Katrina Rosales
Knowing how and where to apply perfume is just as important as the scent itself. The first step is to ensure your skin is clean and dry. It is best to apply perfume immediately after a shower when your pores are open and your skin is warm, as this will help the scent last longer. You should also moisturise your skin first, as the fragrance will last longer when it's in direct contact with your body's natural oils. When applying, spritz your wrists lightly and let the liquid sink in without rubbing your wrists together, as this will help preserve the integrity of the scent. You can also spray your perfume on your hairbrush and comb it through your hair, or spray it on your clothes, but be mindful of the fabric, as some materials can be easily stained by perfume oils.
How to Use Dry Perfume
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Skin Moisture | Apply perfume after a shower or bath, and dry skin completely. Use an unscented body lotion or Vaseline first to prevent perfume from evaporating. |
| Pulse Points | Apply perfume to wrists, neck, inner elbows, knees, collarbone, behind the ears, and ankles. |
| Distance | Hold perfume 5-7 inches (13-18 cm) away from the skin when applying. |
| Clothing | Spray perfume on clothes to make the scent last longer, but avoid staining. |
| Hair | Spray perfume on a hairbrush and comb hair to avoid drying out hair fibers. |
| Storage | Store perfume in a dry, dark area, away from humidity and heat. |
| Expiry | Perfumes expire in 2-3 years. |
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What You'll Learn
Apply to pulse points
Pulse points are areas on your body where the blood vessels are close to the skin's surface, creating extra heat. The heat enhances the fragrance and makes it last longer.
Apply dry perfume to your pulse points by first ensuring that the area is clean and dry. The pulse points on your body include your wrists, neck, inner elbows, collarbone, and cleavage. These areas emit heat, which helps the fragrance notes to develop quicker. Spray the perfume about five inches from the skin; if you spray it too closely, it can lead to a flow of liquid.
Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume, as this can cause the top notes to fade and evaporate. Instead, lightly spritz both wrists and let the liquid sink in. You can also apply dry perfume to your inner elbows and neck, dabbing it near your collarbone.
In addition to the wrists, neck, and inner elbows, you can try applying dry perfume to other pulse points such as the back of your knees, your belly button, or behind your ears. These areas will also benefit from the enhanced fragrance that comes with the extra heat generated at pulse points.
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Spray on clothes
It is possible to spray dry perfume on clothes, but it is important to be mindful of the potential risks. Firstly, always check if the perfume has any colour to it, as darker perfumes with a higher concentration of perfume oils can stain or discolour light-coloured clothing. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first. Synthetic fabrics can also change the way a perfume smells, so it is best to stick to natural fabrics.
If you are spraying perfume on your clothes, it is recommended to mist from a distance, rather than direct sprays onto specific spots. This will avoid high concentrations of perfume soaking into the fabric and will instead create a layer of perfume on the surface of the clothes. It is also a good idea to let the garment dry before putting it on, to avoid any issues with sensitive skin.
Perfume will last longer on textiles than on the skin, so spraying on clothes is a good way to make your scent linger. However, be aware that the perfume will smell different on your clothes than on your skin. This is because, when applied to the skin, a perfume will mingle with your body odour, creating a unique scent.
To avoid damaging your clothes, it is recommended to avoid spraying perfume on silk or cashmere, as it can stain and spoil these fabrics. It is also important to note that irons, steamers and hairdryers are not designed to process perfume oils and can damage the fabric.
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Spritz post-shower
Spritzing your perfume after a shower is a great way to make your fragrance last longer. The best time to apply perfume is right after you bathe and when your skin is still damp. This is because scent evaporates more quickly on dry skin, so the extra moisture will help your skin absorb more fragrance and lock it in.
However, it is important to note that you should not spray your perfume onto soaking wet skin, as this can hurt its longevity. Instead, dry off with a towel first, and then apply your perfume. Your pores will still be open from the heat of the shower, which will help to lock in your fragrance.
It is also recommended to apply an unscented body lotion or moisturiser before spraying your perfume. This can act as a 'primer' for your fragrance, helping to bind the scent to your skin.
Additionally, you should be aware of your pulse points when applying your perfume post-shower. These are areas where you can feel your heartbeat, and they generate more body heat than other parts of the body, which helps activate and diffuse the scent throughout the day. Common pulse points include the wrists, neck, cleavage, inner elbows, knees, collarbone, belly button, and behind the ears.
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Don't rub into skin
Don't rub perfume into the skin
Rubbing perfume into the skin is not recommended as it can cause the scent to fade and evaporate more quickly. This is because the friction created by rubbing warms up the skin, producing natural enzymes that change the course of the scent. In particular, the top and middle notes, along with the dry-down (the last and longest period of a fragrance's unfolding), are affected by this.
For example, with a floral fragrance, the warmth from rubbing can cause it to lose its crispness. Instead, it is recommended to spritz the wrists lightly, let the liquid sink in, and then do nothing further. This allows the perfume to mix with your natural oils and develop its full range of fragrance notes.
Rubbing perfume into the skin can also cause the scent to be released all at once, rather than allowing it to unfold and develop over time. This means that you miss out on experiencing the full complexity of the fragrance.
Another reason not to rub perfume into the skin is that it can cause the scent to be too strong and overwhelming, particularly if you are using a concentrated perfume. This can be unpleasant for both the wearer and those around them.
Finally, rubbing perfume into the skin can cause the alcohol in the perfume to evaporate more quickly, which can lead to staining on clothes and other materials. It can also dry out the skin, particularly if the perfume contains a high amount of alcohol.
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Store in a cool, dry place
Storing your perfume in a cool, dry place is essential to maintaining its quality and scent. Fluctuations in temperature can cause the components of the perfume to expand and contract, which can affect the fragrance balance. Therefore, it is best to store your perfume at room temperature, away from heaters, windows, and direct sunlight.
The bathroom is not a suitable place to store your perfume, as the heat and humidity from showers can degrade the scent. Similarly, avoid windowsills as the heat and light can speed up the expiration date. Instead, opt for a bedroom drawer, closet, or cupboard to keep your perfume in a cool, dry, and consistent environment.
Another option is to store your perfume in its original box. The box helps protect the perfume from light and sudden temperature changes and keeps the bottle upright and stable. Alternatively, you can use a glass container to store your perfume. Glass is non-reactive, meaning it won't interact with the chemicals in the perfume, preserving the integrity of the fragrance.
If you live in a hot climate, you may consider storing your perfume in the refrigerator. The fridge ensures the perfume is properly insulated and kept at a consistent temperature, prolonging its life. However, some sources suggest that chilling your fragrances may break down scent molecules and cause your perfume to lose its depth.
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Frequently asked questions
Dry perfumes are best applied to moisturised skin, as they absorb better and last longer. Apply your perfume to your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, inner elbows, knees, and collarbone. You can also spray your perfume on your clothes, but be mindful of the fabric as some materials, like silk, can be easily stained by perfume oils.
Spray your perfume onto your hairbrush and gently comb it through your hair. This will help transmit the scent without drying out your hair as much.
Dry perfumes should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep them in a closet, cabinet, or even in the fridge. Avoid storing them in humid places like the bathroom, as this can alter their scent and colour.
