A good scent works wonders, but few know how to apply fragrances correctly. Choosing your own signature scent is the start of your fragrance journey, but knowing how to apply cologne might be the most important. And while it's true that cologne is an art form, it's more so a science.
Knowing how to wear cologne correctly is a whole other ball game but we've broken it down into 5 easy steps. We're also answering some of your burning questions along the way because there's a good chance you're wondering how much you should apply. Remember, the goal here is to be ever-so-subtle, highly evocative and always intriguing, not an air horn.
So, if you're looking to elevate your expertise in the fragrance game, or you just need a refresh (no judgement), this step-by-step guide on how to apply cologne correctly is for you.
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The very first step in learning how to apply cologne correctly is preparation. Start by having a shower, this is when your skin is warm and so your pores are open. It's the best way to make sure that your skin absorbs the fragrance.
Expert tip: If you want your cologne's goodness to last even longer, moisturise your skin after showering and you'll be smelling delicious all day long.
When it comes to the finer details of how to spray cologne, there's a science. For spray cologne, we recommend holding the bottle around 10 centimetres (4-6 inches) away from you. Don't hold the bottle all the way up to your wrist or neck as it won't disperse the fragrance correctly.
Expert tip: Don't spray the fragrance and walk through the mist like you see in some movies, it doesn't work.
The heat helps diffuse scent during the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent. If you're wondering where to apply cologne, we recommend looking for the warmer parts of your body. Think of areas of your body like your chest, neck, pulse points, inner elbows and forearms, or wherever else your body runs hot.
Expert tip: If you notice that your scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray the cologne there the next time you apply.
With cologne, we like to follow one rule - less is truly more. So, stick to one spray or two sprays at an absolute maximum to apply cologne correctly. It's also a good idea to keep the fragrance around 30cm away from your skin and away from your clothes to make sure it disperses correctly around your skin.
Expert tip: Don't spray cologne on your clothes, it won't make the scent last longer.
Our secret tip for how to use cologne is to re-apply, depending. This doesn't mean reapplying every hour (please, no!) but it does mean you should take into account what you have been doing that day - maybe you've gone on a run during lunch and need a refresh. Whatever it is, use your common sense and reapply if you think a little extra spray is needed but remember just because you can't smell your cologne doesn't mean that others can't, as your nose will get 'scent blind'.
Expert tip: If you're unsure, ask your friend what they think.
If you're more of a solid cologne person, you'll be happy to hear that things are pretty similar when it comes to solid-state fragrances. Just swivel open the lid and then gently swipe one or two fingers across the surface of the wax a few times, don't dig into the wax. This will ruin your wax and taking out a big chunk isn't necessary - instead, if you decide you need some more fragrance, just swipe a few more times.
Just like spray cologne, apply solid cologne to your pulse points and other heated areas of the body (however, with wax, pulse points like the wrists and neck are usually best.) Same as a spray, the heat of your body will help the scent diffuse nice and subtly as the day goes on for long-lasting wear.
Once again, remember to avoid applying too much and always re-apply as needed.
There are 4 common mistakes we typically find when people apply cologne for the first time.
You should use one or two sprays of cologne.
It is best to apply cologne directly to your skin, as it absorbs and melds with your skin's natural oils, creating your own unique scent.
While it is best to apply cologne immediately after showering, ensure your skin is dry first as wet skin means it will rub off easily.
Yes, scents can lead to nose blindness if overused. Also, the more you are exposed to a particular scent, the less likely you are to notice it.
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