When it comes to how to apply perfume correctly, we thought we knew the basics, a.k.a. the wrist dab and the spray and walk. So it came as a surprise when Marc Malcolm recently showcased a new one: “catching your cologne.”
In the viral videos, Malcolm mists the scent, “grabs” it with his hand, and then rubs it on. Whether you think the technique is genius or silly, the self-proclaimed “first cologne bender” has amassed over 500,000 Instagram followers—and he got us wondering: What really is the best way to apply perfume?
According to Darryl Do, senior perfumer and manufacturer at Delbia Do Fragrances & Flavors, “There’s no single ‘right’ way to wear fragrance, but there are definitely ways to get more out of it.”
Many things can affect how long a fragrance lasts, from skin type to your individual skin chemistry to the weather. But as Do says, there are ways to squeeze the most juice from your, well, juice. Ahead, find out the best way to actually apply your fragrance, with tips from the perfumer as well as Emma Vernon, host of the Perfume Room podcast.
Dab, don’t rub.
That old habit of rubbing your wrists together could be degrading your scent. “Over the years, I’ve heard from perfumers that if you rub your [wet, freshly sprayed] wrists together, it diminishes the top note experience, assuming it’s an alcohol-based fragrance,” says Vernon. “The consensus seems to be that patting is OK, but rubbing is bad.”
Focus—but don’t limit—to pulse points.
The pulse points—wrists, neck, inner elbows, behind the ears, behind the knees—are common spots to apply fragrance because they tend to be naturally warmer. But they don’t have to be the only ones. “With mists, I encourage people to spray it all over. With a rollerball or perfume oil, a more targeted application works well,” says Do, adding, “The warmth of the body can help diffuse the fragrance naturally.”
And don’t be afraid to reapply if you want a boost. “Fragrance naturally evaporates over time, and factors like temperature, humidity, skin moisture, concentration, and the ingredients themselves can all affect longevity,” says Do. A rollerball perfume oil like Lake & Skye’s popular white musk skin scent makes application quick and easy.
