
Knowing where to apply perfume is just as important as the composition of the notes in the fragrance. The placement of your perfume depends on the environment, your outfit, and your skin type. Applying perfume to your pulse points, such as the neck, wrists, inner elbows, and collarbones, can make the scent last longer. However, if you plan to be in the sun, avoid applying perfume to areas that receive sun exposure, as this can magnify the effects of UV damage on your skin. Instead, spray your perfume on your clothes or hair for better longevity.
Where to apply perfume on your body
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pulse points | Wrists, neck, collarbones, inner elbows, behind the ear lobes, back of the knees, chin, cleavage |
| Other areas | Chest, hair, clothes, face, arms, solar plexus |
| Skin preparation | Apply unscented body lotion or moisturizer first, take a shower or bath and dry your skin |
| Other tips | Avoid spraying on areas exposed to the sun, don't rub wrists together, don't store in the bathroom |
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What You'll Learn

Pulse points, like the neck, wrists, inner elbows, and collarbones
Pulse points are areas where your veins sit closest to your skin, so you can literally feel your pulse. These spots are warm and emit extra body heat, which helps to diffuse your scent. The best pulse points to apply perfume to are the neck, wrists, inner elbows, and collarbones.
The neck is a great place to apply perfume as it will gently emanate the scent towards your face all day. Spraying perfume on your collarbones is also a good idea, as these pulse points are close to your nose, allowing you to smell your perfume throughout the day.
Applying perfume to your wrists and inner elbows is another effective way to ensure your fragrance lasts. Your wrists are pulse points that help push the scent out further, and you can sniff your perfume whenever you like by bringing your wrists to your nose.
If you're going to be in direct sunlight, avoid applying perfume to your wrists, as this can magnify the effects of UV damage on your skin.
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Behind the ears
Spraying perfume behind the ears is a common practice. The area behind the ears is a pulse point, which is a warm spot on the body that helps fragrance release into the air. Spraying perfume on the pulse points is a good way to make the scent last longer.
Some people prefer spraying perfume on their wrists and then touching their wrists to the area behind their ears. This is because direct application of perfume behind the ears can create a mess. It is also said that rubbing perfume on the skin can create friction, heating the skin up too much, and causing the scent molecules to evaporate faster. However, this may not be true, as chemistry does not work that way.
Spraying perfume behind the ears is also said to be a bad idea because the glands in that area produce an oily substance that can distort the fragrance. However, oil also helps trap fragrance, and some people believe that spraying perfume on oily spots behind the ears will keep the scent around the head for hours.
Applying perfume behind the ears is a good way to ensure that the scent lingers in your hair, contributing to its range and longevity. This is a great way to ensure that your personality shines through during a quick hug or any time spent near loved ones.
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On your hair
Hair can be a great place to apply perfume, as it holds scent longer than skin. However, it is important to be cautious of the alcohol content in your perfume, as this can dehydrate and damage your hair.
If you want to apply perfume to your hair, it is recommended that you first wash and dry your hair. This is because the natural oils in your hair can affect the scent of the fragrance. You can use a blow dryer, but be sure to apply a heat protection product first. After washing and drying your hair, you can then apply an unscented moisturising product to your hair, such as a conditioner or a leave-in conditioning treatment, to prevent your hair from drying out.
When applying the perfume, hold the bottle 8 to 20 cm away from your head and lightly mist your hair. Alternatively, you can spray the perfume onto a brush or comb and gently comb it through your hair. This method is ideal if you are worried about the alcohol content of your perfume, as it will reduce the amount of perfume applied directly to your hair.
If you are concerned about the effects of alcohol on your hair, you can also opt for perfume oils, water-based perfumes, or alcohol-free formulas. There are also hair perfumes available on the market that are designed specifically for use on hair and will not cause damage.
Finally, it is worth noting that some people choose to apply perfume to their hair by spraying it onto their wrists and then dabbing it into their hair. This method may be preferable if you are concerned about the amount of perfume being applied directly to your hair.
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On your clothes
Perfume can be applied directly to your clothes, and this method of application is gaining popularity. It is a convenient option, especially if you have sensitive skin. Spraying perfume on your clothes can also help to avoid potential skin irritation.
The fragrance will last longer on textiles than on your skin, as it doesn't have the benefit of your body heat to slowly release the scent. However, the scent may not be as complex as when it is applied to the skin, as it does not mingle with your body odour.
Some perfumes can cause stains or discolouration on certain fabrics, especially those with a high concentration of fragrance and a darker colour. Synthetic materials can also change the way a perfume smells, so it is best to only spray natural fabrics. It is recommended to test a small, hidden area of the fabric first.
If you are applying perfume to your clothes, it is best to do so before getting dressed, to avoid getting the perfume on your skin. It is also advised to spray from a distance of 10-20cm, and to avoid spraying too close to the face.
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Chest area
The chest area is a great place to apply perfume, especially if you want to fully appreciate the scent. The chest has the right amount of warmth, and is located at the right distance from your nose to allow for olfactory oscillations. This means that the scent will not be too overwhelming, and you will be able to detect the fragrance for longer.
When applying perfume to the chest, it is best to spritz, not mist, and hold the bottle about 10 to 20 cm away. Aim for the pulse points, where the veins are closest to the skin, such as the collarbones, and the base of the throat. If you are wearing a low-cut top, you can also spritz the exposed skin for maximum effect.
Applying perfume to the chest area can also help with longevity. The fragrance will cling to the fabric of your shirt, and you will be able to smell it throughout the day, especially when moving around.
If you are applying perfume to the chest area, it is best to do so before getting dressed, to avoid any stains on your clothes. It is also a good idea to apply an unscented body lotion or moisturiser first, as this will help the perfume to lock onto your skin.
Some people prefer to apply perfume to the neck and head area, as this is more accessible for others, and can be a good way to project the scent. However, this can sometimes be too overwhelming, and the chest area is a good alternative if you want to avoid an intense olfactory stimulus.
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Frequently asked questions
The best spots to apply perfume are your pulse points, which are the points that are warm and moist because your veins are closest to the skin. These include the neck, chin, collarbones, wrists, inner elbows, below the belly button, behind the earlobes, and the back of the knees.
You can make your perfume last longer by applying it to your hair, clothes, or fabric. However, be cautious of the alcohol content of your perfume, as it could damage and dry out your hair. It's also important to note that synthetic materials could change the way a perfume smells, so it’s best to only spray it on natural fabrics.
Yes, it is recommended to avoid spraying perfume on your face or anywhere that you get sun exposure, as this can magnify the effects of UV damage on your skin.











































