The Ultimate Guide To Applying Cologne For Men

Knowing where to apply cologne is an important part of a man's personal style and self-care routine. The way you apply cologne can have just as much of an effect on its longevity as its strength and formulation. Cologne is made of molecules that break down over time, so you want to set it up to break down over as long a period as possible.

The best places to apply cologne are the pulse points, or the warmest areas of the body, which include the neck, chest, shoulders, wrists, and inner elbows. These areas can project the scent more efficiently, meaning less fragrance is required. It's recommended to select just one or two of these areas to target, such as the wrists and neck.

Other potential areas to apply cologne include behind the ears, the nape of the neck, and the shoulder joints. However, it's important to avoid applying cologne to sensitive areas like the eyes, mouth, and any broken skin. Additionally, areas that are prone to excessive sweating should be avoided, as less appealing smells don't mix well with cologne.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from the skin and apply a light amount to the chosen areas. Avoid rubbing the cologne into the skin after application, as this can change the scent and make it less potent. It's also not advisable to spray cologne into the air and walk through it, as most of it will end up on the floor.

By applying cologne correctly and choosing the right areas, men can ensure that their fragrance lasts longer and projects effectively, enhancing their overall personal style and confidence.

Pulse Points

The pulse points include the wrists, neck, chest, behind the ears, and inside the elbows. The logic behind targeting these areas is that the body heat created will project the fragrance more effectively.

• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin when spraying.
• Don't use too much (2-4 squirts are ideal).
• Don't rub the cologne into your skin after application.
• Reapply to your wrists when the fragrance wears off.
• Choose one or two pulse points to target, so the smell isn't overwhelming.

Spray Zones

The best places to apply cologne are the pulse points, or the warmest areas of the body. These include the neck, chest, shoulders, wrists, and inner elbows. These areas can project the scent more efficiently, meaning that less fragrance is required.

The nape of the neck is a great spray zone when moving around. It leaves a faint trail when moving but radiates on the spot when stationary. The wrists are also a popular area for spraying a fragrance. They project efficiently and are easy to access. However, they can easily be broken down and corrupted by being manipulated and rubbing against shirt cuffs and desk surfaces.

Other potential spray zones include behind the ears, the inner elbows, and the knees.

Skin Preparation

• Take a shower: Before applying cologne, it is recommended to take a shower. The warm water will open your pores, providing a good base for the cologne to absorb better into your skin. It is best to apply cologne on clean and dry skin.
• Cleanse your skin: Ensure that your skin is free from any other scents or odours that may interfere with the cologne.
• Exfoliate: Exfoliating your skin before applying cologne can help create an even surface for the fragrance to settle on. It will also remove any dead skin cells, ensuring that the cologne is absorbed effectively.
• Moisturise: Using a moisturiser before applying cologne can help the fragrance last longer. Choose a moisturiser that is fragrance-free to avoid any scent interference.
• Avoid using strongly-scented products: Avoid using strongly-scented deodorants, aftershaves, or lotions before applying cologne. These strong scents may mix with the cologne, creating an unpleasant combination.
• Test for allergies: Before applying cologne to your skin, it is important to test a small amount on your skin first to check for any allergies or skin irritations.
• Avoid applying cologne to broken or irritated skin: Do not apply cologne to any areas of your skin that are broken or irritated, as this may cause further irritation.

Fragrance Wear

The way you apply cologne has a huge effect on its longevity. Here are some tips on how to make your cologne last longer:

• Apply cologne to your pulse points or the warmest areas of your body. These include the neck, chest, shoulders, wrists, and inner elbows. The heat from these areas will project the scent more efficiently, meaning less fragrance is required.
• Take a shower before applying cologne. The hot water will open your pores, providing a good base for the cologne.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin when spraying.
• Don't rub the cologne into your skin after application.
• Don't spray the cologne into the air and walk through it.
• Don't use too much cologne (2-4 squirts are ideal).
• Reapply to your wrists when the fragrance wears off.
• Store your cologne in a cool, dark, dry place.
• Choose different colognes for different occasions. For example, a lighter, citrus-based scent for the afternoon and a stronger scent with spice undertones for the night.
• Don't apply cologne to areas where you sweat excessively.
• Don't mix cologne with other smells, such as strongly-scented deodorant or aftershave.
• Don't reapply cologne too often.

Fragrance Storage

The ideal place to store cologne is a dark, dry place. Humidity, temperature changes, and direct sunlight can all affect the chemical composition of a fragrance, causing it to evaporate more quickly or even become rancid. Therefore, avoid storing cologne in the bathroom, and opt for a bedroom closet, dresser, or nightstand away from windows instead.

• Marble Display Trays: A simple rectangle or square tray can elegantly display your cologne collection while keeping the bottles easily accessible.
• Lazy Susan Perfume Organizer: A Lazy Susan with two tiers allows you to store small and tall bottles together while providing easy access and preventing accidental knocks or breaks.
• Makeup Organizer: Utilize a spare makeup organizer to store your cologne and cosmetics together efficiently.
• Tiered Rack: If you're tight on space, a tiered rack adds vertical storage to maximize space and reduce clutter.
• Wooden Valet with Hidden Storage: A wooden valet looks streamlined and modern on a dresser while offering a hidden storage compartment for valuables.
• Wall-Mounted Spice Rack: For those living in small spaces, a wall-mounted spice rack is a creative solution to display your cologne collection.
• Glass Box: Add a touch of Old Hollywood glam to your dressing table with a decorative glass box to store your luxury fragrances.
• Original Box: Keeping your cologne in its original box can help prolong its lifespan by reducing exposure to oxygen and providing an extra layer of protection from light and temperature changes.
• Airtight Container: For your most prized fragrances, consider double-packing them in their original box and then placing them in an airtight, opaque container to minimize oxidation and protect them from harmful rays.
• Fridge: Storing cologne in the fridge is a debatable topic. While it may prolong the life of certain fragrances like cologne and eau de toilette, perfumes may be too delicate for cold temperatures.

Frequently asked questions