Applying Cologne: Application of Men's or Women's Cologne Spray

Applying Cologne: Application of Men's or Women's Cologne Spray

Learn the proper way to apply perfume and cologne to get the maximum benefit.

Cologne is commonly found in most medicine cabinets alongside toothpaste and aspirin. Even though it is frequently purchased, some consumers are still confused about what brand of cologne, perfume, or fragrance to buy and how to apply it. Before purchasing cologne, make sure you have picked a scent that suits you. Don't simply rely on friends' suggestions to choose and buy fragrances. What works for one person might not work for another. Keep in mind that the intensity of a scent changes in response to your body heat. So consider changing your cologne with the season, just as you do with your wardrobe. Another helpful hint is to sample cologne before purchasing it. Stop by the fragrance counter at your local department store and sample different brands. Come back on a future visit to actually purchase your cologne. After leaving the store, you might realize that you are not as fond of a cologne as you were when you were surrounded by scents from dozens of other brands and glaring department store lights.

Keep these tips in mind when applying cologne:

1. Apply cologne spray sparingly, not liberally. The age-old maxim “less is more” is certainly true when wearing cologne. Anything more than a few quick sprays risks nauseating anyone who walks within ten feet of you. If you have a traditional bottle of cologne without a spray nozzle, place your finger over the opened bottle and tip it over to wet your finger. Apply this cologne evenly to the desired areas, but use no more than two finger applications.
2. Apply cologne to your pulse points: wrists, neck, and behind the ears. Your skin gives off more heat at these areas because the underlying blood vessels are closest to the skin there.
3. Avoid spraying cologne directly on clothing, since it can stain the garment. This is especially important for women who traditionally spray women's cologne directly on their outfits.
4. If you use aftershave, do not use a different brand of men's cologne. It is okay to layer scents as long as they are the same brand. Layering can include using the same brand of lotion and shower gel as your cologne. The overall effect is subtle because of the layering.
5. If you apply cologne before work, you can reapply it during the afternoon. Many cologne scents tend to last all day, though. Your skin's acidity level, along with the oils the cologne contains, affects how long the scent lasts.
6. Remember shelf life. Label your cologne on the day you purchase it. If you are not sure how long you have had a bottle, contact the manufacturer. They can provide instructions for deciphering information on the bottle if an expiration date is not clearly identified. Cologne typically has a shelf life of 3–5 years. Resist the urge to use it longer. If you still have a nearly full bottle after 5 years, chances are you didn't like the scent very much anyway.