Seamus Hammond
Applying perfume is an art. The placement of your favourite scent depends on the environment, your outfit, and whether you want to smell it yourself or not. The best spots to apply perfume are pulse points, which are warm and moist because your veins are closest to the skin. These include the wrists, neck, inside the elbow, behind the knees, collarbones, and even behind the ears. However, avoid spraying perfume on your face or anywhere that gets sun exposure, as it can magnify the effects of UV damage. Additionally, while it may be tempting to rub your wrists together after applying perfume, this can break down the notes, causing them to evaporate too soon and reducing the scent's longevity. Instead, gently dab the perfume onto your skin and let it dry before putting on your clothes.
Where to Put Perfume
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Dry skin can cause perfume to evaporate quickly. |
| Skin preparation | Warm, clean, and moisturized skin absorbs perfume better. |
| Application method | Spraying is preferred over rubbing to prevent scent distortion. |
| Application areas | Pulse points like the wrists, neck, inside the elbow, behind the knees, collarbones, and chest are recommended. |
| Clothing | Applying perfume before dressing ensures access to pulse points and prevents stains. |
| Hair | Spraying perfume on the hair is common, but not suitable for all formulas. |
| Environment | Direct sunlight and steam can alter perfume's shelf life. |
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What You'll Learn
Pulse points
The pulse points include the wrists, inside of the elbows, behind the knees, the neck, the collarbone, and the chin. Applying perfume to the wrists and inner elbows allows you to smell your perfume whenever you feel like it. If you want to smell your perfume yourself, apply it to the pulse points closest to your nose, like the neck, chin, and collarbones.
Applying perfume to the pulse points on the neck and wrists is a common practice. However, it is considered "very bad" by some experts, who claim that rubbing the wrists together after applying perfume can change the course of the scent. Instead, they suggest holding the perfume bottle about 15 cm away from the skin and creating a mist that diffuses the scent over a good proportion of the skin area.
Applying perfume after a hot shower or bath is ideal, as the skin is still warm, and the pores are open, allowing the perfume to absorb better. It is also recommended to apply an unscented body lotion or petroleum jelly before spraying perfume to prevent it from evaporating too quickly.
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Hair
There are several methods for applying perfume to your hair. However, it is important to note that some people advise against spraying perfume directly onto your hair as it may dry it out and cause breakage due to the alcohol content. Instead, you can use hair mists, dry shampoos, or hair serums that are designed to leave a refreshing scent without damaging your hair. If you still want to apply perfume to your hair, here are some methods:
The Mist Cloud Method
Spray your perfume in front of you and walk into the floating mist. This allows the perfume to gently settle onto your hair rather than soaking in and saturating the strands. You can also spray the perfume into the air and walk into the mist. Ensure there are no heat sources nearby to avoid any accidents.
The Hairbrush Method
Spray your hairbrush with your chosen perfume a few times to coat the bristles. Gently wave your hairbrush through the air for about 10 seconds, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. Then, brush your hair as usual.
The Comb-Through Method
Apply perfume to a comb and run it through your hair for even distribution. However, the fragrance particles may not be as fine using this method.
The Palm Rub Method
For attars and oils, apply a small amount to your palms, rub them together, and then lightly run your hands through your hair.
Spray Directly
Hold the perfume bottle 6-8 inches away from your hair and spritz. Focus on the middle, ends, and scalp for even distribution and longer-lasting fragrance.
Before applying perfume to your hair, it is recommended to test it on a small section to ensure it does not react adversely. Observe for any changes in texture or colour and ensure the fragrance does not irritate your scalp.
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Clothes
There are several schools of thought on the best way to apply perfume to clothing. Some sources suggest that applying perfume to clothing is a convenient way to wear fragrance, especially when in a rush. Perfume tends to linger longer on fabrics than on the skin, creating a subtle scent that diffuses slowly and lasts longer.
However, other sources suggest that applying perfume directly to the skin is the most effective method, as the skin's warmth helps to activate and release the fragrance, creating a personalised scent. The heat from the skin enhances the perfume's notes, creating a fuller, more harmonious fragrance experience.
If you do choose to apply perfume to your clothes, it is recommended to hold the bottle at least 6-8 inches away from the fabric to avoid over-saturation and potential stains. Apply the perfume to less conspicuous areas, such as the inside lining of jackets or the hem of skirts, to ensure the fragrance remains subtle. It is also a good idea to test the perfume on a small area of the fabric first to check for any potential staining or discolouration, especially on delicate fabrics. Synthetic materials can also change the way a perfume smells, so it is best to spray it on natural fabrics only.
