Lance Carson
Knowing how to apply perfume correctly is just as important as choosing the right scent. Common mistakes include spraying too much, rubbing your wrists together, and applying it to the wrong areas of your body. To avoid these pitfalls, it is recommended that you spritz, don't rub, and target pulse points such as the neck, wrists, inner elbows, and collarbone. Applying perfume to your hair and clothes can also help it last longer, although this may discolour certain fabrics.
How to Apply Perfume the Right Way
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of sprays | 2-3 sprays are enough to make the perfume last |
| Spraying technique | Spritz, don't mist |
| Target areas | Pulse points such as the neck, wrists, inner elbows, collarbone, behind the knees, and chest |
| Spraying distance | 6 inches to 20 cm from the skin |
| Skin preparation | Apply unscented body lotion or moisturizer to prevent quick evaporation |
| Clothing | Avoid spraying perfume on clothing as it may discolor it |
| Hair | Spritz perfume on a hairbrush for even application |
| Jewellery | Let the perfume dry before putting on jewellery to avoid tarnishing |
| Environment | Avoid exposing the perfume to extreme temperature changes |
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What You'll Learn
Apply to pulse points
Applying perfume to your pulse points is a great way to make your fragrance last longer and smell more intense. Pulse points are areas where blood flows close to the skin's surface, making them ideal spots for perfume application. These areas are typically warm and moist, allowing the perfume to mix with your skin's natural oils and emit a strong scent.
Some common pulse points for perfume application include the wrists, neck, inner elbows, and collarbone. These areas are easily accessible and allow you to experience the scent of your perfume throughout the day. Spraying perfume on your wrists and then pressing them lightly against your neck is a popular application method. However, avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this can break down the fragrance molecules and cause the top notes of your perfume to fade prematurely.
Another pulse point worth considering is the back of the neck, which can help project the scent outwards as you move your head. Additionally, spraying perfume behind the knees can create a subtle trail of scent as you walk. If you want to smell your perfume more intimately, apply it to the pulse points closest to your nose, such as the neck, chin, and collarbones.
When applying perfume to pulse points, hold the bottle about six inches away from your skin and spritz directly onto the desired area. Allow the perfume to sink in and dry naturally. You can also apply an unscented body lotion or moisturizer to your pulse points before spraying perfume to create a hydrating base and help the scent last longer.
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Don't rub wrists together
Don't Rub Your Wrists Together
Rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume is a common habit, but it's not the best way to apply your favourite scent. While it may seem like a quick and easy way to spread the scent, it can negatively impact the fragrance and its longevity.
The friction created by rubbing your wrists together generates heat, which produces natural enzymes that alter the course of the scent. This mainly affects the delicate middle and top notes of the fragrance, causing them to fade and evaporate before they can settle. These notes are often the reason you fell in love with the perfume in the first place, so you're not getting the most out of your bottle by rubbing your wrists together.
Additionally, vigorously mixing the perfume with your natural oils in this way can change the way it smells. The scent may not translate the same onto your skin, and the unique way a perfume interacts with your skin's natural oils is what makes your scent last and what can make it smell slightly different from person to person.
So, what should you do instead? Simply spritz both wrists lightly, let the liquid sink in, and then do nothing. You can even take it a step further by applying an unscented moisturiser to your skin before you spritz to help the scent last longer.
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Spray on hair
Hair can hold perfume for longer than skin because it is porous. However, it is important to note that perfumes contain alcohol, which can dehydrate and damage your hair. Therefore, it is recommended to use perfume oils, water-based perfumes, or hair mist perfumes, which are alcohol-free and contain nourishing oils.
If you want to spray perfume on your hair, it is best to spray it from a distance of about 20 cm, focusing on the ends and lengths of your hair. Avoid spraying directly on the scalp, as this can cause dryness and irritation. Instead, spray into the air above your head and let it fall gently onto your hair. You can also spray your hairbrush and then gently comb through your hair.
Some people prefer to spray their perfume on their wrists and then dab it into their hair from the back of their wrists. This method allows you to apply perfume to your hair without directly spraying it, reducing the risk of excessive application.
When spraying perfume on your hair, it is important to be mindful of the amount you use. A light mist is usually sufficient, and you should avoid drenching your hair with perfume, as it can cause damage.
Additionally, consider the frequency of application. While spraying perfume on your hair occasionally may not cause significant harm, regular and excessive use could potentially lead to dryness, split ends, and breakage.
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Don't spray on clothes
While it may be tempting to spritz your favourite perfume onto your clothes, there are several reasons why you might want to avoid doing so. Firstly, spraying perfume directly onto fabric can cause discolouration and staining. This is especially true for more potent perfumes with a high concentration of alcohol, which may also alter the scent of the perfume. It's always a good idea to test a small, hidden area of the fabric first if you're unsure.
Another reason to avoid spraying perfume on clothes is that it can interfere with the scent. The purpose of perfume is to interact with your body's natural chemistry and create a unique fragrance. When applied to clothing, the perfume may not evolve or develop in the same way as it would on the skin, and you may miss out on the middle and top notes of the fragrance. The scent may also be too concentrated when applied directly to fabric, resulting in an overpowering smell.
Additionally, spraying perfume on your clothes can be less effective in diffusing the scent. The fragrance is more likely to stay in one place, rather than projecting outwards and creating a lasting impression. This can be especially true for natural fabrics like cotton or wool, which tend to hold onto the scent for longer.
Some people also believe that spraying perfume on the skin is more hygienic, as it avoids any potential skin reactions or rashes that could be caused by the fragrance. It's important to note that everyone's skin is different, and some people may have sensitive skin that is more susceptible to irritation.
Lastly, spraying perfume directly on the skin can help the scent last longer. This is because the perfume mixes with your skin's natural oils, allowing the fragrance to slowly unfold and evolve throughout the day. By contrast, perfume on clothing may not have the same longevity, especially if the fabric is washed frequently.
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Moisturise skin first
Moisturising your skin before applying perfume is a great way to make your fragrance last longer. This is because dry skin tends to make perfume disappear quicker. By applying an unscented moisturiser or body lotion to your skin before spraying your perfume, you provide a base for the perfume molecules to stick to. This helps the scent to stay on your skin for longer.
It is important to use an unscented moisturiser so as not to interfere with the true scent of your perfume. Some people prefer to use body oils or pure shea butter for moisturisation. Vaseline is another option, though some people advise against it as it can be bad for the skin.
If you have dry skin, moisturising before applying perfume can make a big difference to how long your fragrance lasts. However, even if you don't have dry skin, moisturising first can still improve the performance of your perfume.
To make your perfume last even longer, apply it to your pulse points. These are areas of your body that emit heat, such as your wrists, neck, and cleavage. Spraying perfume on these areas will help the scent to diffuse, though be sure to let the perfume dry before putting on your clothes.
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Frequently asked questions
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 your wrists, neck, collarbones, inner elbows, and behind the knees.
Two or three spritzes are usually enough to make your perfume last. However, if you are using a less concentrated Eau de Toilette, you can spritz more than you would a highly concentrated Extrait de Parfum.
It is recommended to apply perfume to your skin rather than your clothing, as perfume can discolour certain fabrics. It is also best to avoid applying perfume to your jewellery, as the alcohol in perfumes can tarnish or discolour certain metals.
