Lance Carson
Applying perfume is an art, and there are several ways to ensure your scent lasts all day. The key is in the application process, and there are many common mistakes to avoid. For example, spraying perfume on your wrists and then rubbing them together is a widely accepted practice, but it can dull the scent and shortchange its lifespan. Instead, perfume should be applied to the pulse points, which are the warm and moist areas where veins are closest to the skin, like the neck, wrists, inner elbows, and behind the knees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to apply | Spray on pulse points, including the neck, wrists, inner elbows, knees, and belly button |
| How not to apply | Avoid rubbing wrists together after application, as this can break down the top notes of the perfume and change the scent |
| Where to store | Keep perfume in a cool, dry, dark place, such as a closet or drawer, to prevent chemical reactions and maintain freshness |
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What You'll Learn
Moisturise skin first
Moisturising your skin before applying perfume can help the scent last longer. This is because perfume evaporates quickly when applied to dry skin. By applying an unscented moisturiser or body lotion before your fragrance, you can prevent olfactory interference and ensure the scent has something to cling to.
Michelle Feeney, Founder of Floral Street, recommends moisturising well before applying perfume, especially during the winter months when skin is drier. She notes that layering perfume with a corresponding moisturiser can boost its lasting power. Similarly, iconic brands like Chanel, Jo Malone, and Le Labo offer body washes and lotions infused with their perfumes, allowing you to double up on the scent.
If you want to use a scented moisturiser, you can experiment with different combinations, such as layering a vanilla-scented moisturiser with your signature perfume to create a unique aroma. However, if you want your chosen perfume to be the dominant scent, opt for an unscented lotion to avoid disrupting the delicate balance of notes.
Applying a non-scented body lotion or moisturiser before your perfume can help the fragrance last throughout the day. This is especially useful if you have dry skin, as fragrances tend to disappear quicker on drier skin. By moisturising first, you provide a good base for the perfume to cling to, enhancing its longevity.
In addition to moisturising, remember to apply perfume to your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, inner elbows, and knees. These areas are warmer and help to diffuse the fragrance, making it last longer.
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Pulse points
Other pulse points include the neck, chin, collarbones, chest, shoulder blades, behind the ears, and the belly button. Applying perfume to the pulse points on the neck and collarbones is a good way to smell your perfume yourself, while applying it behind the ears is a good option if you want people you hug or spend time with up close to enjoy your perfume.
It is recommended to avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume, as this can break down the top notes of the perfume and change the way the scent develops on your skin. Instead, spritz both wrists lightly and let the liquid sink in.
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Don't rub wrists together
Rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume is a common habit, but it's not the best way to apply fragrance. This seemingly harmless action can actually affect how your perfume smells and how long it lasts.
The wrists are considered a pulse point, an area where the blood vessels are close to the skin's surface, creating extra heat. The heat enhances the fragrance and makes it last longer. However, the friction caused by rubbing your wrists together can break down the top notes or lighter scents in the fragrance, changing the way the scent develops on your skin. Top notes are the most delicate molecules in the mix and usually the reason you chose the perfume in the first place, so by getting rid of them right away, you're not getting the most out of your perfume.
So, what should you do instead? Simply spritz both wrists lightly, let the liquid sink in, and then do nothing. This will preserve the integrity of your fragrance and ensure it lasts longer on your skin.
If you want to distribute the scent to other areas of your body, like your neck or behind your ears, it's better to lightly dab your wrists together and then apply the perfume to those areas, rather than rubbing your wrists together vigorously.
By avoiding the wrist-rubbing habit and applying perfume to your pulse points, you can make the most of your favourite fragrance and enjoy its intended scent throughout the day.
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Spray clothing
While many sources recommend applying perfume directly to the skin, it is also possible to spray it onto clothing.
If you want to spray perfume on your clothes, it is recommended that you do so before you put them on. This way, you can ensure an even mist and avoid over-saturating one area. You should also be mindful of the fabric you are spraying, as perfume oils can stain certain materials, such as silk. Natural fabrics like wool, cashmere, and linen are better at absorbing perfume and are less likely to stain.
If you are going to be out in the sun, it is advised to avoid spraying perfume directly on the skin, as some natural ingredients, including citrus fruits, can cause stains. In this case, it is better to spray your clothes, but be mindful of the dosage, as too much perfume can be overpowering to those around you.
Spraying perfume on clothing can result in a different olfactory experience, as the fabric may only catch some parts of the perfume and not the entire accord. This can lead to a more powdery scent. Additionally, the perfume may not last as long on clothes as it would on the skin, especially if the fabric is washed frequently.
If you are looking for a more natural scent that is not too overpowering, spraying perfume down your back can be a good option, as this area is usually covered by clothing.
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Store correctly
Storing perfume correctly is essential to maintain its scent, quality, and longevity. Perfumes are delicate, and the fragrance oils, essential oils, and alcohols can easily break down, causing the scent to change or disappear. Exposure to heat, light, and fluctuating temperatures can degrade the quality of perfumes over time. Therefore, it is important to store perfume in a cool, dark, and dry place.
The ideal place to store perfume is a dry, dark area, away from direct sunlight. A linen closet, drawer, or cabinet works well. Keeping perfume in its original box between uses provides added protection against environmental factors that can compromise its quality. The original packaging of perfumes is designed to protect the fragrance from external elements, including light exposure and temperature changes.
It is best to avoid storing perfume in the bathroom, as the humidity from the shower or bath can cause the more delicate ingredients to oxidize, altering the scent and colour. Similarly, sunlight and high temperatures can break down the essential oils within the formula, weakening the fragrance.
To further preserve the integrity of the perfume, ensure a tight seal on the bottle to prevent air from entering and oxidizing the fragrance. Oxygen exposure can lead to the breakdown of aromatic molecules, resulting in an altered scent. Always close the bottle tightly after each use and double-check that the cap is secure to minimize air contact.
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Frequently asked questions
Directly on the skin, on your pulse points. These include your wrists, neck, elbows, knees, and collarbones.
Yes, applying a non-scented body lotion or moisturizer before spraying cologne or perfume can help the fragrance last throughout the day.
It is generally advised to avoid spraying perfume directly on clothes as it might stain them. However, if you want to spray your clothes, do it before you put them on to avoid concentrating the spray in one area.
Hold the perfume bottle about 5 to 7 inches (13 to 18 cm) away from your skin when spraying.
The best time to apply perfume is right after a shower or bath when your skin is still warm and your pores are open.
