Lance Carson
Applying perfume is an art. The right application process ensures that you smell heavenly throughout the day. The key is to apply perfume to your pulse points, like the wrists, neck, and cleavage, where your body emits heat, helping the fragrance notes to develop faster. However, it's important to avoid rubbing your wrists together after application, as the friction created by rubbing can change the course of the scent. Instead, spritz each wrist lightly and let the liquid sink in. You can also spray perfume on your hair, behind your knees, collarbone, or on your clothes. If you want to make your perfume last longer, apply it to warm skin, moisturized skin, or pulse points like your belly button.
How to perfume yourself
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount to apply | A little goes a long way; start with 2 spritzes |
| Testing a new scent | Spray 1 pulse point and check strength every couple of hours |
| Layering fragrances | Start with a warm base and add a lighter scent on top |
| Application areas | Wrists, neck, collarbone, behind the ears, behind the knees, belly button, hair, clothes |
| Storage | Keep in a cool, dark place; use smaller bottles or decant into vials |
| Pulse points | Areas that emit heat, helping fragrance notes develop quicker |
| Distance from skin | Spray perfume about 5 inches from the skin |
| Number of sprays | 2-3 spritzes are enough once you get used to a perfume |
| Homemade perfume | Combine essential oils, vegetable glycerin, witch hazel, water, and fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil |
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What You'll Learn
Pulse points: wrists, neck, collarbone, behind the ears, and belly button
The wrists, neck, collarbone, behind the ears, and belly button are all pulse points, which are the warmest areas of your 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 create a lasting scent.
Pulse points are the perfect vehicle to distribute your scent to other areas of the body. When applying perfume to the wrists, avoid rubbing them together, as this can break down the top notes of the perfume and affect the way the scent develops on your skin. Instead, spritz both wrists lightly and let the liquid sink in.
The neck is another popular pulse point with plenty of dips in its bone structure, giving the fragrance room to rest and interact with your skin. Aim for the areas where you can feel your pulse, such as just under your ear.
Applying perfume behind the ears is both effective and ritualistic. A spritz here will ensure that the scent winds up in your hair, contributing to its range and longevity.
The collarbone is another pulse point option, although it is not as warm as the neck or wrists, so the scent may not evaporate as quickly.
Although it may seem unusual, the belly button is also a pulse point. If you're wearing a crop top or bikini, a small amount of fragrance applied here can enhance your perfume's overall effect.
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Less is more: two spritzes are enough
While there are no hard and fast rules on how to wear perfume, there are some tips and tricks to ensure you are getting the most out of your fragrance. The key is in the application process.
Firstly, it is important to remember that less is more. Two spritzes are usually enough, and you can always top up later if needed. This is especially true if you are using a strong fragrance. If you are combining perfumes, you may need to use more than two spritzes, but it is best to start with a small amount and layer up.
When applying perfume, it is best to avoid rubbing your wrists together. This can change the course of the scent by heating up the skin and producing natural enzymes. Instead, spritz both wrists lightly and let the liquid sink in.
Pulse points, or warm spots, are good areas to target as the warmth helps the fragrance develop. Traditional pulse points include the neck, throat, behind the ears, wrists, and décolletage. More experimental spots include the skin around and inside the navel, the inner elbows, and the back of the knees.
If you are unsure if you have overdone it, a good test is to use a tissue. If you dab the area with a tissue and it sticks or tears, you have probably used too much.
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Don't rub your wrists together: it ruins the perfume
When it comes to applying perfume, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you're getting the most out of your favourite scent. One common piece of advice is to avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume. While it may seem like a harmless action, rubbing your wrists together can actually cause your perfume to perform differently on your skin.
The pulse points on your body, such as your wrists, neck, and cleavage, emit heat that helps fragrance notes develop. When you spray perfume on your wrists and then rub them together, the friction created by the rubbing action can heat up your skin, producing natural enzymes that alter the course of the scent. This can cause the top notes of your perfume to dissipate more quickly, changing the way your perfume smells and reducing its longevity. Top notes are often the most delicate molecules in a perfume and are usually the reason you fell in love with the scent in the first place, so losing them right after application can be disappointing.
