You just can't seem to figure it out.
Sometimes, you get a funny look from a bystander half way across the room. Other times it seems that all the girls seem to bat their eyes at you like you're Brad Pitt.
Or sometimes, perhaps the worst, 48 minutes after applying it you can't even smell it.
Not even a whiff.
It can seem confusing at times, how you should apply your cologne for best results.
Which is why we thought it might be handy to offer you some pointers, and at the very least, some sympathy for fellow cologne lovers, or even newbies just getting into the scent game.
So read on and take your cologne game to the next level.
Tip #1: Apply After The Shower
You should apply your cologne of choice in the morning, when you first get out of the shower. While you stand there flexing in the mirror, the perfect bathroom lighting Instagram-worthy, you should cut the posing a few seconds short and apply cologne.
(What? You mean you don't spend so much time posing in the mirror that you're late for work in the morning? Well, this is embarrassing...)
Jokes aside, spraying cologne on immediately after you get out of the shower is the best time to apply it.
Your pores will be more open and better able to hold onto the scent. The moisture on your skin will also lock in the cologne (so long as your skin has been toweled and is not still wet, which would be counterproductive).
Tip #2: Apply on Pulse Points
The pulse points on your body (ie., where your pulse can be felt) are the warm areas on your body. These points include the wrist, neck, and chest.
Spraying cologne on these areas will allow your body to better retain the scent and allow it to flourish throughout the day.
Although technically the back of the knees and ankles are also pulse points, unless you're a chimpanzee and draw with your feet, your better off not spraying there, and instead staying with your upper body pulse points.
(Don't forget to have a glass of gin after work).
That also includes other areas in the lower extremities (yes, we'd recommend not doing that).
Tip #3: Apply Vaseline
Applying small dabs of Vaseline to your chosen pulse point prior to spraying will also enhance the longevity and strength of your cologne.
When we say dabs, we do mean dabs. So no need to worry about coating your neck or wrist with greasy slabs of Vaseline.
A touch of Vaseline in the right spot could do wonders for you.
Give it a try.
(This image shouldn't be funny to you).
Tip #4: Make Use of an Atomizer Spray Bottle
If you find that your cologne tends to dissipate throughout the day, it's not a bad idea to do a quick spray later in the day.
While you shouldn't load up again 2 hours after you get out of the shower, an atomizer bottle allows you to easily transport your cologne and conveniently give a quick spray later.
Portable atomizers can be carried in a suit jacket pocket, brief case, and backpack quite easily.
In fact, here at 1000 Scents, you receive a complementary atomizer bottle your first month.
Life with these things are far more convenient that without!
(1000 Scents for your consideration).
Tip #5: Don't Over Spray
A common mistake most men make when applying cologne is over spraying their cologne. This will result in the random bystander half way across the room staring at you with a funny look on his face as soon as you walk into the room.
While recommendations for number of sprays vary, anywhere from 2-4 sprays is ideal for most men.
However, the golden rule should be that other people can only smell your cologne within arm's length away.
Which is not to say that your cologne should be weak and non-existent. Cologne should be bold if you want it to be bold.
It should also be subtle, if you want it to be subtle.
But there is definitely a point at both ends of the spectrum, where cologne is under performing and over performing.
The key, of course, is to find a happy medium.
Note: for 1000 Scents customers, the smaller 8 ml bottle releases a smaller amount of spray compared to a much larger, conventional cologne bottle, so you may need 1-2 sprays depending on your preference (or you may not, as well).
Tip #6: Hold roughly 3-6 inches away from your body
Putting the tip of the nozzle right against the skin is certainly not ideal.
And neither is spraying at a complete arm's length away.
Spraying your cologne roughly 3-6 inches from the desired pulse point will result in the best capture of the scent.
Tip #7: Don't walk into the mist
A common recommendation for applying cologne is to spray... and walk into the mist!
(We're spraying cologne, not having a hippie water fight).
This technique results in poor capture of the scent and is far from optimal in terms of both strength and endurance.
In fact, when you spray and walk through the mist, you're not really applying the cologne to your body.
Instead, you're applying it to the air in your bathroom, and simply walking through it, hoping that some particles will cling to your body.
Thus, we don't agree with this particular recommendation.
Tip #8: Apply everyday to get used to the habit
The best way to develop the habit of wearing cologne, is, well, wearing cologne!
In fact, applying cologne everyday will get you used to the habit. Frequent application will also lead to you developing a signature scent that others will begin to associate with your presence.
And whether, you're new to using cologne, or a veteran, don't forget to really take the cologne in and appreciate the smell, every once in awhile.
And finally...
Tip #9: Experiment
We're all different.
Wearing cologne is really a chemical reaction involving the particular ingredients in that cologne, the humidity of the air, the moisture on your skin, the unique heat patterns of your skin...
And so no recommendation is exact.
It is just that, a recommendation.
So take the time and experiment.
Two sprays today on your neck, right after the shower, five sprays on your wrist tomorrow.
Find what works best for you, because at the end of the day, it is, believe it or not, what you like the best.
Cologne is very personal to an individual. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Including the fragrances you wear.
A major hamper on most guys is not having access to a wide variety of scents, without spending wheelbarrows full of money.
Which is why at 1000 Scents, you get an 8 ml bottle of premium cologne each month, without breaking the bank.
You can check out how to get your hands on premium cologne on a budget here, courtesy of 1000 Scents.
And if not, you're happy with your current big bottle of expensive cologne, that's cool too.
We'll be here, waiting to send you an exquisite bottle of a masculine scent.
Until then,
Remember...
Luxury is affordable.