Katrina Rosales
Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, was known for her talent for designing perfumes. The sense of smell is the most powerful of all the senses when it comes to exciting passion. The art of mixing perfumes is an ancient practice, and today, there are many ways to stretch your perfume to make it last longer. From choosing the right pulse points to applying unscented lotion beforehand, you can make your perfume scent stick around for longer and smell delightful all day.
How to Stretch Perfume
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Dry skin doesn't hold perfume as well as oily skin. |
| Application | Spray on pulse points, such as neck, chin, collarbones, wrists, and inner elbows. |
| Application | Spray on hair by spraying fragrance on brush and running it through hair. |
| Application | Spray on clothes, especially natural fabrics. |
| Application | Avoid rubbing wrists together after spraying. |
| Application | Avoid spraying into the air and walking through it. |
| Application | Apply unscented body oil, lotion, or Vaseline before perfume to make it last longer. |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry place, away from windows. |
| Dilution | Mix one part fragrance oil with one part perfume dipropylene glycol (DPG) diluent fragrance carrier oil to double the amount. |
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What You'll Learn
Apply perfume directly to pulse points
Applying perfume directly to your pulse points is a great way to make your fragrance last longer. Pulse points are areas where blood vessels are close to the skin's surface, emitting heat that helps amplify and project your scent. These points include:
Wrists
The wrists are possibly the most well-known pulse point. Simply give a direct spray to either wrist and let the perfume dry. Avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this can break down the fragrance molecules and cause the scent to evaporate more quickly.
Neck
The neck is another powerful pulse point due to the presence of the carotid artery. Spray the hollow at the base of your neck to keep your fragrance emanating gently throughout the day.
Behind the Ears
A spritz behind each ear will keep your fragrance fresh around your face. If the tops of your ears are a bit oily, a little perfume there will also help to trap the scent.
Inner Elbows
Applying perfume to the inside of your elbows is a great way to ensure your fragrance lasts, especially on warmer days when your arms are exposed. The natural movement of your arms helps the fragrance to diffuse continuously.
Behind the Knees
Applying perfume behind the knees is a useful pulse point, especially when wearing skirts or shorts. This area retains heat, helping to maintain the fragrance's lasting trail.
Remember, when applying perfume to these pulse points, it's best to spray about three to six inches away from the skin to avoid an unpleasant flow of liquid. One to two spritzes per pulse point is usually enough to create a pleasant scent without overwhelming others.
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Spray perfume on hair and clothes
While applying perfume to the skin is the ideal way to maximise fragrance performance, spraying perfume on your hair and clothes can also work. Here are some tips for spraying perfume on your hair and clothes:
Spray perfume on your hair
Hair can hold perfume longer than skin because it is porous. However, as most perfumes contain alcohol, which can dehydrate and damage your hair, it is best to be cautious. If you want to scent your hair, opt for perfume oils or water-based perfumes. If you want to use a regular perfume, spray some on your brush and gently comb it through your hair. Avoid applying perfume to wet hair, as the water may act as a barrier to the oils in your perfume. Instead of spraying perfume directly into your hair, you can also spray it into the air and walk through it, allowing the scent to settle on your hair.
Spray perfume on your clothes
Perfume will generally last longer on textiles than on your skin. However, be aware that some perfumes can cause stains on your clothes, especially those with a high oil content or darker, amber-coloured perfumes. Synthetic materials can also change the way a perfume smells, so it is best to spray perfume only on natural fabrics. Additionally, avoid spraying directly onto your clothes, as this can result in high concentrations of perfume being soaked into the fabric. Instead, spray from a distance to create a lighter layer of perfume on the surface of your clothes.
Spray perfume on your pulse points
The best spots to apply perfume are your pulse points, which are warm and moist because your veins are closest to the skin. These include the inside of your wrists, inner elbows, neck, collarbones, behind your earlobes, chin, shoulders, lower jaw, and the back of your knees. Applying perfume to these areas will allow you to smell it throughout the day, and others will be able to smell it when they get close to you.
