How to Apply Perfume the Right Way? A Simple Guide

A few days ago, a customer told us she was excited to wear her new perfume, but after a few hours, the scent had faded. She wondered if she was applying it the right way. 

She’s not alone—this happens to a lot of people. How and where you apply your perfume makes all the difference.

Spray on pulse points like your wrists, neck, behind your ears, and the back of your neck after showering and moisturizing. Avoid rubbing your wrists together to help the scent last longer.

But that’s not all! There are even more ways to make your fragrance last all day.

Keep reading to find out!

How to Apply Perfume Correctly: A Step-by-Step Guide

Many people spray perfume on their clothes or rub their wrists together, which makes the scent fade quickly. To make your fragrance last longer and smell its best, follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Take a shower and dry your skin

The best time to apply perfume is right after a shower because your skin is clean, and the warmth from the water helps open your pores, allowing the fragrance to absorb better. Make sure your skin is dehydrated before spraying perfume so it doesn’t fade too quickly.

Step 2: Apply Moisturizer

Perfume lasts longer on soft, hydrated skin. Dry skin absorbs fragrance too quickly, making it disappear faster. Apply an unscented lotion, especially on areas where you plan to spray perfume, to help the scent stay longer without mixing with other smells.

Step 3: Spray perfume before getting dressed

Perfume works best on your skin, not on your clothes. Spraying directly on fabric can alter the scent or cause stains. For a long-lasting fragrance, apply it directly to your skin before putting on your clothes.

Step 4: Hold the bottle at the right distance

Don’t spray too close or too far. Hold the bottle about 5 to 7 inches (13 to 18 cm) away from your skin while spraying. This way, the perfume spreads evenly without being too strong in one spot.

Step 5: Apply to pulse points

Pulse points are areas where your blood flows close to the surface of your skin. These spots are warmer, helping your fragrance spread and last longer. Apply perfume to places like your wrists, the inside of your elbows, and the back of your knees.

Step 6: Spray near your collarbone

A light spray on your collarbone gives a soft, natural scent. It’s a great way to make the fragrance noticeable without it being too strong.

Step 7: Dab a little behind your ears

This is a perfect spot if you want your scent to be noticeable when someone is close to you because your ears are also warm. Dab a little behind your ears for a subtle fragrance that lasts. 

Step 8: Spray on the back of your neck

If you want your perfume to be subtly noticeable as you move, spray a little on the back of your neck. This trick works especially well with long hair, as it holds the scent longer.

Step 9: Mist a little on your hair

Avoid spraying perfume directly on your hair because the alcohol can dry it out. Instead, spritz a little on your hairbrush and run it through your hair for a soft, fresh scent.

Step 10: Reapply if needed

If your perfume fades after a few hours, a small touch-up on your wrists or neck is enough. Avoid over-applying, as too much can be overwhelming.

Step 11: Remove excess perfume if needed

If you’ve accidentally applied too much, No problem! Just dab a tissue or cotton pad with a little rubbing alcohol and gently wipe off the excess fragrance. This will help you remove the extra scent without completely removing the scent.

See how simple it is? Just follow these steps, and you’ll smell fresh and amazing all day long!

6 Common Perfume Mistakes to Avoid 

Sometimes, perfume fades too quickly, and other times, it feels too strong. This usually happens because of small mistakes. Here are some common perfume mistakes to avoid:

1. Rubbing perfume on your skin

Do you rub your wrists together after spraying perfume? Don’t do that! Many experts, including the one in the video below, say this can make the scent dull and fade faster.  Instead, just let it dry naturally for a longer-lasting fragrance.

https://youtu.be/BwxxD4qzW34?si=lXWCM_42UjCXEzK5&t=2

2. Spraying too much perfume

Spraying too much? That’s not a good idea! A strong scent can be too much for you and others as well. Just a few sprays on your pulse points are good enough. You can always add more later if needed!

3. Spraying from too close or too far

If you spray too close, the perfume stays in one spot and becomes too strong. If you spray too far, most of it disappears into the air. The right distance is about 5 to 7 inches (13 to 18 cm) from your skin.

4. Avoid applying perfume to jewellery

Don’t spray fragrance on your jewellery because perfume contains alcohol and oils that can damage metals and pearls over time. It may cause discoloration or weaken delicate pieces. Always apply perfume to your skin before putting on jewellery.

5. Applying fragrance to broken or sensitive skin

Never spray fragrance on cuts, irritated skin, or freshly shaved areas, as it can cause irritation, redness, or a burning sensation. According to LifeMD, perfumes and scented products can make irritation worse, so it’s better to be careful. If you have sensitive skin, test the perfume on a small area first.

6. Spraying perfume on the wrong areas

Perfume lasts longer on warm areas of your body, like your wrists, neck, and behind your ears. Avoid spraying it on your face, underarms, or directly on your clothes, as it can stain fabrics or mix with sweat.

If you avoid these six common mistakes, your perfume will last longer and smell better.

Final Thoughts

Your perfume is a part of your personality. A well-applied scent boosts confidence and leaves a lasting impression.

Just choose the right perfume, apply it to the right areas, and avoid the common mistakes that we shared above. Now you know how to apply perfume the right way, you can enjoy a scent that lasts longer and smells just right.

FAQs

 

Why does my perfume not last?

It might be due to dry skin, not applying it on pulse points, or using a lighter scent. Moisturize your skin before applying, focus on warm areas like wrists and neck, and choose long-lasting perfumes with stronger base notes.

Does Vaseline help perfume last?

Yes! Applying a small amount of Vaseline on your pulse points before spraying perfume helps lock in the scent and makes it last longer.

How many times should I spray perfume?

It depends on the perfume’s strength and your personal preference. Generally, 2 to 4 sprays on pulse points (wrists, neck, behind ears) are good enough. If the scent fades, you can reapply, but too much can be overpowering.

Do expensive perfumes smell better?

Not always! Expensive perfumes often use higher-quality ingredients and last longer, but that doesn’t mean they always smell better. Some affordable perfumes also have great scents and lasting power. It all depends on the scent, formulation, and how it reacts with your skin.