How to Apply Fragrance for Long-Lasting Results

Your favorite scent can smell better for longer with these basic application tips.

By Colleen Sullivan

Hydrate the Skin

Experts suggest applying an unscented body lotion out of the shower while your skin is still damp, as properly moisturized skin is more receptive to absorbing fragrance. “Hydrated skin retains natural oils, acting as a base for fragrance to adhere to. Also, retaining those natural oils ensures the scent profile will differ from person to person,” says Marie du Petit Thouars, the founder and creative director of Maison Louis Marie, who notes dry skin has a rougher texture and microscopic fissures that prevent fragrance from adhering well. Be sure your skin is dry before application, as excess water can dilute fragrance and affect its longevity.

Apply to the Pulse Points

Applying scent to pulse points such as the wrists, inside the elbows, on the neck, and behind the knees will utilize the body’s heat to activate and amplify the fragrance’s molecules, adding to its longevity and intensity. “Pulse points are the warmest areas of your body, where blood vessels are located closest to the skin,” says Courtney Somer, CEO and founder of Lake & Sky. “They help emit scent and make it last longer.” Adds Swarbrick, “Applying fragrance to more than one pulse point will enhance the scent’s presence and ensure a balanced diffusion throughout the day.”

Let the formula absorb into your skin on its own. “Don’t rub your wrists together as friction can heat up the skin and alter the formula’s molecules, accelerating evaporation and throwing off the scent profile,” adds du Petit Thouars. Also pass on perfume clouds, as spraying fragrance into the air and walking through it can lead to a significant amount of waste when any droplets end up on the furniture or floor. “Plus, direct application ensures the fragrance is concentrated on the body, where it can interact properly with the skin’s chemistry,” says Swarbrick.

Layer the Fragrance

Layering will make a scent last longer, especially when combined with a body wash and lotion in the same scent formula. “It’s always safest to stick with scents in the same olfactive family as there’s a better chance the individual notes will work harmoniously together,” says du Petit Thouars.

To test how well two different scent work together, spray some fragrance blotters (or any stiff, textured card) with different scents to see if they complement each other. “Spray the stronger scent first and then top it with the lighter fragrance so the second scent isn’t overpowered,” says Swarbrick. This way you’ll get to see how the dry-down or base notes smell and how long the perfume combo lasts.

Control the Pump

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Some fragrance pumps spurt out a poof while others rely on a continuous spray. “I would encourage one to three sprays, then wait a few minutes if you want to intensify the scent with any additional spritzes,” says du Petit Thouars. How to tell if you’ve applied too much? “It’s not easy, but there are some telltale signs you can look for, such as if you can no longer smell any other scents around you or if you start to get a slight headache or feel nauseous. “You should think of your personal fragrance as something that enhances, not masks, you and everything around it,” adds du Petit Thouars.

Use Long-Lasting Scents

“There are many commonly used base notes, including vanilla, sandalwood, cedarwood, musk, and patchouli that will generally anchor a fragrance and contribute to the longevity of the overall scent profile,” says du Petit Thouars. (Three fragrances with those bottom note ingredients: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist, Dime Dans Les Bois and Guerlain Santal Pao Rosa.) “Many floral and citrus notes will show up in top and middle notes since they’re more volatile in nature and will evaporate more quickly,” adds du Petit Thouars.