The ignorant have one rule of applying cologne: put on A LOT and EVERYWHERE! After all, dousing yourself in cologne should keep you smelling nice all day long, right?
Oh, so many types of wrong! When it comes to cologne, there are three rules to remember:
- Less is more. Repeat that a dozen times before applying cologne. Your cologne should be appreciated, not overwhelming. Too much cologne (especially a high fragrance concentration) can turn people’s noses and stomachs. A few spritzes are more than enough.
- Apply bottom to top. Start with your wrists, then move up to your neck and behind your ears. Just one spritz at each pulse point (the point where the blood vessels are near the skin) is more than enough to do the job.
- Just one will do! One spritz per pulse point is enough to do the trick. Give it 30 minutes for the base notes to come out, and you’ll find you smell beautiful without overdoing it.
Bonus: Be wary of your deodorant. If you use a strong-scented deodorant AND cologne, the two scents could clash. If you’re going to wear strong cologne, stick with a mild deodorant.
You may see people doing the “spray and walk through” method of applying cologne. It’s a foolish way to do it and a waste of cologne! You want the particles to cling to your skin, not your clothing. Applying directly (either spraying or dabbing) to the pulse points is the best way to ensure maximum fragrance absorption. The “spray and walk through” method just spreads the particles in the air and reduces the concentration of the fragrance. (Remember, the fragrance particles are oxidized and broken down once exposed to oxygen. Spray close to your neck to apply the fragrance before oxidation.)
How to Make Your Cologne Last Longer
- Use less per application. A couple of spritzes are all you need to smell nice.
- Place tissue paper in your drawers and spray it with cologne. The fragrance will be absorbed into your clothes, making you smell good throughout the day.
- Store in a cool, dry place. Humidity, light, and heat will cause the cologne to break down, reducing its quality.
- Spray after showering. Your skin will absorb the fragrance with the moisture, leading to longer-lasting smells.
- Apply Vaseline or an unscented lotion to your pulse points before spraying. The Vaseline/lotion will make the fragrance last longer.
- DO NOT rub your wrists after spraying. Friction degrades and alters the smell.
- Spray cotton swabs with your perfume and place them in a sealable plastic bag in your bag or briefcase. Use the swabs for fragrance touch-ups throughout the day.
