How to Apply Perfume for Long-Lasting Results – Experts
When it comes to perfume application, spritzing more isn’t always the answer to making it last longer. For instance, someone doused in fragrance may walk past you and exude a strong scent, but that doesn’t mean it’ll last all day. And that’s because making sure that your perfume lasts has more to do with smart application than how much you spray. As it turns out, fragrance pros have a handful of tips just like these to help scents stick around for hours.
“Proper use ensures fragrance layers are fully appreciated and interact optimally with your skin’s natural oils, producing a unique scent for the wearer and anyone else nearby,” says Jonnie Swarbrick, the creative director at Fragrance Du Bois. As fragrance pros know, no scent smells exactly the same on two people. That said, there are still ways to make your fragrance last longer regardless of your pheromones. Along with Swarbick, perfumers Marie du Petit Thouars, Courtney Somer, and Frank Voelkl break down how to apply fragrance to make it last longer.
Hydrate the Skin
Experts suggest applying an unscented, hydrating body lotion out of the shower while your skin is still damp, as properly moisturized skin is more receptive to absorbing fragrance. “Hydrated skin retains natural oils, acting as a base for fragrance to adhere to. Also, retaining those natural oils ensures the scent profile will differ from person to person,” says du Petit Thouars. She also notes that dry skin has a rougher texture and microscopic fissures that prevent fragrance from adhering well. Be sure your skin is dry before application, as excess water can dilute fragrance and affect its longevity.
Apply to Your Pulse Points
Applying scent to pulse points such as the wrists, inside the elbows, on the neck, and behind the knees will utilize the body’s heat to activate and amplify the fragrance’s molecules, adding to its longevity and intensity. “Pulse points are the warmest areas of your body, where blood vessels are located closest to the skin,” says Somer. “They help emit scent and make it last longer.” According to Swarbrick, applying your perfume to several pulse points enhances its presence and ensures “a balanced diffusion throughout the day.”
Spray Onto Skin Directly
Let the formula absorb into your skin on its own. “Don’t rub your wrists together as friction can heat up the skin and alter the formula’s molecules, accelerating evaporation and throwing off the scent profile,” adds du Petit Thouars. Also pass on perfume clouds, as spraying fragrance into the air and walking through it can lead to a significant amount of waste when any droplets end up on the furniture or floor. “Plus, direct application ensures the fragrance is concentrated on the body, where it can interact properly with the skin’s chemistry,” says Swarbrick.
Tip: Voelkl recommends spraying fragrance behind your knees. According to the perfumer, this will deliver a more subtle experience as opposed to continuous exposure.
Layer Your Fragrance
Layering will make a scent last longer, especially when combined with a body wash and lotion in the same scent formula. “It’s always safest to stick with scents in the same olfactive family, as there’s a better chance the individual notes will work harmoniously together,” says du Petit Thouars.
Tip: To test how well two different perfume scents work together, spray some fragrance blotters (or any stiff, textured card) with different scents to see if they complement each other. “Spray the stronger scent first and then top it with the lighter fragrance so the second scent isn’t overpowered,” says Swarbrick. This way, you’ll get to see how the dry-down or base notes smell and how long the bespoke perfume lasts.
Consider Woody Scents
There’s an art to layering fragrances, which affects how long they last. “A lot has to do with the kind of scents you’re layering,” adds Voelkl. “For example, if you were to apply a light citrus scent and then add a woody musk on top of it, you’d increase the fragrance’s lasting effect as woody and musky notes typically last longer than citrus.”
Opt for Eau de Parfum
If you’re shopping for a new signature scent, try reaching for an eau de parfum over an eau de toilette. Eau de parfum typically has higher concentrations of perfume oil than eau de toilette, so its scent is stronger.
Control the Pump
Some fragrance pumps spurt out a poof while others rely on a continuous spray. Du Petit Thouars encourages adding one to three sprays. “Then, wait a few minutes if you want to intensify the scent with any additional spritzes.” But how do you know if you’ve applied too much? It’s not easy, but there are some telltale signs you can look for. For instance, if you can no longer smell any other scents around you or if you start to get a slight headache or feel nauseous. “You should think of your personal fragrance as something that enhances, not masks, you and everything around it,” adds du Petit Thouars.
Tip: Give your fragrance bottle a pump in the air if you haven’t reached for it in a while as the first spray (which will include residue in the nozzle) can contain perfume that may be partly oxidized.
Use Long-Lasting Scents
“There are many commonly used base notes, including vanilla, sandalwood, cedarwood, musk, and patchouli that will generally anchor a fragrance and contribute to the longevity of the overall scent profile,” says du Petit Thouars. “Many floral and citrus notes will show up in top and middle notes since they’re more volatile in nature and will evaporate more quickly,” adds du Petit Thouars.
The Bottom Line
Every single person has the right to wear whichever perfume they feel best in. Regardless of which perfume you opt for, experts say that there are a few things you should do to make it last longer.
First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure your skin is hydrated. Then, on dry-yet-hydrated skin, you’ll spritz perfume on all your pulse points. You could also layer different products and opt for scents that are listed as long-lasting. With a combination of those steps, your fragrance is sure to last virtually all day. Read More
SOURCE:InStyle
