Katrina Rosales
There is a technique to wearing perfume, and it involves more than just a simple spritz. The way you apply your perfume can make a big difference in how long it lasts and how it smells. For instance, did you know that rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume can dull the scent? Or that storing perfume in the bathroom can affect its freshness? To make your perfume last longer, you can apply it to your pulse points, which are the areas where your body emits heat, helping those fragrance notes to develop quicker. These include your wrists, neck, cleavage, inside of elbows, and behind the knees. You can also apply a body lotion or unscented moisturiser first to prevent your skin from absorbing the perfume too quickly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to apply | Spray perfume about five inches from the skin. |
| Placement | Target areas exposed to the air: the pulse points of the neck, wrists, cleavage, inside of elbows, and behind the knees. |
| Mistakes to avoid | Rubbing wrists together after applying perfume, as this dulls the scent. |
| How to make perfume last longer | Apply an unscented body lotion or Vaseline first, then spray your fragrance. Moisturizer can act as a "primer" for fragrance. |
| How to store | Store perfume in a cool, dark, dry place. |
| How to avoid going "noseblind" | Change perfumes to activate your sense of smell. |
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What You'll Learn
Pulse points for longer-lasting fragrance
Pulse points are areas of the body where heat is emitted, helping fragrance notes to develop more quickly. These points include the wrists, neck, cleavage, inside of the elbows, behind the knees, and collarbone. The blood flow at these points helps to naturally circulate the fragrance into the air, making it last throughout the day and night.
Applying perfume to these pulse points is a great way to make your fragrance last longer. However, it is important to avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume, as this can cause the scent to evaporate, fade, and distort. Instead, lightly spritz both wrists and let the liquid sink in.
To further enhance the longevity of your fragrance, it is recommended to apply an unscented moisturiser or body lotion before spraying your perfume. This acts as a “primer” for the fragrance, helping it to bind to your skin. Additionally, applying perfume after a shower when your skin is still warm and damp can improve absorption and help lock in the scent.
Another factor to consider is the type of perfume you are using. Perfume oils, for example, tend to have a longer lifespan than body sprays due to differences in their chemical makeup. Eau de parfum, which has a higher concentration of notes, typically only requires one spritz for all-day wear, whereas eau de toilette is lighter and may need reapplication throughout the day.
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Don't rub wrists together
While it may be tempting to rub your wrists together after applying perfume, this is actually not recommended. Rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume can dull the top notes of the fragrance and accelerate its evaporation, causing it to lose its crispness. The top notes are the most delicate molecules in a perfume and are usually the reason why you fell in love with the scent in the first place. By rubbing your wrists together, you are getting rid of these notes right away, which means you are not getting the most out of your perfume.
The friction created by rubbing your wrists together heats up your skin, which produces natural enzymes that alter the course of the scent. This affects the middle and top notes, along with the dry-down, or the last and longest period of your fragrance's unfolding. For example, if you are wearing a floral scent, the heat from rubbing your wrists together can cause it to lose its crispness.
To preserve the integrity of your fragrance and ensure it lasts longer on your skin, lightly spritz both wrists and let the liquid sink in without rubbing them together. You can even take it a step further by applying an unscented moisturiser to your skin before you spritz to ensure all-day wear. The better hydrated your skin is, the longer your scent will last.
Additionally, it is important to note that the placement of your perfume depends on the environment and the outfit. Avoid covering your perfume with clothing, and instead, target areas exposed to the air, such as the pulse points of the neck, wrists, cleavage, or inner elbows. However, if you are in a hot climate, it is best to avoid applying perfume directly to your body as the natural oils from sweating can destroy your perfume faster. Instead, lightly mist your hair, scarf, or sarong to leave a lasting impression.
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Moisturise first
Moisturising before applying perfume can help the scent last longer. Perfume doesn't last long on dry skin, so applying an unscented moisturiser or body lotion first can help to prevent this. Moisturiser acts like a "primer" for fragrance, helping to bind the scent to your skin.
After moisturising, you can apply perfume to your pulse points, which are the areas where you can feel your heartbeat. These points include the wrists, neck, cleavage, inside of the elbows, and behind the knees. These areas generate more body heat, which helps to activate and diffuse the scent throughout the day.
Applying perfume after a shower or bath is also a good idea, as skin absorbs perfume better when it's warm. Make sure to dry your skin before applying perfume, as perfume can evaporate quickly on wet skin.
