Lance Carson
Wearing perfume is an art, and there are many tricks to applying it well. The South of France is known for its local perfumes, such as Durance en Provence, Panier des Sens, and Lothantique, which can be found in the souvenir stores of Avignon. This guide will help you make the most of your scent, whether it's a floral fragrance or a heavier blend. From application techniques to storage tips, you'll be able to avoid common mistakes and ensure your perfume lasts longer and smells better.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Misting technique | Avoid misting your wrists and then pressing them together before reaching for your neck as the friction created by rubbing can change the course of the scent |
| Placement | Target areas exposed to the air: the pulse points of the neck, wrists, cleavage, collarbone, behind the knees, or inner elbows. If you're in an intensely hot climate, avoid applying scent directly to your body and instead lightly mist your hair, scarf, or sarong |
| Application timing | Apply fragrance when you're fully dressed so that a bit lingers on your clothes. Fabric retains fragrance well and can be a great sillage booster for ethereal fragrances |
| Skin type | Perfume doesn't last long on dry skin. Use a companion body lotion or an unscented moisturizer to prevent any olfactory interference |
| Storage | Perfume is sensitive to environmental changes, so store it carefully |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid rubbing wrists together after applying perfume
While applying perfume to your wrists and then rubbing them together is a common practice, it is not advisable. This is because the friction from rubbing can alter the scent of the perfume. According to experts, the friction generated by rubbing can create sudden and uneven heat, which can accelerate the evaporation of certain scent molecules, distort the fragrance, and affect its longevity.
The top notes of a perfume are more delicate and lighter, and they dissipate the quickest. When you rub your wrists together after applying perfume, you can spoil these light-molecule top notes. The friction between the perfume and your skin's natural oils can also change the way the scent performs on your skin, causing it to lose its crispness.
Instead of rubbing your wrists together, it is recommended to spritz both wrists lightly, let the liquid sink in, and then do nothing further. This will help preserve the integrity of your fragrance and ensure it lasts longer on your skin.
Additionally, it is important to consider the placement of your perfume. The pulse points on your body, such as your wrists, neck, and cleavage, emit heat that can help fragrance notes develop quicker. However, if you are in an intensely hot climate, it is best to avoid applying scent directly to your body, as the natural oils from sweating can destroy your perfume faster. Instead, you can lightly mist your hair, scarf, or sarong to leave a lasting impression.
Lastly, it is worth noting that the concentration of your perfume also matters. The more concentrated a perfume is, the longer you can expect the scent to last and the less you need to use. Two spritzes directly onto the skin should be enough to make the fragrance last.
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Apply perfume to pulse points
Pulse points are areas on the body where blood vessels are close to the skin. These zones emit more heat than the rest of the body. The heat helps to diffuse the fragrance, creating a lasting scent. The perfume tends to intensify as it warms up on your skin, so it's always better to start with a small amount and then add more if needed.
The most common pulse points to apply perfume are the wrists, neck, and jawline area. The wrists are perhaps the most well-known area to apply perfume and are the perfect vehicle to distribute your scent to other pulse points. Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume, as this can break down the top notes of the perfume and affect how the scent develops on your skin.
The side of the neck is one of the more powerful pulse points on the body, thanks to the carotid artery that resides there. Applying perfume here creates a lasting scent, as these areas are frequently exposed to the air. A spritz behind the ears ensures your perfume will wind up in your hair, contributing to its range and longevity while guaranteeing an all-day diffusion.
Other pulse points include the temples, which are located on the outer edges of each eye, elbow creases, and behind the knees. The natural movement of your arms helps diffuse the fragrance continuously throughout the day, and these areas retain heat, helping to maintain the fragrance's lasting trail.
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Don't spray perfume on clothing
While some people recommend spraying perfume on your clothes, there are several reasons why you might choose not to. Firstly, it can be a waste of your favourite fragrance. Perfume doesn't last long on fabric, and the scent won't evolve in the same way it does on your skin. The top notes tend to linger on clothes, which may not be desirable.
Secondly, you might end up damaging your clothing. Perfume can discolour or stain fabric, especially if it's a dark or concentrated liquid on a light-coloured garment. It's best to test a small, hidden area first if you do decide to spray your clothes.
Thirdly, the scent may not be as pleasant. Some fragrances smell better on the skin, where they can mix with your body chemistry.
Finally, if you have sensitive skin, spraying perfume on your skin could cause an allergic reaction or rash. In this case, spraying on your clothes might be the best option. However, you could also try applying the perfume to a scarf or sarong, which will diffuse the scent as you move.
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Moisturise skin before applying perfume
Applying moisturiser before spraying on perfume can make all the difference to your perfume's longevity. According to Michelle Feeney, the founder of Floral Street, "perfume won't cling as well to dryer skin", so it is important to "moisturise the skin well before applying [perfume], as this helps with longevity". This is especially true in the winter months.
The reason for this is that the molecules in perfume have something to grab and stick on to when your skin is moisturised, whereas dry skin lacks the oils needed for the molecules to stay. This is why perfume evaporates quickly on dry skin.
When choosing a moisturiser, it is best to opt for an unscented lotion, as you do not want to disrupt or compromise the delicate balance of notes in your perfume. However, if you are using a scented body lotion from the same line as your fragrance, it is best to apply the fragrance first and then the lotion, as the alcohol from the fragrance could mess with the lotion and give some undesired results.
It is also important to note that you should always apply perfume before putting on your clothes, as perfume does not last long on covered skin.
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Spray perfume on hair
While some people spritz perfume on their hair for a long-lasting scent, others advise against it due to the potential for hair damage.
Pros of Spraying Perfume on Hair
Perfume can be sprayed on the hair to make it last longer. One spritz on the hair can leave a long-lasting impression, as hair carries perfume well and creates a beautiful scented trail. People with shorter heights have also found that spraying perfume on their hair makes it easier for others to notice the scent.
Cons of Spraying Perfume on Hair
The presence of ethyl alcohol in perfumes can have a drying effect on the hair, leading to long-term damage such as breakage, split ends, and frizziness. People with textured hair have reported that products with alcohol can cause their hair to break. However, some people with low-maintenance hair have found that spraying perfume on their hair has not caused any noticeable damage.
Alternatives to Spraying Perfume Directly on Hair
To avoid potential damage to the hair, one can opt for hair mists, dry shampoos, or hair serums that are designed to leave a refreshing, lasting scent without drying out or damaging the hair. For example, the Sebastian Dark Oil Silkening Mist adds shine and an uplifting scent, while the Aussie Flora Aura Scent Boost Hair Treatment provides a floral scent without compromising style.
Additionally, scented lotions or oil-based scents can be used instead of spraying perfume directly on the hair. Applying perfume to a hairbrush can also help distribute the scent without concentrating it on the hair strands.
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Frequently asked questions
Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume, as the friction can change the course of the scent. Instead, spritz both wrists lightly and let the liquid sink in.
Target areas exposed to the air, such as the pulse points of the neck, wrists, cleavage, and inner elbows. You can also spray behind the knees, on the collarbone, or in your hair. Avoid spraying perfume directly on your clothes as it may stain them.
Apply perfume to moisturized skin, as it doesn't last long on dry skin. You can also try layering your perfume with an unscented moisturizer or a companion body lotion.
Before wearing a new perfume out, test its potency by spraying it on a pulse point and making note of how strong it is. Check in every couple of hours to see how it's holding up.
