From cologne to parfum to eau de toilette, we all want our fragrance to make an impact. Whatever the concentration, the place where you apply cologne is key to making it last all day.
Applying cologne in a misty cloud often results in it landing in all the wrong places, on clothes and hair, which can be a waste and diminish the fragrance experience.
Whether you like a soft floral or a strong spicy fragrance, there are more ways to apply perfume than just the traditional pulse points. Try applying perfume to your hair. The scent can sit beautifully in your hair and create a lovely aura as you move.
Pulse Points: The Secret to Long-Lasting Eau de Parfum
We all know the old saying that applying cologne to your pulse points makes it last longer. But what are pulse points, and why do they make your fragrance last?
What are Pulse Points?
Pulse points are areas on your body where blood vessels are close to the surface of the skin, and heat is generated. This heat helps to diffuse the fragrance into the air, making it more noticeable and longer-lasting.
Behind the Ear: A Strategic Application
Behind the ear is one of the best places to apply perfume. This pulse point gives you the fragrance experience and keeps your scent fresh and noticeable all day.
Direct Application for Freshness
For maximum impact, give a direct spritz on the pulse point behind your ear. This area is warm and close to your head, so the scent will diffuse beautifully as you move. Your body heat will release the fragrance into the air and create an aura around you.
Oily Areas
If the tops of your ears are oily, try spraying a little perfume there, too. The natural oils on your skin will help trap the fragrance and make it last for hours. This will make the fragrance last longer and keep it closer to your face so you and those around you can smell it.
Application Tips
Distance: When applying the perfume, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin. This will distribute the scent evenly without overwhelming the area. To apply cologne correctly, make sure you use controlled sprays to avoid overpowering the fragrance.
Amount: One spritz is enough for behind the ear. If you apply it to the top of the ears, a light spray will do. Remember, less is more when it comes to fragrance.
Base of the Throat: A Classic Application
One of the most common places to apply perfume is at the base of the throat. This spot provides a fragrance experience and allows the scent to waft to your face all day.
Apply at the Base of the Throat
Spraying perfume at the hollow of your neck is a great way to trap the fragrance at a pulse point. This area is warm, and the scent will diffuse naturally, creating a soft and alluring aura. As you move, the fragrance will release and leave a subtle yet seductive scent trail.
Application Technique
To apply perfume at the base of your throat:
Target the Hollow: Focus on the hollow at the base of your neck, where the skin is warm and can hold the fragrance well. This pulse point is perfect for trapping the scent and allowing it to rise all day.
Distance: When spraying, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin. This will distribute the scent evenly without overwhelming the area.
Amount: One spritz is usually enough for this area. Your body heat will amplify the scent, so you don’t need to overapply.
Behind the Knees: A Hidden Application
Applying perfume behind the knees is tricky, but it’s a great technique, especially when your legs are exposed. This often overlooked pulse point will give you the fragrance experience and make it waft around your lower half.
Apply Behind the Knees
The back of your knees is a pulse point. It generates heat that helps to diffuse the fragrance. When you move, the scent will release into the air and create a subtle yet seductive scent trail, especially nice when you’re wearing a dress or shorts. This application will add a new dimension to your fragrance without being overpowering.
Application Technique
Target the Pulse Point: Focus on the back of your knees where the skin is warm and can hold the fragrance well. This pulse point is perfect for trapping the scent and allowing it to rise as you move.
Timing is Everything: For even better results, apply your fragrance right after you lotion your legs after shower. The lotion will help lock in the scent and make it last longer and more intense.
Distance and Amount: When spraying, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin. A light spray is usually enough. You don’t want to overapply, but you still want the fragrance to be present.
On the Wrists: The Classic Application
The most common and well-known method of fragrance application is applying perfume to the wrists. This classic technique gives you the scent experience and traps the fragrance to last all day.
Apply on the Wrists
Your wrists are pulse points; they generate heat that helps to diffuse the fragrance into the air. When you move your hands, the scent will release and create a subtle yet seductive scent trail that you and those around you can enjoy. This makes the wrists the perfect spot for fragrance application, so your scent will be noticeable and alluring.
Application Technique
To apply perfume on your wrists:
Direct Spray: Spray directly on one wrist, making sure the fragrance is evenly distributed. A light spray is usually enough.
Let It Dry: Let the perfume dry down on your skin. This will allow the fragrance to develop and settle and give you a more natural scent experience throughout the day.
Don’t make common cologne mistakes like bad application techniques.
Don’t Rub: Remember not to rub your wrists together after applying perfume. Rubbing will break down the fragrance molecules, make the scent evaporate faster, and change the intended aroma. Just let the perfume sit and dry without any friction.
