How, When, and Where to Apply Fragrance
Photo: courtesy of Luckyscent.com1/6What is the best time to apply a fragrance?
"There are no hard and fast rules to applying perfume, it’s all a matter of personal preference," says Franco Wright, co-founder of LuckyScent.com. "Put some on when you want to smell special. Some wear fragrance daily and scent themselves after a shower as they get dressed. An extra spray or two might feel right at the beginning of an evening out. Some even carry a travel atomizer around filled with their signature fragrance for a touch-up in the middle of the day. This is a particularly good idea if the fragrance is on the lighter, fresher side and tends to be shorter lived than a rich, spicy perfume."
Wright’s pick for best sophisticated yet sweet scent: Ginestet Botrytis, $110 for 3.4 oz. Luckyscent.com
Photo: courtesy of Luckyscent.com2/6Do you have any application tips?
"Focus on pulse points. These are the warm areas of your body that will project the scent. Spray directly on your wrist and let the perfume dry off naturally. Don’t rub! This may crush some scent molecules and thin out the perfume. You might consider spraying the back of your knees if you’re wearing a skirt or a dress. If you have longer hair, spray once on the back of your neck before going out. Your hair will keep the fragrance in place and will release it in wafts as you move."
Wright’s pick for best all around scent: Il Profumo Musc Bleu, $165 for 3.4 oz. Luckyscent.com
Photo: courtesy of Luckyscent.com3/6How can someone find their perfect scent?
"Follow your impulses. If you smell a fragrance and instantly like it, don’t second-guess yourself! There’s something primal and instinctual about wearing a scent. There’s also nothing wrong with being lured in by a great bottle or an interesting name. If you’re debating between a few fragrances, spray them on your skin, selecting different areas of your arms to devote to the different scent. Keep track of what you sprayed where! It’s important to try perfume on skin as the scent will evolve as it dries down—some for better, some for worse. If you’re still having trouble deciding, see if you can get a sample of the perfumes and devote different days to different ones. If you find that you can’t stop sniffing yourself, you’re probably onto something good!"
Wright’s pick for best "barely-there" scent: Escentric Molecule in Molecule 01, $135 for 3.5 oz. Luckyscent.com
Photo: courtesy of Luckyscent.com4/6Do you have tips for making a scent last longer on your skin?
"Some notes simply last longer than others, and body heat and chemistry will have a big effect on the wear of a perfume. If your favorite scent comes in other forms, like shower gels and lotions, try layering the scent. If not, apply an unscented moisturizer before spraying on your perfume. Fragrance also lasts longer on clothes and hair since they’re cooler surfaces than skin. Try lightly misting yourself once in addition to applying the fragrance directly on skin. Be sure to mist with caution because perfumes can stain clothes."
Wright’s pick for most unique and hard to find scent: Calypso St. Barth Lea, $100 for 3.4 oz. Luckyscent.com
Photo: courtesy of Luckyscent.com5/6How can you lessen the intensity of a fragrance if you accidentally apply too much?
"Face it, you’re going to be that person in the elevator! If the perfume is on your skin, then try washing off with soap and water. If it’s in your clothing, then consider modifying your outfit. Otherwise, it’ll just take time for the scent to fade away."
Wright’s pick for scent most frequently worn by rock stars: Comme des Garçons Series 3 in Avignon, $80 for 1.7 oz. Luckyscent.com
Photo: courtesy of Luckyscent.com6/6Is it ever a good idea to apply fragrance to your hair?
"Many people make a scent statement with the hair products they use without even being aware of it! Long hair certainly locks in fragrance, and if you want to keep the scent around you for a long time, don’t be afraid to let a little bit of the perfume accidentally mist into your hair. However, don’t apply it directly on hair because the alcohol in the fragrance may have a drying effect."
Wright’s pick for best celebrity scent: Etat Libre d’Orange by Tilda Swinton Like This, $99 for 1.7 oz. Luckyscent.com
