How & Where to Apply Perfume (Plus, Common Mistakes to Avoid)

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Learn how to wear your signature scent for long-lasting fragrance
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The best part about wearing a perfume or cologne is smelling it throughout the day—but how do you get it to last that long? The key is in the application process. We’ve assembled the best ways to apply your favorite scent so it stays all day (or night) long. We also talked to beauty specialists to learn how to buy the right fragrance, and we’ll go over how to store your fragrance to keep it smelling fresh. Read on for more!

How to Use Perfume & Where to Spray It

  1. Take a shower or bath and dry your skin completely.
  2. Use a non-scented body lotion before spraying a fragrance.
  3. Apply the scent to your inner elbows, wrists, and knees.
  4. Dab cologne or perfume near your collarbone and on your neck.
  5. Try putting the scent on your belly button or behind your ears.
  6. Apply the scent 5 to 7 in (13 to 18 cm) away from your skin.
Section 1 of 4:

Best Ways to Apply Perfume so it Lasts Longer

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  1. The best time to apply perfume or cologne is right after you bathe. Not only is your skin is free of dirt and sweat, but it’s also warm and ready to absorb moisturizers and fragrances. [1] Make sure to dry yourself off before applying your scent, or it may rub off or evaporate faster while you’re drying. [2]
    • Use a body wash or soap that is unscented, or has very little scent, so your perfume doesn’t clash with its smell.
  2. Applying a non-scented body lotion before spraying cologne or perfume can help the fragrance last throughout the day. If you have a lotion, mist, or oil in the same fragrance line as your perfume or cologne, use that instead to layer the scent and make it stay even longer. [3]
    • Another great option is petroleum jelly. The perfume will stick to the jelly molecules rather than the pores, keeping the fragrance alive longer. [4]
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  3. Fragrances last longer when they’re in direct contact with your body’s natural oils, and the alcohol in them can potentially discolor your clothes. [5] After you apply the scent, try to let dry on your skin a little before putting on your clothes, too. [6]
    • If you do decide to give your clothes a quick spray to freshen them up, do it before you put them on. That way, you can mist them evenly and avoid hitting one area directly. [7]
    • Although some recommend spraying the fragrance and walking through it, this can miss areas you want to target, wasting expensive perfume and possibly staining objects nearby.
  4. Your “pulse points” are areas on your body where the blood vessels are close to the skin’s surface, creating extra heat. [8] The heat enhances the fragrance and makes it last longer. Three of the most effective pulse points are on the inside of your wrists, elbows, and knees. [9]
    • Try to avoid rubbing your wrists together—this can break down the top notes, or lighter scents, in the fragrance and change the way the scent develops on your skin.
    • Even if you’re not wearing a short-sleeve shirt, spraying fragrance on the inside of your elbows can spread the scent to other areas of the body and in the fibers of your clothes.
    • Spraying perfume or cologne on the back of your knees can leave a trail of scent (or sillage) wherever you go.
    • If your perfume is roll-on or doesn’t have an atomizer (or spray nozzle), apply some to your fingers and rub it gently in a small circle on your pulse points.
  5. Your neck is another pulse point that has a lot of dips because of the bone structure, giving the fragrance plenty of room to rest and interact with your skin. Apply the scent to your wrists, then lightly dap on each side of your neck near your collarbones. [10]
    • Aim for the areas on your neck where you can feel your pulse, like just under your ear. [11]
    • Try dabbing a little cologne or perfume on the back of your neck if you’re wearing a shirt with a collar.
  6. Professional makeup artist Erica Coates says another good pulse point to target is behind the ears. [12] Spraying this area also puts a little of the scent in your hair, holding the fragrance longer and allowing it to diffuse throughout the day. [13]
    • If you’re wearing jewelry, try spraying behind your ears instead of your neck. That way, you avoid tarnishing your necklaces. [14]
    • This also allows people you hug or hang out with up-close to enjoy your perfume or cologne.
  7. Although it might seem strange, your belly button is a pulse point just like your wrists and neck. If you’re wearing a crop top or bikini, spray or dab a little bit of your favorite fragrance on this spot. [15]
  8. Your back is an area that’s usually covered up by clothing, making your scent last longer and preventing it from being too overbearing for others. Simply pull the collar of your shirt back and mist the scent between your clothing and skin. [16]
    • If your fragrance is super light and floral, try spraying twice.
    • Your natural movements throughout the day will disperse the scent, and it won’t be right in front of you all day—that way, your fragrance will just seem like a part of your natural scent.
  9. This allows you to spray the fragrance directly on the areas you want to target without over or under-doing it. That way, none of your perfume or cologne is wasted and you get just enough scent to make a lasting impression without harming your skin. [17]
    • Less is more when it comes to fragrance—spray it on one area of your body to start out with, then apply to more if you feel like it’s too subtle. [18]
  10. Because fragrances latch onto hair fibers, your hair will carry the scent for a long period of time and leave a scent trail as you move from place to place. However, spraying your hair directly can also dry out the fibers—to prevent that, spray the scent on your brush before styling your hair. [19]
    • Try not to over apply the fragrance, or the alcohol may damage your hair.
  11. Most colognes and perfumes tend to lose most of their base notes after 6 or more hours. [20] If you start to worry that your fragrance is gone, ask a friend or partner if they can smell it—if they can’t, that’s a sign you need to reapply.
    • Quickly spray your wrists and neck to touch up your scent throughout the day. [21]
  12. If you’ve sprayed one too many times or if you don’t like the smell of your perfume, dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and apply it over the areas that are too oversaturated. You can also use alcohol (baby) wipes, a non-scented lotion, or hand sanitizer. [22]
    • If you’re not sure if you’ve applied too much or too little, ask a partner or friend you trust if you smell okay. [23]
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Section 2 of 4:

