Heidi Norton
Applying perfume is an art and a science. It is easy to overdo it, and the way you apply it can impact how long the scent lasts. The key is to enhance your natural scent, not mask it. Perfume is designed to interact with your body's chemistry and warmth. The best spots to apply perfume are your pulse points, which are the warmest parts of your body, where your veins are closest to the skin. Common pulse points include the wrists, behind the ears, the neck, and behind the knees. Applying perfume to your hair is also a common go-to, but it is important to avoid alcohol-based formulas, as these can dry out your hair.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To enhance your natural scent, not mask it |
| Amount | Less is more; one spritz per pulse point is enough |
| Application technique | Spray, don't rub |
| Storage location | Not in a steamy bathroom |
| Application timing | After applying lotion/oil and before getting dressed |
| Application areas | Pulse points like wrists, neck, behind the ears, behind the knees, inner elbows, collarbones, and chest |
| Application areas to avoid | Groin, pubic area, armpits, and hair |
| Type of perfume | Alcohol-based perfumes can dry out hair and discolour jewellery |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid rubbing perfume on your skin
When applying perfume, it is generally advised to avoid rubbing it on your skin. This is because the friction from rubbing can cause the top notes of the fragrance to fade and evaporate before they can settle on your skin. The top notes are the scents you smell in the first few minutes after applying perfume, and they are crucial as they are often the notes that draw you to a particular scent.
Rubbing perfume onto your skin can also cause it to mix with any oils, lotions, or other products that may be present on your skin. This can alter the scent of the perfume and prevent it from developing as intended. It is best to let the perfume slowly mix with your skin's natural oils, as this will make the scent last longer and allow it to develop uniquely on your skin.
Additionally, rubbing perfume on your skin can cause it to spread across a larger area, reducing the intensity of the scent. This can be avoided by spraying the perfume directly onto your skin, allowing it to soak in, and then gently patting or dabbing any excess onto other pulse points. Pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, and cleavage, are areas where your body emits more heat, helping the fragrance notes to develop quicker and maximizing your perfume.
It is also recommended to avoid spraying perfume onto your clothing, as it may stain or discolour the fabric. Instead, target areas of exposed skin, such as the neck, wrists, inner elbows, or behind the knees. However, if you are in a very hot climate, it is better to avoid applying perfume directly to your body, as the natural oils from sweating can break down the perfume faster. In such cases, a light mist on your hair, scarf, or sarong can be a good alternative, as the movement will help diffuse the scent.
Overall, it is best to avoid rubbing perfume on your skin to ensure the fragrance develops as intended and lasts longer. By applying it directly to the skin and targeting pulse points, you can achieve a more intense and long-lasting scent.
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Focus on pulse points
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 create a lasting scent. The heat allows the perfume to continuously release its aroma, intensifying its duration.
The pulse points on your body include the wrists, neck, and cleavage. The wrists are perhaps the most common place to apply perfume. The natural movement of your arms helps the fragrance to diffuse throughout the day. However, avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume, as this can break down the top notes and affect how the scent develops on your skin.
The neck is another popular pulse point for perfume application. The carotid artery runs close to the skin here, making it an ideal spot for heat emission. You can also apply perfume to the centre of your throat, a pulse point where your fragrance will smell extra strong.
Other pulse points to focus on include the inside of your elbows, behind your ears, and behind your knees. These areas retain heat and help maintain the fragrance trail. If you're wearing a low-cut top, you can also mist perfume over your chest, and if you plan on baring your legs, spritzing your ankles can help detract from any foot odour.
When applying perfume to pulse points, hold the bottle about 5-7 inches away and give it a light spritz. Focus on 2-3 pulse points at a time to avoid over-applying. One or two sprays per pulse point are enough for a subtle but pleasant presence.
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Spray before getting dressed
When applying perfume, it is important to remember that it should be consumed at a brisk pace. Keeping an open bottle of perfume on your shelf allows oxygen to slowly break down the scent's molecules, altering its composition. Smaller vessels are preferred as they can remain fresh for up to three months.
If you are in a hot climate, it is best to avoid applying perfume directly to your body. As you sweat, the natural oils of your skin can destroy the perfume faster. Instead, lightly mist your hair, scarf, or sarong. These fabrics move with the air, helping with the diffusion of the scent.
