Aromatic Blunders: Avoiding Fragrance Faux Pas

There are many ways to wear fragrance, but there are also many ways to get it wrong. From the type of fragrance you choose to where you apply it, wearing perfume or cologne can be a delicate art. Here are some tips to help you avoid common mistakes when wearing fragrance.

Don't wear fragrance in fragrance-free spaces

When choosing a fragrance, it's important to consider the other scents you'll be exposed to. For example, if you use a floral shampoo, try to match your perfume to that scent. This will help create a cohesive fragrance profile. Similarly, when layering fragrances, be mindful of how different scents will interact. A woody, musky fragrance might not mix well with a fruity, floral scent. It's a good idea to test out layered perfumes at home before wearing them in public.

In addition to choosing the right fragrance, it's also important to apply it correctly. Avoid rubbing perfume into your skin, as this can alter the scent. Instead, spritz it lightly on your wrists, let it sink in, and then do nothing. This will help preserve the integrity of the fragrance and make it last longer. If you're in a hot climate, avoid applying scent directly to your body, as this can affect the fragrance.

Finally, avoid spraying perfume in your hair or on your clothes. If you want your clothes to smell nice, use a scented laundry detergent or booster instead.

Don't combine fragrances that clash

When it comes to fragrances, it's important to be mindful of the different scents you're combining. While it's tempting to layer different fragrances, it's crucial to avoid combining fragrances that clash. For example, a woody, musky fragrance might not go well with a fruity, floral scent as the clash could be too intense. It's advisable to try out layered perfumes at home first to ensure they mix well before wearing them out. This consideration should also extend to other beauty products in your routine, such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and laundry detergent. If you want your clothes to smell nice, opt for scented laundry detergent and a booster rather than perfume. Additionally, avoid spraying perfume in your hair.

When applying perfume, there are a few common-sense rules to follow. Firstly, avoid applying perfume to dry skin as it won't last long. Instead, opt for a companion body lotion or an unscented moisturiser to prevent any olfactory interference. Target areas exposed to the air, such as the pulse points of the neck, wrists, and inner elbows. However, if you're in a hot climate, refrain from applying scent directly to your body.

It's also important to note that rubbing perfume into the skin is not recommended. Instead, spritz both wrists lightly, let the liquid sink in, and then do nothing at all. This will help preserve the integrity of your fragrance and ensure it lasts longer on your skin.

Don't apply perfume to your hair

How not to wear fragrance

Perfume is best applied to the pulse points of the neck and wrists or inner elbows, if you're wearing a sleeveless blouse. This is because these areas are exposed to the air and the scent won't be covered up by clothing. However, if you're in a hot climate, it's best not to apply scent directly to your body.

When layering fragrances, be mindful of the combinations you're using. For example, a woody, musky fragrance might not work with a fruity, floral scent as the clash could be too intense. Try out your layered perfumes at home first to make sure they mix well before wearing them in public.

If you want your hair to smell nice, use a scented laundry detergent or a fragrance booster instead of perfume.

Don't rub perfume into the skin

How not to wear fragrance

If you're wearing a sleeveless blouse, target areas exposed to the air. The only exception to this rule is if you're in an intensely hot climate—then it's best not to apply scent directly to your body.

If you want your clothes to smell great, rely on laundry detergent and a scented laundry booster rather than perfume. Another place you should avoid spraying your perfume is in your hair.

Think carefully about the kind of perfume you combine when layering fragrances. For example, you might not want to combine a woody, musky fragrance with a fruity, floral scent because the clash might be too intense. Try out your layered perfumes at home to make sure they mix well before wearing them in public.

Don't cover perfume with clothing

Perfume expert Kurkdjian says that where you put perfume matters. He says that you should "target areas exposed to the air: the pulse points of the neck and the wrists or inner elbows". This is because perfume doesn't last long on dry skin, so you should avoid covering it up with your clothes. If you're wearing a sleeveless blouse, for example, spritz your wrists lightly, let the liquid sink in, and then do nothing at all.

If you're in an intensely hot climate, however, it's best not to apply scent directly to your body. Instead, you can spritz your perfume onto your clothing.

You should also avoid spraying your perfume in your hair. If you want your clothes to smell great, use laundry detergent and a scented laundry booster rather than perfume.

Frequently asked questions