Golden Rules on Perfume Application

Perfume is one of the most fun and intoxicating parts of your beauty routine. It can trigger memories and define your style. Did you know there’s a science to applying perfume? It’s rooted in chemistry, and it’s based on tried-and-true techniques. Here are some tips from perfumers and perfume experts to help you apply perfume correctly and to keep your fragrance’s integrity.

Apply directly to the skin

Your skin is the perfect canvas to showcase your favorite fragrance. Matthew Mileo, a former Chanel perfume expert and founder of Mileo New York, says that perfume must have a medium to anchor itself. Matthew Mileo says that the skin’s lipophilic (oil-loving) properties make it the ideal medium for perfume oils to attach to. The warmth of the skin initiates the process of peeling and allows the scent to express itself fully.

Layering perfume on top of body lotion or oil will create a stronger scent-to-skin bond. Henry Rose CEO Melina Polly explains that fragrance binds to oils on the skin so apply it after you have applied your body lotion or oil to create a better surface for the scent molecules. The best time to spray fragrance is right after a shower or bath. Fragrance lasts longer if your skin is well-hydrated.

No perfume to your hair

Senior Creative Director at Bvlgari Parfums says that you shouldn’t use eau de toilette on your hair. “An alcohol-based formula tends dry and damage hair.” Rony Vardi, Co-Creative Director of Catbird, Brooklyn-based jewelry company that launched its own scent last autumn, said, “Catbird perfumes are water-based so I love spraying it in my hair.”

Apply on pulse points

You want to apply perfume in the correct places. Mileo says, “It is important to choose the areas that are naturally warm, moist, such as the insides and backs of your knees, chest, neck, and sides of your neck.” These areas are where the perfume can be enjoyed fully. You can end up with a strong scent or a dull, lifeless scent if the top notes are not used properly.

Greta Fitz is the founder of Ascention. She encourages people to use gentle fragrance application techniques. Try applying your fragrance on the pulse points. It will be activated by your body heat throughout the day, making it a natural diffuser.

No rubbing

Avoid rubbing perfume onto your skin. Carina Chaz, who was raised in a laboratory and started her unisex fragrance line DedCool in 2016, says:  “To mix with your natural oils, fragrance should be applied to the skin. Top notes will fade and disappear if your wrists are rubbed together.”

Fitz says that rubbing your perfume can make it difficult to enjoy the full experience.

Fragnance cloud

“Some people may enjoy walking in a spray cloud of fragrance before they put on clothes. Pallez says this allows you to really get sprayed by the scent. This can create a romantic atmosphere for the wearer and make your mornings more enjoyable. Make sure that your scent is not toxic.”

You shouldn’t inhale traditional perfumes as they can pollute the environment. Chaz advises that if you don’t want to step into a perfume cloud, you should use a biodegradable scent.

You can layer scents

Layering scents can be a difficult art. Fitz says, “We can layer with another scent to refresh the smell without it being too strong.” Single-note fragrances work best to refresh our olfactive palette to our favorite fragrance. Layering big fragrances with other big fragrances can lead to headaches. Layer big fragrances with musky or single-note woody fragrances for a fresh take. This will give the fragrance an earthy undertone. Strong fruity fragrances can be too strong or volatile depending on how they are layered.

Perfume on your clothes

Many people enjoy applying fragrance to clothes. Leigh Plessner (Co-Creative Director at Catbird) says, “During winter I like misting my coat occasionally to combat winter mustiness.” This may sound familiar to you. Just be aware of the clothing’s composition.

Fitz says, “Rule of thumb: If you can wash the fabric then spritz.” He also suggests that you avoid fabrics like silk that are easily stained by perfume oils. For even coverage, make sure to wave the fabric in the mist.

You might not feel the entire perfume’s aroma if you spray the perfume on clothing. Mileo states, “Because the fabric is porous, it can only capture a portion of the perfume. This is why perfumes can smell powderier on clothes.” You can mist your clothing with your favorite scent with the knowledge that it will create a completely different olfactory experience to perfume than when you apply it correctly to your skin.