5 Common Perfume Mistakes Women Make and How to Avoid Them
In This Article
It's simple to use a fragrance—just a few spritzes and you're done. However, properly donning a scent requires more expertise and tact. As an example, consider the following: Isn't it interesting that the right location to wear an accessory depends on the setting in which it will be worn, together with the clothing to which it will be attached. And what about your proclivity for wrapping your wrists in bandages and rubbing them together afterward? Fragrant French-Armenian Francis Kurkdjian, the man behind for well-known olfactory successes like Christian Dior Eau Noire and Carven Le Parfum as well as those from his namesake label in Paris, says, "Very Bad" Although Chanel No. 5 is a lovely addition to any elegant bathroom vanity, the daily infusion of steam from the shower may be diminishing the fragrance's potency (and, in turn, yours). Fortunately, you only need to make a few minor adjustments to get your sense of smell back on track. This article will show you how to avoid the most frequent errors women make when it comes to choosing and using perfume.
Spray instead of rubbing
Kurkdjian believes the practice of sprinkling a little fragrance on your wrists, pushing them together, and then going for your neck is "extremely terrible. Why? When you rub something, he says, "the skin becomes hot and releases natural enzymes that alter the smell." The top and middle notes, as well as the dry-down, or the last and most prolonged part of your fragrance's development, are the most affected. It loses its sharpness over time because of [heat] when used on a flower, for example. Spritz both wrists gently with your fragrance, let it soak in, and then do nothing, advises Kurkdjian, to maintain its integrity (and make sure it lasts longer on your skin).
The Situation is Critical
Perfume is like a live creature when it comes to storage—it reacts violently to even the slightest change in its surroundings. Changing temperatures "trigger off unanticipated chemical reactions inside the natural components and thus age the perfume quicker," says Kurkdjian, who adds that "perfume doesn't enjoy moving from cold to hot." For example, it changes the freshness of raw material like patchouli to leave a citrus fragrance in the steamy shower. He cautions that ultraviolet radiation may convert amber tones green, changing the perfume's hue. If you left a bottle of Champagne out in the sun, you'd be doing it wrong, according to him.
Interestingly, the best location to keep perfume is in the box it came in and at room temperature, not in the refrigerator (or 70 degrees Fahrenheit). If you really want to go all out, think of it as a superb cellar wine. According to him, "I know individuals who keep a couple of bottles of their favorite perfume in the refrigerator.""
The best colognes come in little bottles.
No matter how precious the scent, it should be consumed quickly. Perfume's "natural enemy," oxygen, progressively breaks down the molecules in a half-used bottle, changing its makeup, according to Kurkdjian. Kurkdjian says a big 6.8-milliliter bottle won't go to waste if you spray on your trademark fragrance every day, but smaller bottles (ranging from 2.4 to 1.2 milliliters) may stay fresh for up to three months, so he likes them. And what if the perfume shop only has a single, very amply sized bottle? The liquid may be decanted into smaller vials or stored in the fridge to preserve its freshness, as long as the container includes a screw lid or stopper.
The Word "synthetic" Doesn't Have a Bad Connotation
"People love the notion of all-natural [perfumes], but it doesn't always exist," adds Kurkdjian, remembering probably the most popular note, musk, which was previously sourced from animals and now gives the fragrance a softer edge and a longer lasting aftertaste.. The natural extraction of other scents like peony, freesia, and lily of the valley isn't possible due to the fact that such plants don't emit any fragrance, according to him, and so they must be re-created using a mix of synthetic molecules instead. Despite the fact that some of the best perfumers have been using a combination of natural and synthetic molecules since the late 19th century, chemical creations are now strictly regulated and safety tested by health organizations, such as the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) in the United States. In order to get the best possible fragrance, Kurkdjian recommends using a combination of essential oils, absolutes, and synthetic components.
Don't be afraid to use your brain when in doubt (Or Your Hair)
A scent can go a long distance with only a few common-sense principles. Because dry skin shortens the life of perfume, Kurkdjian recommends using a scented body lotion in conjunction with your fragrance, or an unscented moisturizer altogether to avoid any olfactory interference. It's also important where you keep your perfume. Wear a sleeveless top, and he advises, "Don't cover it up with your clothes," instead of focusing on pulse spots in the neck and wrists or inner elbows. Unless you live in a sweltering environment, you should avoid applying fragrance straight to your skin. He adds that the natural oils in your skin will degrade your perfume quicker as you sweat, but spraying your hair, scarf, or sarong instead is a stylish workaround. Since they're in the air, they aid in smell dispersion. What a way to make an impression.