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Use perfume oils and carrier oils
Stretching your perfume with oils is a great way to make your favourite scent last longer. Perfume or fragrance oils are a blend of aromatic compounds that can be synthetic or natural, mimicking a specific scent.
To stretch your perfume with oils, you can use a carrier oil such as Perfume Dipropylene Glycol (DPG). This is a diluent fragrance carrier oil that can be used to stretch or double your pure perfume oil. Simply mix one part fragrance oil to one part DPG (a 1:1 ratio) to double the amount of perfume oil. This method will maintain the harmony of the fragrance notes while giving you more volume. DPG is a better alternative to coconut fractionated carrier oil, as the latter may make your fragrance too thick.
Another option is to create your own perfume oil by blending essential oils. Essential oils are the main ingredient in perfume oils and come in three types: base, middle, and top notes. The base notes provide a long-lasting scent, while the middle and top notes add depth and complexity. To create a balanced scent, use a 20-50-30 ratio for your base, middle, and top notes, respectively.
You can also turn your perfume oil into a spray by combining it with alcohol, water, and glycerin. First, pour high-proof alcohol into a glass container, as plastic can react with the oil and alter the scent. Add 20% fragrance oil to the alcohol and stir with a glass rod to create the base. Allow this mixture to rest for 24 hours to ensure the ingredients combine properly. In a separate container, mix distilled water with vegetable glycerin. After 24 hours, combine the alcohol-fragrance mixture with the water-glycerin mixture in your spray bottle. This method will make your perfume easier to apply and more travel-friendly.
These methods of stretching your perfume with oils will not only make your scent last longer but also allow you to customise and enjoy your favourite fragrance in new ways.
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Avoid rubbing wrists together
Spraying perfume on your wrists and then rubbing them together is a very common way of applying perfume. However, experts say that this can negatively impact the longevity of the scent.
The friction from rubbing your wrists together creates a sudden and uneven heat, which can accelerate the evaporation of certain perfume molecules, causing the fragrance to distort. Top notes are the most delicate molecules in the mix and are usually the reason you chose that particular perfume, so by rubbing your wrists together, you are removing them right away. Vigorously mixing perfume with your natural oils in this way can also change the way your perfume smells.
Instead, it is recommended to lightly dab your wrists together and then let the perfume air-dry. You can also apply an unscented moisturiser to your skin before applying perfume, as the better hydrated your skin is, the longer your scent will last.
Another way to make your perfume last longer is to spritz it onto your pulse points, which are located on your wrists, neck, elbows, and the back of your knees. Spraying behind your ears is also a popular option, as this area produces natural body heat.
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Store perfume bottles in a cool, dry place
Heat, light, and humidity will break down perfume and lessen the quality and intensity of the fragrance. Therefore, it is important to store your perfume bottles in a cool, dry place, such as on a vanity in your room, away from windows. You can also use a pretty cake stand to display your perfume bottles, adding a touch of elegance to your collection.
When choosing a storage location, avoid areas that experience direct sunlight or are prone to high temperatures. Sunlight and heat can accelerate the breakdown of the perfume, reducing its longevity and altering its scent over time. Similarly, humidity can affect the perfume's composition, potentially causing it to spoil or separate.
Opt for a well-ventilated area that maintains a consistent, moderate temperature. A cool, dry closet, dresser drawer, or vanity table are ideal locations. If you opt for a drawer or closet, ensure the space is not overly cramped, allowing for some air circulation.
Additionally, consider storing your perfume bottles in their original boxes. The boxes provide an extra layer of protection from light and can help insulate the bottles from extreme temperature fluctuations. This is especially beneficial if your living space experiences significant temperature changes throughout the day or across different seasons.
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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 neck, chin, collarbones, wrists, and inner elbows. Spraying your ankles and calves will also allow the scent to rise throughout the day.
You can make your perfume last longer on your skin by applying an unscented body oil, lotion, or Vaseline before spraying your perfume. The ointment will hold the fragrance to your skin longer than if you were to spray it onto dry skin.
You can stretch your perfume oil by mixing one part fragrance oil with one part perfume dipropylene glycol (DPG). This will give you double the amount of perfume oil while maintaining all the fragrance notes.