Inside the Inner Elbow
Applying perfume inside the inner elbow is a good technique, especially when your arms are exposed on warmer days. This often overlooked pulse point will give you the fragrance experience and make it last all day.
Benefits of Applying Inside the Inner Elbow
The inner elbow is a warm area of the body, making it the perfect spot for fragrance application. The warmth will help diffuse the scent, making it rise and creating a subtle yet seductive aroma. As you move your arms, the fragrance will release and create a nice scent trail that you and those around you can enjoy.
Application Technique
To apply perfume inside the inner elbow:
Target the Crook: Spray the perfume directly inside the crook of your arm. This area is warm and can hold the fragrance well.
Let It Dry: After applying the perfume, don’t bend your arm until the fragrance has dried. Bending your arm too soon will break down the fragrance, change the intended aroma, and make it last shorter.
Other Places to Spray Perfume
To make your perfume truly shine and last longer, try spraying it on some other unusual places on your body. As Marilyn Monroe said, “Wear perfume anywhere you want to be kissed!” This playful approach to fragrance application will give you the scent experience and make an impression.
Other Application Spots
From head to toe, there are many other places to apply your fragrance that goes beyond the pulse points. Here are some other areas to try next time you get ready.
In the Hair
Spraying perfume in your hair is an often overlooked technique that will give you great scent longevity. The movement of your hair throughout the day will release the fragrance and create an aura around you. But there are some things to consider to make sure your hair stays healthy while enjoying the scent.
Hair Fragrance Benefits
Applying perfume to your hair will give you a unique and long-lasting scent experience. As you move, your hair will naturally diffuse the fragrance, making it linger in the air and creating a subtle scent trail. This is great for those who want to enjoy their favorite fragrance without overapplying it to their skin.
Be Careful of Alcohol Content
Spraying perfume on your hair can be effective, but be careful of the alcohol content in your fragrance. High alcohol concentrations can dry and damage your hair, making it brittle and split. Concentrated fragrances, which have a higher percentage of raw materials or perfume oils, can provide longer-lasting scents but may also have higher alcohol content. To avoid this, try:
Choose Wisely: If you want to spray perfume directly on your hair, choose perfumes with lower alcohol and ethyl content. Many Eau de Parfums have higher concentrations of these ingredients, which can be harsh on your hair.
Use a Hairbrush or Comb: If you have dry hair but still want scented hair, try spraying your fragrance on your hairbrush or comb instead. This way, you can distribute the scent evenly without spraying it directly on your hair, minimizing the damage.
Application Tips
To get the best results when applying perfume to your hair, follow:
Freshly Washed Hair: Always apply perfume to freshly washed hair. The natural oils in unwashed hair will affect the scent of the fragrance and change the intended aroma.
Distance: When spraying directly on your hair, hold the bottle at least 6-8 inches away. This will give you a light mist rather than a concentrated spray and minimize the damage.
Moderation: Use a light hand when applying fragrance to your hair. A few spritzes are usually enough to get the desired effect without overdoing it.
On the Chest: A Sexy Fragrance Application
If you’re showing some skin on your chest, try applying a light spritz of your favorite fragrance. This will add to your overall scent experience and give you a subtle and sexy vibe.
Chest Benefits
Spraying perfume on the chest will give you an aura, especially when wearing low-cut tops or dresses. This area may not give you the same longevity as a well-aimed spray on your wrists or pulse points, but it’s still a nice way to enjoy your fragrance. Your body heat will diffuse the scent and make it linger throughout the day.
Application Method
To apply perfume to your chest, try:
Light Spritz: Use a light spritz to avoid overwhelming the area. A little is enough to give you a subtle scent that will enhance your overall presence.
It’s important to understand different fragrance concentrations, such as eau de cologne, which typically has a concentration of 3-5% fragrance oils. This will help you make informed choices when shopping for scents as it affects longevity and sillage.
Layering: To make the scent last longer, try layering your fragrance with a matching body lotion or oil. This will help lock in the scent and give you a longer-lasting effect.
Torso: A Fragrance Application
Just like applying perfume on your chest, applying perfume on your torso is a great way to take advantage of midriff exposure. A quick spritz in this area will give you a better fragrance experience, and you’ll smell great no matter what the night brings you, especially if you plan to dance the night away!
Torso Benefits
Spraying perfume on your torso will wrap you in the scent and give you an aura, especially in social situations. Your body heat will diffuse the fragrance and make it more noticeable as you move. This application method is great when you’re wearing a midriff-baring outfit, and the scent will rise and linger in the air around you.
Application Method
Light Spritz: A light spritz is all you need. Focus on exposed areas like the midriff or lower back to get the most out of the fragrance. Eau de parfum (EDP) is a great choice for this method as it has a higher concentration of perfume oil than Eau de Toilette and cologne.
