17 Fragrance Hacks That Will Make You Smell Really Good

Have you wondered why your perfume only lasts, like, two hours max before it starts to fade away? Hate to break it to you, but the answer is in exactly how (and where) you’re applying your perfume, and you’re probably doing it wrong. It’s okay—I’ve definitely been there. Who knew perfume could be so complicated? No worries, though—I’ve compiled a lot of 17 fragrance hacks to help you figure out how to apply perfume, so you smell really, really good 24/7. Keep reading for all of the tips and tricks.

 

How to Apply Perfume Tip #1: Spray It On Your Clothes.

Don't just stick to spraying perfume on your body—spritz it all over your clothes, too. Clothing fibers are able to hold in scents for a very long time (even after you wash it).

 

How to Apply Perfume Tip #2: Spritz, Don't Mist.

You know how some people spray a bunch of perfume into the air and then walk through it? Yea, don't do that—you're just wasting product and the scent will evaporate after a short amount of time. A direct spritz is all you need to keep the perfume scent on you for longer.

 

How to Apply Perfume Tip #3: Spray It on Top of Your Ears.

It sounds weird, but trust, it works. The oilier your skin is, the better it holds scent, and the top of your ears is a little bit oilier than say, behind your earlobes.

 

How to Apply Perfume Tip #4: Don't Store Your Fragrances in Your Bathroom.

Heat, light, and humidity will break down the perfume and lessen the quality of the fragrance. Instead, store them in cool, dry spots like on the vanity in your room and away from windows. Bonus tip: Use a pretty cake stand to display them.

 

How to Apply Perfume Tip #5: Rub Vaseline on First.

Rub Vaseline on your pulse points before spraying your perfume to make the scent last longer. The ointment holds the fragrance to your skin longer than if you were to spray it onto dry skin.

 

How to Apply Perfume Tip #6: Apply an Unscented Lotion First.

Rub on an unscented lotion before you spritz on your perfume. Like I said, oilier skin retains fragrances longer, so using a moisturizer first will help lock in the scent.

 

How to Apply Perfume Tip #7: Spray Your Perfume Right After Taking a Shower.

The moisture on your skin will help lock in the scent. This will also prevent the fragrance from staining super delicate clothes (like your favorite silk blouse) or jewelry.

 

How to Apply Perfume Tip #8: Don't Rub Your Wrists Together.

Don't dab the fragrance on your wrists after spraying. If you rub your wrists together, you'll force the scent to disappear faster than intended—aka your fragrance won't last as long.

 

How to Apply Perfume Tip #9: Target Pulse Point When Spraying Perfume.

To make your scent last longer, choose a couple of pulse points. These are warm areas that'll help diffuse the fragrance across your entire body. Also, pro-tip: Spraying your ankles and calves allow the scent to rise throughout the day. Your pulse points on your body include:

• Your wrists
• Inside your elbows
• On your neck
• Below your midriff
• Behind your knees

How to Apply Perfume Tip #10: Spray the Fragrance On Your Hair Brush.

Spraying an alcohol-based fragrance directly onto your hair will dry it out, so instead spray the fragrance on your brush before running it through your hair. Your hair will be lightly scented and undamaged.

 

How to Apply Perfume Tip #11: Use a Hair Fragrance

Or, if you're still worried that a perfume might dry out your hair, grab a fragrance specially designed for hair to make it smell better and keep it fresh in between washes.

 

How to Apply Perfume Tip #12: Familiarize Yourself with Common Fragrance Terms.

Here's a rundown on a few fragrance terms, so you know exactly what you're signing up for before you buy a new perfume:

• Top Notes: The first scent you smell after spraying the perfume, which fades quickly.
• Middle/Heart Notes: The scent that develops after the top note fades.
• Base Note: This is the heaviest scent that lingers the longest.

 

How to Apply Perfume Tip #13: Mix Your Perfume with an Unscented Lotion.

Perfume running low? Pour the last bit of fragrance from an almost-empty perfume bottle into unscented body lotion (or hand cream) so nothing goes to waste.

 

How to Apply Perfume Tip #14: Layer Your Fragrances.

Create your own ~custom~ scent by layering fragrances. Spray a few fragrance blotters with different oils and perfumes and smell them at the same time to see if they complement each other. Once you find a combination you like, try them on your skin (your skin oils can alter the way a perfume smells). Spray the stronger scent first and then top it with the lighter fragrance so that the first fragrance doesn't overpower the second.

 

How to Apply Perfume Tip #15: Use a Makeup Wipe to Get Rid of Unwanted Scents.

If you're sampling perfumes and you spray yourself with something you don't like, use a makeup wipe to get rid of the scent. It's super easy, and gets the job done.

 

How to Apply Perfume Tip #16: Spray Cotton Swabs with Your Perfume.

Spray cotton swabs with your perfume and hide them in sandwich bags inside your handbag for quick touch-ups throughout the day. It's wayyy easier to carry cotton swabs in your clutch than an entire perfume bottle.

 

How to Apply Perfume Tip #17: Line Your Drawers with Scented Tissue Paper.

Line your dresser drawers with tissue paper and spray them with your favourite scent to make your clothes and towels smell amazing.