Seamus Hammond
Applying perfume is an art and a science, and there are many tips and tricks to help your fragrance last longer. The way you apply perfume can impact how long the scent stays on your skin and how it smells. For example, it is best to spritz, not mist, and to avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume, as this can change the course of the scent. To make your perfume last longer, you can spritz it onto your pulse points, which are areas where your veins sit closest to your skin, such as the inside of your wrists, inner elbows, and behind your earlobes. You can also spritz your perfume in front of you and walk through it to distribute the scent evenly.
How to spray perfume on yourself
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How far to hold the bottle | Hold the bottle 5-20 cm away from the skin |
| How much to spray | Avoid overdoing it. One spritz per pulse point is usually enough. |
| Where to spray | Spray on your pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, cleavage, inner elbows, behind the knees, collarbone, and hair. |
| When to spray | Spray on moisturized skin after a hot shower or bath. |
| How to spray | Avoid rubbing your wrists together after spraying. |
| Storing perfume | Store in a cool, dark place, like a fridge, to maintain freshness. |
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What You'll Learn
Moisturise dry skin before applying perfume
Dry skin can cause perfume to evaporate quickly, so it's a good idea to moisturize before applying your scent. This will help the fragrance to linger for longer.
It is recommended that you use an unscented lotion or moisturizer, as you don't want to interfere with the perfume's true scent. The molecules will have something to latch on to, so they will stay on your skin for longer. You can also use Vaseline on your pulse points, like your wrists and behind your ears, to lock in the scent for longer.
If you want to use a scented product, opt for a scented body lotion that matches the perfume you plan to wear. This will enhance the fragrance without altering it.
Some people prefer to use an unscented body oil, like jojoba, which is very close in composition to the skin's natural oils. This can be followed by a scented body lotion, and then the perfume itself.
Remember, it's best to apply perfume to your skin, rather than your clothes, as it will mix with your body odour to create a unique scent.
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Focus on pulse points, like the wrists, neck, and cleavage
The wrists, neck, and cleavage are some of the most common pulse points for applying perfume. Pulse points are areas where your veins sit closest to your skin, so you can literally feel your pulse. These areas emit more heat than the rest of the body, which helps to diffuse the fragrance, creating a lasting scent.
When applying perfume to your wrists, avoid rubbing them together. This is a common habit, but it can break down the top notes of the perfume and affect how the scent develops on your skin. Instead, spritz both wrists lightly and let the liquid sink in. You can then use your wrists to create any fragrance blends before touching your neck, hair, or other pulse points.
The neck is another popular pulse point for perfume application. You can spritz the perfume on the back of your neck to avoid constantly smelling it throughout the day, or you can spritz it directly behind your ears to ensure that it winds up in your hair, contributing to its range and longevity.
Applying perfume to the cleavage or chest area can also help to enhance the fragrance. You can spritz the perfume on your collarbone or below your throat, just below the collar of your shirt. This area is warm enough to project the scent without being too close to a pulse point, where the scent may evaporate faster.
Remember, when applying perfume to pulse points, less is more. Perfume tends to intensify as it warms up on your skin, so start with a small amount and add more if needed. One or two sprays per pulse point are usually enough for a subtle but pleasant presence.
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Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume
Applying perfume is often the final step in your beauty routine. It seems simple, but there is more to it than meets the eye. One common habit is to spray perfume on the wrists and then rub them together. However, experts say that this can impact the longevity and scent of your perfume.
Rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume can cause friction, which heats up the skin and produces natural enzymes that alter the course of the scent. This can cause the top notes of the fragrance to dissipate more quickly, changing the way the scent performs on your skin. Instead of rubbing, you should let the liquid sink into your skin without touching your wrists together.
Master perfumer Harry Frémont, who has been in the perfume-making business for over two decades and has created scents for brands like Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, says that rubbing your wrists together after spraying them with perfume can change the way the scent performs. Award-winning perfumer Francis Kurkdjian also describes the habit as "very bad".
Rather than rubbing your wrists together, you can try other methods to apply perfume. One suggestion is to focus on your pulse points, which are areas where your veins sit closest to your skin, such as the inside of your wrists, inner elbows, neck, and behind your earlobes. These warm spots emit extra body heat, helping to diffuse the scent. You can also spritz your perfume in front of you and walk into it, leaving a light layer on your clothes.
By avoiding the habit of rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume and trying out different application methods, you can ensure that your fragrance lasts longer and smells the way it is intended.
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Spray from a distance of 10-20 cm or 5 inches
The ideal distance to hold your perfume bottle from your skin when spraying is a topic of debate. Some sources recommend holding the bottle about five inches (or 10-20 cm) away from the skin. This is because spraying too close to the skin can lead to a flow of liquid, which can feel unpleasant.
However, the optimal distance may also depend on the type of fragrance and bottle. For example, if you are using a bottle that produces a wide mist, you may want to hold it closer to the skin to avoid losing the scent into the air. On the other hand, if the perfume has a strong spray, you may need to hold it further away to avoid a concentrated spray that could drip.
Additionally, the placement of the perfume on the body also affects the optimal distance. For instance, when spraying the hair, it is recommended to hold the bottle at arm's length. Whereas, for the chest or décolletage, a distance of four to five inches is suggested.
It is worth noting that, while spraying perfume on the wrists is a common practice, some experts advise against it. They argue that rubbing the wrists together can create friction, heating up the skin and altering the course of the scent. Instead, they recommend lightly spritzing both wrists and letting the liquid sink in without rubbing them together.
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Store perfume away from steam and oxygen
Storing perfume away from steam and oxygen is essential to maintaining its longevity and scent.
Perfume is sensitive to environmental changes, and oxygen is its "natural enemy". Every time the perfume bottle is opened, oxygen enters the bottle and begins the oxidation process, altering the scent's molecules and causing it to deteriorate and expire. This process can be slowed by keeping the perfume bottle closed and tightly sealed when not in use, minimising air exposure.
Storing perfume in humid areas, such as the bathroom, can also cause damage. The constant cycle of humidity and temperature fluctuation from hot showers or baths can negatively impact the perfume, causing unwanted chemical reactions that alter the composition and reduce its longevity. This is why it is recommended to store perfume in cool, dry, and dark places, like a cupboard or drawer, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Additionally, keeping perfume in its original packaging or box provides extra protection from light damage and helps maintain a consistent temperature. This ensures that the perfume retains its intended character and scent, delivering the exact experience designed by the perfumer.
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Frequently asked questions
Your pulse points are areas where your veins sit closest to your skin, so you can literally feel your pulse. These include the inside of your wrists, inner elbows, below your belly button, behind your earlobes, and the back of your knees. Spray or dab perfume on a few or all of these points and your fragrance will linger all day.
It is recommended to spray perfume about five inches or 10 to 20 cm away from the skin. Spraying too close can lead to an unpleasant flow of liquid.
It depends on the concentration of the perfume. Generally, one spritz per pulse point is enough. Eau de parfum, which has a strong concentration, requires just one spritz for all-day wear. Eau de toilette is a lighter option that may need two or three sprays and a second application later in the day.
No, this is a common mistake. Rubbing your wrists together creates friction, which can heat up your skin and change the scent of the perfume. Instead, lightly spritz both wrists and let the liquid sink in.
Some sources recommend spraying perfume on your clothes to make the scent last longer. However, others caution that this may cause staining or discolouration, so it is generally recommended to stick to spraying your skin.
