The Art Of Cologne Application: Spraying For A Date Night

Knowing where to spray cologne can be the difference between making a good first impression and being that guy who overdoes it. The key is to apply sparingly and strategically to ensure the scent lasts all day.

The best spots to spray cologne are heated areas of the body, including the neck, chest, wrists, forearms, and inside of the elbows. These pulse points help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to create a unique fragrance.

It's also important to consider the type of date you're going on. For example, wearing cologne to a coffee shop date might not be the best idea, as it could interfere with the coffee aroma and ruin a potential topic of conversation. Opting for a subtle aftershave might be a better choice in this case.

Remember, less is more when it comes to cologne. Start with a light application and reapply if needed. You want to boost your confidence, not impose your fragrance on everyone around you.

Where to Spray Cologne Before a Date

Pulse points

The insides of your wrists are a good spot for cologne. You can also apply cologne to your neck, as this is another pulse point. If you're relatively sure your date's head may be close to your neck at some point during the evening, be sure to dab some cologne on your neck. Cologne applied here mixes with your natural scent, creating a unique smell that is truly you.

The chest is another pulse point and a great place to apply cologne since it scents your shirt and provides a nice burst of scent to whoever you might end up hugging.

The forearms or inner elbows are also pulse points and good spots to apply cologne.

Remember to choose one or two spots. You don't have to put cologne on every pulse point; in fact, if you do so, your scent will probably be overwhelming for those around you.

Behind the ears

Spraying cologne behind your ears is a great way to make your fragrance last longer and smell more attractive to your date. Here are some tips on how to do it right:

• Pulse points, such as behind the ears, are ideal spots for cologne application. These areas produce a lot of body heat, which helps the fragrance continue to smell good all day long. The heat will cause the cologne to diffuse throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry, creating a unique scent.
• When applying cologne behind the ears, hold the bottle about 3 to 6 inches away from your skin. Spraying too close may cause the cologne to drip down your neck, while spraying too far may result in under-application.
• Less is more when it comes to cologne. Start with a light application behind the ears and see how the scent wears throughout the day. You can always add another spray in the same area or choose another spot if needed.
• Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin after spraying. Rubbing can change the way the cologne smells and cause the scent to fade faster by breaking down the molecular bonds in the fragrance. It's best to simply spray or dab and let it dry on its own.
• Reapply cologne to the pulse points behind your ears if needed, especially if you're going out in the evening. However, be mindful not to overdo it, as too much cologne can be overpowering and unpleasant for others.
• Consider the type of cologne you're using. Different colognes have varying concentrations of perfume oils, which affect their strength and longevity. Eau de Cologne, for example, typically has a concentration of 3-5% perfume oil and lasts around two hours. On the other hand, Parfum has a higher concentration of 15-30% perfume oil and can last up to 24 hours.

The neck

When applying cologne to the neck, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away and spray once. You can then rub your wrists on your neck to spread the cologne. One spray should be enough, as you don't want to overwhelm people with your scent.

The cologne you apply to your neck will mix with your natural scent, creating a unique smell that is truly yours. If you're going on a date, this can be a great way to boost your confidence and make a good impression. Just remember not to overdo it, as too much cologne can be overpowering and unpleasant for others.

If you're going to be outdoors or in a casual setting, you might want to opt for a lighter, more subtle cologne. Woody scents tend to be less bold, while citrus scents give off a more laid-back vibe. If you're going to a restaurant or somewhere that has a distinct aroma, you might want to choose a more subtle cologne so as not to interfere with the other scents.

The chest

To apply cologne to your chest correctly, follow these steps:

• Start with a light application. Choose one area of your chest and apply one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, you can apply another spray to the same area or choose another area of your chest.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body when spraying. 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 cologne directly to your skin, not your clothes. Spraying cologne on your clothing prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, which gives the cologne its unique quality. It can also harm certain fabrics.
• Re-apply if needed. Depending on the type of cologne, you may need to re-apply, especially if you are going out in the evening. When doing so, simply dab a little cologne onto your chest.
• Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin. Rubbing can break the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing the scent to fade faster. Instead, spray or dab it on and let it dry on your skin.
• Be mindful of over-application. Less is more when it comes to cologne. Start with a light application and ask a friend or family member for their opinion if you're unsure.

The hair

Applying cologne to your hair is not recommended by all, due to the drying qualities of alcohol in the cologne. However, if you want to, you can do so without causing much damage. The hair is a good choice because the perfume particles will settle onto the hair fibres and stay there. Additionally, your scalp tends to be quite warm, heating the roots of your hair, so the scent will be stronger here.

Spray the cologne directly above your head to let the particles settle naturally on your hair. Alternatively, spray the cologne onto your brush and then run it through your hair for a less damaging application.

Some fragrances are designed especially for hair; use these if you are concerned about potentially damaging your hair.

Frequently asked questions