A beautiful perfume deserves to be worn well. A few simple habits help it last and reveal its full character.
On clean, moisturised skin
Fragrance clings better to moisturised skin; it fades faster on dry skin. Apply an unscented moisturiser, or one from the same fragrance line, just before your perfume, ideally after showering.
Apply to warm areas
Spray where your skin is warmest, as warmth helps diffuse the notes:
- inside the wrists;
- at the base of the neck and behind the ears;
- inside the elbows;
- on the upper chest.
Avoid rubbing your wrists
It is a common reflex, but best avoided. Rubbing warms the skin and may alter how the top notes develop. Spray and let the perfume dry naturally.
How many sprays?
It depends on the concentration and scent trail. As a general guide, use 2 to 4 sprays for an eau de parfum and 1 to 3 for an extrait. Amber, woody and gourmand perfumes are often powerful: start lightly, as you can always add more.
What about clothes and hair?
Fabrics hold fragrance well, but delicate materials such as silk and pale fabrics may stain. Test on an inconspicuous area first. For hair, spray from a distance or onto your brush, as alcohol can dry the hair fibre.
Store your bottle carefully
Light, heat and temperature changes can damage perfume. Keep the cap on, away from sunlight, in a temperate room. Avoid a humid, warm bathroom.
Your nose gets used to the scent
After a few minutes, you may stop noticing your perfume. This is olfactory fatigue rather than necessarily poor longevity: people around you may still smell it. There is no need to reapply every hour.
For a concentration that suits your needs, read our guide to eau de toilette, eau de parfum and extrait. Explore our niche perfume selection too.
