HOW TO APPLY PERFUME

Preparation for a night out (or even your average work day) can resemble a synchronized swim routine: Mascara on lashes—left then right. Bronzer in a perfect “B” shape to sculpt and enhance. Dressing in an order as meticulous as the KonMari method. But there is a final, and most crucial step that millions of YouTube beauty tutorials have managed to neglect: fragrance application. What is the best way to apply perfume?

THE METHOD

Spray. Then wait. Somehow the notion that the proper application of fragrance involves rubbing wrists has insidiously crept into the standard beauty routine. Don’t be fooled: The body heat released by rubbing in a perfume causes an unwanted chemical reaction that denigrates the integrity of its scent. This reaction can also endanger the scent’s ability to properly develop on your skin. In short, like all good things, the beauty of perfume is enhanced with patience.

Stay hydrated. Body moisture allows a fragrance to “lock in” and thus last longer throughout the day. This presents a problem for those of us with especially dry, ashy skin. Keep your skin hydrated by moisturizing regularly and spritz efficiently: Spraying right after a shower can help create the perfect conditions for application.

Find your pulse. Using the same principles from tip two, enhance your fragrance’s lasting power by applying it directly on pulse points—these areas are generally moister than the rest of your skin and therefore provide the perfect environment for your perfume to breathe happily throughout the day. Such target areas include wrists, the inside of elbows, the neck, behind the knees, and even below the midriff.

Explore new canvases. Your hair and clothes make for ideal conditions for a long-lasting, potent scent. Fragrance molecules latch onto the natural oils found in your scalp and help enhance your perfume’s lifespan. Refrain from this approach if you experience dry, brittle hair, since the alcohol content in perfume can further this damage. As an alternative, the fibers in fabric such as cotton and wool present a comfortable home for your signature scent, perhaps too comfortable, as perfume may thrive in fibers through multiple wash cycles. That said, beware of the materials you spray on—silk and more delicate cloths may stain.

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