Heidi Norton
There is a technique to wearing perfume, and it's both a science and an art. The placement of your perfume depends on the environment, your outfit, and your skin type. Common pulse points include the wrists, neck, inner elbows, collarbone, behind the ears, knees, and even the belly button. Spraying perfume on your hair and clothes can also help the scent last longer. However, be mindful of the amount of perfume you apply, as too much can be overpowering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to apply | Spray onto pulse points, including wrists, neck, collarbone, inner elbows, and behind the knees. |
| Hold the bottle 5-7 inches (13-18 cm) away from the skin and spray onto the pulse. | |
| Avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this can cause the scent to change and evaporate. | |
| Spray onto clothing or hair for a longer-lasting scent, especially in hot climates. | |
| Apply after showering or bathing, and moisturize first to make the scent last longer. | |
| Avoid applying to areas with cuts or abrasions, as the alcohol in the perfume can irritate broken skin. | |
| Avoid spraying on areas exposed to the sun, as this can magnify UV damage. | |
| Avoid storing perfume in hot and humid environments, as this can accelerate evaporation. | |
| Choosing a fragrance | Consider the occasion and choose a fragrance that complements the mood. For example, opt for lighter, uplifting scents for the day and stronger, longer-lasting scents for the evening. |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid rubbing your wrists together
When applying perfume, it is best to avoid rubbing your wrists together. This is because the friction from rubbing can break down the fragrance molecules, causing the top notes, or lighter scents, to dissipate more quickly and changing the way the scent develops on your skin.
As French-Armenian perfumer Francis Kurkdjian explains, the friction from rubbing your wrists together "heats up the skin, which produces natural enzymes that change the course of the scent." This mostly impacts the top and middle notes, as well as the dry-down, or the last and longest period of your fragrance's unfolding. For example, with a floral fragrance, the heat can cause it to lose its crispness.
To preserve the integrity of your fragrance and ensure it lasts longer, lightly spritz both wrists and let the liquid sink in without rubbing. This will help the fragrance spread more evenly and release its full potential.
In addition to the wrists, other pulse points to target when applying perfume include the neck, inner elbows, collarbone, behind the ears, and even the belly button. These areas have more heat from the blood flowing close to the skin's surface, which helps enhance the fragrance and make it last longer.
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Target pulse points
Targeting 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, creating extra heat. This heat enhances the fragrance and helps it circulate into the air, allowing it to stay with you throughout the day and night.
Some common pulse points to target when applying perfume include the wrists, inner elbows, collarbone, neck, and behind the knees. These areas are generally exposed to the air, allowing the scent to diffuse effectively. When applying perfume to these areas, hold the bottle about 5 to 7 inches (13 to 18 cm) away from your skin and spray onto the pulse. Instead of rubbing it in, dab the perfume lightly onto your skin. This allows the fragrance to develop without distortion and helps it spread more evenly.
Another pulse point that is often overlooked is the area behind the ears. This spot is ideal as it puts a little scent in your hair, helping the fragrance last longer and diffuse throughout the day. Additionally, if you are wearing a crop top or bikini, your belly button can be a great pulse point to target.
It is important to note that you should avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume. This can create friction, leading to the evaporation and dulling of the scent. It can also cause the fragrance molecules to break down, altering the way the scent develops on your skin.
By targeting these pulse points and following the recommended application techniques, you can ensure that your fragrance lasts longer and leaves a lasting impression.
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Moisturise dry skin first
Dry skin can cause your perfume to fade faster. This is because the skin 'eats up' the oils in your fragrance, meaning it won't last as long. To prevent this, it is recommended to moisturise your skin before applying perfume.
Moisturising your skin before applying perfume can help the scent last longer. This is because fragrances cling to emollients, so keeping your skin well-moisturised provides a base for the perfume to hold on to. It is best to use an unscented moisturiser to prevent any olfactory interference.
You can also use Vaseline as a moisturiser. This will act as an additional moisturising lock for the scent, helping it to last even longer.
If you have dry skin, it is recommended to use a more emollient moisturiser. This will provide extra hydration, preventing your skin from absorbing the fragrance too quickly.
To further enhance the longevity of your fragrance, it is best to apply it to your pulse points. These are areas where blood flows close to the skin's surface, creating extra heat, which enhances the fragrance and makes it last longer. Pulse points include the wrists, inner elbows, collarbone, neck, and behind the knees.
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Don't cover perfume with clothing
When it comes to perfume, where you put it matters. Award-winning French-Armenian perfumer Francis Kurkdjian advises against covering it with clothing. Instead, target areas exposed to the air, such as the pulse points of the neck, wrists, inner elbows, and behind the knees. These areas emit heat, helping the fragrance notes to develop more quickly.
Pulse points are areas where blood flows near the skin's surface, creating extra heat. The heat enhances the fragrance and makes it last longer. The inside of the wrists, elbows, and knees are three of the most effective pulse points. By spraying fragrance on the inside of your elbows, you can also spread the scent to other areas of the body and to the fibres of your clothes.
If you're wearing a sleeveless blouse, the pulse points of the neck and wrists or inner elbows are ideal spots to apply perfume. The only exception is if you're in an intensely hot climate. In this case, it's best not to apply scent directly to your body, as the natural oils from sweating can destroy your perfume faster. Instead, lightly mist your hair, scarf, or sarong to allow the scent to diffuse with the air.
While some people prefer to spray perfume on their clothes, this can be risky as it may stain the fabric, especially if it is a light colour. Fragrances with high alcohol content tend to evaporate quickly and are best applied directly to the skin. However, fragrances with a low alcohol content can be sprayed onto clothes for a more subtle and long-lasting effect. Ultimately, the choice of application method depends on personal preference and the type of fragrance.
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Store in a cool, dark place
Storing your perfume in a cool, dark place is essential to keeping it fresh and prolonging its life.
Perfumes are volatile, meaning they evaporate quickly when exposed to light and heat. Therefore, it is best to store your perfume in a cool, dark cupboard or drawer, maintaining a consistent temperature to prevent degradation. Avoid storing it in places where the temperature fluctuates frequently, such as near windows, radiators, or in the bathroom, as these hotspots are full of warmth and light that may compromise its potency. The kitchen is also not ideal, as it can get very hot when cooking. A guest bedroom or hallway might be a better option, as these rooms tend to have more consistent temperatures.
If you can, store your perfume in its original packaging, as this will protect it from light damage. Dark glass bottles, such as amber or cobalt blue, are excellent choices as they block out most of the harmful light. Additionally, keeping the bottle tightly sealed when not in use will minimise air exposure.
You could even store your perfume in the refrigerator. This will ensure it is properly insulated and kept at a consistent temperature, prolonging its life. However, remember to always label each container so you know what's inside and how old it is.
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Frequently asked questions
The best places to apply perfume are the pulse points of the body, which include the wrists, inner elbows, collarbone, and behind the knees. These areas are warmer, which helps to release the scent. You can also apply perfume to your neck, belly button, and behind the ears.
Hold the perfume bottle about 5 to 7 inches away from your skin and spray it onto the pulse point. Avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this can dull the scent and cause it to evaporate. Instead, lightly dab the perfume into your skin and let it dry naturally.
Moisturise your skin before applying perfume to make the scent last longer. You can also try pairing your perfume with a complementary scented body lotion. Additionally, storing your perfume in its original packaging in a cool, dry, and dark place will help preserve its scent and longevity.
