The Ultimate Guide To Applying Cologne For Men

Knowing where to spray cologne is an art form that, if not done properly, can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly. While some people spray cologne on their clothes, this is not recommended as it prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils, which gives it its unique quality. It can also cause staining and discolouration. Instead, cologne should be sprayed on the skin, targeting the pulse points – the wrists, neck, inner elbows, chest and forearms. These areas generate heat, helping to diffuse the scent throughout the day. It's important to remember that less is more – one or two sprays should be enough to leave a lasting impression.

Pulse points

When applying cologne to your pulse points, it is recommended to hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your skin and spray a light amount. You can start with one spray on your wrist and then rub your wrists against your neck. This will ensure that the cologne is not too overpowering and will allow your natural scent to complement the fragrance. If you feel that one spray is not enough after a few wears, you can add a second spray.

Applying cologne to your pulse points is a strategic way to make the scent last all day. The heat from these areas will help the fragrance linger, and since these points are close to your nose, you will be able to enjoy the scent as well.

It is important to note that you should avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this can break down the scent molecules and cause the fragrance to dissipate faster. Additionally, be cautious not to spray the cologne directly on your face or on broken or irritated skin.

Hair and clothes

While it may be tempting to spray your cologne on your hair and clothes, it is not recommended. Firstly, fragrance oils are designed and optimised for spraying on the skin. The heat from your body helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent. Spraying cologne on your hair and clothes can prevent the scent from going through its scent stages, resulting in a flat and monochrome fragrance.

Moreover, the oils and alcohol content in perfumes can damage and stain your hair and clothes. Hair products can also contaminate the fragrance and cause the scalp to become greasy and clog up. Similarly, cologne can stain or discolour certain fabrics.

If you want to apply cologne to your clothes, it is best to spray a small area such as the collar or cuff. Make sure to test the cologne on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not cause any damage.

Wrists

The wrists are one of the best places to spray cologne, as they are pulse points that emit body heat, which helps the fragrance to continue smelling good all day long.

When applying cologne to the wrists, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from the skin and spray once or twice. Do not rub your wrists together, as this will disrupt the molecules of the fragrance, changing its chemistry and destroying its essence.

Some people advocate avoiding the wrists as a cologne application area, as the wrists are regularly manipulated and prone to breaking down and corrupting a fragrance. They also tend to rub against shirt cuffs and desk surfaces, and the cologne can transfer to these surfaces or be washed away when you wash your hands.

However, applying cologne to the wrists can be a good option if you want to be able to smell your fragrance throughout the day, as the scent will be projected efficiently and the wrists are easy to access.

Neck

The neck is one of the best places to spray cologne, especially for a date. However, it may be too strong for an office environment, so be sure to keep the fragrance close to the skin and under your clothes.

To apply cologne to the neck, hold the bottle about three to six inches away. Be careful not to rub the cologne into your skin after spraying, as this can damage the molecules and cause them to dissipate faster.

The neck is considered a pulse point, meaning it is a heated area of the body where blood vessels are closer to the skin, and thus emanates more heat to diffuse the fragrance into the air. Other pulse points include the chest and wrists, and it is recommended to apply cologne to one or two of these areas.

It is important to note that while pulse points are traditionally believed to intensify the fragrance, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. The temperature of your skin remains fairly constant, regulated by your body, and does not vary even if your veins are closer to the skin's surface.

When applying cologne to the neck, less is more. Start with a light application of one spray, and if you notice that the scent fades quickly, reapply to another pulse point. You can also ask a friend or family member for their opinion on whether the application is appropriate, as you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often.

Inner elbows

The inner elbow is one of the best places to spray cologne. This is because the cologne benefits from the body heat in this area, which will warm the fragrance. The subtle scent will also be appreciated when offering someone a handshake.

When applying cologne to the inner elbow, it is important to hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from the skin. This will ensure that you do not over-apply. It is also recommended to start with a light application and then add more sprays if needed.

If you are wearing long sleeves, you may be concerned that people will not be able to smell the cologne on your inner elbows. However, the heat from your body will help diffuse the scent throughout the day, and it will come through the fabric of your sleeves.

In addition to the inner elbows, you can also apply cologne to other pulse points such as the wrists, neck, and chest. These areas generate heat and will help diffuse the fragrance. However, be careful not to spray too much cologne, as this can be overwhelming and off-putting.

Frequently asked questions