The Ultimate Guide To Applying Cologne

Knowing where to spray cologne is an art that can be quickly mastered. The pulse points or warmest areas of the body, such as the wrists, neck, and chest, are ideal for projecting the scent. These areas allow the fragrance to be efficiently dispersed, requiring less cologne. It is also recommended to target one or two spots to avoid an overwhelming smell.

Spray cologne on pulse points

Applying cologne to your pulse points is the best way to make your fragrance last longer and ensure it is well-projected. But what are pulse points, and why are they the ideal places to spray cologne?

Pulse points are the areas of your body where you can feel your heartbeat—your wrists, neck, chest, shoulders, and inner elbows. These areas are ideal for cologne application because they are the warmest parts of your body, and the heat helps to lift the fragrance. As perfumer Roja Dove explains, "spraying somewhere that has movement will create heat and help the fragrance lift."

When applying cologne to your pulse points, it is important to hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin and avoid rubbing it in after application. Rubbing the cologne into your skin can cause it to be absorbed faster and may even distort the scent. Instead, pat the cologne onto your skin gently.

While the pulse points are the ideal places to apply cologne, it is important not to overdo it. Less is more when it comes to cologne, and you should aim for just a few squirts on one or two pulse points. This will ensure that the scent is not overwhelming and that you are not wasting your cologne.

In addition to applying cologne to your pulse points, you can also layer it with a scented body lotion to make your fragrance last longer. Apply your cologne first, then lock in the scent with a moisturising body lotion in the same fragrance. This will not only make your scent last longer but also maximise the moisturising effect of the lotion.

Spray on the neck

Spraying cologne on your neck is one of the best ways to wear a fragrance. The neck is one of the warmest areas of the body, and applying cologne here will help the scent to project more efficiently. The heat from your neck will intensify the base notes of the fragrance, so it is best to apply it as soon as you have dried off from the shower and before you get dressed.

When spraying cologne on your neck, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin. Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin after application, as this can distort the scent. Instead, pat the cologne onto your skin.

The neck is a great place to apply cologne if you will be meeting and greeting people, as it is an effective way to make a good first impression. It is also a good idea to spray cologne on your wrists, as well as your neck, as these two areas work well in combination.

Applying cologne to the neck is a great way to ensure your fragrance is long-lasting and noticeable, without being overpowering.

Spray on the wrists

Spraying cologne on your wrists is one of the best ways to wear a fragrance. The wrists are a pulse point, which means they are one of the warmest parts of your body and this helps the scent to develop and perform to its fullest potential.

To apply cologne to your wrists, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin and spritz once on each wrist. Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin after application as this can distort the scent. Instead, pat the cologne onto your skin.

You can also layer your cologne with a body lotion of the same scent. Apply the cologne first, then lock it in with the body lotion. This will help the scent to last longer.

It is important to remember that cologne should be discovered, not announced. So, when applying cologne to your wrists, less is more. Two to four squirts is ideal.

Don't rub it into the skin

Rubbing cologne into the skin is a common mistake when applying cologne. However, this is not recommended as it can cause the cologne to be absorbed too quickly and can even distort the scent.

Cologne is made up of oils that are designed to be absorbed and blended with your skin's natural oils, creating a unique scent. This process is disrupted when you rub the cologne into your skin. Instead, you should pat it onto your skin gently. This allows the cologne to sit on top of your skin and mix with your natural oils, creating the intended scent.

Additionally, rubbing cologne into your skin can cause it to be absorbed too quickly, reducing its longevity. The purpose of cologne is to provide a long-lasting fragrance, and by rubbing it in, you are counteracting this purpose.

Another reason not to rub cologne into your skin is that it can cause skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies to cologne ingredients. Spraying cologne onto your clothes is the next best option if you have sensitive skin. However, it is important to note that the scent may not last as long when applied to clothing.

Finally, by avoiding rubbing cologne into your skin, you maintain better control over the intensity of the fragrance. Rubbing can cause the cologne to become too concentrated in one area, leading to an overpowering scent. By gently patting it onto your skin, you allow the cologne to dissipate evenly and naturally, creating a more pleasant and subtle fragrance.

Avoid spraying on clothes

While it may be tempting to spritz your cologne onto your clothes, this is not the best way to apply your fragrance. The purpose of cologne is to create a unique scent by allowing the oils in the fragrance to be absorbed and melded with your skin's natural oils. This can't happen if you apply it to your clothing, so cologne should always be applied to the skin.

Applying cologne to your clothes can also lead to an uneven distribution of the scent. The ideal place to apply cologne is the area between your chest and neck, as this is a warm area that will help to dissipate the oil's smell throughout the day. In addition, if you have chest hair, the fragrance oil is more likely to be trapped, increasing the longevity of the scent.

If you have sensitive skin or are allergic to cologne ingredients, spraying a small amount onto your clothes may be an option, but this is not recommended as a first choice.

It's also worth noting that applying cologne to your clothes can cause the fragrance to break down faster, especially if the clothes are then stored in an area with rapid temperature changes or exposed to sunlight.

So, to get the most out of your cologne and ensure it lasts longer, stick to applying it to your skin, focusing on the pulse points or warmest areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, and wrists.

Frequently asked questions