Applying perfume correctly

The best tips

Scents have the incredible ability to evoke deep emotions and take us on a journey through our memories. The sense of smell is closely linked to our memory and emotions, making scent an incredibly powerful tool.
The fragrance chemist Dr. Philip Kraft explained to 27 87 : " [...] the limbic system is located directly next to the entorhinal and primary olfactory cortex in the brain. The olfactory bulb arises, in a sense, from the limbic system. They are the oldest parts of our brain and are directly connected to each other."

When wearing perfume, the right dosage and application technique can make a significant difference in the perception of the scent . So how can you get the most out of your perfume? How do you apply perfume correctly so that it lasts as long as possible and has a strong scent aura? We answer these questions and more here.

No time?

Here is an overview of the most important things:

Test areas:
Before applying perfume directly to clothing or hair, test a small area to make sure it does not stain or cause damage.

Dosage :
Less is more.
Approximate guidelines:
Extrait de Parfum : 1-2 sprays
 Eau de Parfum : 1-3 sprays
Eau de Toilette: 2-3 sprays
Eau de Cologne: 3-4 sprays
Eau Fraîche: 4-6 sprays

Where to apply :
Combine different application methods for a well-rounded fragrance.
Skin
 Best for instant and natural fragrance diffusion.
Clean, neutrally moisturized skin.
Apply to pulse points such as wrists, neck and behind the ears.
Clothing
 Ideal for long-lasting fragrance without frequent respraying.
Spray lightly on outer garments, avoiding delicate fabrics.
Hair
Great for a subtle, long-lasting scent.
It is best not to spray directly onto the hair, but rather onto a brush to avoid drying out.

Vicinity:
Spray more sparingly in confined spaces and less frequently in warmer weather.

Storage:
Store the perfume in a cool, dark and dry place, away from heat and moisture.

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Table of contents:

1. Dosage – How many sprays of perfume should I apply?
 2. When is the best time to apply perfume?
 3. Where and how to apply perfume?
 3.1 Skin
 3.2 Clothing
 3.3 Hair
 4. Considerations & External Influences

1. Dosage – How many sprays of perfume should I apply?

There are many factors to consider.
Perfume is a mix of creativity and science, with different molecules, some more complex than others, affecting the longevity of the scent. Lighter scents evaporate quickly, while heavier scents last longer. The concentration of fragrance oils in a perfume also affects its intensity and longevity (read all about the different perfume concentrations here).

A general rule, especially for high-quality fragrances such as extraits and high-quality eau de parfums, is: “ less is more ”. Otherwise, there is a risk that the fragrance will become too intrusive and penetrant.
Applying a lot of perfume does not make it last longer, but can dull the senses or even cause headaches.
Wearing the same fragrance every day can also desensitize your olfactory system, causing you to apply more to keep smelling it. Changing scents can therefore develop the senses and enhance the overall experience.

The occasion will of course also affect the amount - the following guide is for an "average day". For a special occasion or a night out, some people prefer a slightly more intense scent. To do this, simply add a spritz or two to one or more of the areas where the fragrance has already been applied.

In general, you can say that the following dosages work well depending on the perfume concentration:

Extrait de Parfum

1-2 sprays

Eau de Parfum

1-3 sprays

Eau de Toilette

2-3 sprays

Eau de Cologne

3-4 sprays

Eau Fraiche

4-6 sprays

2. When is the best time to apply perfume?

The best time to apply perfume is right after a shower or bath. The warm water opens the pores, allowing the scent to absorb better and last longer on the skin. Additionally, applying perfume to clean, moisturized skin helps the scent adhere better and prevents it from evaporating too quickly.

In general, fragrances with higher concentrations of fragrance oils have a longer shelf life, a more intense fragrance profile, a stronger sillage (fragrance trail) and a higher perceptibility, also known as "tenacity". This means that you may need to reapply an Eau de Cologne during the course of the day, for example, while an Extrait de Parfum should last throughout the day, as some can last for around 12 hours.
Eau de Parfums usually last between five and eight hours, depending on the quality and fragrance composition, and therefore do not necessarily need to be reapplied throughout the day, especially if you make the most of the fragrance's full potential by following all the little tips and tricks.

However, if you want the fragrance to really be perceived from morning to evening, it It can be helpful to refresh the scent from time to time. Smaller sizes are an advantage here, as they can usually be taken along on the go to add a scent.

3. Where and how to apply perfume?

There are many ways to apply perfume. Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of the scent.

Fragrance molecules tend to rise, so it is best to apply scents from below and from a distance of about 15 to 25 centimeters.

Spraying the perfume on the lower half of your body in the morning ensures that the scent molecules "migrate upwards" over the course of the day and develop more evenly. This also means that the scent stays on your body longer.

If you, however, want a more intense and immediate effect – for example in the evening – then it is best to spray the fragrance directly on the upper half of the body. This way the scent doesn't need time to reach you and your surroundings.

The place on the body where you apply the fragrance depends on what you want to achieve with the fragrance.

Skin

Best for instant and natural fragrance diffusion. Apply to pulse points such as wrists, neck and behind the ears.

Clothing

Ideal for long-lasting fragrance without frequent respraying. Spray lightly on outer garments, avoiding delicate fabrics.

Hair

Great for a subtle, long-lasting scent. Best not to spray directly onto hair, but rather onto a brush to avoid drying out.

3.1. Skin & Perfume

Here are all the factors that can play a role when applying perfume to the skin.

3.2. Clothing & Perfume

Here are all the factors that can play a role when applying perfume to clothing.

3.3. Hair & Perfume

Here are all the factors that can play a role when applying perfume to hair.

4. Considerations & External Influences

Vicinity
 Use sparingly in tight spaces; apply a little more in open areas.

A warmer environment may allow the scent to develop better and last longer, so reapplication may not be necessary.


Season
 Fragrances can react differently depending on the weather. Light, fresh scents are typically better for warm weather, while stronger, more intense scents are often better suited to cooler months.


Sensitivity
 Be considerate of others who may be sensitive to scents. It is polite to be more sparing in shared or public spaces.


Personal Chemistry
 Perfume interacts with skin chemistry, so a scent that smells great on someone else may not smell good on you. Test perfumes on your skin before committing to a whole bottle.


 Durability
 The longevity of a perfume can vary. If your scent fades quickly, consider reapplying during the day or get a fragrance with a higher concentration, but be careful not to overdo it.

Storage
How you store your perfume will also affect its shelf life. It's best not to store bottles on bathroom counters or near windows, as heat, humidity and sunlight can affect the scent. To keep your perfume in good condition, store it in a cool, dark and dry place (find out everything you need to know about perfume storage & shelf life here).

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