Applying perfume might seem simple. We often do it without much thought, out of habit, or based on tips picked up here and there. In the world of fragrances, the rule is there are no rules, but for those who want to get the most out of their perfume and are still wondering about the optimal way to apply it, here’s everything you need to know.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO APPLY PERFUME PROPERLY?

Tout d’abord, pourquoi est-il important de bien appliquer son parfum ?  Avant d’explorer les méthodes d’application, comprenons pourquoi il est crucial de bien mettre du parfum.

There are several reasons to apply perfume properly, the most obvious and frequent being to enhance its longevity and/or sillage. We can also vary the application of a perfume to change its intensity, which can be useful with both powerful and subtle scents. Finally, applying perfume correctly ensures that it isn't overshadowed by other smells.

PREPARE YOUR SKIN BEFORE APPLYING PERFUME

It goes without saying, but body odors can significantly alter the scent of your perfume. So make sure to apply your perfume on well-cleaned skin. Wash with a neutral soap or choose a shower gel from the complementary range (if available) to avoid interfering with your perfume's notes. Similarly, note that the scent of your laundry detergent or fabric softener can overshadow your perfume. Just like with your body soap or shower gel, prefer washing your clothes with a subtle scent to let your perfume take center stage once worn.

Moisturize your skin, preferably with a hydrating cream, especially on areas where the perfume will be applied. Hydrating your skin before applying perfume is essential for several reasons. First, well-hydrated skin retains perfume molecules better, extending the duration of the fragrance on your skin and allowing for better diffusion. Oils, lotions, creams, or petroleum jelly contain fatty substances that capture scent molecules and prevent the perfume from evaporating too quickly. Additionally, hydration helps prevent skin dryness, which can sometimes cause irritation or allergic reactions when perfume is applied to dry skin. Your skin is now ready to be perfumed.

WHERE TO APPLY PERFUME FOR OPTIMAL LONGEVITY?

The best places to apply perfume are the body's pulse points, where body heat is higher, helping to diffuse the fragrance. Here are some key spots:

Inside the wrists: A classic, sophisticated gesture, the wrists are ideal for keeping the fragrance close to your nose and following its evolution throughout the day. However, avoid rubbing your wrists together. If you've already done so, don't worry, you're not the first and won't be the last. This common gesture unfortunately alters the perfume's molecular structure and, consequently, the olfactory experience.

The neck: The ultimate classic! Head movements help diffuse the perfume, leaving a trail that makes an impression. At nose height, you'll enjoy and share your perfume.

The inside of elbows and knees: Often overlooked during the perfume ritual, the inside of elbows and knees are nevertheless warm areas of the body that are ideal for diffusing perfume.

Hair: Long hair loves to soak up perfume and release its scent with every breeze. Prefer lightly spraying perfume on your hair or hairbrush to allow the scent to be released with each head movement, while avoiding direct application which can dry out your hair.

Gabrielle Chanel would add, "...wherever you want to be kissed."

ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR APPLYING PERFUME

Don't forget to perfume your clothes Fabrics like cotton, wool, or linen can retain fragrances longer than skin because they have porous fibers where molecules can settle. Less affected by body heat, perfume also evaporates more slowly, which increases its longevity. Moreover, in summer, perfume can sometimes cause redness and irritation due to allergens or sun exposure. So, during your hikes under the sun or beach outings, consider perfuming your clothes more than your skin. When applying perfume to clothes, spray 2 to 4 times from at least 15 cm away.

Se reparfumer dans la journée
Envie de prolonger le plaisir de votre parfum, et celui-ci n’a pas une durée de 72h comme votre meilleur déodorant ? Une seule solution, se parfumer de nouveau dans la journée. Le midi ou en fin de journée à votre guise, vous profiterez ainsi à nouveau des notes de tête de votre parfum préféré et doublerez sa tenue. Les formats voyage seront vos meilleurs alliés pour vous accompagner en toute discrétion. Chez Les Bains Guerbois, nos flacons 30ml sont idéaux pour être glissés partout, même dans votre poche !

Less is more The trend is always for more longevity and sillage. And even though, in terms of fragrance, everyone is king in their own kingdom, moderation is often appreciated by others. Two to four sprays are generally enough. An overly intense perfume can be unpleasant for you and those around you. Similarly, layering—combining several perfumes—can quickly become an overwhelming mix of scents. If you choose this path, it’s recommended to select musky perfumes, preferably "solinotes" to avoid a cacophony of discordant odors.

IN BRIEF

Applying perfume should always remain a moment of pleasure. However, by following the few rules mentioned earlier, this moment of pleasure will not become a nightmare for others (and for you), and you will enjoy your perfume for many hours. Perfume is an art that requires a bit of skill and should be applied carefully to leave a memorable impression. By following these tips, you can ensure that your favorite perfume remains pleasant and lasts throughout the day.

Perfumes you might like...