How to Apply Cologne: 7 Things You Need to Know

How to Properly Apply Cologne: 7 Pro Tips

We all know the right cologne can boost your confidence and mood, but how do you apply it for the best results? Here are 7 hacks on how to apply cologne properly and make the most of your favorite fragrances.

1. Prepare Your Skin

The smoother and better prepared your skin, the better the result. Applying a moisturizer before your cologne ensures your skin is hydrated and can hold onto scents for longer.

2. Know Where to Spray Cologne

Apply it on your wrists, behind your ears, the base of your throat, and the insides of your elbows. These are pulse points, where blood vessels are close to the skin. They emit more heat than other parts of the body, which radiates fragrances and helps you smell better for longer.

3. Stay Cautious with Clothing

Do you spray cologne on skin or clothes? Spraying clothes can make the scent last longer. However, some colognes might stain fabrics. And remember, fabric doesn't have the warmth of your skin, so the scent may vary slightly. 

4. Don’t Overdo It

How many sprays of cologne do you need? Well, that comes down to the strength of your fragrance and how much scent you’re looking to project. Typically, 2-3 spritzes is perfect. Got a cologne that needs to be dabbed? A couple of dabs will do the trick. Remember – less is more. It’s easier to add than to remove.

5. Avoid Rubbing

Forget the classic ""spray-and-rub"" wrist move. Rubbing cologne can break down its molecular structure, altering the scent. Let the fragrance air-dry naturally instead to preserve the fragrance.

6. Reapply Just Enough

As the day wears on, even the best-applied cologne can start to fade, especially when it's a lighter, breezier scent. This doesn't mean it's a bad quality – it's just the nature of lighter fragrances. If by midday or early evening, you're feeling less than fresh, it's okay to give yourself another spritz. But moderation is key – a little reapply is all you need.

7. Choose the Right Deodorant or Body Spray

Give yourself a solid foundation of odor protection before applying cologne, and make sure they complement each other. For example, you could go for a lightly scented deodorant when wearing cologne. You could also try to layer body sprays and colognes with similar scents.

Layering colognes with complementary deodorant body sprays, sticks and washes is easy with our Fine Fragrance Collection. We’ve teamed up with world-renowned perfumers to create five incredible scent combinations that deliver the fine fragrance of cologne without breaking the bank.

A great place to start is our Blue Lavender Premium Deodorant Body Spray, recognized by Men’s Health as one of the best colognes of 2023.

Extra tip

Always store your cologne in a dark, cool place. Leaving cologne bottles on sunny shelves or in steamy bathrooms can alter their composition. Heat, light, and humidity can break down the fragrance, altering its scent and making it less effective.

Make your cologne work harder

Now you know how to apply cologne like a pro, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Still looking for your scent soulmate? Try the irresistible fragrance combination of bergamot, sage and juniper in our Aqua Bergamot Premium Deodorant Body Spray.