The Art Of Applying Cologne: Finding The Right Pulse Points

Knowing where to apply cologne is an art form. Applying cologne to the right places on your body will ensure that your scent lasts all day without being overpowering. The best spots to spray cologne are heated areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, inner elbows, and wrists. These areas generate heat, helping the scent to diffuse throughout the day. It's also important to hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches from your body when spraying to avoid over or under-application.

Where to Put Cologne

Wrists

The wrists are one of the best spots to apply cologne. They are considered a 'pulse point', an area on the body where your heart pulse can be felt. These are the ideal spots to apply cologne as the warmth of your blood helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day.

When applying cologne to your wrists, it is important to avoid rubbing your wrists together. This is a common mistake, but it disrupts the molecules of the fragrance, dulling the top notes and vigorously mixing the perfume with your natural oils, which can change the way it smells. Instead, you should let the scent soak into your skin, or lightly dab your wrists together or dab them to other pulse points.

If you are going to apply cologne to your wrists, it is best to do so before getting dressed, as long sleeves can rub off the fragrance. Also, if you wear a watch, or work in an office, your wrists are likely to come into contact with surfaces, which can also rub off the cologne.

One way to apply cologne to your wrists is to spray once on the back of each wrist. Another option is to spray once on each side of the neck, and once on the chest, and then dab the wrists to these pulse points.

If you have tattoos on your inner wrists, you may want to avoid applying cologne there, as it could degrade the tattoos over time.

Neck

The neck is one of the best places to apply cologne, as it is a heat point or pulse point on the body. The heat from these points will help to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent. The heat produced at the back of the neck will also keep the fragrance alive throughout the day.

However, some sources suggest that the neck is not the best place to apply cologne. One reason for this is that the neck region tends to produce oil quickly, which can degrade the fragrance. Another reason is that the alcohol in perfume can act as an astringent, drying out the skin and leading to premature ageing.

If you do choose to apply cologne to your neck, it is recommended to spray it on the sides of the neck, where the carotid arteries create heat and project the fragrance well. You could also try spraying the back of the neck, close to the hairline, or the front of the neck, though this may be too close to the nose and cause anosmia.

It is important to remember that less is more when it comes to applying cologne to the neck. One spray on each side of the neck is usually sufficient, and you can always add more if needed.

Behind the ears

Applying cologne to the back of your ears is a great way to ensure that your fragrance is noticeable but not overpowering. This area is known as a "pulse point", where the warmth of your blood helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day.

Pulse points are ideal spots to apply cologne because the heat from your body will help release the scent. Other pulse points include the wrists, neck, inner elbows, and behind the knees. However, for everyday use, it is recommended to apply cologne to just one or two pulse points, such as the back of the neck or behind the ears.

When applying cologne to the back of your ears, hold the bottle about 3 to 6 inches away from your skin and spray. It is best to start with a light application and then add more if needed. You can also dab the cologne onto your skin instead of spraying, which helps to prevent over-application.

Applying cologne to the back of your ears is a good choice if you are going out to a noisy social scene. This way, when people lean in close to speak to you, they will be greeted by your attractive scent.

It is important to note that cologne should always be applied to clean, dry skin, as this helps the scent to absorb and last longer. Applying cologne immediately after showering is ideal, as the shower cleanses your body of any other scents and opens your pores.

Additionally, it is recommended to avoid spraying cologne directly on your clothes, as this can prevent the scent from mixing with your natural oils and developing your signature scent.

Forearms

The forearms are one of the best spots to spray cologne on the body. This is because they are a heated area, and the heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day, allowing it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

When applying cologne to the forearms, it is important to remember that less is more. Start with a light application—one spray on each forearm should be enough. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, you can always add another spray. It is also important to hold the bottle 3–6 inches away from your body when spraying. This will ensure that you don't over-apply or under-apply the cologne.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you should not rub the cologne into your skin. This can break the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing the scent to fade faster. Instead, simply spray the cologne onto your forearms and let it dry naturally.

If you are unsure about the amount of cologne you are applying, it can be helpful to ask a friend or family member for their opinion. It's easy to become nose-blind to a scent that you wear often, so having someone else smell it can help you determine if you are applying too much or too little.

Finally, remember that cologne should be applied to clean, dry skin. It is best to apply it immediately after showering, as this will ensure that your pores are open and can absorb the scent better.

Collarbone

The collarbone is one of the best places to apply cologne. This is because it is a pulse point, an area where your heart pulse can be felt, and the warmth of your blood helps to diffuse the scent.

Pulse points are the ideal spots to apply cologne as they help to build the best projection/cast/sillage for your scent, helping it to perform to its fullest potential. Other pulse points include the wrists, neck, behind the ears, inside the elbows, and behind the knees.

When applying cologne to the collarbone, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from the skin. This will ensure that the scent is not too strong or too faint. Start with a light application—one spritz on the collarbone should be enough. If you feel that this is not enough, you can always add another spritz or apply cologne to another pulse point.

It is important to remember that less is more when it comes to cologne. You want the scent to complement your own natural scent, not drown it out. It should be a subtle hint of fragrance that draws people in, rather than something that is overpowering.

In addition to the collarbone, you may also want to apply cologne to your chest, as this is another warm area that will help to diffuse the scent throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions