Antonio Mcgowan
While perfumes are not inherently harmful, they can be, depending on the area of application. The right spots to apply perfumes are often the ones we would have never thought of. The key to keeping your perfume pleasant is to diffuse it all over, rather than concentrating it in one area. The pulse points on your body, such as the wrists, neck, cleavage, and behind the knees, are where your body emits heat, helping those fragrance notes develop quicker. However, it is advised not to rub perfume into the skin, as the friction created by rubbing can heat up the skin, changing the course of the scent. It is also recommended to avoid spraying perfume on clothing, as it may discolour it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How far to hold the perfume bottle from the skin | About five inches, according to senior perfumer Jacques Huclier |
| How much perfume to apply | Two or three spritzes are enough, according to Jacques Huclier |
| Where to apply perfume | Pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, cleavage, behind the ears, and behind the knees |
| Application technique | Avoid rubbing perfume into the skin, as this can alter the scent. Instead, spray or dab it onto the skin |
| Skin type | Perfume evaporates quickly on dry skin, so it may be beneficial to apply it over a light coat of unscented lotion or Vaseline |
| Storage | Perfume is sensitive to environmental changes, so it should not be stored in a steamy bathroom |
| Application to clothing | Applying perfume to clothing can be a way to prolong the scent, but it may discolor certain fabrics |
| Alternative application methods | For sensitive skin, spritzing perfume on a hairbrush or using a biodegradable fragrance to create a cloud to walk through are options |
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What You'll Learn
How to apply perfume: spritz, don't rub
Applying perfume seems simple: a spritz here, a dab there, and you're out the door. But, according to experts, there's more to it if you want to make the most of your scent.
The first step is to know where to spritz. The pulse points on your body—the wrists, neck, and cleavage—are where your body emits heat, which helps fragrance notes develop quicker. Other spots you can spritz are behind the knees, the collarbone, and your hair. However, be careful with hair, as alcohol-based formulas can dry out your strands. Instead, opt for pure perfume oils or water-based formulas.
When applying perfume to your skin, spritz from about five inches away. If you spray too close, it can lead to an unpleasant flow of liquid. After you get used to a new perfume, two or three spritzes are enough to make it last.
Once you've spritzed, avoid the temptation to rub your wrists together. This is a common habit, but experts say it's "very bad." Friction from rubbing your wrists together heats up the skin, producing natural enzymes that can alter the course of the scent, particularly the middle and top notes, along with the dry-down, or the last and longest period of your fragrance's unfolding. Instead, let the scent soak into your skin.
If you're in a hot climate, avoid applying scent directly to your body. As you sweat, natural skin oils can destroy your perfume faster. Instead, lightly mist your hair, scarf, or sarong to leave a lasting impression.
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Pulse points: where to spritz for best results
Pulse points are areas on the body where blood vessels are closest to the skin's surface, emitting heat that amplifies and projects fragrances. The heat helps the fragrance radiate slowly and evenly, intensifying the scent and allowing it to evolve throughout the day.
Wrists
The wrists are a well-known and classic pulse point. The warmth from your wrists keeps the scent alive, and they offer a perfect way to distribute your scent to other pulse points. Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume, as this can break down fragrance molecules and cause the scent to fade faster.
Neck
The neck is one of the most popular pulse points for perfume application. The carotid artery runs close to the skin here, making it an ideal spot for heat emission. A few spritzes on either side of your neck will allow your fragrance to radiate throughout the day.
Behind the Ears
This pulse point is ideal for intimate moments, such as dates or special occasions, as the scent lingers around your face. The warmth here enhances diffusion, and since this area is close to your hair, it adds a touch of fragrance to your hairline.
Inner Elbows
The inner elbows are highly effective pulse points that are often overlooked. Like the wrists, this area emits heat that amplifies your fragrance's strength. A light spritz here can ensure your scent lasts throughout the day.
Behind the Knees
This pulse point is excellent, especially during warmer months when you're wearing shorts or lighter clothing. The heat from this area will help project the scent upwards as you move.
In addition to these pulse points, you can also spritz a bit of perfume into your hair, on your chest, or even your clothes to make your scent last longer. However, be cautious when spraying on clothing, as some perfumes may stain or discolour certain fabrics.
