Have you found your signature scent, but it strangely doesn’t last on your skin? Well, you are probably making some very common mistakes when applying perfume.
With the Christmas party season in full swing and our scents needing to last longer as we dance the night away, HuffPost UK spoke to Sophie Blackledge, beauty group director at House of Fraser, to find out where we’re going wrong.
Prepare your skin
Sophie says: “To make your fragrance last longer, the key is to make sure you prep your skin first.
“Prepare your skin by showering to ensure it is free of sweat or oils, as this will help the scent adhere to your skin more easily. “Avoid applying aftershaves or fragrances before showering, as the steam and heat will likely make them disappear.”
Sophie then explains that the fragrance clings to hydrated skin, so make sure you apply a good layer of moisturizer after your shower!
“If you’re looking for a quick fix while traveling, apply a petroleum-based balm to your pulse points before spraying. The sticky consistency will help the scent stick to your skin more effectively, ready for a night out,” she adds.
Don’t forget to spray your fragrance in these places
When it comes to applying fragrance, there are many different techniques that people rely on. From spraying and walking through fog to rubbing your wrists. However, these application techniques only waste your beloved scent or may affect its quality.
Sophie shares that the most foolproof way to make your fragrance last is by applying it to your pulse points.
Sophie says: “Spray your perfume or aftershave on your pulse points. This includes the wrists, neck, ears, and even the elbows or knees. Your skin is naturally warmer in these places and therefore, when the heat reacts with the perfume, it will naturally diffuse over a period of time, helping your scent last longer.”
Avoid rubbing your wrists
While it’s usually normal to rub your wrists after spraying yourself with perfume, experts advise against this.
Sophie warns: “Rubbing your wrists after applying fragrance is one of the worst ways to spoil the scent, as it can ruin the quality of the perfume. Instead, spritz your pulse points and let the perfume settle naturally on your skin.”
That’s what they told us!
Store your perfume correctly
The way you store your perfume can affect its scent and its longevity on your skin.
Sophie advises: “Avoid placing perfume bottles on a windowsill or in a bright, hot room, as direct sunlight can affect the quality of the scent, as well as its longevity. Even if your perfume is within its expiration date, you may start to notice that it doesn’t smell right, or that it has separated or clouded, if it has been stored incorrectly.
“Instead, place fragrances in a cool, dry place, away from windows and heat sources.”
Stick to the expiration date
Like everything, perfumes also have an expiration date.
Sophie says: “The scent of a perfume can evaporate over time if you’ve had it for a while. Typically, the shelf life of a perfume lasts between 2 and 10 years. To avoid a faint smell, be sure to check the expiration date if you’ve had it in your fragrance drawer for a while.”
check the concentration
Making sure to check the ingredients in your fragrance can help you choose one that is most likely to last all day.
Sophie says: “If you want something to last all day, choose a perfume with the concentration of Eau de Parfum. This will have a higher concentration of fragrance ingredients and therefore longer staying power on the skin.
“Alternatively, choose a full-bodied perfume with strong base notes. Look for fragrances with fresh top notes, like bergamot, that work well during the day, but have warmer or woody base notes, like sandalwood or vanilla, so they last on the skin overnight.”
Layer your aromas
“To create a unique signature scent, experiment with layering your fragrances. Mix and match different scents to add greater depth or intensity to some of your favorite fragrances.
“Choose complementary scents, such as florals, to amplify the scent or opt for contrasting scents by combining a more traditionally masculine fragrance profile, such as spicy scents, with floral notes to add a softer touch.
“Be sure to apply the strongest scent as a base and then layer the lighter scents on top to avoid overpowering the more delicate notes. “
