Fashion & Fragrance
Some men are as passionate about their cologne as they are about their style. A man's fragrance should help to enhance his image in a subtle way. Read our guide below to learn more about cologne, and how men should wear it.
A Man's Guide to Cologne
How to Apply Cologne Properly
The best time to apply cologne is right after a shower when your skin is clean and your pores are open to absorb the scent. Ensure your skin is completely dry first. Hold the bottle three to six inches away from your body before spraying to prevent over-applying the cologne. Apply the cologne to heated areas of your body including your chest, neck, pulse points, inner elbows, and forearms. The heat from your body helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day, and it allows it to fuse with your body's chemistry, which helps to develop your signature scent.How Much to Spray & When to Reapply
It's always best to start with a light application of your fragrance. Choose one area of your body and start with one spray as a test to see how quickly the scent fades. If you notice the scent fades quickly, you can add an extra spray the next time you wear the cologne. When it comes to reapplying, you may need to reapply at the end of the day if you have evening plans. The easiest way to reapply is to dab some cologne on your pulse points.Mistakes to Avoid When Applying Cologne
Don't Spray Directly on Your Garments: Spraying cologne directly on your clothing prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, which is what makes the scent of cologne unique to the individual wearing it. Cologne can also be harmful to some fabrics and leave stains, which is why it's always best to spray cologne on your skin instead.
Don't Apply Too Much Cologne: If you cologne bottle doesn't come with a spray nozzle, apply it by placing one finger over the opening and then dabbing the scent on your skin. Splashing it on could lead to over-applying. Also, don't rub the cologne on your skin because this can make the scent fade quicker.
How to Make Your Cologne Last Longer
Cologne bottles will include an optimal use-by date however, there are things you can to do to help make it last longer. Store your cologne in its original box to avoid light exposure and prevent the fragrance from deteriorating. You can also opt to keep the bottles in a drawer to protect them from the sunlight. It's best to store cologne in your bedroom rather than the bathroom because temperature fluctuations and humidity can destroy the molecular integrity of the fragrance.