How To Apply Cologne: Men's Guide To Doing It Right

Applying cologne correctly is something of an art form. Even the best cologne can be off-putting if you take a bath in it. You’re going for a subtle but noticeable fragrance that catches attention without assaulting people’s noses, and that takes some know-how.

Consider this article your ultimate guide on how to apply cologne. We’ll teach you all the basics, like where to spray cologne, how much to use, and how to make its scent last. We’ll also cover the best times to apply and reapply, plus how to pick the right scent for you.

Where To Spray Cologne On Your Body

To properly apply cologne, target pulse points where your body temperature is warmest:

• Neck and behind the ears: One spritz on the front of the neck and one behind each ear

• Inner wrists: One spritz on each wrist, then pat them together

• Inner Elbows: One spritz into each elbow, then open and close your arm a few times

Your body heat will activate the cologne and help its fragrance develop naturally throughout the day. And in case you needed to hear it, never spray cologne in your pubic area. To get rid of junk funk, use a natural bar soap and a smart manscaping technique instead.

How Much Cologne To Use

Cologne contains a higher concentration of fragrance oils than an all-over body spray. That means a little goes a long way. Two to five sprays of cologne is generally enough. But you can definitely apply your cologne to every pulse point for a stronger scent, which would be seven total spritzes. Just keep in mind that more isn’t always better. Overapplying means people will be able to smell you coming from across a room.

Finding your perfect balance depends on the surrounding climate and environment. Heat causes scent to evaporate off your skin more quickly, fading your fragrance earlier in the day. In hot summer months, you might want to reapply throughout the day to keep the scent going. In close quarters, like a tight office space or intimate dinner, a restrained hand keeps your scent subtle rather than overwhelming. When you’re outdoors, you can be a bit more liberal.

Spray cologne bottles usually have an atomizer that turns the liquid into a fine mist of about 0.1 milliliter per spritz. For comparison, a standard-sized dropper typically dispenses 0.05 milliliters at a time. If your cologne doesn’t have a sprayer, use a dropper to apply two drops to each area instead.

How To Make Your Cologne Last Longer

If you’re noticing that your cologne's scent falls off too quickly, take a look inward before you blame the product. Fragrances need natural oils to cling to, meaning dry skin will rapidly absorb and evaporate the scent. 

To make your cologne last longer, start with clean skin, and apply an unscented lotion before spraying. Gently pat or dab the cologne onto your pulse points rather than rubbing your wrists together to avoid crushing the delicate scent notes. Following simple tips like these can help you smell good all day.

Best Time To Apply Cologne

Applying your fragrance right after a morning shower hits the sweet spot because your clean, warm skin activates the scent, giving it time to develop on your way to work. Plus, you’ll get the benefit of your bar soap, natural deodorant, and cologne all at once, letting you do some scent layering before you walk out the door.

When To Reapply Cologne Throughout the Day

For most colognes, a single morning application is all you need. The fragrance will develop naturally over the course of the day as different scent notes make their way forward. While concentrations vary, quality natural colognes typically last several hours to get you through the bulk of your schedule. 

If you have plans after work and want to refresh your aura, you can safely reapply, but clean up first. Spraying fresh fragrance over sweat or daily grime will change the scent profile, and not always for the better. A quick rinse or wipe-down before heading out gives you a clean slate for a fresh application.

How To Choose The Right Cologne For You

Mastering application is only half the battle. The other half is deciding on your signature scent. 

Understanding Fragrance Families

The different combinations of fragrances in a cologne fit into what we call fragrance families. It’s helpful to understand how these fit together so you can find a scent that suits the season and complements your natural musk. Here are the top-level fragrance families you should know:

• Floral: Spring scents like fresh cut flowers, bergamot, and sweet spices

• Fresh: Summer scents like lavender, mint, and citrus

• Woody: Fall scents like oakmoss, vetiver, and leather

• Amber: Winter scents like incense, vanilla, and resin

Picking a Scent For Any Occasion

Understanding fragrance families can help you find the perfect cologne for whatever you have planned:

• Want a daily driver? Find a cologne that matches the season. For spring and summer, Castaway Cove and Glacial Falls bring sweet and crisp scents forward. In the cooler seasons, Woodland Pine and Fireside Bourbon bring earthy and rich notes.

• Going on a fancy dinner date? Subtle Midnight Birch brings a romantic vibe with notes of vanilla, lavender, and cedarwood.

• Doing some outdoor activities? Go with a cologne that’ll blend your scent into your surroundings, like the woody and fresh Rainforest Mist. 

• Not sure what you love just yet? Grab a mini sampler to try five of our most popular scents.

Find Your Cologne Match With Dr. Squatch

Now, you have all our best tips and tricks for how to apply cologne for men. Hopefully, you feel confident enough to strut down the fragrance aisle with confidence and pick a scent that matches your vibe.

Dr Squatch’s cologne lineup offers memorable scents to upgrade that pair well with all our bar soaps and deodorants, too. Pick up a Mini Cologne Trial Set to find your favorite profiles, double down on your top picks with a Cologne 2-Pack, or build out a complete routine with a Signature Scent Set.