Lance Carson
Knowing where to apply perfume can be the difference between a subtle, lingering fragrance and an overpowering scent. While there are no hard and fast rules, there are some guidelines to follow. Firstly, avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume, as this can change the course of the scent and cause it to evaporate faster. Instead, spritz your pulse points, which include the neck, wrists, behind the ears, inner elbows, and the back of the knees. These areas are warm spots where blood vessels are closer to the surface, allowing the scent to activate and linger. For a more experimental approach, try spritzing your hair, chest, or even your knees. Remember, less is more, and you want your perfume to complement, not overwhelm, your natural scent.
Where to put perfume
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wrists | Spraying perfume on the wrists is a popular choice as it helps trap the scent. However, avoid rubbing your wrists together as this can break down the scent molecules and cause the fragrance to evaporate faster. |
| Neck | The neck is filled with blood flowing through veins, making it an ideal spot to apply perfume. |
| Behind the ears | Spraying perfume behind the ears keeps the fragrance within your intimate space, allowing people to clearly identify the scent as yours. |
| Shoulders | Applying perfume to the shoulders can help project the scent to people standing next to you. |
| Chest | Spraying perfume on the chest is a common practice as it is convenient and allows the perfume to project forward. |
| Inside elbows | Applying perfume to the inside of the elbows is recommended, especially for stronger fragrances. |
| Back of knees | Spraying perfume on the back of the knees is recommended by fragrance experts as you are likely to encounter people sitting down. |
| Belly button | Applying perfume to the skin around and inside the navel is an experimental but effective choice. |
| Hair | Spraying perfume on the hair can guarantee scent longevity, but be cautious of the alcohol content to avoid drying out your hair. |
| Clothes | Perfume can be applied to clothes, but it may smell different than when applied to the skin. |
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What You'll Learn
Wrists
The wrists are one of the most popular places to spritz your perfume. They are considered pulse points, where blood vessels are closer to the surface, and the warmth of your blood can activate the scent. Spraying perfume on your wrists is a great way to ensure your fragrance lasts, especially if you're wearing something sleeveless.
When applying perfume to your wrists, avoid the common mistake of rubbing them together. This breaks down the scent molecules and ruins the performance of your perfume. Instead, spritz each wrist lightly and let the liquid sink in.
Applying perfume to your wrists is also a good way to smell your fragrance throughout the day. As you make hand gestures when interacting with others, the scent will project towards them.
For added longevity, you can apply an unscented lotion or petroleum jelly to your wrists before spraying your perfume. The oiliness helps trap the scent for longer.
If you're in an intensely hot climate, avoid applying perfume directly to your wrists as the natural oils from sweating can destroy your perfume faster.
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Neck
The neck is one of the most common places to apply perfume, as it is a pulse point that emits heat to help the fragrance notes develop more quickly. However, opinions vary on whether the front, back, or sides of the neck are the best spots to apply perfume.
Some sources advise against applying perfume to the neck, as the high alcohol content can dry out the skin and cause issues such as redness, itchiness, and other reactions, especially on sensitive skin. The alcohol can also lead to crepey neck, and the fragrance may be altered by the natural oils produced by the neck.
If you do choose to apply perfume to your neck, it is recommended to spray the perfume about five inches from the skin to avoid an unpleasant feeling of liquid. Two or three spritzes are usually enough to make the scent last.
You can also apply perfume to the centre of your throat, another pulse point where the scent will be particularly strong.
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Behind the ears
Applying perfume behind the ears is a common practice. This area is a pulse point, meaning it emanates heat and helps to release the fragrance into the air. The heat, combined with the location of the ears, makes the space behind them an excellent place to bring out all the intricacies of your favourite scents.
Some people believe that applying perfume behind the ears should be avoided due to the presence of sebaceous glands. However, others argue that sebaceous glands are present all over the body, and proper hygiene can prevent gland secretions from interfering with the scent.