Some people also choose to apply perfume to their hair, as the hair can hold the scent longer than the skin. However, it is important to be cautious as most perfumes contain alcohol, which can dehydrate and damage hair.
Ultimately, the choice of application method depends on personal preference and the fragrance type. Some fragrances work better on the skin, while others perform better on clothes. For example, fragrances with high alcohol content tend to evaporate quickly and are best applied directly to the skin. On the other hand, fragrances with low alcohol content can be sprayed on clothes for a more subtle and long-lasting effect.
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Don't rub it in
When applying perfume, it is best to avoid rubbing it into your skin. Award-winning perfumer Francis Kurkdjian says that rubbing perfume into the wrists is "very bad". This is because the friction created by rubbing warms up the skin, which produces natural enzymes that can change the course of the scent. The top and middle notes of a fragrance are the most affected by this, and the scent can lose its crispness.
Instead of rubbing, it is recommended to spritz the perfume onto pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, and inner elbows, and then let it air dry. This allows the perfume to emit fragrance throughout the day. If you want to prolong the scent, you can apply an unscented moisturiser to your skin before spraying on the perfume. This will help to keep your skin hydrated, giving the perfume oils something to grasp onto so that your scent lasts longer.
Another way to make your perfume last longer is to spritz it onto your hair. However, this should not be done with every perfume formula. Additionally, if you are in a hot climate, it is better to mist your hair, scarf, or sarong instead of applying scent directly to your body, as the natural oils from sweating can destroy your perfume faster.
Applying perfume to your clothing can also help to prolong the scent. However, it is important to check that the perfume will not stain the fabric. One way to infuse your clothing with perfume is to spray a Kleenex with a few sprays of perfume and then put it in a sealed bag with the garment overnight.
Overall, while rubbing perfume into the skin may not drastically change the scent, it is best to avoid doing so to preserve the integrity of the fragrance and ensure it lasts longer on the skin.
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Skin type
When it comes to choosing a perfume, it's important to consider your skin type. The scent of a perfume can vary from person to person, depending on their skin's unique chemistry, pH levels, and natural oils. Here are some tips to help you select a fragrance that complements your skin type:
Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, you may notice that fragrances tend to amplify and last longer. This is because perfume ingredients are attracted to the oil on your skin. Oily skin can make sweet notes insipid, while enhancing top notes like citrus, making them smell delightful and longer-lasting. To balance your skin's natural oils, opt for bold and robust notes like musk, oud, or spice. Avoid super light scents as they might not last long on oily skin.
Dry Skin
Dry skin tends to soak up perfume quickly, causing scents to fade faster. To counter this, choose richer, heavier, and more concentrated fragrances with a strong base to make it last. Dramatic chypres, spices, woods, and orientals are recommended as they will ensure the notes last longer and reflect the bottled aroma more accurately. Floral notes like vanilla, rose, or jasmine are also recommended as they feel soft and cling better to dry skin.
Combination Skin
If you have combination skin, meaning your skin is neither predominantly dry nor oily, you will likely find that most fragrances smell fairly accurate on your skin. However, factors like your diet, lifestyle, and pH levels can still influence how the perfume interacts with your skin.
Sensitive Skin
For sensitive skin, it is important to opt for gentle, hypoallergenic, or natural perfumes to avoid irritation. Choose creamy or floral notes and avoid harsh scents.
Testing Perfumes
When testing a new perfume, it is important to try it on your skin and observe how it interacts with your unique chemistry. Spray it on your wrist and wait 15-20 minutes. Check the scent after an hour as well to understand how it evolves on your skin. Additionally, consider the season and your personality when choosing a fragrance. For example, bold and spicy scents are great for winter, while light and citrusy fragrances are perfect for summer.
Remember, the scent of a perfume is a very personal experience, and it's important to find a fragrance that resonates with your skin and your personality.
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Frequently asked questions
The best spots to apply perfume are the pulse points, which are the points that are warm and moist because your veins are closest to the skin. These include the wrists, inside the elbow, behind the knees, neck, collarbones, and inner elbows.
First, take a shower or bath and dry off your skin. Then, apply an unscented body lotion and/or Vaseline. Finally, spray your perfume. The perfume will stick better to your skin and last longer.
While it is acceptable to spray perfume on your clothes, it is not recommended as the scent will be distorted.