Distance: When spraying, hold the bottle 6-8 inches away from your skin. This will give you a light mist rather than a concentrated spray.
3 Common Cologne Mistakes: Places Not to Spray Perfume
While you want to wrap yourself in your favorite fragrance, it’s not advisable to apply perfume in certain areas. Knowing where not to spray perfume will help you keep your scent and your skin healthy. Read on to find out where to avoid spraying.
Around Your Eyes
When it comes to applying perfume, one area to avoid is around the eyes. The skin around the eyes is very sensitive, and applying fragrance in this area will cause irritation and discomfort.
Why Avoid This Area?
Sensitivity: The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your body. This makes it more prone to irritation from the chemicals in many perfumes, especially those with alcohol and ethyl.
Damage: If perfume gets into your eyes, it can cause severe damage, stinging, redness, and even chemical burns in extreme cases. The discomfort can be bad, and medical attention may be needed to relieve the symptoms.
Alternatives for Scented Experience
If you want to enjoy a scented experience without irritating your eyes, try these:
Scented Hair Products: Use hair mists or scented hair products that are safe to use near the face. These will give you a nice fragrance without the risks of traditional perfumes.
Fragrance-Free Skincare: Use fragrance-free skincare products around your eyes to avoid any interaction with your perfume. This will ensure your skincare is gentle and effective.
In Your Armpits
You think applying fragrance to high-heat areas will make it last longer, but spraying perfume directly into your armpits is something you should reconsider. The combination of sweat glands and high-alcohol fragrances will cause irritation and discomfort.
Why Avoid This Area?
Irritation Risk: The skin in your armpits is sensitive and can react to alcohol and other chemicals in many perfumes. When combined with sweat, these ingredients will cause irritation and lead to itching, burning, and redness. Applying too much cologne will only exacerbate these issues, making the scent overpowering and unpleasant.
Post-Shaving Sensitivity: Anyone who has applied scented deodorant to freshly shaved armpits knows the discomfort. The irritation from applying fragrance in this area can be even more intense after shaving as the skin is already sensitive and vulnerable.
Scented Freshness Alternatives
If you want to be nicely scented without irritating your armpits, try these:
Scented Deodorants: Choose deodorants or antiperspirants that are fragrance-only, not perfumes. Many brands have scented options that are gentle on the skin.
Body Sprays: Instead of perfume, use body sprays or mists for all-over use. These products are often lighter and less irritating, so they are safe to use in sensitive areas.
Around Your Genitals: A Sensitive Area to Avoid
When applying your favorite fragrance, you should avoid this area. Spraying perfume around your genitals can cause discomfort and irritation, which you want to avoid.
Why Avoid This Area?
Sensitivity: The skin around the genital area is very sensitive and delicate. Perfume, which often contains alcohol and other chemicals, can cause burning, itching, and irritation, which can be painful and embarrassing.
Reactions: The combination of sweat and harsh ingredients in many perfumes can worsen irritation and lead to rashes or allergic reactions. The genital area is prone to moisture, which can intensify the effects of any irritating substance.
Freshness Alternatives
Fragrance-Free Products: For the genital area, use fragrance-free body washes and lotions. These will keep you fresh without the risk of irritation.
Scented Powders: Use talc-free scented powders for the body. These will absorb moisture and give you a light fragrance without the harsh effects of traditional perfumes.
6 Ways to Make Perfume Last Longer
Perfume is an investment, and no one wants their investment to fade away after just a few hours. To help you get the most out of your fragrance, here are six insider tips on where to spray and how to make yourself smell like your favorite scent from sunup to sundown.
1. Spray Perfume After Shower
One of the best times to spray perfume is after a hot shower. This will make the fragrance last longer and more intense.
Why Showering Matters?
Clean Skin: After a shower, your skin is clean and free of any products or impurities that can interfere with the fragrance. This allows the perfume to bind to your skin better and smell more true. As the day progresses, the fragrance may smell slightly different, so understanding how it evolves with your body chemistry is important.
Open Pores: The heat from the shower opens up your pores, allowing the fragrance to penetrate deeper into your skin. This will make the scent last longer, develop more, and smell more intense.
Natural Oils and Moisturized Skin Matter
Hydration: Applying good cologne to moisturized skin is key to making it last longer. When your skin is hydrated, it will hold onto the fragrance better and won’t evaporate as fast.
Natural Oils: Your skin’s natural oils can affect the fragrance. If your skin is too oily or dry, it can change how the scent develops. So, it’s best to start with clean and moisturized skin.
2. Apply Lotion Before Spraying
To make your perfume last longer, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or petroleum jelly to the areas where you will be spraying. This simple step will make the fragrance wear longer, and you’ll enjoy it for longer.
Why Lotion Makes Fragrance Last Longer?
