Heidi Norton
Knowing how to apply perfume is just as important as the scent itself. The way you apply perfume can impact how long the scent will last on your skin and in the bottle. The placement of your perfume depends on the environment in which it's worn and the outfit it accessorizes. The best spots to apply perfume are pulse points, which are areas where blood flows close to the skin's surface, such as the wrists, neck, inner elbows, collarbone, and behind the knees. Applying perfume to these areas allows the heat from your body to help release the scent.
How to put on perfume
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of sprays | 2-5 sprays |
| Where to spray | Wrists, neck, collarbones, behind the ears, inner elbows, chest, shoulder blades, behind the knees, ankles, forearms, belly button, upper body, back, tummy |
| Spraying technique | Spray and let it settle, do not rub |
| Skin type | Dry skin, moisturized skin |
| Skin temperature | Warm skin |
| Skin moisture | Dry skin, damp skin |
| Skin products | Body lotion, Vaseline, unscented moisturizer, oil, cream |
| Hair | Avoid alcohol-based perfumes, opt for pure perfume oils or water-based perfumes |
| Clothing | Spray perfume before putting on clothes, avoid spraying directly on clothes |
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What You'll Learn
Pulse points for perfume application
Pulse points are areas on the body where blood vessels are close to the skin. These zones emit more heat than the rest of the body, helping to diffuse the fragrance and creating a lasting scent. Perfume application on these points allows the fragrance to be more vibrant and long-lasting.
Wrists
The wrists are perhaps the most common place to apply perfume. They are easy to access and naturally warm. Apply a dab or a spritz of perfume to your inner wrists for a noticeable but non-overpowering scent. Avoid rubbing your wrists together since that can break down the fragrance and alter its smell.
Neck
The sides of the neck are another ideal place for a scent. When you spray perfume on your neck, it will blend seamlessly with your natural body heat.
Behind the ears
These spots are great for an intimate whiff when someone draws close. A spritz here ensures your perfume will wind up in your hair, contributing to its range and longevity while guaranteeing an all-day diffusion.
Inner elbows
The inner elbows are perfect spots for lighter scents.
Behind the knees
This area retains heat, helping to maintain the fragrance's lasting trail.
Remember, one or two sprays per pulse point are enough for a subtle but pleasant presence.
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How to make perfume last longer
The longevity of a perfume depends on several factors, including its concentration, the notes it contains, and individual body chemistry. Here are some tips to make your perfume last longer:
Choose the right type of scent
When shopping for a perfume or cologne, you often see the same scent in three concentrations: Eau de Cologne, Eau de Parfum, and Eau de Toilette. Of the three, Eau de Parfum (EDP), or Extrait de Parfum, has the highest concentration of aromatic essence, typically lasting up to 6-8 hours or more. Eau de Toilette and Eau de Cologne may only last around 3-4 hours.
Consider the perfume's scent family
Rich, spicier fragrances with strong base notes such as musk, sweet, and wood tend to linger longer. Fresh, light scents with top notes such as citrus and light florals have less staying power.
Spray directly on the skin
Perfumes last longer when they can mix with your body's natural oils. Spray your scent directly on your skin, focusing on the "pulse points" of the body, such as the neck, wrists, and inside of the elbows, where the scent is activated by body heat.
Spritz after a shower
Freshly washed and slightly damp skin absorbs perfume more readily, so spray your fragrance on after a shower. Just be sure to let it dry completely before getting dressed.
Moisturize, then apply
Moisten your skin with a lotion or moisturizer before applying perfume to create a dewy base for your fragrance to cling to. Fragrance tends to cling to emollients, so keeping your skin well-moisturized can help it hold onto scents longer.
Store your perfume correctly
Store your perfume in optimal conditions to avoid disturbing the carefully balanced blend. Keep it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and harsh temperature changes, such as the bathroom.
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Spraying vs dabbing perfume
When it comes to applying perfume, there are two common methods: spraying and dabbing. While some people prefer to spray their perfume directly onto their skin, others opt for the more traditional method of dabbing it on with their fingers or a cotton ball. So, what are the differences between these two methods, and which one is the best?
Spraying perfume is a convenient and quick way to apply fragrance. It allows for even distribution and can easily reach areas like the neck, wrists, and behind the ears. Spraying is often preferred for modern fragrances designed with a spraying delivery system. The projection and sillage of a perfume, or how it diffuses and lingers in the air, are enhanced by spraying. This method also offers better longevity, with the scent lasting longer on the skin. However, spraying may not be suitable for all perfumes, as some may be too strong or intense when sprayed.
Dabbing perfume, on the other hand, is a more targeted approach. It involves applying a small amount of perfume to specific areas, such as the wrists, neck, or behind the ears. Dabbing is often associated with classic fragrances, which were traditionally applied in this manner. While dabbing may result in shorter longevity and less projection, it can be ideal for perfumes with strong scents to avoid an overpowering effect. Additionally, dabbing allows for more control over the amount applied, preventing over-application.
Some people even combine the two methods. They might spray a small amount of perfume onto their finger or wrist and then dab it onto their neck or pulse points. This combination technique offers the benefits of both methods – the even distribution of spraying and the precision of dabbing.
Ultimately, the decision between spraying and dabbing comes down to personal preference and the characteristics of the perfume. Some perfumes may be better suited to one method over the other, and individuals can experiment to find the application technique that works best for them.
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Applying perfume to hair
However, there are alcohol-free hair perfumes available, which are harmless to hair fibres and the scalp. These can be applied generously to the hair about 20 centimetres from the head. This type of hair perfume usually comes in a fine spray that melts directly into the hair and requires no rinsing.
If you want to use your standard perfume in your hair, it's recommended to only apply one or two spritzes to avoid drying out your hair. One technique is to spray the perfume in front of you and then walk into the mist, allowing the alcohol to evaporate so that only a fine mist of perfume settles on your hair. Alternatively, you can spray your perfume onto a comb and run it through your hair for even distribution, although the fragrance particles may not be as fine.
There are also other ways to fragrance your hair without using standard perfumes. Treatments based on natural ingredients, such as flower hydrolats or vegetable oils, can be used to add scent to your hair. Oil-based perfumes can be applied directly to the scalp or combed through the hair.
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Number of sprays
The number of sprays of perfume varies from person to person and depends on the type of fragrance being used. Generally, one spritz per pulse point is enough. For example, you can spray your wrists and the base of your neck, totalling two or three sprays. For lighter fragrances, you may want to add an extra spray to the back of your neck.
The purpose of applying perfume is to smell good, not to overwhelm yourself or others with a strong scent. It's important to consider the concentration of the perfume, as you can spritz more of a less concentrated Eau de Toilette than a highly concentrated Extrait de Parfum. Over time, you will get used to your perfume, and may be tempted to apply more, but this can be unpleasant for those around you who are not used to the scent.
If you are using a powerful Eau de Parfum, one spray on your forearm, and one on your torso may be enough. For a more noticeable scent, you can also spray behind your earlobes, on your neck, wrists, and inner elbows.
If you are in a hot climate, it is best not to apply scent directly to your body, as sweat and natural oils can destroy the perfume. Instead, lightly mist your hair, scarf, or sarong to help with the diffusion of the scent.
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Frequently asked questions
Generally, one spritz per pulse point is enough. You can spritz more of a less concentrated Eau de Toilette than of a highly concentrated Extrait de Parfum.
Pulse points are ideal places to spray perfume. These are areas where blood flows near the skin’s surface, such as the wrists, inner elbows, collarbone, neck, behind the knees, and behind the ears.
Yes, applying perfume after putting on cream and/or oil will make the perfume stick better to your skin and last longer.
