How to Apply Men’s and Women’s Perfume Correctly

Some people apply perfume and walk literally “wrapped” in that aroma, but still, the scent disappears quite fast. Others apply only a couple of drops and keep impressing those around them for a long time with a slightly noticeable but pleasant bouquet of aromas. In both cases, it’s not only the perfume but the way of applying it that matters.

5-Minute Crafts is telling you about the best way to apply perfume and whether there is a difference in recommendations for men and women.

Why some scents last longer but others evaporate quickly

Most often, it’s all because of the type of perfume liquid and the ratio of perfume composition, water, and alcohol.

• Parfum (Extrait, PARF) contains a large number of fragrant substances (up to 40%) which explains its high cost. Most often, perfumes are poured into small bottles and cannot be sprayed — all you need to do is to apply a couple of drops to the skin. The scent of the perfume unfolds more slowly but lasts longer.
• Eau de parfum, or EDP, contains 15% to 20% of fragrant substances. Eau de parfum has an intensive scent and good durability. Most often, it’s sold in a spray bottle.
• Eau de toilette, or EDT, rarely contains more than 10% of fragrant substances and has a slight and unobtrusive aroma, as well as an affordable price. But due to the low concentration of fragrant substances, the scent is not durable, which is why it remains on the skin for no longer than 4 hours.
• Eau de Cologne, or EDC, contains 3% to 8% of fragrant substances. That’s why its aroma is even weaker than the aroma of eau de toilette. Also, eau de Cologne has less durability.
• Splash contains 1% to 3% of fragrant substances. Its aroma is the least durable and noticeable; it disappears within 1 hour after it has been applied to the skin. But such a product can help out if you need to emphasize the smell of a more persistent product. For example, it can be used after shaving.

Important: It’s necessary to take into account individual characteristics when choosing perfume liquid. For example, a strong smell can trigger an attack in people who suffer from migraines. Therefore, they should pay attention to products with a low content of fragrant substances.

What body parts men had better apply perfume to:

Apply perfume to areas of the body where blood vessels are close to the skin and the pulse can be easily felt. These are the points where perfume reveals its scent better and mixes with the natural body odor. For men, it’s best to apply perfume on the neck, on the area behind the ears, on the shoulders, on the lower jaw, on the chest, on the forearm and the inner side of the hands, and on the wrists. Don’t apply fragrance to all of these points — it’s enough to choose one that suits you best. For example, you can start by applying perfume to the neck and wrists, spraying the perfume 4-6 inches from the skin.

• 2-3 clicks are enough. It’s better to apply less perfume than accidentally apply too much. Even if it seems to you that you don’t feel the scent on yourself, it’s most likely it’s there, just very subtly.
• Apply the fragrance correctly. If you spray the air and then walk under the droplets of scent, or apply scent to your wrists and rub them against each other, you should know that these techniques are not useful when it comes to applying the scent properly. Moreover, they may change the aroma for the worse.
• Refresh your perfume during the day. Even strong fragrances evaporate over time. Therefore, if you are expecting a long day, make sure to grab a mini-version of the aroma or pour a small amount of the product into a refillable miniature perfume bottle to be able to re-apply the perfume.
• Don’t apply perfume to the clothes. It may contain oils and alcohol that can spoil the fabric. It is best to apply it to clean, dry skin immediately after a shower when the steam and heat open your pores. It will help the scent get “fixed” on the skin better.
• Try changing scents. Get yourself different perfumes: one for spring and summer, a second one for fall and winter, a third one for work and official events, and a fourth one for going out.

What body parts women had better apply perfume to:

It’s better to apply perfume to areas where blood vessels are close to the skin and the pulse can be easily felt. When applying it to these areas, the perfume reveals its scent better and mixes with the natural body odor. Women should apply perfume behind the ears, on the neck under the lower jaw, on the popliteal fossa, on the wrists, on the inner side of the elbow, on the hair, and on the tummy and chest areas. It’s better to choose several different zones depending on the situation. For example, if it’s summer outside and you have a fairly open dress, then you can apply perfume to your neck, wrists, chest, and popliteal fossa. Other useful things to know:

• There are zones that should be avoided. For example, don’t apply perfume near your eyes, in the armpits, or next to your intimate area.
• If you lubricate your skin with unflavored lotion or petroleum jelly before applying the perfume liquid, the fragrance will last longer.
• Apply perfume directly to your skin or hair. Don’t spray it into the air and go under settling drops, and don’t apply it to clothes or rub it on the skin.
• Don’t store perfume in the bathroom since humidity, high temperatures, and light negatively affect the quality and preservation of perfume. It is best to store perfume liquids in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a walk-in closet.
• Try kits that come together with perfume or eau de parfum, such as lotions, creams, and shower gels. They will help to keep the scent on the skin for a longer time.