Perfumes can make a lasting impression. Whether its a good one or a bad one is entirely up to you. Choosing a fragrance that you will wear on your person can be tricky and pricey. But if done right, a good bottle is a good investment and can add a nice signature to your presence.
Here are a few tips from Get Your Perfume on how to make sure you are using that fragrance the best way possible:
Before buying a perfume test it for a couple of hours
It may be a bit awkward walking into a shop and walk out not having bought anything, but buying a huge bottle of fragrance that you realize you hate is worse. Spritz on some on your skin and tell the clerk you want to see how the scent develops and smell the mid and base notes. Cant decide on what to buy? Get testers, itll let you test them at your own pace.
Sniff some coffee in between scents
Neutralize the strong scents while testing fragrances by smelling some strong coffee beans. This will allow you to better smell the next swatch of perfume.
The lasting power of your fragrance depends on its tenacity
The tenacity or staying power of a scent relies heavily on the concentration of oils in the mix. Eau Fraiche have about 1-3% concentration and lasts the shortest while Parfum or Extract have up to 40% concentration and can last for more than 8 hours. Of course the higher the concentration, the more expensive it gets. A longer tenacity allows mid notes and base notes to shine as the day progresses.
Store your fragrances in a cool, dry place away from sunlight
Prolong the shelf life of your fragrance by not storing them in your bathroom where it can be damp. Instead, safely tuck them away in a dry cabinet or drawer away from direct sun as the UV rays can easily damage the composition of the perfume, causing them to age, and dry out.
The best time to spray is after showering and moisturizing
After a bath, your pores are open and will soak in the fragrance better. Adding some unscented moisturizer traps the smells making them last a lot longer. Want to make the perfume last without having to re-apply frequently? Use bath soaps, lotion and perfume with the same pallet or notes.
Do NOT spray on fabrics
As tempting as the sound of your closet brimming with your favorite smell, dont do it. This may permanently stain and ruin your clothes.
Apply on your bodys pulse points
The hot points on your body, where you can usually feel your pulse is the best way to spritz your fragrance. The insides of your wrists, the neck, behind the knees or your inner elbows are the perfect place to spray some cologne as the heat in these areas help spread the fragrance.
Never EVER rub your perfume
Rubbing, dabbing or even tapping your wrists after using fragrance will muddle the top and mid notes, destroying the intricate balance of the fragrance, making it last less than usual.
Have a separate scent for everyday and special occasions
Use lighter mixes like an eau de toilette for daily use and save eau de parfums or parfums for select occasions when you want to feel extra special and want to stand out. Wearing lighter, fresher or fruity notes come across as more approachable rather than an intimidating musk or spicy notes.
The best thing about perfume is that it smells differently for everyone. Your skin type and how you sweat interacts with the fragrance and changes it in many ways. This is also why some perfume might smell better on others. Once youre feeling more confident about your perfume know-how, have some fun with layering brews with notes that complement each other.