Heidi Norton
There are several ways to make perfume last longer, including applying it to the right places. The best spots to apply perfume are the pulse points, which are warm and moist because your veins are closest to the skin. These include the wrists, neck, collarbones, inner elbows, and behind the knees. Spraying perfume on your hair can also make the scent last longer, but this can be damaging due to the alcohol content in most perfumes. It is also important to consider the concentration of the perfume, as higher concentrations tend to last longer. Additionally, moisturising the skin before applying perfume can help the scent to last longer.
Where to spray perfume to make it last longer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Dry skin doesn't hold perfume well. Oily skin doesn't need to reapply as often. |
| Skin preparation | Take a shower or bath, then dry your skin. Moisturise with an oil-based or unscented lotion or cream. |
| Pulse points | The neck, wrists, inner elbows, collarbones, and behind the knees are good spots to spray perfume. |
| Hair | Lightly misting your hair with perfume can make the scent last longer, but be careful as alcohol in perfumes can dry out hair. |
| Clothing | Avoid spraying perfume on clothing as it might discolour it and the scent won't evolve or diffuse properly. |
| Storage | Keep perfume in a cool, dark place, away from humidity and direct sunlight. |
| Concentration | Higher concentrations of perfume have a stronger scent and last longer. Eau de parfum contains the most oil, followed by eau de toilette, then cologne. |
| Base notes | Perfumes with more prominent base notes, such as woody or balsamic scents, tend to have a longer shelf life. |
| Application technique | Avoid rubbing wrists together after spraying. Spray from a distance of 10-20 cm or 5 inches away from the skin. |
| Environmental factors | Intense heat or hot climates can cause natural oils in the skin to destroy the perfume faster. |
| Alternative application | Spray perfume on a brush and run it through your hair, or spritz onto cotton balls to apply later in the day. |
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What You'll Learn
Apply perfume to your hair
While some people spritz their hair with perfume to make the scent last longer, others advise against it due to the potential for hair damage. If you do choose to spray perfume on your hair, it's important to take certain precautions to minimize any possible negative effects.
Firstly, it is recommended to use a dedicated hair perfume or fragrance mist, which is formulated with additional oils to nourish the hair. These products are designed to be gentler on the hair and scalp, without the harsh alcohols found in some regular perfumes. If you decide to use a regular perfume, be mindful that it may contain ingredients that can dry out your hair, making it more prone to frizz and breakage.
When applying perfume to your hair, hold the bottle at arm's length and mist it evenly throughout the lengths of your hair. You can flip your head upside down to add a subtle scent at the roots. Distribute the product evenly by gently running your fingers through your hair. It is best to apply perfume to dry hair, as water can prevent your hair from absorbing the scent effectively.
If you are concerned about potential damage to your hair, there are alternative ways to enjoy your favorite fragrance. You can spray your wrists and then dab the perfume into your hair from the back of your wrists. This way, you can enjoy the scent in your hair without direct application.
Additionally, consider using scented lotions or oils that complement your perfume. These products can be applied to your hair to enhance the fragrance while also providing nourishing benefits. Remember to always patch test new products to ensure they are suitable for your hair and skin.
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Focus on pulse points
Pulse points are areas of the body where the veins sit directly underneath the skin, keeping these areas warm and moist. Applying perfume to these points can help to diffuse the scent throughout the day. The pulse points include the wrists, neck, inner elbows, collarbones, lower jaw, behind the knees, and behind the ears.
Applying perfume to the wrists is a common practice, as it allows you to smell and enjoy the fragrance throughout the day. However, it is important to spritz the perfume onto the wrists instead of rubbing it, as the friction created by rubbing can change the course of the scent, impacting the middle and top notes, as well as the dry-down. Similarly, it is recommended to spritz the perfume from a distance of about 5 to 20 cm, rather than spraying it too close to the skin, to avoid a flow of liquid.
The neck is another popular pulse point for perfume application, especially when wanting to attract others with the scent. The lower jaw and neck areas generate a lot of heat, which can help to diffuse the fragrance. Additionally, applying perfume to the collarbones can create a beautiful scented trail, known as sillage.
For those with exposed arms, the inner elbows are ideal for fragrance application. The blood pumps near the surface of the skin in this area, making it warmer. On the other hand, if the inner elbows are covered, the wrists can be a great alternative.
Applying perfume behind the knees is another option, especially when wearing a skirt or dress. This pulse point area is warmer, allowing the scent to diffuse effectively. Similarly, spraying perfume behind the ears is recommended for a night out or clubbing, as it is a seductive spot for fragrance application.
