Lance Carson
Applying perfume is an art and a science. Where you spray it on your body, how much you spritz on, and where you store it can all impact how long the scent will linger on your skin and in the bottle. The key to keeping your perfume pleasant but not overpowering is to diffuse it all over, rather than concentrating it in one area. The best spots to apply perfume are your pulse points, which are the points that are warm and moist because your veins are closest to the skin. These include the inside of your wrists, inner elbows, below your belly button, behind your earlobes, and the back of your knees.
How to apply perfume:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Skin preparation | Shower or bathe, then dry skin completely |
| Skin type | Warm, soft, and hydrated |
| Moisturizer | Apply an unscented body lotion or moisturizer first |
| Pulse points | Wrists, inner elbows, neck, collarbones, behind the ears, behind the knees, below the belly button |
| Application technique | Spray, spritz, or dab (don't rub) |
| Dosage | One spritz per pulse point |
| Clothing | Apply perfume before getting dressed to avoid stains |
| Hair | Avoid using an eau de toilette in your hair; opt for a non-alcohol-based scent |
| Storage | Keep perfume in a cool, dark, and dry place |
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What You'll Learn
Pulse points
When applying perfume to your pulse points, spritz or dab it on—don't rub. This is because rubbing can break down the top notes of the perfume and affect the way the scent develops on your skin.
You can also apply perfume to your hair and clothes, which can help to make the scent linger. However, be cautious of the alcohol content of your perfume, as this could damage and dry out your hair. Similarly, be wary of spraying perfume on clothing, as it might discolour it.
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Moisturising first
Moisturising your skin before applying perfume can help the scent to last longer. This is because perfume evaporates more quickly on dry skin. By applying an unscented moisturiser or body lotion first, you can ensure that your skin is soft and hydrated, providing the perfect base for your fragrance.
There are several different types of moisturisers that can be used as a base for perfume. Petroleum jelly, for example, is an effective option as it has a similar moisturising effect to body lotion, but also helps to lock in the fragrance throughout the day. Alternatively, you could use a moisturising body oil, which has the added benefit of enhancing the scent of the perfume.
When applying moisturiser before your perfume, it is important to focus on your pulse points. These are areas where your veins sit closest to the skin, such as the inside of your wrists, inner elbows, neck, collarbones, and behind your earlobes. These warm spots on your body emit extra body heat, which helps to diffuse the scent.
After moisturising, remember to let your skin dry before applying your perfume. This will ensure that the fragrance absorbs effectively into your skin.
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Storing perfume
Avoid storing perfume in the bathroom, as the humidity and temperature variations can accelerate deterioration. High temperatures can cause the chemical composition of perfumes to break down, leading to alterations in scent and potential spoilage. Moisture and water can also cause damage to perfumes, as they can cause chemical reactions to occur and break down the structure of the scent, altering the smell.
It is best to keep perfume bottles closed when not in use, as exposure to oxygen can cause the fragrance to become oxidized and diluted over time. To further protect the perfume from light and oxygen exposure, consider storing the bottle in its original packaging or an airtight bag. Additionally, avoid shaking the bottle excessively, as this can introduce air bubbles and alter the composition of the fragrance.
While some people suggest storing perfume in the fridge, this may not be necessary unless you live in an extremely hot climate. The cold temperature of a fridge can potentially soil a perfume's delicate chemical balance, so it is generally recommended to store perfume at room temperature.
Overall, by following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your favourite fragrances remain fresh and captivating for an extended period.
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How much to spritz
The amount of perfume you spritz on your skin can make a big difference in how long the scent lasts and how it smells on you. It's important to remember that less is more when it comes to fragrance. Start by applying a small amount to one area of your body, and then add more if needed.
The best spots to apply perfume are your pulse points, which are areas where your veins sit closest to your skin, and you can feel your pulse. These include the inside of your wrists, inner elbows, below your belly button, behind your earlobes, and the back of your knees. These warm spots on your body emit extra body heat, which helps to diffuse the scent.
When applying perfume to your pulse points, spritz or dab it on—don't rub it in. This is because rubbing perfume into your skin can cause the fragrance's top notes to fade and evaporate before they can settle. You want your perfume to slowly mix with your skin's natural oils, which is what makes your scent last and can make the same scent smell slightly different from person to person.
In terms of how much to spritz, a little goes a long way, especially with concentrated perfume oils. Hold the bottle 5 to 7 inches (13 to 18 cm) away from your skin to avoid overdoing it. You can always add more if you feel like it's too subtle.
If you want to leave a scent trail as you move, you can also spritz your perfume on your hairbrush before brushing your hair. This will distribute the scent evenly and avoid drying out your hair fibres.
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Applying to clothes
Applying perfume to your clothes is a great way to make your fragrance last longer, as fabrics tend to hold onto scents better than skin. It's also a good way to avoid the scent changing throughout the day due to your body's heat and natural oils.
However, it's important to note that perfume can stain or discolour certain fabrics, especially delicate ones like silk and satin. If you're going to apply perfume to your clothes, opt for resilient fabrics like cotton, wool, or synthetic blends. It's also a good idea to spray from a distance of 10-15 cm to avoid concentrated stains and an overly strong scent.
If you're concerned about stains, a safer alternative is to apply perfume to your skin before putting on your clothes. This allows the fragrance to interact with your body's natural chemistry, creating a unique scent that can evolve throughout the day.
Ultimately, the decision of where to apply perfume is a matter of personal preference and the desired effect. Some people prefer to spritz their perfume directly onto their clothes, while others prefer to target their skin's pulse points. In warmer months, focus on applying perfume to your skin's pulse points, such as your neck, wrists, and inner elbows. In colder months, spraying your clothes and scarves can help to combat mustiness.
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Frequently asked questions
Apply perfume to your pulse points, which are areas where your veins sit closest to your skin. This includes the inside of your wrists, inner elbows, below your belly button, behind your earlobes, and the back of your knees. Spray or dab the perfume on these points, but do not rub it in.
Take a shower or bath and dry your skin before applying perfume. Your skin absorbs perfume better when it's warm and dry. Applying an unscented body lotion or moisturizer first can also help the perfume lock onto your skin.
Hold the bottle 5 to 7 inches (13 to 18 cm) away from your skin. This allows you to spray the fragrance directly onto the areas you want without overdoing it.
Avoid using an alcohol-based perfume in your hair as it can dry and damage the strands. If you want to spritz your hair, use a non-alcohol-based scent and spray it onto your comb before brushing your hair.
Yes, you can spritz perfume onto your clothes, especially during the winter to combat mustiness. However, avoid spraying perfume on fabrics that cannot be washed, such as silk, as it may stain.
