We all know that guy. He walks into a room and a strong scent of cologne (usually unpleasant) fills the space and threatens to choke you. It’s impossible to ignore and, in extreme cases, lingers long after he leaves. Don’t be that guy.
How should you properly apply and wear cologne? There are many ways to wear fragrance—nearly as many as there are fragrances available. Here’s a guide to how to wear cologne:
Make it personal
Fragrance is a deeply personal matter. Many have strong opinions about wearing colognes. Only subscribe to a suggestion that truly works for you. Fragrance is individualistic both in what you choose to wear and how you wear it.
Practice restraint
How much is too much? There is no simple answer. What is too much for some, is too little for others. How do you find a happy medium? Some spray twice on the neck, one in the back, one on each wrist and a final one on the chest. Six sprays. But it may not work for everyone. So, finding the ideal number of sprays (and wear to apply) may take some trial and error. You want the scent to be noticeable but not overwhelming or heady.
Spray where you want
Wear it where you can smell and enjoy it. Wear it where you’d like to be kissed!
Count your sprays
Once you’ve figured out the right number of sprays for you, remember your count (maybe even write it down). Some wear too much cologne because after wearing a scent for a few weeks, they tend not to smell it. It’s like going nose blind to a smell inside your home; after a while, you don’t notice it as much (or at all). Stick to the same number of sprays, regardless of whether it still smells as strong to you. Because the cologne hasn’t changed, your nose has.
Focus on the concentration
Depending on what type of fragrance you’re wearing, your ideal number of sprays may change. This is especially important to keep in mind if you like to switch up your cologne instead of wearing the same one every day. Fragrances are categorized as Eau de Cologne (EDC), Eau de Toilette (EDT) and Eau de Parfum (EDP) based on how concentrated they are, which also indicates how strong they’ll smell when you wear them. EDC is less concentrated, EDT is a bit more concentrated, and EDP is even more. The more concentrated, the less you need to apply.
Rub no more
Some people spray cologne on their wrists and then rub them together. Rubbing bruises or crushes the fragrance molecules and changes how they smell and how long they last. Instead, after spraying, lightly pat your wrists together to transfer the fragrance.
Spritz your clothes
Some prefer to wear fragrance on their clothing, near the skin but not directly on it. Ignore the old school idea that you shouldn’t spray fragrance on your clothes. The scent lasts longer on clothing.
Forget the cloud method
Some spray the cologne in the air and walk through the cloud (mist) in an attempt to create a lighter fragrance. This is simply wasteful as most of the fragrance lands on the floor and other surfaces. Instead, it is better to reduce your spray count to achieve a more subtle scent.
Know your scents
Certain ingredients linger longer than others. Some colognes integrate a variety of elements, such as florals for a range of scents, fruits for a touch of sweetness, spices that add warmth and intensity, woods for their depth, resins for a balsamic scent, and musks, which lend a velvety sensuality to the fragrance. Generally floral scents last longer than woods. Spices endure more than resins.
Make it last
The concentration (EDC, EDT or EDP) indicates how long a fragrance lasts. More concentrated colognes are more expensive. Extend the scent of your cologne without reapplying by keeping your skin hydrated (drinking or spritzing water). Use another product with the same scent, like a lotion or moisturizer, to help boost the cologne’s longevity. Spray your clothes in addition to or instead of your skin. Fragrances evaporate more quickly on your skin due to the body’s heat.
Try oil and solid colognes
If you prefer oil and solid colognes, apply them to pulse points where your skin is warm, like your wrists or neck, to make the cologne evaporate and release its scent. Oil colognes often are less concentrated, which produces a lighter scent. It works best to apply it directly to the skin. Dab a little into your beard (if you have one) and on your chest.
Rethink pheromones
Some colognes contain pheromones. Some claim that they can help you find romance, reignite the passion in relationships, increase self-confidence, mental acuity, and mood. These are bold claims. Pheromones are produced by scent glands from different parts of the body (armpits, nipples, genitals). Pheromone colognes may contain artificial versions of animal musk. They are not regulated by the FDA beyond ensuring that they're safe for humans, so companies don't need to disclose their ingredients.
Current studies have not provided much evidence that wearing a pheromone cologne can make you more attractive to others. We know that humans give off and sense pheromones, but more research is needed to determine exactly how this works. It would be better to wear a fragrance that appeals to you—and if your partner likes it, too, that's a bonus. Or, wear an unscented pheromone spray along with your favorite cologne.