Heidi Norton
Applying perfume is an art, and there is a right and a wrong way to do it. The key to keeping your perfume pleasant and not overpowering is to diffuse it all over, rather than concentrating it in one area. The best time to apply perfume is right after a shower when your skin is dried off but still warm. This is because perfume absorbs better into warm skin with open pores. You can also apply a light coat of unscented body lotion or Vaseline before spraying your perfume to make the scent last longer. When applying, choose a couple of pulse points, which are areas where your veins sit closest to your skin, like the inside of your wrists, inner elbows, below your belly button, behind your earlobes, and the back of your knees. These warm spots emit extra body heat, helping to diffuse the scent.
How to Apply Liquid Perfume
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | Pulse points: wrists, neck, collarbone, behind the knees, inner elbows, below the belly button, back of the neck, ankles, calves, and hair |
| How to apply | Spray, dab, or roll-on |
| How much to apply | Two to three spritzes are enough |
| When to apply | Post-shower, when the skin is dried off but still warm |
| Skin preparation | Apply a light coat of unscented body lotion or Vaseline to prevent evaporation |
| Clothing application | Spray perfume on clothes from a safe distance to avoid staining |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry place, away from steam and direct sunlight |
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Pulse points
Wrists
The wrists are perhaps the most well-known and popular place to apply perfume. They offer a perfect way to distribute your scent to other pulse points. Avoid rubbing your wrists together after application, as this can break down the top notes of the perfume and affect how the scent develops on your skin.
Neck
The side of the neck is one of the more powerful pulse points, thanks to the carotid artery. Applying perfume here can create a lasting scent as it is frequently exposed to the air. The area behind the ear is also a pulse point and an effective place to apply perfume, as it ensures the scent winds up in your hair.
Elbow creases
The inside of the elbows is another pulse point. The natural movement of your arms helps the fragrance to diffuse continuously throughout the day.
Behind the knees
This pulse point is useful, especially when wearing skirts or shorts. This area retains heat, helping to maintain the fragrance's trail.
Temples
The temples, located on the outer edges of each eye, are also considered pulse points.
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Skin preparation
Secondly, dry skin can cause perfume to evaporate quickly, so it is advisable to spritz the perfume over a light coat of unscented body lotion or a touch of Vaseline (i.e. petroleum jelly). These moisturisers will not only keep your skin soft but also provide a better surface for the scent molecules to bind to, making your perfume's scent last longer.
Thirdly, if you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, it is recommended to check with your dermatologist before applying perfume as fragrance is a common allergen.
Lastly, if you plan to apply perfume to your clothes, it is important to be mindful of the clothing's composition. While perfume can be applied to most fabrics, it is best to avoid materials like silk, which can be easily stained by perfume oils.
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Storing perfume
Avoid storing perfumes 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 that alter the structure of the scent.
It is best to keep perfume bottles closed when not in use, as exposure to oxygen can cause oxidation and dilute the scent, leading to fading over time. To further protect your perfume from light exposure and oxygen, you can store the bottle inside its original packaging or an airtight bag. This ensures that minimal light and oxygen reach the bottle, preserving the fragrance for longer.
While some people suggest storing perfumes in the fridge for longevity, this may not be practical or effective for everyone. Chilling fragrances can potentially break down scent molecules and cause them to lose their depth. Unless you live in an extremely hot climate, there is usually no need to store perfumes in the fridge.
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Application technique
The best time to apply perfume is after a shower when your skin is dried off but still warm. The warmth of your skin will help the perfume unravel and express its scent.
When applying, hold the bottle about five to seven inches away from your skin and spritz lightly onto your wrists. Avoid rubbing your wrists together as this can affect the integrity of the scent and cause it to disappear faster. Instead, gently dab the perfume onto your pulse points. Pulse points are areas where your veins sit closest to the skin, such as the inside of your wrists, inner elbows, below your belly button, behind your earlobes, the sides of your neck, and the back of your knees. These warm spots emit extra body heat, helping to diffuse the scent and make it last longer.
If you want to apply perfume to your hair, spray it onto your brush first and then run it through your hair to avoid drying it out.
You can also spritz perfume onto your clothes, but be cautious as it may stain certain fabrics such as silk. Instead, opt for washable fabrics and wave the item in the mist for even coverage.
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How much to apply
The amount of perfume you apply depends on the strength of the scent and your personal preference. However, there are some general guidelines to follow to ensure you don't apply too much or too little.
Firstly, it's important to select areas of the body that are naturally warm, as this helps the fragrance to develop and diffuse across your body. These areas, known as pulse points, include the insides of the elbows, back of the knees, neck, wrists, collarbone, and chest. The belly button is also a pulse point, and applying a small amount of fragrance here can be a nice touch, especially if you're wearing a crop top or bikini.
When applying perfume to your pulse points, it's best to hold the bottle about five inches away from your skin and spritz or dab lightly. Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume, as this can cause the scent to disappear faster. Instead, let the liquid sink into your skin. Two to three spritzes are usually enough to make the fragrance last, but if you're using a very light and floral scent, you may need to spray twice.
While it's tempting to spray your perfume all over, this can be overwhelming for others and may not be the best way to make your fragrance last. Instead, try the "spritz and step" method: spray your perfume in front of you, then walk through it. This will leave a light layer on your clothes without overdoing it. You can also spritz a little perfume onto your hair or clothing, but be cautious as this can stain or discolour certain fabrics, especially silk.
Applying perfume to warm, moist skin can help it to last longer. Try applying it post-shower when your skin is dried off but still warm. You can also spritz it over a light coat of unscented body lotion or a touch of Vaseline, as this gives the perfume oils something to grasp onto, making the scent last longer.
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Frequently asked questions
Focus on 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, the back of your knees, and your collarbone. These warm spots on your body emit extra body heat, which helps to diffuse the scent.
Avoid rubbing perfume into your skin as this can affect the course of the scent. Instead, spritz or dab it on your pulse points and let it sink in. You can also spritz perfume onto your hair or clothes, but be aware that it may discolour certain fabrics.
The best time to apply perfume is after a shower when your skin is dried off but still warm. This allows the perfume to absorb better into the skin.
