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When you apply perfume in the morning, you want it to last all day. But if you’re heading to work, the scent shouldn’t be too overpowering. So how do you ensure that even a subtle fragrance lasts until the end of the day? In this article, perfumers share their tips on how to make your perfume last through an entire workday.
Only on the skin
Perfume is often applied not just to the skin, but also to hair and clothing. However, according to master perfumer Ixchel Leigh, that’s not a good idea. “Perfume is designed to integrate with the chemistry and warmth of your own body,” Leigh explains.
Spraying it into the air and then walking through it is also not advisable. “When you spray perfume into the air, it lands on your clothing, the floor, or furniture, and it can cause stains from the residue. I’m also not a fan of spraying it into your hair, especially if the scent contains alcohol, as this can dry out the hair.”
Make sure your skin is hydrated
According to Gerard Camme, former president of Atelier Cologne and vice president of LVMH Perfumes & Cosmetics, the condition of your skin is crucial. “How long the scent lasts on your skin depends on the perfume and how dry your skin is. If your skin is dry, the scent fades faster. So if you want it to last longer, moisturize before applying it.”
Warm body parts
Camme emphasizes that it’s best to apply perfume to the warmer parts of your body. The warmth helps it dry properly and release the fragrance in the right way. Besides your wrists and neck, he suggests applying the perfume to the folds of your elbows or behind your knees. Leigh also mentions the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area, as a good spot for your perfume.
Never rub
Once the perfume is applied, it’s important not to rub the area, so don’t rub your wrists together either. “Let the fragrance dry naturally. You don’t crush the top notes, allowing the fragrance layers to perform their role,” Camme advises.
If the perfume sits on your skin and you find it bothersome, Moltz recommends gently tapping the area, such as your wrists, against another part of your body, like your neck or the crook of your elbow.
Perfumers share how to make your perfume last a workday
Finally, it’s important to note that every perfume is different, and you should keep this in mind when applying it. Sometimes, a perfume from the same fragrance line can vary in intensity. For example, there’s the Scandal perfume by Jean Paul Gaultier. There’s a pink version that has a softer scent, and a red or beige version with a more intense fragrance. If you’re wearing the intense scent to work, it’s advisable to apply it subtly. Applying it to multiple warm areas of your body can make the perfume quickly become too strong.
Want more tips on wearing perfume in a professional setting? Check out the article with etiquette expert Anne-Marie van Leggelo on perfume etiquette at work.
Best regards,
Aileen