However, applying perfume to your clothes can be tricky. Some perfumes are heavily coloured and may stain your clothes. It is recommended to test any perfume you are unsure of on a small area of the fabric first. Additionally, some people may find that the scent of the perfume is different when applied to fabric than when applied to the skin.
For these reasons, it is generally recommended to apply perfume directly to the skin rather than to clothing. The pulse points on the body, such as the wrists, neck, and cleavage, are ideal spots for perfume application. These areas emit heat, which can help the fragrance notes develop quicker. When spraying, hold the bottle about five inches away from the skin to avoid an unpleasant feeling of liquid flowing onto your skin.
Applying perfume before getting dressed ensures that you don't accidentally get any perfume on your clothes, which could be a problem if the perfume stains or discolours the fabric. It also allows the perfume to mix with your skin's natural oils, creating a unique scent that may smell different from person to person.
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Don't overdo it
When applying perfume, less is more. Overdoing it can be off-putting and overwhelming for those around you. It's best to start with a small amount and add more later if needed. The purpose is to smell good, not to overwhelm yourself and others with a strong scent.
The concentration of the perfume is an important factor to consider. Highly concentrated perfumes, such as Extrait de Parfum, require fewer sprays, while less concentrated perfumes like Eau de Toilette can be sprayed more liberally. As you get used to a perfume, you may be tempted to apply more over time, but this can be unpleasant for those around you who are not accustomed to the scent.
It's recommended to stick to 2-3 spritzes of perfume, targeting your pulse points. Pulse points are areas where you can feel your pulse, such as your wrists, neck, inner elbows, collarbones, and behind the knees. These areas are warmer and help to diffuse the fragrance, making it last longer.
Applying perfume to your hair can also help to diffuse the scent, but be cautious as alcohol-based perfumes can dry out your hair. Additionally, avoid spraying perfume directly onto your clothes, as it may stain. Instead, lightly mist your scarf or clothing items that won't be damaged by the perfume.
Remember, the key is to complement your natural scent, not mask it. So, don't overdo it with too much perfume, and avoid rubbing your wrists together after application, as this can alter the scent's development.
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Store it properly
Storing your perfume properly is essential to maintaining its scent, quality, and longevity. Here are some tips to ensure your fragrances remain fresh and captivating:
Keep it in a cool, dark place:
Avoid exposing your perfume to direct sunlight or artificial lighting. Store it in a cool, dark place such as a closet, cabinet, or drawer. Keep it away from heat sources and fluctuating temperatures, as these can accelerate deterioration and alter the chemical composition of the perfume.
Minimize exposure to oxygen:
Once opened, perfume starts to oxidize, causing the scent to dilute and fade over time. Keep the bottle closed when not in use, and consider using smaller bottles for daily use to reduce the time they remain open.
Store in the original packaging:
The original packaging of perfumes is designed to protect the fragrance from light exposure, temperature changes, and oxygen. Keep your perfumes in their original boxes and bottles whenever possible, as they provide an extra layer of protection.
Avoid humid environments:
Moisture, water, and humidity can cause chemical reactions and break down the structure of the scent. Avoid storing perfume in humid environments like bathrooms or kitchens, where steam and fluctuating temperatures can affect the fragrance.
Consider a dry storage area:
Some people recommend storing perfume in a dry, dark area like a closet or cabinet. Unless you live in an extremely hot climate, there's no need to store perfume in the fridge, as the cold temperature can 'shock' fragrances and reduce their intensity.
By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure your favourite perfumes remain fresh and captivating for extended periods.
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Frequently asked questions
Pulse points are the areas of your body where your veins sit closest to your skin. These include your wrists, behind your ears, your neck, behind your knees, and your inner elbows. Spraying perfume on these points allows the fragrance to emit and linger for a long time.
One spritz per pulse point is enough. The purpose of a perfume is to smell good, not to overwhelm yourself and others.
Avoid spraying perfume that contains alcohol, such as parfum and some eau de toilette or eau de cologne, directly onto your hair as it can dry out your strands. Instead, apply pure perfume oils or water-based perfumes to your hair.
Apply perfume before getting dressed. This allows you to reach the pulse points and avoid possible stains on your clothes.
No, you should not rub perfume on your skin. This causes friction, which can heat up the perfume and change its scent. Instead, let the fragrance dry down naturally.
