Fragrance guide for everyday occasions

Rachel Geronimo

Many wonder why fragrances do not last throughout the day. Constant reapplying creates added time and wasted money. There are many aspects individuals should be aware of when applying perfumes, lotions and other scents. 

“All body fragrances come in all shapes and forms,” said Elizabeth Rivera, representative for Massage Heights Ames. “Common types of fragrances include oils, eau de cologne, eau de toilette, eau de parfum, balms and parfum.”

Individuals should not spray perfume or cologne on clothes or jewelry because it may damage them. Consider applying the scented product on the skin before dressing up.

Apply the product at the pulse points, which are the sides of the neck, back of neck, both wrists, elbows, behind the knees and the ankles. These areas are the warmest part of the body, which react naturally to enhance and create a long lasting scent.

“When applying fragrances be mindful of not rubbing the product on,” Rivera said.

Skin is already warm and by rubbing one can overheat the concentrated area. Individuals may notice a slight distortion of the fragrance.

Fragrance varies from person to person because of natural skin oils and pheromones mixing with the scents. 

“The best time apply any kind of fragrance is after you shower. After you wash off all the dirt and oil, the skin is left fresh,” Rivera said. “Your body will absorb the next product you put on right away.”

Perfume and cologne hold onto moisturized skin better than dry skin. Moisturized skin helps the fragrance hold onto something, leading to a longer-lasting scent throughout the day.

Try applying complementary scents like body wash and lotion within the same product line as the perfume or cologne. Individuals should stay cautious of not applying mixed fragrances, because this can cause distortion of the actual scent of the product.

When applying perfume, spray from a distance, allowing the product to spread out and fall evenly as opposed to on specific concentrated area.