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Skin type: dry skin, sensitive skin, and natural oils
Dry skin
Perfume doesn't last long on dry skin as the molecules don't "cling" to it as well as oilier skin. To make perfume last longer, you can moisturize the area with an unscented lotion or body oil, or use a small amount of Vaseline on your wrists and behind your ears before spritzing. You can also use a scented body lotion from the same fragrance line as your perfume.
Sensitive skin
Fragrance is the most common allergen, and fragrance sensitivity can lead to reactions such as headaches, sneezing, and skin irritation. If you have sensitive skin, opt for milder scents and lower concentrations of fragrance oil in your dilutions. Look for perfumes labelled as hypoallergenic or designed for sensitive skin, as these typically contain fewer common allergens and synthetic fragrances. Natural ingredients and essential oils are also less likely to cause irritation. Always do a patch test before purchasing a new perfume and select lighter, fresher scents over heavy, musky fragrances.
Natural oils
Fragrance oils are generally safe for use on the skin if they're properly diluted. This means they need to be combined with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, before application. The natural warmth of your body will help to release the fragrance throughout the day.
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Storage: steamy bathrooms and the fridge
Storing perfume in the bathroom is generally a bad idea. Bathrooms are steamy and humid, with temperature fluctuations from hot showers—the perfect blend for a perfume graveyard. The daily stream of steam from the shower may curb the freshness of your perfume. The kitchen is also off-limits for similar reasons: it may get very hot during cooking.
Instead, store your perfume in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature, like a closet or cupboard outside of the bathroom. A hallway closet is a good option, as is a dresser drawer. The original box can also help to increase the life of a scent, so consider keeping the perfume in its box inside the closet.
Some people opt to store their perfume in the fridge to protect fragrance compounds from damage and extend the life of their favourite scent. The cold temperatures can help to stabilise the compounds and prevent oxidation, keeping the fragrance fresh and vibrant for longer. However, others argue that the temperature in a standard fridge fluctuates too drastically, which can be bad for the perfumes. If you do choose to store your perfume in the fridge, ensure it is not cold enough to freeze the liquid inside the bottle.
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Clothing: spraying perfume on fabrics
While many people spray perfume directly onto their skin, it can also be applied to clothing and fabric. This can help the scent to linger for longer, especially as some perfumes evaporate quickly from the skin. However, there are a few things to bear in mind when spraying perfume onto fabrics.
Firstly, be cautious with delicate fabrics such as silk or satin, as perfume can stain or damage these materials. It is best to avoid spraying perfume directly onto these fabrics, and instead opt for a light misting of the air and walking into it, which will leave a light layer of perfume on your clothes. This technique is also a good option for people with sensitive skin who wish to avoid applying perfume directly to their skin.
Secondly, it is important to keep a distance of around 6-8 inches when spraying perfume onto fabrics. This will help to avoid concentrated spots or damp patches on the fabric. It is also a good idea to test the perfume on a small, hidden area of the fabric first, to check for any staining or discolouration, especially on lighter clothing.
Thirdly, some people recommend using different types of perfume for skin and fabrics. For example, one source suggests using EDP (Eau de Parfum) on fabric only, as it has a high percentage of alcohol, while using EDT (Eau de Toilette) on skin only, as it is intended for a shorter period of wear. Cologne, on the other hand, can be used on both skin and fabric.
Finally, it is worth noting that fragrance interacts with fabrics differently than with skin, so the scent may be lighter or slightly different when sprayed onto clothing. However, this can also be an advantage, as it allows you to experiment with different fragrances and find ones that work well with your body heat.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can put perfume directly on your skin. In fact, perfumers and fragrance experts suggest that the skin is the perfect medium for perfume oils to attach to.
The pulse points on your body—the wrists, neck, cleavage, and behind the ears—are good places to apply perfume because these spots emanate heat, which helps fragrance project from your skin into the air around you. Other spots you can spray include behind the knees, collarbone, calves, ankles, midriff, and belly button.
Avoid rubbing perfume into your skin as this can change the course of the scent. Instead, spray perfume about five inches from the skin and let it sit.
If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid applying perfume directly to your skin to prevent irritation or an allergic reaction. You can try applying perfume to your underclothes, hairbrush, or hair instead.
