How To Spray Cologne: A Guide For Men

Knowing where to spray cologne is an art form. Done properly, cologne can be an important part of a man's personal style, making him feel more attractive and confident. Done incorrectly, it can be overpowering and off-putting. The key is to apply sparingly and strategically so that the cologne lasts all day. Cologne should be applied to the skin, not clothing, as it is designed to interact with the body's natural oils and pH. The best spots to spray cologne are heated areas of the body, including the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows.

How much cologne to apply

Applying cologne is an art form. Too much and you risk becoming "that guy" who chokes people with his scent. Too little and your fragrance might fade away before you've even left the house.

It's recommended that you start with one or two sprays and build up from there if you feel it's necessary. For a lighter fragrance, such as a citrus or floral cologne, one or two sprays should be enough. For a stronger scent, such as a woody or musky fragrance, you might want to start with two or three sprays.

Where to Apply

Hold the bottle three to six inches from your body. Aim for heated areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. These points are warmer, so they will help the scent to project and stay for longer.

Other Tips

• Don't spray cologne onto your clothes. This prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils, which gives it its unique quality. It can also harm certain fabrics.
• Don't rub cologne into your skin after applying, as this can change or diffuse the scent.
• Don't spray cologne directly on your face or on broken or irritated skin.
• If you want to apply cologne to your clothing, spray a small area such as the collar or cuff.
• Be aware that some fragrances may interact with certain fabrics and cause stains or discolouration.
• If you're going to be intimate with someone, you might want to apply a little more cologne than usual.

Where to spray cologne

When applying cologne, it's important to remember that less is more. You want your cologne to complement your natural scent, not overpower it. It should be subtle and discovered, not announced.

The best places to spray cologne are the pulse points on your body. These are the warmest points on your body, where blood flows closest to the skin. Spraying cologne here will help the scent to diffuse throughout the day. The pulse points include the wrists, neck, inner elbows, chest, and forearms.

Hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your skin when spraying. This will ensure you don't over or under-apply.

It's also recommended to apply cologne to clean, dry skin straight after a shower. The shower will open up your pores, allowing the scent to absorb better, and your skin will be free of any other scents that might interfere with your cologne.

If you want your cologne to last longer, you can also spray it onto your hair and clothes. However, be cautious when spraying your clothes, as some fragrances may stain or discolour fabrics.

Pulse points

For everyday use, it is recommended to apply cologne to the neck and inner wrist or chest. If you're going out, you can also apply it behind your ear or on your temples. This will increase the overall strength of the scent and give people a pleasant whiff when they get close to your face.

Uncommon pulse points for cologne application include the inside of the elbow, the back of the knee, and the top of the foot. Applying cologne to these areas can be beneficial when spending time outdoors or wearing shorts, as there is more room for the scent to travel.

It's important to remember that the more pulse points you apply cologne to, the less you need to use. It's also crucial to adjust the amount of cologne based on the situation; a subtle scent is more appropriate for the office, while a stronger scent may be preferred for a nightclub. Additionally, men with oilier skin may need to use less cologne, as the fragrance will cling to their skin longer and stronger.

Common mistakes

While applying cologne can be an art form, there are a few common mistakes that can prevent men from getting the most out of their cologne usage. Here are some tips to avoid these mistakes and apply cologne like a pro:

Don't Spray on Your Clothes

Spraying cologne directly on your clothes is one of the worst ways to apply it. It prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils, which gives it its unique quality. This can also hinder the scent from going through its different stages, resulting in a flat and monochrome fragrance. Additionally, spraying cologne on certain fabrics can be harmful and cause stains or discolouration. It's best to apply cologne directly on your skin, focusing on the heated areas of the body.

Don't Splash or Rub

If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, avoid splashing it onto your skin. This can lead to over-application and an overpowering scent. Instead, place one finger over the opening of the bottle and gently tip it upside down before dabbing the cologne onto your skin. Similarly, don't rub the cologne into your skin as this can break the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing the scent to fade faster.

Don't Spray and Walk Through It

While it may seem like a good idea to spray a cloud of cologne and walk through it to avoid over-application, this method is incredibly wasteful. Most of the cologne will end up on the floor instead of your body, rendering it almost useless. To get the most out of your cologne, apply it directly to your skin, holding the bottle 3-6 inches away.

Don't Overapply

One of the biggest fears when it comes to cologne is applying too much. A man's cologne should be subtle and enhance his image, not overpower it. Start with a light application and ask for feedback from a friend or family member if needed. You can always add more, but it's difficult to remove excess cologne once it's been applied.

Don't Forget to Test

When buying a new cologne, don't be fooled by fancy packaging. Do your research and read reviews to find brands that align with your preferences. When testing colognes, be mindful of not fatiguing your nose by testing too many at once. Go in with a plan and communicate your preferences to the salesperson to find the right scent for you.

How to store cologne

Storing cologne correctly is essential to maintaining its quality and prolonging its shelf life. Here are some tips on how to store cologne to ensure its longevity:

• Keep it away from direct sunlight: Sunlight can cause the fragrance to degrade over time, so it is best to store it in a dark place.
• Store it in a cool, dry place: High temperatures can cause the fragrance compounds to break down and oxidize, altering the scent and reducing its shelf life. Keeping it in a cool, dry place will help stabilize the compounds and prevent oxidation.
• Avoid exposure to heat and humidity: Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can shorten the lifetime of a fragrance. Therefore, it is best not to store cologne in the bathroom or any other area with high humidity or temperature changes.
• Keep it in its original packaging: Perfume bottles are designed to protect the fragrance from air and humidity. Leaving the cologne in its original packaging will help ensure that it stays fresh and protected.
• Consider storing it in a fridge or cool, dark cabinet: While it may not be practical for everyone, storing cologne in a fridge can help extend its shelf life by slowing down the rate of evaporation and protecting the fragrance compounds from damage. Alternatively, storing it in a cool, dark cabinet can also help protect the fragrance.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: While cold temperatures can help stabilize fragrance compounds, extreme cold can also be damaging. Therefore, it is best to avoid storing cologne in freezers or anywhere that gets too cold.
• Limit light exposure: In addition to sunlight, it is advisable to limit the cologne's exposure to artificial light, as this can also affect the fragrance over time.

Frequently asked questions