Pulse Points for Cologne: How To Apply Scents the Right Way

If you want to learn more about pulse points for cologne, you’ve come to the right place!

There’s a right way and a wrong way to apply cologne. Fortunately, we have a guide for you to explain how to properly apply fragrance.  If you want to smell great to yourself and everyone around you, consult that post. 

We’ve all been around that guy who’s overdone it, perhaps even choked on his scent — let’s not be that guy.

Something we mention in that piece, and something mentioned by all fragrance and lifestyle experts, are pulse points for cologne. Typically, you’ll want to apply your scent to two (sometimes more) of these pulse points.

Why is that the case, though? Why can’t we just spray a cloud of cologne in the air and walk through it? Why has the effectiveness of that age-old strategy been myth-busted, but the pulse point approach remains?

Here’s everything you need to know about pulse points for cologne.

What Are Pulse Points?

Pulse points are the places on your body where you can feel a pulse. Pretty straightforward, right? This is because the artery is close enough to the surface of your body that you can feel your heart pumping blood through it.

These are places medical professionals could check to make sure your body is functioning normally. There are exactly nine pulse points on your body, including but not limited to your foot, the temples of your head, two places on your neck, and your inner wrist, which most people know about.

I know you didn’t come here for a science lesson. But, that little bit of background will make the fact fragrance placement is centered around pulse points make a lot more sense.

So, let’s get into that right now!

Why Are Pulse Points Important for Cologne?

It’s best to apply cologne on your pulse points simply because they’re particularly warm spots on your body. The close contact with contracting blood brings this very important warmth, which diffuses the fragrance, making it far more effective and long-lasting. 

If your body were a garden, and a spray of cologne was a seed, the pulse points would be the equivalent of really good topsoil.

As we mention in our how to apply cologne guide, you want to spray select pulse points from three to six inches away. You want to use anywhere from one to four spritzes, depending on how strong it is (parfum or eau de parfum is particularly strong), and you want to be gentle with non-spray bottles.

After all, you don’t want a perfume spill on these effectively diffusing pulse points.

The Best Pulse Points for Cologne

For everyday cologne usage, you want to put cologne on your neck area because there are pulse points to each side of your throat. Then you want also to spritz your inner wrist or even your chest. This combination should have you covered for, say, a day at the office.

If you’re going out to a lounge or bar or even on a date, I also recommend applying to the area behind your ear. The temple is a bit too close for comfort.

By adding fragrance in this area, though, you up the scent’s strength subtly overall, and you give people a nice sophisticated whiff when they get close to your face. 

And this isn’t just in the romantic sense either. Perhaps you hug relatives and friends, or maybe you have European friends that do light cheek kisses. 

Another example is someone getting closer to you so you can hear them in a noisy atmosphere. You’ll be able to figuratively tap their noses with a pleasant aroma for just a second during the interaction.

Again, it’s really important to consider how strong the cologne is. By the way, we recently rounded up some great unisex fragrances. Check it out when you have a moment!

It’s also important to start small when you’re applying to more places. Again, you don’t want to overdo it. Ask a trusted friend how intense your cologne is. 

As we mention in the application guide, you can definitely go nose blind with reapplications. And your experience with the scent will be different than the experience of those around you.

Uncommon Pulse Points for Cologne (And When You Should Use Them)

You could consider placing cologne inside your elbow and the back of your knee. 

I’d say apply to the elbow if you want to level up the scent in similar prior-mentioned contexts, like dates or nights out. 

The back of the knee is a good place to apply cologne when you’re wearing shorts or spending time outdoors. Unlike in a closed space, there’s room for the scent to travel. So, adding more could be beneficial. 

Relatedly, this might sound weird, but feel free to do a light spritz on the top of your foot if you’re at the beach or wearing really low-profile boat shoes. Again, reserve these extra pulse point applications for outdoor situations.

Personally, when I head to the beach, I’ll apply cologne to literally all of these spots. But, I stick to one light spritz of light and dry scent and fully avoid reapplications.

Conclusion: Other Things To Consider

I just want to reiterate that the more pulse points you’re hitting, the less you need. You’ll also want to use a lighter scent.

Keep in mind that the cologne you wear to work should be more subtle than the one you wear to, say, a nightclub. Even if you stick to one signature scent, you’ll use less at the office and more at a club. And, of course, there are variations to consider for everything in between, but when in doubt, less is more.

Also, if you have oilier skin, the scent will cling to you longer and stronger than if you have dry skin. That being the case, use more if your skin is on the dryer side and less if it’s oilier.

Where are your favorite places to apply cologne? Let me know in the comments!