Choose one area like 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. You might want to ask the opinion of a close friend or family member if the application is appropriate, as you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often.

If you're using an inoffensive and people-pleasing fragrance, you won't get any dirty looks from co-workers when you over-spray. But if you're using a more potent cologne, it can be a nice way to make sure you don't overdo it.

How to Avoid Overapplying

• Choose the right concentration for your needs. The more concentrated a scent, the more expensive it tends to be, but it will also have better sillage (the "trail" it leaves when you walk away) and longevity.
• Apply to clean skin.
• Target the pulse points. Aim for the wrists, neck, and cleavage, where your body emits heat to help those fragrance notes develop quicker.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body when spraying. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches away risks over-applying; spraying any further than 6 inches and you will likely under-apply.
• Start with one spritz. Hit your wrists and rub them on your neck. If after a few wears you feel like that's not enough, consider adding a second.

Frequently asked questions