The Science Of Cologne Application: Where To Spray

Applying cologne is an art form that can make you feel more attractive and confident. However, most men are doing it wrong. To avoid being that guy who wears too much cologne, it is important to apply sparingly and strategically. The key is to apply cologne to the skin, not clothing, as this allows the fragrance to mix with your natural oils and develop your signature scent. Cologne should be applied to heated areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, wrists, inner elbows, and forearms, as the heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day. It is also important to hold the bottle 3-6 inches from the body to avoid over or under-application.

Pulse points

There are nine pulse points on the body, including the foot, temples of the head, two places on the neck, and the inner wrist. For everyday cologne usage, you should apply cologne to the neck area, as there are pulse points on each side of the throat, and then to the inner wrist or chest. If you're going out, you might also want to apply cologne to the area behind your ear. This will subtly increase the strength of the scent and give people a pleasant aroma when they get close to your face.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches from your body. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply. Ask a friend or family member for their opinion on the application, as you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often.

In addition to the pulse points mentioned, you could also consider placing cologne inside your elbow and the back of your knee. Applying cologne to the elbow can be a good choice for dates or nights out, while the back of the knee is suitable for wearing shorts or spending time outdoors.

Concentration

The concentration of a cologne refers to the percentage of essential oils it contains. The higher the concentration, the stronger the scent and the longer it will last. Concentration also affects price, with higher concentrations tending to be more expensive.

There are several categories of fragrance concentration, with cologne (Eau de Cologne) being one of the weakest in terms of concentration and power. The different categories are:

• Eau Fraiche: The lightest concentration, with 1-3% oil. Aftershaves and body sprays fall into this category.
• Eau de Cologne: A concentration of 3-5% (or 2-4% according to another source). If a scent is labelled simply as "cologne", it probably has this concentration.
• Eau de Toilette: A "standard" concentration of 5-8% (or 5-15% according to other sources).
• Eau de Parfum: A stronger concentration of 8-15% (or 15-25% according to another source).
• Parfum or Extrait de Parfum: The highest concentration, with 15-30% oil (or 25-35% according to another source), though some go up to 40 or even 45%.

When choosing a cologne, it's important to understand these categories and what you want from your fragrance. For example, if you want something subtle, you might opt for an Eau de Cologne, whereas if you want something longer-lasting, an Eau de Parfum could be a better choice.

Skin type

For example, people with oily skin may find that their cologne mixes with the oil on their skin to create an unpleasant odour. Oily skin can also make the scent of the cologne stronger and more long-lasting, which may be overpowering to those around you. If you have oily skin, it is recommended to opt for summer fragrances and use less cologne.

On the other hand, dry skin can cause the scent of cologne to diminish quickly, requiring frequent reapplication. Dry skin can also be exacerbated by the high alcohol content in cologne. If you have dry skin, it is recommended to purchase colognes with less alcohol, such as men's Eau de Parfum grade fragrances, or fragrances sold during the winter months, which have a different concentration of oils and alcohol.

If you have sensitive skin, some colognes may cause rashes, acne breakouts, or skin irritation. In this case, it is best to opt for all-natural colognes that are designed for sensitive skin.

The activity level of the person also affects how long a cologne will last. An active person's perfume will last longer than that of a sedentary person. Therefore, if you lead an active lifestyle, you may need to apply less cologne or opt for a lighter fragrance.

Other factors that can affect how cologne interacts with your skin include your medications, the climate you live in, your age, and your hormonal cycle.

Storage

Storing cologne correctly is essential to prolonging its shelf life and maintaining its scent. Here are some tips for storing cologne:

• Keep it in a cool, dark place: Avoid exposing cologne to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Store it in a dark drawer, cabinet, or closet.
• Maintain a constant temperature: Fluctuations in temperature can shorten the lifespan of cologne. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, as the temperature and humidity can cause the fragrance to spoil.
• Keep it in its original box: The cardboard box provides extra protection from light and can help prolong the life of the scent.
• Store it in a dry place: Water damage and humidity can affect the perfume's makeup and cause unwanted chemical reactions. If possible, store it in a room with a dehumidifier.
• Keep the bottle sealed: Oxygen is perfume's worst enemy. Always keep the bottle capped when not in use to prevent evaporation and maintain the balance of the fragrance.
• Avoid excessive shaking: Shaking the bottle can introduce unwanted oxidation and break delicate chemical bonds in the fragrance.
• Store it in its original bottle: Decorative bottles may not be airtight and can alter the scent. The original bottles are designed with a specific spray head to disperse the right amount of scent and prevent air contamination.
• Use smaller bottles for travel: When travelling, purchase a smaller version of your cologne to avoid exposing the entire supply to air.
• Check for discoloration: Discoloration can indicate that the fragrance is starting to spoil, especially in synthetic fragrances.
• Store in an airtight container: For extra protection, place the original bottle in an airtight bag, preferably opaque, to minimise oxidation and protect the fragrance from harmful rays.

Reapplication

To avoid over-application, it is important to apply cologne sparingly and strategically. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply. You can also ask a friend or family member for their opinion on whether the application is appropriate, as it is common to become nose-blind to scents you wear often.

Additionally, the type of cologne you are using will determine how often you need to reapply. Colognes with higher concentrations of perfume oils tend to be more expensive but will last longer and have a richer scent. Here is a breakdown of the different types of colognes and their expected duration:

• Eau Fraiche: 1-3% perfume oil; usually lasts less than an hour
• Cologne (Eau de Cologne): 2-4% perfume oil; usually lasts around two hours
• Toilette (Eau de Toilette): 5-15% perfume oil; usually lasts around three hours
• Perfume (Eau de Parfum): 15-20% perfume oil; usually lasts five to eight hours
• Parfum: 20-30% perfume oil; long-lasting for up to 24 hours

By understanding the concentration of your cologne, you can gauge how much to apply and how often to reapply. For example, an Eau de Parfum may only need one or two sprays and will likely not require frequent reapplication due to its higher concentration. On the other hand, an Eau de Cologne may benefit from an extra spritz and more frequent reapplication.

Frequently asked questions