Overall, focusing on the pulse points when applying perfume can help prolong the scent and enhance its diffusion. However, it is important to remember that the number of pulse points you choose to apply perfume to is a matter of preference, and 1-3 areas are typically enough.
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Moisturise skin first
Moisturising your skin before applying perfume can help the scent last longer. According to fragrance expert Cordelia Smith, dry skin does not hold perfume well, so it is important to ensure your skin is hydrated.
Applying perfume immediately after showering on damp skin can cause the fragrance to rub off when you dry yourself. Instead, it is recommended to pat your skin dry, moisturise, and then spritz your perfume. Moisturisers that are oil-based are ideal, and unscented formulations are preferable if you want your perfume to be the dominant scent. However, scented moisturisers can be used if you want to mix and match fragrances.
To further optimise the fragrance, you can purchase skin products such as body wash and lotion that match your perfume. For example, Lancôme’s La Vie Est Belle is available as an Eau De Parfum and a body milk moisturiser.
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Store perfume correctly
Storing perfume correctly is essential to prolonging its shelf life. Here are some tips to ensure your perfume lasts longer in the bottle:
Firstly, avoid storing perfume in the bathroom. The bathroom experiences fluctuating temperatures and humidity due to hot showers, which can cause the fragrance to break down and alter its chemical makeup. Instead, keep your perfume in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Secondly, do not transfer your perfume into separate bottles. While this may look appealing, it will expose the fragrance to air and shorten its lifespan. Similarly, refrain from shaking the bottle, as this can also allow air to infuse the perfume.
Additionally, be mindful of temperature changes. Shifting from cold to hot can trigger unexpected chemical reactions within the natural ingredients, ageing the perfume faster. Keep your perfume in a stable environment, avoiding extreme temperature fluctuations.
Also, be cautious when storing citrus-based fragrances. These scents are particularly sensitive to steam and humidity, which can affect their freshness. Keep them away from humid environments, such as the bathroom, to preserve their scent.
Lastly, consider investing in perfumes with longer shelf lives. Fragrances with more prominent base notes, such as woody, balsamic, or spicy scents, tend to have a longer lifespan than those with prominent top notes. Oriental scents like patchouli and amber also offer extended durability.
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Choose perfumes with longer shelf lives
When choosing a perfume, it's important to consider its longevity and shelf life. Here are some factors to keep in mind when selecting a fragrance that will last longer:
Concentration and Fragrance Formulation
Perfumes come in various concentrations, and the higher the concentration, the longer the scent typically lasts. Eau de parfum (EDP) has the highest concentration of fragrance, with about 15% oil content, followed by Eau de toilettes (EDT) at around 8%, and colognes at 5%. The higher concentration means a stronger scent that lingers longer, so opting for an EDP over an EDT or body spray can ensure your perfume has a longer shelf life.
Base Notes and Ingredients
Scents with heavier base notes, such as oud, musk, leather, or amber, tend to be less sensitive to oxidation and have longer lifespans. On the other hand, perfumes with lighter, citrus, or floral top notes are more prone to oxidation and may not last as long. Understanding the composition of your scent can help you choose a fragrance with a longer-lasting blend.
Storage and Environmental Factors
How you store your perfume can significantly impact its shelf life. Light, heat, and humidity can alter a perfume's scent and accelerate its expiration. Therefore, it's best to store perfume in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes. The bathroom, due to its humidity, may not be the ideal storage location. Additionally, once a bottle is opened, most perfumes have a shelf life of about two to ten years, so it's essential to take note of expiration dates.
Skin Type and Application
Your skin type and how you apply the perfume also play a role in its longevity. Dry skin doesn't hold perfume well, so ensuring your skin is hydrated can help extend the life of the scent. Applying perfume to pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, and cleavage, can also enhance the fragrance's evolution, as these areas emit heat. However, be cautious not to rub your wrists together after application, as the friction can change the course of the scent.
By considering these factors when choosing and using your perfume, you can optimize its longevity and enjoy your signature scent for longer.
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Frequently asked questions
Spray perfume on your pulse points, which are the warmest parts of your body, such as your wrists, neck, collarbones, inner elbows, and behind your knees. These spots help to diffuse the scent naturally.
Spray perfume on your hairbrush and gently comb it through your hair. This will help the fragrance last throughout the day without damaging your hair.
Higher concentrations of perfume have a stronger scent and last longer. Eau de parfum, for example, contains the most oil (about 15%) and lasts longer than eau de toilettes (8%) and colognes (5%).
Dry skin doesn't hold perfume well, so make sure your skin is hydrated. Moisturize your skin with an unscented lotion or cream before applying perfume to help the fragrance last longer.