Additionally, rubbing your wrists together can cause the scent to evaporate faster. This is because the friction and heat generated by rubbing can accelerate the evaporation process, causing the perfume to wear off more quickly throughout the day.
Instead of rubbing your wrists together, a better approach is to lightly dab them together and then let the perfume air-dry. This way, you preserve the integrity of the scent and ensure that it lasts longer on your skin. You can also apply an unscented moisturiser to your skin before applying perfume to help it adhere better and last longer.
In summary, while rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume may seem like a harmless habit, it can actually impact the performance and longevity of your scent. By avoiding this action and being mindful of the placement and application of your perfume, you can ensure that you're getting the most out of your favourite fragrance.
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Layering fragrances: start with a warm base and add a lighter scent
Layering fragrances is a great way to create a unique, signature scent. The key to layering is to start with a warm base and add a lighter, more vibrant scent on top. This technique can be used to create a scent that reflects your mood or the occasion.
When layering fragrances, it is important to consider the different layers in individual fragrances: the top note, middle note, and bottom note. The top note is what you smell right away when you spray the perfume, and it usually consists of fresh, sparkling notes. The middle note is the heart of the fragrance and is usually warmer and softer. The bottom note is what develops last and stays with you for hours, long after the top notes have disappeared. When layering, you can combine fragrances with common notes, such as jasmine, or experiment with different combinations of top, middle, and bottom notes.
To layer fragrances successfully, start with a warm base scent, typically a heavier and more intense fragrance. Some examples of warm base notes include vanilla, musk, cedarwood, and sandalwood. You can also look for a simple base fragrance built around typical base notes like vanilla or musk. After applying the base scent, allow it to dry for a few seconds before moving on to the next layer.
The next layer should be a lighter, more vibrant fragrance. Floral or citrus scents are great options for this layer, as they add a fresh and uplifting dimension to the warmer base. You can also experiment with other combinations, such as pairing a woody or spicy base with a lighter, complementary fragrance. When applying the lighter scent, be careful not to overpower the base layer. Spray the fragrance lightly and give it time to settle before assessing whether you want to add more.
In addition to choosing the right fragrances, the placement of the scent is also important. Pulse points on the body, such as the wrists, neck, and collarbone, emit heat that can help the fragrance notes develop quicker and have a stronger effect. However, be cautious not to rub your wrists together after applying perfume, as the friction can change the course of the scent, especially for floral fragrances. Instead, spritz both wrists lightly and let the liquid sink in without rubbing or touching.
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Spray on your clothes: it will last longer
While many people prefer to spray perfume on their skin, spraying it on your clothes is an effective way to make the scent last longer. This method of application is gaining popularity, and it's easy to see why.
Perfumes tend to linger longer on fabrics than on the skin. This is because the fragrance doesn't have the benefit of activating with the heat from your skin, which can help to release the scent slowly over time. As a result, the scent can last longer on your clothes, and you may find that it's more consistent with the original scent from the atomizer or test strip.
Spraying perfume on your clothes can also be a good option if you have sensitive skin or are concerned about skin irritation. It also means you don't have to worry about the perfume staining or discolouring your clothes, which can sometimes happen when it's sprayed directly on the fabric.
When spraying perfume on your clothes, it's best to stick to natural fabrics like cotton or wool, as fragrances tend to last better on these materials than on synthetic fabrics like polyester. You can also spray it on accessories such as scarves, hats, and bags to enjoy your favourite scent throughout the day.
However, it's important to be mindful of the fragrance's properties and your own preferences. Fragrances with high alcohol content, for example, tend to evaporate quickly and are best applied directly to the skin. On the other hand, fragrances with a low alcohol content are better suited for spraying on clothes, as they will provide a more subtle and long-lasting effect.
Additionally, consider the environment in which the perfume will be worn and the outfit it will accessorize. If you're wearing a short-sleeve shirt, for instance, spraying the inside of your elbows can allow the scent to spread to both your body and your clothes.
Experiment with different application methods and find what works best for you and the particular fragrance you're using. Remember, a fragrance is an extension of your personality, so wear it wherever you feel most comfortable.
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