Why You Should Never Rub Fragrance On Your Skin

There are many different opinions on whether you should rub fragrance into your skin or not. Some people believe that rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume can destroy the molecules in the fragrance, changing the scent. Others argue that this is nonsense, as we also 'crush the molecules' when we apply perfumed lotion. However, it is generally agreed that rubbing fragrance into the skin is unnecessary, as modern perfumes all have sprayers. Instead, it is recommended to let the scent soak into your skin, or to lightly dab your wrists together or to other pulse points.

You don't need to rub fragrance in as it has no effect on the scent

The tradition of rubbing perfume into the skin comes from a time when women's perfumes often came in bottles without sprayers. As they were also very strong, women would put a drop on one wrist and rub it onto the other wrist or their neck to spread the scent. However, nowadays, perfumes all have sprayers, so this is no longer necessary.

If you're in a hurry, don't be tempted to spray perfume onto your clothes. Even a quick spritz may damage clothing, leaving stains, and the scent won't last. Instead, let the scent soak into your skin, or lightly dab your wrists together or to other pulse points.

Some fragrances may seem to bloom if you rub them in a bit, and the top notes may last longer. However, this is not necessary, and the scent will still smell just as good if you don't rub it in.

Rubbing perfume can damage the molecules and alter the smell

It is generally recommended that you don't rub perfume into your skin. This is because rubbing can damage the molecules in the perfume, which can alter the smell.

One source says that the tradition of rubbing perfume into the skin comes from a time when women's perfumes often came in bottles without sprayers. As they were also often very strong, women would put a drop on one wrist and rub it onto the other wrist or the neck to spread the scent. However, nowadays, perfumes usually come with sprayers, so this is no longer necessary.

Another source says that while rubbing perfume won't drastically change the scent, it can make it last longer. They recommend applying perfume to the wrists, inner elbow (if uncovered), and behind the ear. It's important to avoid putting it somewhere that will be covered up, as this can prevent the scent from being released.

It's worth noting that some people dispute the idea that rubbing perfume can crush the molecules and alter the smell. They argue that if this were the case, we would also be told not to rub in perfumed lotion. However, the general consensus seems to be that it's best to avoid rubbing perfume, as it can affect the way the scent develops and how long it lasts.

It's best to apply perfume to your skin, not your clothes

Applying perfume to your skin allows the fragrance to meld with your body chemistry, creating a more intimate and personalised scent. The warmth of your skin helps to diffuse the fragrance more gradually, and the oils in your skin hold the scent better, especially with Eau de Parfum. This means that the scent will last longer, and you'll smell good from morning to night.

When you spray perfume directly onto your skin, it tends to absorb better and provide a more balanced sillage (the trail of scent left behind). However, it's important to note that if you're in a hurry, you shouldn't be tempted to spray perfume onto your clothes. Even a quick spritz may damage clothing, leaving stains, and the scent won't last as long.

Some people believe that rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume can destroy the molecules in the fragrance, altering the scent. However, others disagree, stating that rubbing has no effect on the fragrance and that there is nothing wrong with it. Ultimately, the choice of where to apply perfume is a personal one, and you should wear it wherever you feel most comfortable.

Dabbing your wrists together or onto pulse points is a good alternative to rubbing

It is generally recommended that you don't rub fragrance into your skin, but instead dab your wrists together or onto pulse points. This is because rubbing can destroy the molecules in the perfume, which can change the scent. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule, and some people find that rubbing their wrists together helps the fragrance to bloom and the top notes to last longer.

If you're in a hurry, it's important to note that you should avoid spraying perfume directly onto your clothes. This can damage the fabric and leave stains, and the scent won't last as long. Instead, let the perfume dry completely before putting on your clothes, especially if they will cover the pulse points where you've applied your fragrance.

Overall, dabbing your wrists together or onto pulse points is a simple and effective way to apply fragrance without altering the scent or damaging your clothing.

If you do rub, it won't make a drastic change to the scent

While some people believe that rubbing perfume into the skin can destroy the molecules in the fragrance, changing the scent, others disagree. They argue that rubbing perfume into the skin won't make a drastic change to the scent. However, it is generally recommended to let the scent soak into your skin instead, or to lightly dab your wrists together or dab your wrists to other pulse points. This is because perfume can stain clothing and the scent won't last as long if you spray it directly onto your clothes.

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