Perfume Application Dos and Don’ts You Need Know

It is an incredible feeling to pass through someone or a group of people, only for them to look at you smiling with their eyes probably complimenting your signature scent. Now; picture the same group of people with frowned faces that spell irritation! Well, this is what happens if the perfume you wear is too strong or of poor quality!

Even though we all have different tastes and preferences, when it comes to scents, there are some rules in the fragrance world you shouldn’t bend. This is especially when choosing, applying, or storing perfume.

If you’re looking for some witty fragrance hacks, here are some pointers on what to do and what not to do when applying perfume.

The Dos

1. Choose a Quality Perfume

While a certain perfume may have the sweetest smell on the planet, there’s no point in wearing it if it’s going to last only a few hours on you. The best way to make the most out of any fragrance is to be keen on quality right from the point of purchase. Quality perfumes are created to last on your skin or clothes for at least 24 hours if not a few days. As you can tell from the Jo Malone perfume collection on Ssense, they also come in a broad range of scents to pick from. The rule of the thumb is to pick a perfume from a reputed and well-recognized brand or manufacturer.

2. Experiment with Several Scents First

As earlier mentioned, each person has their own personal preferences and tastes when it comes to fragrances. Speaking to the Insider, fragrance expert Meganne Natale recommends testing a fragrance on your skin for one or two days to see how it smells and interacts with your skin. If possible, you can consider trying out different perfumes in different seasons, so you have the right fragrance for each time of the year. As far as scent intensity is concerned, some perfumes are better in warm temperatures whereas others are more effective during cool temperature seasons.

3. Apply Perfume after Shower

Applying perfume on sweaty skin or dirty clothes is a huge No-No! Especially if you’re applying perfume on your skin, you will want to take a shower first, and perhaps apply moisturizer so it clings to the surface of your skin better. Nonetheless, you will also want to make sure the moisturizer is unscented.

4. Apply Perfume to Clothing

From sprays to roller-balls, a lot of perfumes are designed for application to clothing. In winter, for instance, misting your coat or warm clothing can help combat mustiness according to Catbird Creative Director Leigh Plessner. However, it is still worth considering the fabric before applying perfume to clothing. Some fabrics like silk get easily stained by perfumes containing oils.

The Don’ts

1. Don’t Rub Perfume on Skin

Rubbing perfume on your skin is never a good idea. It makes the top notes fade away, so your scent may not last long. And who knows, the action could cause irritation depending on the composition of your perfume.

2. Do Not Apply to Hair

If you are using an eau de toilette, resist the temptation to apply it to your hair. There are specific fragrant products for hair, most of which are non-alcohol-based. Applying regular perfume on hair can cause damaged and dry hair.

3. Don’t Apply To Jewelry

If you’re a fan of jewelry, you might want to protect your delicate pieces from the discoloring effects of perfume alcohols. This is especially if you frequently wear pearl pieces, whose outer coating can be stripped off eventually by certain perfumes.

Finally, be keen on how you store perfume. This means avoiding areas with excessive sunlight and keeping them away from heat. Your perfume storage location should be shaded and dry, avoiding the bathroom at all costs. Now that you know a thing or two about perfumes, turn on the volume on Three Guests’ latest hit, “Perfume” while getting ready for a night out in town!

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.