Showing Up

The Right Way To Wear Cologne

Follow these steps to get the most out of your fragrance.

by Saleam Singleton
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

For those who want to smell good all the time, cologne is essential. It’s the best way to maintain a recognizable scent that complements your style and overall vibe and, honestly, just feel good about yourself. While wearing fragrances have become more common, it’s common to make mistakes when applying them. Proper application can make the difference between wasting the juice and getting the most out of every drop. To that end, here are a few tips on the right way to wear cologne so that you get the optimal balance of fragrance every time.

1. Avoid Rubbing Your Wrists Together

The best way to apply cologne is directly to the skin, and a common place to spray is on your wrists. After application, you might have to urge to vigorously rub your wrists together. Don’t. Doing so breaks down the fragrance molecules, which can affect the performance of your cologne. Instead, try spraying it onto your wrists. You’ll be ensuring the fragrance stays intact and lasts as long as possible.

2. Apply To Your Hot Spots

Once you apply your cologne to your wrists, you can use them to transfer it to the other hot spots on your body. What are hotspots? They’re parts of your body where the fragrance perform the best. They include the back of your ears, neck, and the center of your chest. Gently dab your wrists onto these areas. You can even spritz your cologne directly onto your hotspots for a slightly stronger effect.

3. Ditch The “Spray And Walk”

Despite what some might suggest, the spray and walk is the best way to waste your fragrance (and most don’t come cheap). While this might seem like a cool way to apply cologne, its the least effective way to get the most out of it. Most of the time you’re only making the air smell good. So it’s best to remove this method from your memory.

Cologne Application Tips And Tricks

Be sure to apply cologne in moderation, as spraying too much can be overwhelming and unpleasant to other people. For best results hold the bottle about 12 inches away from you when applying. Another useful tip is to moisturize your skin before applying cologne. This helps the fragrance stick to your skin and helps it to perform longer. This way you won’t have to apply as much (plus your bottle of cologne will last much longer). Lastly, if you’re going to mix different fragrances try not to overdo it. Each cologne is carefully formulated note by note. Try to only mix fragrances that complement each other. You don’t want to end up with a jarring scent all day.

Wearing cologne is all about having a technique. By following these tips you’ll achieve the best possible balance of fragrance that lasts. Always remember to use moderation and only reapply cologne when necessary. Once you’ve found your signature fragrance, you’re on your way to smelling amazing and creating a long-lasting impression.

This article was originally published on