How to apply perfume perfectly
Fragrances
Our Master Perfumer Jean Michel Duriez shares his advice on how to apply perfume properly. It may seem like an automatic, even trivial, habit but once perfectly mastered it can reveal the full potential and power of your favorite fragrance. Find out why…
How much should you spray?
First of all, before spraying your fragrance, identify its fragrance concentration. A lighter Eau de Toilette won't have the same all-day hold as a more intense Eau de Parfum. The right dose is between 1 and 3 sprays.
Onto the skin or clothes?
Like Jean Michel Duriez, you can choose to spray your fragrance on your clothes. "I don't necessarily try to wear perfume on my skin, even though I know that all perfumes are formulated to be safe. Spraying my fragrance over myself when I’m dressed allows me to smell it more easily. I can enjoy the sillage [scent trail] with every movement. What's more, a perfume expresses itself better when not covered by clothes."
If you have sensitive skin or are pregnant, this is the ideal way to wear your favorite fragrance! However, be careful not to spray a colored perfume onto a white fabric! Choose materials made from natural fibers such as cotton, cashmere, wool, linen, etc. These hold and diffuse perfume better than synthetic fibers, which can also modify the fragrance.
If you prefer to apply fragrance directly to the skin, make sure it is well moisturized (with a neutral fragrance-free cream to avoid altering the fragrance's composition). Moisturizing helps retain the perfume’s notes for longer. Focus on "pulse points": the wrists, hollow of the neck,
behind the ears, inside the elbows and knees... These areas, where you can feel your pulse, emit heat and help diffuse the fragrance.
What to avoid when using perfume
- We tend to rub our wrists after applying perfume. It's a fairly common instinct, but unfortunately its only effect is to disturb the ingredients and alter the longevity of the notes.
- Don't perfume your hair, as the alcohol in your fragrance can dry it out. Instead, opt for hair-appropriate fragrances.
- There's no need to apply perfume several times a day, even if you feel the fragrance has dissipated. You may have become used to the fragrance, but it evolves throughout the day, so apply touch-ups with moderation.
- Don't stand too far away when applying, as this only perfumes the air. The ideal is to spray about 10 to 20 centimeters from your skin.
Fragrance is a subtle and delicate art. By following this advice, your perfume routine will become a ritual that involves all the senses, allowing your fragrance to fully blossom and embody who you are and what you want to say.