If you want to enhance all the notes of your fragrance, you can opt for a scented moisturiser or body lotion that matches your perfume. However, if you don't want the scent to be too overwhelming, it's best to stick to an unscented product.
Additionally, avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume, as this can create friction and cause the scent to distort. Instead, simply spritz and let the liquid sink in.
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Spray from a distance
When applying perfume, it is important to consider the distance from which you spray it. Spraying perfume too close to the skin can result in an unpleasant feeling, as it may lead to a flow of liquid. Senior perfumer Jacques Huclier recommends holding the perfume bottle about five inches away from the skin when spraying. This allows the fragrance to be evenly distributed and prevents an excessive amount of liquid from being concentrated in one area.
Spraying from a distance also helps to avoid over-application, which can be unpleasant for both the wearer and those around them. It is important to remember that a little perfume goes a long way, and too much can be overwhelming. By spraying from a distance, you can better control the amount of perfume being applied and avoid an excessive cloud of fragrance.
Additionally, spraying perfume from a distance can help to prevent the liquid from pooling on the skin. This is important because, when perfume is sprayed too close, it can result in a concentrated area of moisture that takes longer to dry and may cause the scent to change. By allowing the perfume to be distributed more evenly, spraying from a distance helps to avoid this issue and ensures a more consistent fragrance experience.
Another benefit of spraying from a distance is that it can help to avoid skin irritation. Some people may experience sensitivity to perfumes, and spraying too close to the skin can increase the concentration of fragrance oils coming into contact with the skin, potentially leading to irritation. By spraying from a distance, you can reduce the concentration of fragrance oils reaching the skin, lowering the risk of any adverse reactions.
Lastly, spraying perfume from a distance can create a more subtle and delicate application. This is ideal for those who want to wear perfume but do not want to make a strong fragrance statement. By spraying from a distance and allowing the mist to lightly fall onto the skin, a softer and more understated scent can be achieved, providing a hint of fragrance that is pleasant for both the wearer and those in close proximity.
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Store in a cool, dark place
Storing your perfume in a cool, dark place is essential to maintaining its quality and longevity. Fragrances are volatile, meaning they evaporate quickly when exposed to light and heat. Therefore, it is best to avoid storing perfume in places where the temperature fluctuates frequently, such as near windows, radiators, or in the bathroom. Instead, opt for a cool and dark location like a cupboard or drawer, which will help keep your perfume fresh and preserve its scent.
The light, especially direct sunlight, can break down the chemical structure of the perfume, altering its scent and colour. UV rays are particularly harmful and can degrade the fragrance compounds. Dark glass bottles, such as those tinted amber or cobalt blue, are excellent choices for blocking out most of the harmful light.
In addition to light, extreme temperatures can also harm the quality of your perfume. Very high or very low temperatures can corrupt the delicate balance of notes in your fragrance. Therefore, it is important to store your perfume at a consistent, room temperature, away from heaters, windows, and direct sunlight.
To further protect your perfume from light and temperature damage, keep it in its original packaging or box. This provides extra protection against unwanted light exposure and helps maintain a consistent temperature. Additionally, avoid displaying your perfume bottles on windowsills or in bathrooms, as these areas are prone to heat and light that may compromise the potency of your fragrance.
By storing your perfume in a cool, dark place, you can ensure that each spray evokes emotion and creates a beautiful fragrance experience for a longer period of time.
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Frequently asked questions
Apply a body lotion or an unscented moisturiser first, which will act as a "primer" for your fragrance, helping it bind to your skin. Then, spritz your pulse points, like your wrists, neck, cleavage, inside of elbows, and behind your knees. These spots emit heat, helping the fragrance notes develop quicker and diffuse throughout the day.
It depends on the type of perfume. An eau de parfum, which has the strongest concentration of notes, only needs one spritz for all-day wear. An eau de toilette is a lighter option that will require two to three sprays and likely a second application later in the day.
Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume. The friction created by rubbing heats up the skin, producing natural enzymes that change the course of the scent. Instead, spritz both wrists lightly and let the liquid sink in.
Store your perfume in a cool, dark, and dry place to prevent degradation. Humidity, direct sunlight, and changing temperatures can alter the shelf life of your perfume, so it's best to avoid storing it in your bathroom. Opt for closets, drawers, and dressers instead.
Apply perfume after a shower or bath when your skin is still warm and damp. The warmth of your skin will help your skin absorb more fragrance and lock it in.
