Download Article
Smell your best without overdoing it with our easy guide
Download Article
Cologne applied just right has the power to make people swoon. What's the secret? Apply sparingly and in all the right places. Read on to learn how it's done.
Steps
-
Wear cologne at the appropriate times. Cologne is not necessary at work, but it's generally acceptable. A big event, such as a wedding, funeral, party, or night out on the town, might easily call for cologne.- Be aware of how your body's oils interact with your cologne. If you're going clubbing, for example, it may not be the best idea to apply lots of cologne: your natural body odor mixed with cologne may be even worse smelling than just your natural body odor.
- Some people are allergic to cologne. You'll need to be sensitive of this potential issue when working in an office or spending time in other indoor areas.
-
Wear cologne because it makes you smell good, feel good, and act confident. Any other reason to wear cologne ("Because I want to feel like a man," "Because my friend is doing it," etc.) is pointless. Wear cologne when you need the fragrance. With that being said, apply it when you feel like it and enjoy your scent.Advertisement -
Choose different colognes for different occasions. Many men prefer to wear one cologne during the day, at work, and a completely different one when they go out. Some sources recommend a lighter, citrus-based scent for afternoons and workplace environments, and a stronger scent with spice undertones or musky notes for the night. [1] X Research source
Advertisement
-
Apply the cologne to your pulse points. [2] X Expert Source Shipra Taneja
Makeup Artist Expert Interview. 6 August 2021. These are the areas of your body that produce a lot of body heat. [3] X Research source The heat will cause the fragrance to continue to smell good all day long. If you just put the cologne on your clothes, it may not be detectable for long.- The insides of your wrists are a good spot for cologne. [4]
X
Expert Source
Shipra Taneja
Makeup Artist Expert Interview. 6 August 2021. - Behind the ears is another spot that many men like to utilize.
- The insides of your wrists are a good spot for cologne. [4]
X
Expert Source
Shipra Taneja
-
Consider the chest. This is a great place to apply cologne since it scents your shirt and provides a nice burst of scent to whomever you might end up hugging. -
Don't forget the neck. If you're relatively sure your date's head may be close to your neck at some point during the evening, be sure to dab some cologne on your neck for good measure. Your date does not want to smell sweat so add a medium amount on your neck. Cologne applied here mixes with your natural scent, creating a unique smell that is truly you . -
Keep it clear of areas where you sweat excessively. If you tend to get body odor, don't use cologne as a way to mask it. Less appealing smells don't mix well with cologne, so it's best not to layer it on in the wrong areas. -
Choose one or two spots. You don't have to put cologne on every pulse point; in fact, if you do so your scent will probably be overwhelming for those around you. Choose a few spots, and keep it subtle. [5] X Research source
Advertisement
-
Take a shower first. The hot water cleanses your skin and opens your pores, providing a good base for the cologne. It won't smell good mixed with dirty skin, and if you spray it on dry it may not last as long. -
Spray from several inches away. If your cologne has a spray bottle, do not spray right next to your skin; you don't want the liquid dripping down your shirt. It'll be way too strong, so hold it a few inches from your body and give yourself a light squirt. [6] X Research source -
Dab very sparingly. If your bottle doesn't have a spray nozzle, use the dabbing method. Cover the open bottle with your finger, tip the bottle, then right the bottle and put it down. Dab the liquid on your finger in the area where you wish to apply the cologne.- One small dab is sufficient; don't double-dab.
- Wash your hands after using this method, so you don't get cologne smell on everything you touch.
-
Don't rub it in. This changes the way the cologne smells and makes the scent go away faster. Instead of rubbing the cologne, just spray or dab it on and let it dry on the skin. [7] X Research source -
Don't mix cologne with other smells. [8] X Research source You shouldn't wear cologne with strongly-scented deodorant or aftershave. The smells might not go well together, and the combination could leave you smelling like a department store perfume counter. -
Don't reapply too often. You'll quickly grow used to the smell of your cologne, to the point where you might think it's completely worn off. Other people, however, will still be able to smell it. You probably don't need to apply cologne more than once a day, right before you go out. If you absolutely feel the need to put on some more, keep it light.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search
-
QuestionHow do I apply cologne so it lasts?Shipra Taneja is a Makeup Artist and the Founder of Taneja's Bride, a lifestyle, beauty, and fashion blog. She specializes in creating bold, colorful makeup looks. Shipra is passionate about making colorful makeup comfortable for everybody.Spraying cologne on your wrist is the key to making it last longer. Your body emits pheromones from certain points, and applying the cologne on these will ensure the longevity of the scent.
-
QuestionCan I put cologne on my dog?Community AnswerNo, you should not put cologne on your dog. The chemicals could be harmful or irritating to their skin.
-
QuestionHow do I pick a cologne for myself?Community AnswerChoose one that smells the best to you and your taste. You don't have to buy one that is highly priced for a good-smelling cologne. For example, the one I use is called "Social" by Hollister. It's not too strong for me, yet still gives off a nice scent.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
- Never put so much cologne on your body, so that it is offensive to others. People should notice you , not your cologne.Thanks
- According to many "Gentleman" books, if a person can identify the cologne/perfume you are wearing, you are wearing too much.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- Keep cologne away from the genital area as this can cause irritation.Thanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ http://www.askmen.com/fashion/fashiontip_300/355_fashion_advice.html
- ↑ Shipra Taneja. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 6 August 2021.
- ↑ https://www.thetrendspotter.net/how-to-apply-cologne/
- ↑ Shipra Taneja. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 6 August 2021.
- ↑ https://www.thetrendspotter.net/how-to-apply-cologne/
- ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/guide-to-fragrance/
- ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/guide-to-fragrance/
- ↑ http://www.menshealth.com/style/scent-rules
About This Article
Article Summary
X
Before you apply cologne, take a shower, because the warm water will open your pores, helping the cologne last longer. Hold the bottle several inches away from your skin and spray it onto 1 or 2 spots, like your neck, wrists, or behind your ears. If the bottle doesn’t have a spray nozzle, cover the open bottle with your finger, then tilt the bottle briefly. Dab your finger onto the area where you wish to apply the cologne. Do not rub your cologne in after applying it, as it will change the scent. To learn how to choose the right cologne for the occasion, keep reading!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,323,279 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "Two things stood out to me. The first was to not rub your wrist together, which I do every time, that was interesting. The second was the areas to apply, I never thought to apply behind the ears! Those were very useful tips! God bless." ..." more
Advertisement
100%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"Two things stood out to me. The first was to not rub your wrist together, which I do every time, that was interesting. The second was the areas to apply, I never thought to apply behind the ears! Those were very useful tips! God bless."
..."
more
"Where exactly to put it (mostly in pulse areas) helped, because I want it to smell, but not so much where it bothers people, just a "Hmm, she smells good" is perfect."
..."
more
"The part where you mentioned that behind the ears, base of the throat and inside wrists were good spots, and to not do clothing, because it won't last as long."
..."
more
"This information was truly helpful because I found out all these years and I've been wearing it wrong by putting on too much."
..."
more
"The tips provided are highly logical. Also, who illustrated these!? The illustrations are so nice!"