Hydration: Moist skin is better at holding fragrance. When your skin is hydrated, it creates a barrier that locks in the scent and prevents it from evaporating fast. It’s also important to consider how much cologne to apply; starting with one spritz on pulse points will help you gauge the right amount and not overwhelm yourself and those around you.
Oiliness: The oiliness of lotion or petroleum jelly acts as a trap for fragrance molecules. When you apply perfume over the lotion, the scent is held closer to your skin and will last longer throughout the day.
3. Spray, Don’t Rub
You may be tempted to spray perfume on one wrist and then rub it onto the other, but this will break down the fragrance faster. To make your chosen scents last as long as they should, you need to use the right application technique.
Why is Rubbing Bad?
Breaking Down Fragrance Molecules: Rub your wrists together after applying perfume, which can cause friction that breaks down the fragrance molecules. This will change the scent, make it evaporate faster, and reduce its longevity.
Middle notes, also known as heart notes, emerge after the initial top notes and play a big part in the fragrance’s progression over time. They influence how the scent interacts with your skin chemistry and are often listed in the cologne’s scent profile.
Loss of Scent Integrity: Rubbing can also change how the fragrance develops on your skin. Each perfume has a unique composition, and the intended scent profile can be compromised when the molecules are disrupted by friction.
4. Don’t Mist: The Fragrance Cloud Myth
We’ve all seen it in movies or shows: a stylish woman sprays her perfume in a cloud and then walks through it before she leaves the house. While this looks glamorous, it does nothing to help your fragrance last. To really enjoy the scent and make it last, spray cologne directly onto your skin, preferably on pulse points.
Why Misting is a Waste?
Wasted Fragrance: When you mist perfume in the air and walk through it, much of it is lost in the air rather than absorbed by your skin. This is especially wasteful with more concentrated fragrances, as their higher concentration of perfume oils is meant to provide a longer-lasting and richer scent. So, you’re not getting the full benefit of your perfume, which may not last as long as it should.
Uneven Application: Misting can lead to uneven application, and some areas will have more fragrance than others. This will affect how the scent develops on your skin and make it less harmonious.
5. Consider Your Environment: Perfume Storage
The environment where you store your perfumes plays a big part in their quality and longevity. If you store your perfumes in the bathroom as part of your morning routine, you might be harming your precious scents. Knowing how humidity, heat, and light affect your fragrances will help you make better storage decisions.
Humidity, Heat, Light
Humidity: Bathrooms are humid environments due to the steam from showers and baths. High humidity will break down the perfume faster, change the scent, and reduce the overall quality.
Heat: Heat can also harm your fragrances. Storing perfumes near heat sources like radiators or in direct sunlight will cause chemical changes in the fragrance, reduce its strength, and alter the aroma.
Light: Light, especially sunlight, can degrade your perfume over time. UV rays will break down the fragrance molecules and make the scent less vibrant.
How to Store Perfume?
To keep your perfumes in their best condition and last as long as possible, follow these storage tips:
Cool, Dry, Dark: Store your perfumes in cool, dry, and dark places. Ideal spots are a vanity, dresser, or closet, where they are out of light and temperature fluctuations.
Windowsills: Don’t store your perfumes on windowsills as they are exposed to sunlight and temperature changes throughout the day.
Keep the Bottles Closed: Always keep the caps closed when not in use. This will prevent air from entering the bottle, which can also cause oxidation and degradation of the fragrance.
Original Packaging: If possible, store your perfumes in their original boxes. This will give an extra layer of protection from light and keep the environment stable for the fragrance.
6. Matching Scents: Boost Your Fragrance
If your perfume comes in a matching set or has matching lotions, body washes, or creams, consider getting those. Using cohesive scents will boost your fragrance experience and make your perfume last longer throughout the day.
Matching Scents
Layering: When you use products with the same scent profile, you create a layered fragrance experience. This layering intensifies the overall scent and makes it last longer throughout the day. However, the choice of how often to reapply and how much to use can vary greatly based on personal preference.
Longer-Lasting: Applying a matching lotion or body wash before your perfume will help lock in the scent. The moisturizing properties of these products will allow the fragrance to adhere to it and make it last longer.
Same Scent: Using matching scents will give you a harmonious, pleasant, and balanced scent. This consistency will make your fragrance more memorable, impactful, and longer-lasting.
How to Use Matching Scents?
Body Wash First: Start with a scented body wash that matches your perfume. This will be the basis for the fragrance and make it last longer on your skin. Finding your signature scent is key as it reflects your lifestyle and preferences, your personal style and confidence.
Lotion Next: After showering, apply matching lotion to your skin. This will moisturize your skin and be the base for your perfume to adhere to.
Perfume Last: Then, apply your perfume to your pulse points. Body wash, lotion, and perfume together will create a scent that lasts all day.
