The Art Of Wearing Fragrance Oil

Perfume oils are a great way to smell good and can be applied in a few different ways. They are more concentrated than spray perfumes, so a little goes a long way. You can apply them directly to your skin, especially your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, inner elbow, and behind your ears. You can also put them on your clothes by first putting some on your palms and then gently stroking your clothes. It's best not to rub perfume oils in, as this can dull the top notes, but you can gently rub a little onto your clothing or hair. Perfume oils are perfect for wearing scents in an office or other subtle settings, and you can always reapply if the scent starts to fade.

Where to apply fragrance oil

There are several places where fragrance oil can be applied to the body. One of the most popular spots is the wrists, as the constant movement of the arms creates a sense of movement in the fragrance. Another common area is the inner elbows, which help to obscure the smell in the bends of the arms, making it a perfect pulse point for those who have to wash their hands frequently.

For a sense of intimacy, fragrance oils can be applied to the collarbones. Meanwhile, applying fragrance oil to the neck and behind the ears creates a sense of diffusion when the wearer is on the move. The area behind the knees is another pulse point, as it is warmer and softer, projecting the scent with every crossing and uncrossing of the legs, making it ideal for summer.

Other places to apply fragrance oil include the jawline, behind the earlobes, the tips of a beard, and the ends of the hair. It can also be applied to clothing by gently stroking oiled palms over the fabric.

How much to apply

The amount of fragrance oil you should apply depends on the type of oil you have and where you want to apply it.

If you are applying fragrance oil directly to your skin, a little goes a long way. You only need a couple of drops for each area of your skin. Apply the oil to your body's pulse points—the spots where you can feel your heartbeat and that tend to be the warmest. These include your wrists, inner elbows, the back of your knees, and behind your ears. You can also apply fragrance oil to your collarbones, neck, jawline, beard, or hair.

If you are applying fragrance oil to your clothing, the traditional way to do so is to first apply the oil to your wrists or palms. Then, gently rub your wrists together and glide them over your clothing to distribute the fragrance. This method can reduce the chances of staining your clothing.

Applying oil to clothing

Applying fragrance oils to your clothing is a great way to enhance the diffusion of the scent and make it last longer. Here are some detailed instructions on how to apply fragrance oil to your clothes:

Traditional Method:

The traditional way of applying perfume oil to clothing involves using the roller head of the perfume bottle or an applicator stick. First, place one or more drops of the perfume oil into the palm of your hand or inner wrist. Gently rub your palms together to distribute the oil. Then, transfer the oil to your clothes by gently stroking your palms over the desired area. This method prevents staining and ensures that the scent is spread over a large area of the garment. However, it is important to test the oil on a small, hidden area first if you are applying it to light-coloured clothing or sensitive fabrics such as silk, especially if the oil is dark in colour.

Direct Application:

For direct application, use a roller bottle to apply a few swipes of the perfume oil to the inner seam line of your garment. Then, gently dab the oil to spread it evenly and prevent staining. Applying perfume oil in this way ensures that the scent lasts longer and projects strongly.

Pulse Points:

Applying perfume oil to your pulse points is another effective method. These areas emit heat, helping to diffuse the fragrance over time. Focus on the front of the shoulder or the outline of the axilla, as well as other traditional pulse points such as the wrists, collarbones, inner elbows, and behind the knees.

Hair and Beard:

You can also apply perfume oil to your hair or beard. This adds a subtle fragrance and enhances shine without drying out your hair, which is a common issue with alcohol-based perfumes. The hair holds the scent for a long time, providing a pleasant fragrance around you.

Remember, when applying perfume oil to clothing, always exercise caution to avoid staining or damaging sensitive fabrics. Less is more, and you can always add more oil if needed.

How to store fragrance oil

Storing fragrance oils correctly is essential to maintaining their quality and integrity. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store fragrance oils:

• Avoid Prolonged Exposure to Light: Fragrance oils should be stored in a cool, dark location, especially if they are not going to be used immediately. Keep them away from direct sunlight and UV rays, as these can be damaging.
• Use Amber Glass Containers: For prolonged storage, amber glass containers are recommended to minimise potential damage to the oil's composition. Fragrance oils can dissolve plastic over time, compromising the integrity of the oil.
• Minimise Exposure to Oxygen: Ensure lids are tightly fastened when storing fragrance oils. Oxygen can alter the chemical substance of the oils through a process called oxidation, causing permanent separation of volatile components.
• Reduce Headspace: Do not keep bottles partially full. Transfer oils to smaller bottles to reduce the empty space, or "headspace," inside the bottle. This helps to prolong shelf life by minimising the oil's exposure to oxygen.
• Tighten Bottle Caps: Keep bottle caps screwed on tightly, but avoid over-tightening, as this could break the seal and allow oxygen in.
• Store in a Cool, Dry Location: In addition to keeping them away from light and oxygen, store fragrance oils in a room that is cool and dry.
• Maintain Integrity: Avoid direct contact with the oil by pouring or measuring the required amount into a separate container before use. This helps to maintain the integrity of the remaining oil.
• Record Purchase Date and Shelf Life: Keep track of when you purchased the oil and its expected shelf life. This can be done by writing the information on the label or using small circular labels adhered to the bottle cap.
• Keep Away from Children: Fragrance oils can be dangerous if ingested, so always keep them out of the reach of children.
• Be Mindful of Flammability: Fragrance oils are flammable, so store them away from potential hazards.

How often to reapply

How often you should reapply fragrance oils depends on the scent, your skin, and your personal preference.

Fragrance oils are much stronger than eau de parfums or eau de toilettes and should be used sparingly. Just a few drops of the concentrated oil are enough to create a beautiful fragrance that will last longer than perfumes that are sprayed.

If you are applying fragrance oil directly to your skin, it is recommended to apply it to your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, collarbones, inner elbows, and behind your knees. These areas will project the scent as you move throughout the day. You can also apply fragrance oils to your hair or beard.

Some people choose to reapply fragrance oil once or twice throughout the day, especially if they are going out in the evening. Others find that their fragrance oil lasts for 8-9 hours and do not feel the need to reapply. It is important to be discreet when reapplying fragrance oil and to be careful not to apply too much, as this can be overwhelming for yourself and others.

If you are applying fragrance oil to your clothing, take into consideration the fabric and colour. Test a small amount of the oil on a non-visible area first, especially if you are using a dark-coloured oil on light-coloured clothing. Gently stroke the oil onto your clothing rather than rubbing it in to avoid staining.

Frequently asked questions