There used to be a time when fragrances were used only for special occasions. As the times changed, perfumes became an integral part of our daily lives. Fragrances are now like any other accessory to an outfit, helping to accentuate the overall look. The right perfume can add context and depth to your attire and appearance. Sometimes, it may be difficult to get your hands on a perfume that lasts long. So, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind to make your fragrances last longer.
Fragrance Notes in a Perfume
Before we dive into the tips and tricks, it is important to understand the fragrance notes of a perfume. Fragrance notes are the different scent layers that work together to create a beautiful fragrance. Described with musical metaphors, a perfume has three notes — top/head note, middle/heart note and base note.
Top notes are responsible for the first impression a perfume makes. They are recognised immediately after application. They consist of a light formula that evaporates instantly. Citrus and floral scents are common top notes.
Once the top note fades, the middle note, which is the heart of the fragrance, emerges and lasts for 10-60 minutes. They are the foundation of a fragrance and are usually pleasant and well-rounded. Middle notes typically contain heavier floral influences such as lavender or spices.
Creating the final and lasting impression, the base note emanates after the middle note has evaporated. Together with the middle note, the base note forms the main theme of the perfume. Since they last the longest, they are mostly made of wood.
How to Use Body Mist?
If you are wondering “what is body mist used for”, we have you covered. A body mist contains the least fragrance and is typically used to lightly scent and hydrate the skin. To answer your question about how to use a body mist, it should be applied directly to the skin to get the most out of the light fragrance. Spray the mist directly to your damp skin or pulse points, including wrists, neck or behind your ears. You could also layer it with a body lotion of the same fragrance to lock in extra fragrance and moisture.
How to Use perfume?
Perfume experts often mention the pulse points when asked, “where to apply perfume?” If you’re wondering why, that’s because the pulse points like the wrists, neck, behind your ears, back of the knees and behind the elbows are the areas where your blood vessels are closest to the skin. The heat emanated by the blood circulation just under the skin’s surface at these points helps to release the fragrance more effectively.
Now, here are the tips and tricks to make a perfume last longer:
- Moisturise your skin with a body lotion before applying perfume. This ensures the fragrance lasts longer.
- Use a matching scented lotion to maximise the fragrance. If you can’t find one, go for a lotion with a neutral smell. This way, it won’t interfere with the perfume’s fragrance notes.
- Apply a small amount of Vaseline to your pulse points. This will help the fragrance have a longer life.
- Do not rub the area where the perfume is applied as it can break the chemical bonds, which weakens the fragrance.
- Spraying perfume once is enough, unless really necessary. When you re-spray, chances are that it will disturb the layering of fragrance notes resulting in an overwhelming smell.
- Make sure you store your perfume in a cool and dark place. Frequent fluctuations in temperature and humidity can break the perfume’s chemical bonds.
- Don’t shake your perfume bottle as it will allow the air to infuse, resulting in a shorter lifespan of the fragrance.
While these are some handy tricks, above all, it is crucial to choose the right perfume strength to make it last longer. There are different types of perfume available based on different ratios of concentration of oils, alcohol and water. Make sure you choose the one that is best suited for your requirements. Most of the long-lasting fragrances are usually on the pricier end, but it will prove to be a good investment.