The Art Of Applying Fragrances: Key Areas To Target

Knowing where to apply fragrances is key to achieving the desired, long-lasting effect. The best spots to apply perfume are the pulse points, where the veins are closest to the skin, making these areas warmer and ideal for enhancing the fragrance. These pulse points include the wrists, neck, behind the ears, inner elbows, and knees. Applying perfume to these areas allows the heat from the body to help release the scent.

However, it is important to note that rubbing perfume into the skin should be avoided as it can cause the top notes of the fragrance to fade and evaporate before they can settle. Instead, it is recommended to spritz or dab the perfume and let it mix with the skin's natural oils.

Pulse points

When applying perfume to your pulse points, spritz or dab it onto a few or all of these areas, and your fragrance will linger all day. Avoid rubbing the perfume into your skin, as this can cause the top notes of the fragrance to fade and evaporate before they can settle. Instead, let the perfume slowly mix with your skin's natural oils. This is what makes your scent last and what can make the same scent smell slightly different from person to person.

Hair

Benefits of Hair Perfume

The main difference between hair perfume and regular perfume is the amount of alcohol they contain. Regular perfume is formulated with a high percentage of ethyl alcohol, which can be extremely drying to the hair and scalp. On the other hand, hair perfume contains just a trace amount of alcohol, so it is much safer for your hair. It is generally water-based, so it won't weigh your hair down or leave it feeling sticky or crunchy.

A hair perfume is a specially formulated fragrance that provides a lasting scent and is the perfect finishing touch after styling your hair. It is also perfect for freshening up your hair between washes, after a workout, or after a swim. It can also help to get rid of unpleasant scents, such as smoke or food odours, that your hair may pick up throughout the day.

The Best Way to Apply Hair Perfume

Tips for Making the Scent Last

For the longest-lasting fragrance in your hair, make sure your hair is completely dry before applying any perfumed products. If your hair is wet, the water can form a barrier that keeps the fragrance from penetrating your hair, so the scent doesn't last as long.

All hair types can benefit from using hair perfume. Oily and fine hair types will appreciate it for freshening the hair without weighing it down, while those with dry, damaged, or coarse hair will appreciate its nourishing qualities.

Clothes

While some sources advise against spraying perfume on your clothes, others suggest that it is a great way to make your scent last all day. If you do decide to spray your clothes, make sure the fabric can be washed, and avoid materials like silk that can be easily stained by perfume oils. You can also try spritzing some perfume in the air and waving your clothes around in it, or spritzing a bit on the inner lining of your coat or blazer.

If you are going to apply perfume to your clothes, it is best to do so before you put them on. This way, you can mist them evenly and avoid hitting one area directly.

However, it is worth noting that you might not experience the full accord of the perfume if you spritz your clothing. This is because the nature of the fabric means it only catches some parts of the perfume and not the entire accord. As a result, fragrances can smell more powdery on clothes.

If you are concerned about discolouration or staining, it is best to stick to applying perfume directly to the skin.

Skin type

Oily Skin

Oily skin tends to retain scents for longer due to its higher moisture and oil content. Perfumes can become more intense and long-lasting on this skin type. It is advisable to choose lighter fragrances to avoid overwhelming intensity. Citrus fragrances, for example, complement the natural oils in oily skin, providing a balanced scent.

Dry Skin

Dry skin often struggles to hold onto scents, causing perfumes to fade more quickly. Opt for richer, more concentrated fragrances with higher oil content and longer staying power, such as eau de parfum or parfum. The extra moisture from applying perfume right after a shower can help your skin absorb more fragrance and lock it in.

Normal/Combination Skin

Those with normal or combination skin have a balanced moisture level, allowing them to choose from a wide range of perfumes as fragrances tend to last well on this skin type. They can experiment with different fragrance families without worrying about longevity or intensity issues. Floral scents, for instance, offer a soft and long-lasting aroma.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin can be more reactive to certain perfume ingredients, causing irritation or allergic reactions. It is advisable to select hypoallergenic or alcohol-free perfumes with natural ingredients to minimize potential skin issues. Oriental perfumes, with their rich and exotic notes, are less suitable for sensitive skin as they may contain irritants.

Moisturise first

Moisturising your skin before applying perfume is a great way to make your fragrance last longer. This is because dry skin will absorb your scent more quickly, causing it to fade faster. Moisturised skin, on the other hand, provides a surface for the fragrance to adhere to, increasing its presence and longevity.

It is recommended to use an unscented body lotion where you plan to apply your perfume. This is because you don't want your perfume to clash with the scent of your moisturiser. However, if you want to, you can mix and match your scents by using a fragranced moisturiser.

If you have lighter skin, you can achieve the same lasting effect of darker skin tones, which tend to have more natural oils, by applying a moisturising cream to your pulse points or wherever you apply your perfume.

Some individuals like to use specialist perfume wax on their skin before spraying their fragrance. These waxes efficiently absorb and trap the perfume in place, helping it to last longer. You can also mix and match scented waxes with perfume to create a unique scent identity that can endure all day or night.

Frequently asked questions