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Wearing Perfume or Cologne

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  1. Rubbing the area you apply fragrance to can dull the top notes (the light scent you smell in the first 5 minutes) and mixes the scent with your natural oils, which can change the way your cologne or perfume smells. Instead, let the scent soak into your skin or lightly dab it on your pulse points. [24]
    • If you have a cologne that doesn’t have an atomizer, try not to splash it on your skin. Instead, put 1 finger over the opening and tip it upside-down before dabbing it on your pulse points.
  2. A little bit goes a long way when it comes to perfume or cologne. It’s best to put on too little than too much. Stick with 2 spritzes to start—you can always take the bottle with you and apply more later if it’s not strong enough. [25]
    • Before wearing a new scent, test it out at home. Spray 1 pulse point and take note of how strong it is. Every couple of hours, check in and see how the scent is holding up.
  3. 3
    Layering fragrances without testing them out first. Mixing fragrances on paper can help you see how the two scents will interact with each other so you can avoid them clashing or overpowering each other. Try to start with a warm base (like cedarwood or vanilla) and add a lighter, more vibrant scent (like floral or citrus) on top. [26]
    • Start with two fragrances you think would compliment each other well and spray them on yourself to test how they mix with your body’s natural scent.
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Section 3 of 4:

Buying the Right Fragrance

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  1. Perfumes and colognes have different concentrations of essential oils for different customer demographics. [27] Generally, fragrances with a higher concentration (labeled “Extraits” or “Parfums”) have a stronger scent and tend to last longer than those with lower concentrations. [28]
    • Parfum or extrait: 20 to 30% concentration, usually the most expensive kind of fragrance, lasts 8 to 24 hours.
    • Eau de parfum or parfum de toilet: 15 to 20% concentration, lasts 4 to 5 hours.
    • Eau de toilette: 5 to 15% concentration, lasts 2 to 3 hours, often used as a daytime fragrance.
    • Eau de cologne: 2 to 4% concentration, lasts 2 hours, used as an aftershave or splash-on fragrance.
    • Eau fraiche: 1 to 3% concentration, lasts less than an hour, used in mists, splashes, and veils.
  2. The “number one thing you should keep in mind when choosing a perfume or cologne is ingredients,” makeup artist Shipra Taneja says. “An allergy can definitely cause more grief than enjoyment.” [29]
    • If you don’t know whether you’re allergic to any ingredients, test a new scent on a small area of your skin and wait for an hour to see if there’s any reaction. If there is, don’t use it.
    • If your skin reddens, itches, becomes bumpy, swells, or peels, you might be allergic to something in the fragrance. Wash your skin immediately with scent-free soap and water. [30]
  3. Perfumes and colognes are usually made up of 3 layers of scent combinations called “notes.” Light citrus or floral notes are usually found in the top notes, spices and fruity scents are in the middle notes, and woodsy or musky aromas are in the base notes. After applying a fragrance, wait to smell all three layers to see if you like them. [31]
    • Top notes: Smell after 5 to 15 minutes.
    • Middle notes: Test the fragrance after 20 to 60 minutes.
    • Base notes: Sniff the cologne or perfume more than 6 hours after applying.
    • Beauty and skincare specialist Barbie Ritzman recommends getting free fragrance samples by visiting “your local department stores or beauty retailers” or “signing up for newsletters or looking for sample request forms from your favorite perfume brand.” [32]
    • If you’re going out on the town, going to work, or visiting the beach, try a daytime fragrance. If you’re planning a date, or going out to dinner, try a nighttime fragrance instead.
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Section 4 of 4:

Storing Perfume Properly

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  1. The one place you don’t want to keep your fragrance is on the bathroom counter—the humidity from your shower or bath can oxidize the ingredients, changing its scent and color. Instead, store your perfume or cologne in a closet, cabinet, or in the fridge. [33]
    • Another place to avoid is the windowsill. The heat and light can degrade the fragrance molecules and speed up its expiration date. [34]
  2. Perfumes and colognes do expire, but luckily, they tend to have a fairly long shelf life. However, each fragrance has a different lifespan. You can tell if yours has expired if it smells slightly sour or off, or if the color or shade of the liquid in the bottle has changed. [35]
    • Perfumes with citrus essential oils tend to expire faster than those with spicy, wood, or vanilla notes, or synthetic ingredients like musk. [36]
    • When fragrances degrade, they tend to take on a more orange or yellow hue. [37]
    • Using expired perfume or cologne probably won’t cause a rash, but it may be irritating for certain skin types.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can you spray perfume on your chest?
    Erica Coates
    Cosmetologist
    Erica Coates is a Professional Makeup Artist and the Owner of Erica Nicole Beauty based in the Washington D.C. metro area. With more than 14 years of experience, she specializes in creating and personalizing makeup looks and skin prep for makeup. Erica received her cosmetology training from the Bennett Career Institute.
    Erica Coates
    Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You definitely can! The sternum is a great place to apply your perfume, along with other pulse points on your body.
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  • Question
    Are perfume and body spray the same thing?
    Community Answer
    Perfumes are generally stronger and have more potency than body sprays. Body sprays tend to be light and fade away fairly quickly.
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  • Question
    Will putting perfume in my hair be damaging?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Perfume contains alcohol, which can cause your hair to become dry and damaged. If you would like your hair to smell good, consider applying some natural oils, such as coconut oil.
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      Tips

      • Try to avoid spraying perfume or cologne directly onto your clothes. Unless you’re wearing a sweater, the alcohol can leave stains and the scent won’t last as long as it would on skin. [38]
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      • Try out new scents every once in a while. Change up perfumes or colognes on special occasions like Valentine's Day, your birthday, or Christmas.
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      • Keep your perfume in the fridge and it will last two to three weeks longer.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • You can also make your own natural perfume using essential oils. Mix and match essential oils like lavender, orange, eucalyptus, or peppermint to create your ideal scent!
      • Spray perfume in the air in front of yourself twice (no more!) and walk through it. This method adds the perfect, subtle amount of the scent.
      • If you apply Vaseline on the pulse points and let it dry before spraying perfume on these areas, it will it last longer!
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/beauty-makeup/where-to-spray-perfume
      2. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/makeup/fragrance/how-to-make-your-perfume-last-longer
      3. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/pulse-points-for-perfume-5345267
      4. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2022/feb/04/does-applying-petroleum-jelly-under-your-perfume-make-the-scent-last-longer
      5. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/makeup/fragrance/how-to-make-your-perfume-last-longer
      6. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/beauty-makeup/where-to-spray-perfume
      7. ↑ https://www.mensjournal.com/style/how-to-apply-cologne-the-right-way
      8. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/science/pulse-physiology
      9. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/pulse-points-for-perfume-5345267
      1. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/beauty-makeup/where-to-spray-perfume
      2. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-apply-cologne-without-overdoing-it
      3. ↑ Erica Coates. Professional Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 8 April 2022.
      4. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/pulse-points-for-perfume-5345267
      5. ↑ https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/news/a15034/where-to-apply-perfume/
      6. ↑ https://www.self.com/story/how-to-apply-perfume
      7. ↑ https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/news/a15034/where-to-apply-perfume/
      8. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-apply-cologne-without-overdoing-it
      9. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/pulse-points-for-perfume-5345267
      10. ↑ https://www.self.com/story/how-to-apply-perfume
      11. ↑ https://sartorialmagazine.com/beauty/2024/2/5/the-science-of-perfume-decoding-the-composition-and-structure-of-fragrancesnbsp
      12. ↑ https://www.mensjournal.com/style/how-to-apply-cologne-the-right-way
      13. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/beauty-makeup/where-to-spray-perfume
      14. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-apply-cologne-without-overdoing-it
      15. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/beauty-makeup/where-to-spray-perfume
      16. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/beauty-makeup/where-to-spray-perfume
      17. ↑ https://fashionjournal.com.au/beauty/layer-fragrances/
      18. ↑ https://sartorialmagazine.com/beauty/2024/2/5/the-science-of-perfume-decoding-the-composition-and-structure-of-fragrancesnbsp
      19. ↑ https://dermnetnz.org/topics/fragrances-and-perfumes
      20. ↑ Shipra Taneja. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 16 August 2021.
      21. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/contact-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352742
      22. ↑ https://sartorialmagazine.com/beauty/2024/2/5/the-science-of-perfume-decoding-the-composition-and-structure-of-fragrancesnbsp
      23. ↑ Barbie Ritzman. Beauty & Skincare Specialist. Expert Interview. Tuesday, June 27, 2023.
      24. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-store-perfume-7509375
      25. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/does-perfume-expire-8558411
      26. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/does-perfume-expire-5380451
      27. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/does-perfume-expire-8558411
      28. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/does-perfume-expire-8558411
      29. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/beauty-makeup/where-to-spray-perfume

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