How To Properly Apply Cologne: Wrists And Pulse Points

Applying cologne to the wrists is a common practice, but why do people do it? The inside of the wrist is a pulse point, an area where a heartbeat can be felt, and is thought to emit more heat than other parts of the body. The traditional belief is that the warmth from these pulse points intensifies a fragrance. However, some experts argue that there is no evidence to support this claim, as the body temperature is regulated and doesn't vary much across the skin. While applying cologne to the wrists may have been effective with early iterations of fragrance, today's formulas are designed to lift off regardless of where they are applied on the body.

Wrists are pulse points, which emit more heat than other body parts

Applying cologne to the wrists is the correct move, as applying it to pulse points warms it up so that it emits fragrance throughout the day. The wrist is a great method for application, as it is also a pulse point itself and so you can get a lot more bang for your buck.

However, it is important to note that while spraying cologne on your wrists is recommended, rubbing them together after application can dull the top notes and accelerate evaporation. Top notes are the most delicate molecules in the mix and are usually the reason one chooses a particular cologne in the first place. Therefore, by getting rid of them right away, you are not getting the most out of that pricey bottle. In addition, vigorously mixing cologne with your natural oils can also change the way it smells.

Instead, it is recommended to lightly dab your wrists together and then let the cologne air-dry. You can also take it a step further by applying an unscented moisturizer to the skin right before you spritz. The better hydrated your skin is, the longer the scent will stay on.

Applying cologne to the wrists helps spread the scent as they are often exposed

Applying cologne to the wrists is a common practice, often recommended as a way to spread and intensify your scent throughout the day. The wrists are considered a pulse point, an area where your heart pulse can be felt, and are therefore warmer due to the proximity of veins to the skin's surface. This warmth is said to activate and maximise your perfume or cologne, helping it to emit fragrance throughout the day.

The practice of applying cologne or perfume to the wrists is also a result of tradition. In the early 1900s, before atomizers (spray mechanisms) were widespread, perfumes were highly concentrated and came in bottles with crystal stoppers. Women would wipe the stoppers on their wrists and then rub their wrists on their ears. The rich fragrance was strong enough that the scent would waft from their bodies.

Today, applying cologne to the wrists is still recommended as a way to make your scent go further. The wrists are often exposed, and as people gesture and move their arms throughout the day, the scent is lifted and carried into the air. This is especially true if you are applying cologne in preparation for a social event, where you are likely to be gesturing and moving your arms more than usual.

However, it is important to note that there is some debate over the effectiveness of applying cologne to the wrists. Some sources claim that there is no scientific evidence that the pulse points generate extra heat to intensify the fragrance. Additionally, rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne can dull the top notes and accelerate evaporation, changing the way the scent smells. Instead, it is recommended to lightly dab your wrists together and let the cologne air-dry.

The tradition of applying cologne to the wrists dates back to the early 1900s

While spraying cologne or perfume on the wrists is still a common practice today, there is no scientific evidence that it enhances the scent or intensity of the fragrance. The belief that the pulse points generate extra heat that intensifies the fragrance is not supported by evidence. Cardiologist Jeffrey Schussler explains that while you can feel your pulse where it is fairly superficial, the body temperature is regulated, and the actual temperature of the skin does not vary significantly.

However, it is important to note that some people still apply cologne or perfume to their wrists because it is a tradition or because they believe it makes the scent more accessible to others. The wrists are often exposed, and in the past, it was common for women to extend their hands to men when meeting them, allowing the scent to be noticed. Additionally, some people may find it easier to apply cologne or perfume to their wrists compared to other areas of the body.

Today, perfumes are structured with top, middle, and base notes, and the way these notes interact with the skin and the surrounding environment can affect the overall scent. To make the most of modern perfumes, it is recommended to spray them across the top of the forearm, on the hair, or on the shirt collar for better longevity.

Rubbing wrists together can dull top notes and accelerate evaporation

Rubbing cologne or perfume on your wrists is a common practice, but it's important to know the correct way to do it. While spraying cologne on your wrists is the right thing to do, as applying it to pulse points warms it up and helps it emit fragrance throughout the day, the way you apply it to your wrists is crucial.

Rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne can dull the top notes and accelerate evaporation. Top notes are the most delicate molecules in the perfume or cologne, and they are usually the reason why you like the scent in the first place. By rubbing your wrists together, you are getting rid of these top notes right away, and not getting the most out of your perfume or cologne.

Additionally, vigorously mixing the cologne or perfume with your natural oils by rubbing your wrists together can also alter the way it smells. Instead of rubbing, you should lightly dab your wrists together and then let the cologne or perfume air-dry. This will ensure that the scent stays true to its original fragrance and lasts longer.

To further enhance the longevity of the scent, you can apply an unscented moisturizer to your skin before spraying the cologne or perfume. Well-hydrated skin holds the scent longer, so consider applying a non-scented lotion or moisturizer before applying your fragrance. This will not only help the scent last longer but also create a clean slate for the fragrance to truly shine without interference from other scented products.

Applying cologne to the wrists is a good way to test its potency

Today, colognes are structured with top, middle, and bottom notes. The top notes are usually citruses and florals and disappear a few minutes after application. The middle notes, which are typically floral, fruity, and green, last a couple of hours. The base notes, such as musks and pines, are the last to evaporate. When applying cologne, it is important to consider the concentration of the fragrance. Higher concentrations, such as those found in essential oils and eau de parfum, will have a more powerful scent.

While applying cologne to the wrists can be a good way to test its potency, it is important to note that there is no scientific evidence that the wrist is a hotter part of the body. In fact, a cardiologist named Jeffrey Schussler claims that the body temperature is pretty much regulated, and the temperature of the skin does not vary, even if the veins are close to the skin's surface. Additionally, rubbing the wrists together after applying cologne can dull the top notes and accelerate evaporation, changing the way the cologne smells. Therefore, it is recommended to lightly dab the wrists together instead of rubbing them, and to let the cologne air-dry.

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