Not only has perfume been a worldwide symbol of luxury and expression of personal style and taste; it has long been one of the most beloved and precious beauty products by all types of people for centuries.
Considering how long we have treasured our fragrances, it’s only natural that some common techniques of application have been cultivated throughout its history.
However, in our opinion, not all of the common beliefs on perfume application are correct. That is why we decided to clear up the confusion with the most simple and effective techniques for perfume application. And if you’re looking to shake things up in your perfume routine, we’ll get into some variations on these, too!
The tried and true
1 spritz, 2 spritz? 1 more spritz?
It’s most likely pretty obvious, but the amount you want to apply depends on the type and strength of your fragrance. A fresh citrus scent will spread quickly and leave a subtle trail, so you can go wild spritzing without worry.
If you’re dealing with a warm, ambery, vanillic or gourmand fragrance, less is often more, as these scents are often heavier on the nose.
Translation: over do it and your co-workers are going to hate you.
To keep it simple, on average, 2 to 5 spritz will keep you smelling nice without overpowering the senses.
Pulse points are your best friends.
The “pulse points” are locations on the body where the blood vessels are closest to the skin: the neck, the wrists, behind the ear lobes, ankles, and calves are your best bet for amplifying your favorite scent. Choose a couple target areas or pulse points to apply your fragrance. On a hot summer day, why not try a spritz behind each ankle?
How to apply?
Spray your pulse points, let the liquid flow and evaporate gently, and then do absolutely nothing at all. Yes, it’s that simple.
Warning: Although you may have seen it in the movies, if you rub your wrists together you’ll break the top notes and disturb the way they evaporate. To preserve the integrity of your fragrance, avoid this technique.
Ready to mix it up?
Spritz your clothes (or any fabric)
Spritzing your clothes with fragrance can help achieve a longer lasting scent. Not to mention how soothing it can be to pick up a scarf which still holds the delicate aura of a perfume left a few days earlier.
Some also like to spray sheets, pillows, and curtains with perfume. As you walk into your home or living space you’ll be greeted by gentle notes of your favorite fragrance and instantly feel at ease.
Be careful with this approach, as some scents can leave permanent stains on fabrics. If you want to scent your clothes, pillows, or sheets, first test on a hidden part of the fabric and spray lightly. It’s also important to note you should always avoid spraying jewelry, pearls or metal!
Spray your hair
As long hair moves with the air, it can help with the diffusion of the scent. Misting the hair with fragrance is a great way to leave a subtle scent in your wake as you move through your day.
Myth Busted: The mist and walk through method
Concretely, this method consists of spraying your perfume in the air in front of you and walking through the mist– or as the great Jonahtan Van Ness of Netflix’s Queer Eye once deemed it: “spray, delay, walk away”. We’ve all done it. Maybe some of us even thought it was truly the best technique to achieve an even, long lasting scent. Unfortunately, the rumors are not true. Not only is this technique a waste, but a spritz into the air means perfume will land on more places, like furniture and the floor, than just on your body.
Now that you know the dos and don’ts for applying perfume, feel free to innovate with ease. A young woman once asked Coco Chanel where to apply perfume, and the great French designer responded, “Wherever you want to be kissed”.
