Heidi Norton
Knowing where to spray your favourite fragrance can make all the difference in making it last longer and smell better. The key is to diffuse it all over, rather than concentrating it in one area. Pulse points, including behind the ear, at the base of the throat, on the wrists, the back of the knees, and the ankles, are regarded as the best places to spray perfume. These areas emit extra body heat, which helps to naturally diffuse the scent. However, dry skin can cause perfume to evaporate quickly, so it is recommended to spray it over a light coat of unscented body lotion or a touch of Vaseline.
Where to spray fragrance on the body
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pulse points | Behind the ear, base of the throat, wrists, inside of elbows, below the belly button, behind the knees, ankles |
| Other areas | Collarbone, chest, hair, clothes |
| Skin | Dry skin doesn't hold fragrance well; moisturizers can help |
| Application | Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away; 2-4 sprays are enough; don't rub wrists together |
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What You'll Learn
Pulse points
The wrists are one of the most common pulse points to spray perfume, but be mindful not to wash the fragrance away when washing your hands. The inner elbows are also pulse points, and on warmer days when your arms are exposed, spraying perfume here can help your fragrance last.
The base of the throat is another pulse point that can help your fragrance project. The neck is a common place to apply perfume, but it's worth noting that you should also consider spraying behind the ears to keep your fragrance fresh around your face.
Other pulse points include the back of the knees and the ankles, which can be especially helpful during the spring and summer months when your legs are more likely to be on display.
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Behind the ears
Spraying perfume behind your ears is a great way to create a lasting scent bubble and prevent nose blindness. The area behind the ear is a pulse point, which means it emits heat and helps your fragrance release into the air. This is also a great spot to spray your perfume because it is close to your face, so you can enjoy your fragrance throughout the day.
To spray perfume behind your ears, pull the atomizer outward and off your skin by a couple of inches and spray. You can also try pointing the atomizer with your pointer finger and then pulling it a couple of inches away from your skin to spray. This will ensure that you do not end up spraying your hair.
Some people suggest that the area behind the ears is a bad place to spray perfume because there are glands that produce an oily substance that may distort your fragrance. However, others disagree, arguing that glands all over the body release oily substances that may have an odour.
If you are looking for other places to spray your perfume, try the base of the throat, the wrists, the inside of the elbows, and the back of the knees. You can also spray your perfume on your clothes, hair, or even in the air and walk through it.
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On the neck
The neck is one of the most popular places to spray perfume, as it is a pulse point—an area where your veins sit closest to your skin, so you can literally feel your pulse. The hollow at the base of your neck is a great place to trap fragrance, as the pulse point there will keep the scent gently emanating throughout the day.
However, some sources advise against spraying perfume on your neck. According to fragrance expert Roja Dove, the neck region tends to produce oil quickly, which can degrade the fragrance. Dove specifically advises against applying perfume to the back of the neck, as the sweat in this area is high in indolic oils, which can negatively affect the scent. He also notes that the alcohol in perfume can dry out the skin on your neck, leading to crepey skin.
If you do choose to spray perfume on your neck, it's important to hold the bottle anywhere from three to six inches away and be careful not to overspray. Two to four sprays are usually enough. You can also try the "spritz and step" method: spray your perfume in front of you, then walk into it and back out, which will leave a light layer of fragrance on your clothes.
In addition to the base of the neck, other pulse points include behind the ear, at the base of the throat, and on the wrists. These areas emit extra body heat, which helps to diffuse the scent. You can also try unconventional areas like the hair, but be cautious of the alcohol content of your perfume, as it could damage and dry out your tresses.
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On the wrists
Spraying perfume on your wrists is a popular choice, as the wrists are considered pulse points—areas where your veins sit closer to the skin, so you can literally feel your pulse. These areas emit extra body heat, which helps to diffuse the scent.
However, some sources advise against spraying perfume on your wrists. For example, award-winning perfumer Francis Kurkdjian says that the tendency to spray and then rub wrists together is "very bad". This is because the friction caused by rubbing the perfume into the skin can heat it up and change the scent, causing the top notes to fade and evaporate before they can settle.
If you do choose to spray your wrists, it's important to hold the bottle between three to six inches away from the skin. Spraying too close can lead to an unpleasant feeling of liquid flowing onto your skin. It's also important not to overspray—two to four sprays are usually enough.
Some people prefer to spray perfume on their wrists when sampling a new fragrance because it's easily washable.
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On the hair
While some people like to spray perfume directly on their hair, this is not recommended due to the high alcohol content in fragrances, which can dry out hair, irritate the scalp, and cause breakage and dandruff.
Instead, you can try spraying your perfume into the air and walking through it, allowing the scent to settle on your hair. This limits the amount of alcohol that comes into contact with your hair.
Another option is to spray your perfume onto a hairbrush and comb it through your hair. It is recommended to avoid brushing too close to the roots and instead concentrate on evenly distributing the scent throughout the length of your hair. This method will result in a soft and subtle scent.
If you are looking for a more intense fragrance that will last longer, you can try a hair mist. These are formulated with a lower concentration of alcohol, so they are less likely to damage your hair. Some popular options include the Byredo hair mist, the CHANEL No. 5 hair mist, and the Narciso Rodriguez Hair Mist for Her.
Additionally, you can try using hair mists, dry shampoos, or serums fortified with natural oils to help repair hair strands and prolong the scent. These products can add shine and moisture to your hair while also providing a refreshing, lasting scent.
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Frequently asked questions
Pulse points are regarded as the best places to spray perfume. These include the wrists, the base of the throat, behind the ears, the back of the knees, the ankles, and the inner elbows.
It is recommended that you hold the perfume bottle anywhere from three to six inches away from the skin when spraying.
Two to four sprays are usually enough.
Avoid rubbing perfume into the skin as this can cause the top notes to fade and evaporate before they settle. Instead, let the perfume slowly mix with your skin's natural oils.
