The Art Of Applying Cologne: Finding The Pulse Points

Knowing where to properly put on cologne is an art form. If not done properly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades almost immediately. The best spots to spray cologne on the body are heated areas, including the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. It is also important to hold the bottle about 3 to 6 inches away from the skin to avoid over-application.

Pulse points

The pulse points include:

• The wrists
• The neck
• The bottom of the throat
• The inside of the elbows
• Behind the ears
• Behind the knees

When applying cologne to these areas, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body. This will ensure that you don't over or under-apply. Aim for one spritz per pulse point, and rub the cologne into your skin using your wrist.

Applying cologne to your pulse points will help to enhance and prolong the scent. It will also ensure that the fragrance reacts with your body heat to continue releasing the scent throughout the day.

Don't spray on clothes

Don't spray cologne directly onto your clothes. This is a common mistake, but it can lead to the cologne smelling different than intended and can also be a waste of the fragrance. When cologne is sprayed onto fabric, the scent tends to stay very close to the surface, meaning it doesn't diffuse through the air as well. As a result, the cologne won't be very noticeable to those around you, and the scent will not reach the wearer's nose either.

Another issue with spraying cologne on clothes is that the fragrance could easily stain the fabric. This is especially true for stronger, oil-based perfumes. The oils can leave a visible mark on the fabric, which may be difficult to remove. Even if the cologne doesn't stain, the alcohol content can be damaging, especially to delicate fabrics. The alcohol can dry out the fibres, making them more brittle and prone to damage.

Spraying cologne on your clothes can also be wasteful. The scent won't last as long as it would if applied to the skin, as fabrics don't hold fragrance very well. The scent of the cologne will fade faster, meaning you'll need to reapply more often. This is not only wasteful but could also be costly, especially if you're using a more expensive fragrance.

Finally, applying cologne to your clothes can alter the scent of the fragrance. Different fabrics can interact with the perfume chemicals, changing how the cologne smells. The fragrance may not be as pleasant or could even become overpowering and off-putting. To avoid this, it's best to apply cologne directly to the skin, where it will interact with your natural body chemistry to create a unique scent.

Hold bottle 3-6 inches away

Holding the cologne bottle the correct distance from your body is crucial to applying the right amount of cologne. Hold the bottle too close, and you risk over-applying; too far away, and you won't be applying enough. The general consensus is that you should hold the bottle between 3 and 6 inches from your body when spraying.

This distance allows you to focus the scent on a specific target, usually a pulse point, without over or under-concentrating it. Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt, such as your wrists, neck, bottom of your throat, inside your elbow, and behind your knee. These are the best spots to apply cologne because they are the warmest points on your body, and fragrance lifts better with warmth. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

Applying cologne from 3-6 inches away also ensures that you don't end up with too much alcohol concentration on your skin, which can turn your skin red. It also prevents you from losing too many of the fragrance particles from a poorly targeted spritz, ensuring that most of the cologne ends up on your body and not on the floor.

Remember, when it comes to cologne, less is more. You want your cologne to complement your own scent, not drown it out. It should be a subtle hint of fragrance that draws people in, not something that overpowers them.

Spray on heated areas

The best spots to spray cologne are the heated areas of the body, including the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These are the pulse point areas where the veins run close to the skin's surface and emit more heat. The heat helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

Pulse points are areas on the body where your heart pulse can be felt. These are the best spots to apply scent due to the warmth of your blood. The points are located behind your ear, at the bottom of your throat, on your wrist, inside your elbow, and behind your knee.

When applying cologne, aim to spray it on pulse points such as the wrists, neck, and chest, as these areas generate heat and will help to diffuse the fragrance.

It is common knowledge to spray fragrance on the wrists and under the neck. However, other pulse points where you can apply cologne include the base of the throat.

Don't overdo it

When it comes to cologne, less is more. Overdoing it with cologne can be off-putting and overwhelming for those around you. It's important to remember that cologne should enhance your natural scent, not overpower it. Here are some tips to ensure you don't overdo it:

Start with a small amount: A little goes a long way. Apply a small amount of cologne to your pulse points, such as your wrists and neck. These areas emit a slight heat which helps to diffuse the fragrance. You can always add more if needed, but starting with a subtle application ensures you don't overwhelm your senses or those around you.

Consider the occasion: Different occasions call for different levels of fragrance. For instance, if you're going to be in close quarters with others, such as in an office or a crowded event, it's best to opt for a lighter application. You don't want your cologne to become a distraction or cause discomfort for those nearby.

Layer with caution: If you're layering your cologne with other scented products, such as scented deodorant or moisturiser, be mindful of the overall strength of the fragrance. Layering can enhance the longevity of your cologne, but too much can lead to a clashing or overpowering scent.

Avoid reapplying frequently: Unless necessary, avoid reapplying cologne throughout the day. Reapplying too frequently can lead to a buildup of scent, causing it to become too strong. Instead, opt for a light application in the morning, and if needed, a subtle refresh during the day.

Understand scent projection: Scent projection refers to how far your cologne's fragrance will reach. Some colognes have stronger projection than others, and understanding this can help you manage the intensity. If you're using a cologne with strong projection, opt for a more conservative application to avoid overwhelming those around you.

Remember, the key to wearing cologne is subtlety and balance. You want your cologne to be discovered, not announced. By applying these tips, you can ensure that your cologne enhances your presence without becoming overbearing.

Frequently asked questions