Make Your Cologne Last: Application Points Revealed

Knowing where to apply cologne is an art that can quickly be mastered. The key to making cologne last longer is to spritz it on your pulse points, which tend to be warmer and project the scent better. The best spots to spray cologne on the body are heated areas, including the neck, chest, wrists, forearms, or inner elbows. It is recommended to hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body and apply sparingly.

Pulse points

The pulse points include the wrists, neck, chest, and inner elbows. The wrists and neck make an excellent combination, but you should only choose one or two spots so that the smell isn't overwhelming.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin and spray. You can also dab the cologne on with your finger if it doesn't have a spray nozzle.

After showering

Applying Cologne After Showering

Applying cologne after showering is a great way to ensure that your cologne lasts longer. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Dry Your Skin

Before applying cologne, it is important to completely dry your skin. The shower will have cleansed your body of any other scents and opened your pores, which helps the cologne absorb better. However, if your skin is still wet, the cologne may not absorb as well, so be sure to pat yourself dry before applying.

Hold the Bottle 3-6 Inches Away

When holding the cologne bottle, make sure it is 3-6 inches away from your body. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, while spraying from further than 6 inches away may result in under-application.

Apply to Heated Areas

Apply the cologne to the heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas generate heat, which helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry, creating your signature scent.

Start with a Light Application

When applying cologne, less is more. Start with a light application and choose one area, like the neck or forearms, to spritz. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area to spray the next time you apply. You can always add more cologne, but it's harder to remove if you've over-applied.

Re-apply if Needed

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

Moisturize Beforehand

Consider moisturizing your skin before applying cologne. This helps your skin retain the fragrance, making it last longer. Just as dry ground has trouble retaining water, dry skin will have trouble retaining the cologne, causing it to evaporate more quickly.

Store Cologne Properly

To make your cologne last longer, store it properly. Keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place, as heat, humidity, and light can speed up the breakdown of the fragrance. Avoid storing it in the bathroom or anywhere with direct sunlight.

Avoid Common Mistakes

There are several common mistakes to avoid when applying cologne after showering:

• Do not spray the cologne onto your clothing, as this prevents it from mixing with your natural oils and can damage certain fabrics.
• Do not splash the cologne onto your skin, as this can lead to over-application.
• Do not spray a mist cloud and walk through it, as most of the cologne will end up on the floor.
• Do not rub the cologne into your skin, as this breaks the molecular bond, causing the scent to fade faster.

Moisturise beforehand

Moisturising beforehand is an important step in making your cologne last longer. Applying cologne to dry skin is not ideal, as the cologne won't absorb as efficiently, and will evaporate more quickly.

After showering, ensure your skin is clean and dry. Then, moisturise your skin. This will ensure your skin is properly hydrated, and ready to absorb the cologne.

Once you've moisturised, spritz your cologne onto your skin. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body, and target your pulse points. These are the warmest points on your body, and will help the scent to develop and linger. The wrists, neck, chest, and inner elbows are all excellent choices.

Remember, when it comes to cologne, less is more. You don't want to overpower those around you. Start with a light application, and build up if necessary.

Don't spray on clothes

While it may be tempting to spritz your cologne onto your clothes, this is actually one of the worst ways to apply cologne. Here are several reasons why you should avoid spraying cologne on your clothes:

It Prevents the Scent from Developing

Colognes are designed to interact with the natural oils and chemicals of your skin, which can slightly alter the scent and create a unique fragrance. This is why the same cologne can smell different on different people. By spraying it on your clothes, you're missing out on this key aspect of wearing cologne.

It Can Damage Your Clothes

Many colognes contain alcohol, which can stain or otherwise damage your garments.

The Scent Won't Last

The scent of cologne on your clothes will dissipate quickly due to airflow.

It Can Be Overpowering

If you spray cologne on your clothes, the scent may be too strong and overwhelming for those around you.

Instead of spraying cologne on your clothes, apply it directly to your skin, focusing on the pulse points or warmest areas of your body, such as your neck, wrists, chest, and inner elbows. These areas will help project the scent more efficiently, meaning you'll need less fragrance overall.

Layer your fragrance

Layering your fragrance is a great way to make your cologne last longer and smell more intense. It involves using complementary products such as soaps, aftershaves, and body balms from the same fragrance line.

• Choose a fragrance line with complementary products: Look for fragrance lines that offer a range of products such as soaps, aftershaves, deodorants, and body lotions. Using complementary products will enhance the scent of your cologne and make it last longer.
• Start with a shower: Before applying your cologne, take a shower and use the soap or body wash from your chosen fragrance line. This will cleanse your skin and open up your pores, creating an ideal base for the fragrance.
• Moisturize: After your shower, apply a light layer of moisturizer to your skin. This will help the cologne absorb better and last longer. You can use an unscented moisturizer or one from your fragrance line if available.
• Apply cologne to pulse points: Target areas such as your wrists, neck, chest, and inner elbows, as these are the warmest points on your body. The heat will help the scent develop and linger for longer.
• Don't overapply: Start with a light application. You can always add more later if needed. Overapplying cologne can be overwhelming for both you and those around you.
• Reapply throughout the day: Depending on the intensity of your cologne and your daily activities, you may need to reapply during the day. Carry a small bottle with you for touch-ups, focusing on the pulse points again.

By layering your fragrance, you can create a more intense and long-lasting scent that complements your personal style and leaves a memorable impression.

Frequently asked questions