When applying perfume behind the ears, it is recommended to hold the bottle three to six inches away and spritz directly onto the pulse point. This will help keep the fragrance fresh around your face throughout the day.
Some people prefer to spray their wrists and then tap them behind their ears to avoid any mess. Others may choose to spray their fingers and dab the perfume onto the area. It is generally advised not to rub the perfume in, as this can affect the chemistry of the notes and cause the scent molecules to evaporate too quickly.
Applying perfume behind the ears is a great way to enhance your fragrance and ensure that you get the most out of it. However, it is important to be mindful of the strength of the perfume and the amount applied to avoid an overpowering scent.
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Hair
While some people spritz perfume directly onto their hair, this is not recommended due to the potential for long-term damage. Most perfumes contain high concentrations of alcohol, which can dry out hair and lead to issues such as breakage, split ends, and frizziness.
If you want to scent your hair, it is best to use products specifically designed for hair, such as hair mists, dry shampoos, or hair serums. These alternatives can provide a refreshing and lasting fragrance without the damaging effects of alcohol-based perfumes. Hair mists, in particular, are designed to leave your hair smelling pleasant while adding a natural shine and softness.
When choosing a hair mist, opt for those with lower alcohol concentrations or alcohol-free formulas to minimise potential damage. For example, the Narciso Rodriguez Hair Mist for Her is known for its light, subtle scent and lack of oily residue. The Byredo hair mist, Sundazed, offers a bright and sweet aroma, evoking the feeling of a sunny holiday. If you prefer floral scents, the Aussie Flora Aura Scent Boost Hair Treatment is a lightweight option that won't compromise your style.
If you are committed to using perfume on your hair, there are ways to minimise the potential for damage. One method is to spray the perfume into the air and walk through it, allowing the scent to settle on your hair gently. Alternatively, you can spray the perfume onto your hairbrush and then comb it through your hair, focusing on the lengths rather than the roots. These techniques will result in a softer, more subtle fragrance while reducing the concentration of alcohol that comes into contact with your hair.
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Collarbone
The collarbone is one of the best places to apply perfume, as it is a pulse point where the blood vessels are close to the skin's surface, creating extra heat. This heat enhances the fragrance and makes it last longer. When applying perfume to the collarbone area, it is recommended to spray the perfume about five to eight inches from the skin. This is because spraying too close to the skin can lead to an unpleasant flow of liquid. After applying, it is best to let the perfume dry down on its own instead of rubbing it in, as this can dull the top notes and change the scent.
The base of the throat, where the collarbones meet, is a great place to spray perfume as it will ensure the fragrance wafts towards your face throughout the day. This area also has a lot of dips due to the bone structure, giving the fragrance room to interact with your skin. If you are wearing a shirt with a collar, you can also try dabbing a little perfume on the back of your neck.
In addition to the collarbone, there are other pulse points where perfume is commonly applied, including the wrists, inner elbows, behind the knees, and behind the ears. These areas also emit heat, helping the fragrance to develop quicker and last longer. It is recommended to apply perfume to these pulse points before putting on your clothes, as fragrances last longer when they are in direct contact with the body's natural oils.
When applying perfume, it is important to consider the environment and outfit. For example, if you are in an intensely hot climate, it is best not to apply scent directly to your body, as sweat can destroy the perfume faster. Instead, you can lightly mist your hair, scarf, or sarong to leave a lasting impression.
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Frequently asked questions
The best spots to apply perfume are your pulse points, which are the points on your body that are warm and moist because your veins are closest to the skin. These include your wrists, inside your elbows, behind your knees, the base of your throat, your neck, and your collarbones.
Yes, you can spray perfume on your clothes. Fabric (except silk) will absorb perfume, keeping a long-lasting scent around you all day. Just be careful not to stain your clothes.
You can spray perfume on your hair, but be cautious of the alcohol content as it could damage and dry out your hair. You can also apply perfume to your chest and shoulder blades.
