Ever wondered why your perfume doesn’t smell as good on you as it does in the bottle, or has faded away within half an hour of leaving the house? The way you’re applying and storing it could be to blame.
Fragrance experts have revealed the common mistakes all women are making when they’re applying their scents – including rubbing their wrists together.
Maria Mukaranda, beauty editor at Cosmetify, warned how this can actually weaken the fragrance rather than ‘evenly’ distribute it.
‘Rubbing perfume into the skin breaks down the fragrance molecules, causing it to lose strength and fade faster. The friction also mixes the perfume with your skin’s natural oils, which can distort the scent.
‘Instead, it’s best to spray from about 30cm away and let the fragrance settle on your skin naturally.’
Elsewhere, Katerina Knight, founder of British luxury fragrance house Fine Scents, said: ‘Spraying perfume straight onto your hair is one to avoid.’
Read on to discover the dos and don’ts of how to wear your favourite perfumes…
Ever wondered why your perfume doesn’t smell as good on you as it does in the bottle, or has faded away within half an hour of leaving the house? The way you’re applying and storing it could be to blame (stock photo)
DON’T SPRAY ONTO YOUR HAIR
Perfume expert Katerina explained how spraying perfume straight onto your hair should be avoided.
She said: ‘Most fragrances contain alcohol and, over time, that can dry the hair out, something your hairdresser will almost certainly have opinions about.’
DON’T RUB YOUR WRISTS TOGETHER
An expert at The Perfume Shop insisted: ‘Don’t rub your wrists together. Rubbing the fragrance into your skin is a common fragrance mistake.
‘It can actually disturb the drying process which can bruise the fragrance’s notes and alter the aroma. Instead, leave your fragrance to dry naturally on your skin.’
Maria echoed this point, adding that the break-down or bruising of the fragrance molecules can cause the scent to lose strength and fade faster.
The friction can also mix the fragrance with your skin’s natural oils, resulting in a distorted smell.
SPRITZ ONTO YOUR ELBOWS
Spraying your perfume on to pulse points such as your wrists and elbows will ensure your perfume lasts longer as they are the warmest parts of your body.
The Perfume Shop expert said: ‘Heat makes a perfume’s ingredients dry down quicker – meaning you would be able to smell the middle and base notes quicker as the top notes of the scent would be the first to react in the heat.’
MOISTURISE BEFORE SPRITZING
Katerina explained: ‘Many people overlook skin hydration. Perfume doesn’t cling particularly well to dry skin, so if you want your scent to last, moisturising first makes a surprising difference.
‘You can also spray lightly onto clothing to help the fragrance stay longer, although it’s wise to be careful with paler fabrics as some darker or more colourful perfumes can leave their mark.’
NEVER STORE IN A FREEZER OR FRIDGE
Some people believe that freezing perfume – or keeping it in colder temperatures – preserves its freshness and extends its lifespan.
However, Maria advised against it. She said: ‘Freezing perfume can actually distort the scent profile, causing it to smell different from when you first bought it. Instead, perfumes should be stored in a cool, dark place.
‘The myth likely comes from the idea that lowering the temperature reduces the alcohol’s evaporation rate, making the perfume’s oils more concentrated and long-lasting.
‘While this may sound good in theory, it actually alters the fragrance’s composition. Though it makes for viral content on TikTok and Instagram Reels, it’s not a practice that should become part of your routine.’
DON’T JUST PICK THE SAME AS YOUR FRIENDS
We’ve all experienced the disappointment of buying a perfume that smelt amazing on a friend, only to realise it doesn’t smell quite so nice on ourselves.
But Maria said there’s a reason for this, explaining: ‘Body chemistry, skin type, diet, and hormones can all affect how a fragrance reacts on the skin. Your unique scent profile can alter how the fragrance develops.
‘So, before purchasing based on a friend’s recommendation, always test the perfume on your own skin first.’
LAYER YOUR PERFUME
The Perfume Shop expert explained: ‘Layering is a technique to maximise the longevity and impact of your scent.
‘We suggest using a matching or similar-scented shower gel and body lotion before spraying the perfume – this will help capture the scent for longer through the day.’
DON’T SPRAY PERFUME IN THE AIR TO WALK THROUGH
‘When you spray in the air, a large portion of the scent particles don’t even land on your skin,’ said Maria.
‘For better coverage, I’d recommend spraying perfume directly onto your clothes. Fabrics hold on to fragrance for much longer than skin, ensuring the scent is more evenly distributed.’
