Heidi Norton
Knowing where to apply perfume is just as important as the scent itself. The placement of your perfume depends on the environment, your outfit, and your skin type. To make your scent last longer, target areas exposed to the air, such as the pulse points of the neck, wrists, behind the ears, and inner elbows. You can also spritz your hair, but be cautious as some perfumes can dry and damage your locks. If you're in a hot climate, avoid applying perfume directly to your body as sweat can destroy the scent faster. Instead, lightly mist your scarf or clothes, but be careful not to stain! Applying perfume to moisturized skin can also help extend its longevity.
Where to Put Perfume
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pulse points | Behind the ear, base of the throat, wrists, inside the elbow, back of the knees, neck |
| Other body parts | Collarbone, chest, solar plexus, hair, top of the ears, legs |
| Clothing | Spraying perfume on clothes is acceptable, but avoid spraying underneath clothes |
| Skin | Spraying perfume directly on the skin gives the highest quality scent; moisturized skin makes the perfume last longer |
| Avoid | Eyes, lips, armpits, private areas, hands |
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On your wrists
Wrists are one of the most popular places to apply perfume. They are pulse points, where the blood veins are closer to the skin, helping to disperse the perfume better. Applying perfume to your wrists is a tradition that dates back to 17th and 18th-century French society. Women often wore sleeveless gowns, so they would tie their handkerchiefs, soaked in perfume, to their wrists.
However, it is important to avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume. This is a common habit, but it can disrupt the scent's molecules, causing the fragrance to evaporate more quickly. It can also affect the integrity of the scent, changing its course and causing it to lose its crispness. Instead, lightly spritz both wrists and let the perfume dry down naturally.
If you are wearing a sleeveless top, the wrists are a great place to apply perfume as they are exposed to the air. This is particularly effective on warmer days when your arms are bare.
Applying perfume to your wrists is a good way to make the scent last longer, as you will be able to smell it all day. However, be aware that your wrists rub on things a lot, so the scent may not last as long as it would in other places.
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On your neck
The neck is one of the most popular places to apply perfume, as it is a pulse point where the body emits heat, helping the fragrance notes to develop more quickly.
However, some sources advise against applying perfume to the neck. One reason for this is that the neck can produce oil, which can degrade the fragrance. The neck is also more susceptible to hyperpigmentation, which can be caused by perfume. The alcohol in perfume can also be an astringent, which can dry out the skin on 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. This will prevent an unpleasant feeling from too much liquid hitting the skin. It is also recommended to avoid rubbing the perfume into the skin, as this can create friction, heating up the skin and changing the course of the scent.
Some people choose to apply perfume to the back of the neck, as this can be a good way to enjoy the scent without it being too strong. Others apply perfume to the sides of the neck, or the front and back. It is recommended to avoid spraying perfume directly onto the skin of the neck, as this can cause olfactory fatigue and be too strong for some people. Instead, you can spray your perfume onto your clothes or hair, which will help the scent to diffuse and last longer.
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On your hair
Perfuming your hair is a great way to make your fragrance last longer. Hair naturally carries perfume well, and the aroma molecules caught in your hair are released with every movement of your head. However, it's important to remember that perfumes contain about 60 to 70% alcohol, which can dissolve the protective film on your hair, leading to dryness and possibly dandruff and itching.
If you want to avoid the damaging effects of alcohol, opt for a hair mist or a perfume specifically designed for hair. These products are formulated to leave a refreshing, lasting scent without drying out or damaging your hair. You can also find lightly scented hair sprays that are alcohol-free. Another option is to use a comb-through method, where you apply a few drops of an oil-based perfume to a comb and run it through your hair for even distribution.
When applying perfume to your hair, hold the bottle 6-8 inches away and spritz, or try the walk-in method by spraying in front of you and then walking into the mist. This allows the alcohol to evaporate, leaving only a fine perfume mist on your hair. Be sure to avoid spraying near any heat sources to prevent any mishaps.
Some people also recommend spraying your perfume on your neck and shoulders, allowing your hair to catch the scent as it falls. This method ensures that only a small amount of perfume comes into contact with your hair, reducing the potential for damage.
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On your clothes
Applying perfume to your clothes is a practical and effective method. Perfume tends to last longer on fabrics than on the skin. The fibres in your clothes absorb and retain the fragrance, so your perfume scent will still be noticeable even if you're in a crowded room. For those with sensitive skin or allergies, applying perfume to your clothes is a great alternative.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Firstly, some perfumes can cause stains on your clothes, especially the more concentrated perfumes with darker colours. It's best to test it out on a small, hidden area of the fabric first. Synthetic materials can also change the way a perfume smells, so it's recommended to only spray natural fabrics.
If you decide to spray your clothes, it's best to do so before you put them on, to ensure an even mist. Avoid spraying too close to your face, and remember that the scent may linger on your clothing for longer than desired.
Additionally, applying perfume to your clothes may not allow it to blend with your natural scent in the same way that applying it to your skin does. This means that the scent may not be as unique or personalised.
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Behind your ears
Behind the ears is one of the best places to apply perfume, as it is one of the body's pulse points. Pulse points are the warmest areas of the body and are said to be the best places to apply perfume because they emit heat, enhancing the fragrance and making it last longer.
Applying perfume directly to the pulse point behind the ear will keep the fragrance fresh around your face all day. If the tops of your ears are a little oily, you can also spray a little perfume there, as oil helps to trap the fragrance.
Some people argue that applying perfume behind the ears can cause a nasty build-up of oil, which can make the fragrance smell nasty. However, others disagree, stating that sebaceous glands are present all over the body, not just behind the ears, and that perfume can be applied anywhere.
If you are eager to emulate the experts, start by spraying perfume on each side of your neck, then touch the fragrance with both wrists and finish by passing your wrists through your hair. Add two more touches behind the ears, and you've got the fragrance trifecta!
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Frequently asked questions
Pulse points are the areas on your body where you can feel your heartbeat. These include your wrists, the base of your throat, behind your ears, the back of your knees, and the inside of your elbows.
Applying perfume to your pulse points will help circulate the fragrance into the air throughout the day and night.
Spraying perfume directly onto your skin will give you the highest-quality scent. However, it is acceptable to spray perfume on your clothes, and any fabric except silk will absorb the perfume well.
Yes, avoid spraying perfume near your eyes, lips, armpits, or private areas. Be cautious when applying perfume to your hair, as some formulas can dry out or damage your hair.
Yes, if you have dry skin, consider using a companion body lotion or an unscented moisturiser to prevent your perfume from evaporating too quickly. Also, avoid storing your perfume in a steamy bathroom, as humidity and changing temperatures can alter its shelf life.
