Wearing cologne is a great way to boost your confidence, demonstrate your style, and make a lasting impression. But if you don’t know how to apply it properly, you could end up with an overwhelming scent that everyone will be able to smell from a mile away.
Remember, a cologne should be discovered, not announced.
Whether you have a woody, musk, citrus, or floral scent, here are the best tips on applying cologne to make a subtle yet memorable impact.
Related: Best Smelling Colognes for Men
1. Start with Clean Skin
Before applying cologne, make sure your skin is clean. Cologne will last longer on clean skin and you’ll avoid any potential skin reactions.
We recommend using a gentle cleanser on your body and face before applying cologne.
2. Find your Pulse Points
Pulse points are areas of your body where blood vessels are close to the surface of your skin. These areas are going to be the warmest, so the cologne will evaporate quicker and be more potent.
Common pulse points for cologne include:
- Behind your ears
- On your wrists
- In the crook of your elbow
- Base of your throat
Here’s a list of all the pulse points on your body.
3. Spray Cologne on Your Pulse Points
Hold the bottle of cologne about 6 inches away from your skin and spray it on your pulse points. Start with one or two sprays and see how long the scent lasts throughout the day. You can always add more if necessary.
Related: How to Discover Your Signature Scent
4. Don’t Rub Your Wrists Together
Once you’ve sprayed cologne on your wrists, resist the urge to rub them together. This will actually break down the fragrance molecules and make the scent weaker. Just let your wrists dry naturally.
5. Give the Cologne Time to Settle
After you’ve applied cologne to your pulse points, step away from the fragrance and let it settle for a few minutes. This will allow the top notes to evaporate and the middle and base notes to come through.