Smelling Good 101: Learn How To Apply Perfume Correctly
We are pretty sure that nobody likes smelling bad, and wearing perfumes is one of the ways to avoid unwanted circumstances. Just like our clothes, perfumes come in a wide array of “colors” (known as accords) to accommodate different preferences or situations. Fragrances are also categorized into several types according to the concentration of aromatic compounds, from the most “potent” extrait to eau fraîche.
However, no matter how “strong” your perfume is or even how often you use it, your “aromatic potion” just doesn’t last long, which is quite annoying. And this is no surprise because if you experience it, believe that this is also a common problem experienced by many. You might think that your perfume is weak (which, well, might be the case) but there might also be a possibility that you don’t apply it correctly. So, before you throw it away and buy a new fragrance, take a look at these tips to learn how to wear your perfume correctly so you can smell good better and longer!
1. GET SQUEAKY CLEAN
This is arguably the first step that is often skipped. If you want to smell as true as the perfume itself does, you should get rid of dirt and sweat that accumulate on your skin first. Not only making it hard for the perfume to “stick” on your skin, dirt and sweat can also alter the scent of your fragrance, which you don’t want. By cleaning your skin or—even better—taking a bath or shower first, you can help the perfume sticks well to your skin while retaining its true scent.
2. KNOW THE RIGHT SPOTS
When it comes to applying perfume, we are more likely to spritz the fragrance liberally on our necks and clothes. There are, however, some spots that, when hit, can help the perfume smell stronger. Called pulse points, these are spots where your blood vessels are pretty close to your skin, lending extra heat to the points. As the extra heat rises to the air, it will carry your fragrance so you can smell it “clearer”.
Some spots you may apply your fragrance onto include necklines, wrists, collarbones, elbow creases, and the area behind your ears. You can also give your knees a spritz, especially when wearing shorts. However, it’s important for you to avoid sensitive areas to prevent irritation. So, find your spots and hit them!
3. MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN
If you have targeted the right spots but the perfume just can’t seem to last long, it’s time to move on to the next secret: hydrating your skin. After cleaning your skin or taking a bath or shower, take time to apply some moisturizer to your skin, especially on and around the pulse points. Moisturizer acts as a “glue” that locks the scent onto your skin since dry skin doesn’t retain the scent well. You can go with body lotion or moisturizer, or even dab a little petroleum jelly on the pulse points.
However, it’s worth noting that the moisturizer or body lotion that you choose might alter the scent of your perfume, especially if you go with scented products. To make sure that the fragrance won’t get altered or “ruined”, pick unscented products. If you decide to go with scented products, try to match the scent with your perfume so their scents align.
4. STEER CLEAR OF RUBBING
You might have seen people rubbing their wrists together after applying perfumes to “enhance” or intensify the scent. This, however, is a myth. The truth is rubbing your perfumed wrists together makes the top notes dull or dissipate faster. In perfumery, top notes are the scents you smell right after applying perfume. Instead of rubbing your wrists together, just let the potion soak into the skin. You may also dab your wrists together but remember not to rub them.
5. REAPPLY WHEN NEEDED
After several hours, you might realize that you no longer smell your fragrance, and this is normal. Each perfume has different projection and longevity levels, and factors such as air humidity and temperature also play a role. If you feel that the scent weakens a couple of hours after the first application, it is okay to re-apply. Make sure you hit the pulse points to maximize your perfume’s power and potential. Also, it’s great to freshen up a bit anyway.
6. AVOID SPRAYING ON YOUR CLOTHES IF POSSIBLE
In addition to the skin, some people apply their perfumes to their clothes. This, however, might not be a good idea as perfumes can leave unsightly marks on the fabric. When wearing your perfume, try to apply it on your skin directly. Remember that the pulse points are your main targets of application. This way, you can smell good without ruining your clothes.