There’s hardly anyone who doesn’t want to smell wonderful all day long. The truth is, there are some secrets about when and where to apply perfume to enjoy a stronger, longer-lasting scent.

Choose stronger scents

Not all scents are equally strong. Citrus scents, for example, are less long-lasting, while woody and spicy scents linger for a longer period of time.

“Layer” the scents

Your favourite fragrance probably also comes with a shower gel, lotion or body butter. When used together, different “layers” of scent are created and the scent lingers throughout the day.

When to spray yourself with the perfume

It’s best to put on perfume immediately after you’ve showered, while your skin is still slightly damp. The extra moisture helps to “lock in” the scent. Plus, this way you’ll avoid the risk of stains on your clothes and your jewellery getting dark.

Keep your skin well hydrated

Don’t forget to hydrate your skin before you perfume. Dry skin tends to absorb some of the fragrance, making it less lasting.

You need to know where to spray the perfume

Splash on the wrists and warmer (and often hidden) places, such as the abdomen and chest, as well as the crease behind the knee and behind the ears. Body heat in these places helps the scent to unfurl so that the top, middle and base notes are better felt.

Do not rub wrists

You’re probably used to rubbing your wrists after spraying perfume on them, but don’t. Rubbing destroys the top notes, leaving only the middle and base notes, and that takes away from the longevity of the fragrance.

Store perfume properly

Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, such as on a dresser or dressing table. You can even keep the box and store the vial in it. If you keep the perfume in a warm, moist place (like the bathroom), it will spoil faster.

Spray yourself again if a long day is looming

The tips described above will make the scent last longer, but skin can’t hold the scent indefinitely, so if you’re going to a party or dinner right after work, spritz yourself again. You can keep a smaller bottle or roll-on of the same scent in your handbag for this purpose.