Guides

How and Where to Apply Perfume

Do you sometimes wonder if you’re applying your perfume correctly? Don’t worry – there are no strict rules for using it. However, we have a few tips to help you fully enjoy its scent.

Pulse points

Perfume develops its scent best when in contact with warmth, which is why it works perfectly on so-called pulse points – areas where blood vessels are close to the skin’s surface. This is where the fragrance gradually releases and lasts the longest.

Classic application areas

Neck and throat
The scent gently envelops the face and upper body.

Behind the ears
A subtle effect that reveals itself during close contact.

Wrists
Easy to refresh throughout the day, but avoid rubbing.

Décolletage
The warmth of the skin gradually releases the fragrance.

Less obvious but effective places

Around and inside the navel
The scent subtly rises upward.

Elbow creases
An alternative to the wrists, less exposed to frequent washing.

Back of the knees
Perfect for summer, especially with light clothing.

Applying perfume to these areas creates a more subtle and long-lasting effect,
especially for intense fragrance compositions.

How much perfume should you use?

When should you reapply perfume?

If you stop noticing the scent, it’s possible that your brain has simply gotten used to it, but you may still smell great to others. It’s always a good idea to ask someone nearby if they can still sense the fragrance. If not, you can reapply your perfume.

Hair and Perfume

Perfume lasts longer on hair because it absorbs scent well. However, avoid applying it directly to prevent damage. A better option is to spray it into the air and walk through the mist or use specially designed hair perfumes.

Perfume on Clothing

It’s a wonderful feeling when your scarf still carries the scent of your favorite perfume. Fragrances can linger on clothing for a long time, but caution is advised. Before spraying, test the scent on a hidden part of the fabric. Perfume is best applied from a proper distance and on the inner side of the fabric. Keep in mind that delicate materials like wool or silk can absorb the scent well but are also more prone to staining.

Be careful with jewelry as well—some materials may lose their shine or get damaged by perfume. To protect your pieces, it’s best to put on your beautiful pearls only after applying your fragrance.

Finally… Should You Rub Perfume on Your Wrists?

Rubbing perfume after application speeds up the warming process, causing the fragrance notes to develop faster on your skin. This allows you to detect the top and heart notes more quickly. However, the best approach is to spray the scent onto your skin and let it warm up and evaporate naturally at its own pace.

Can you “destroy” fragrance molecules? No, that’s a myth. Perfume is a carefully crafted blend, and its molecules remain intact—though the composition may evolve slightly over time.

What Inspired Us

Fragrana brings you perfumes inspired by the scents you love. Explore below to discover the perfect match for your signature fragrance.

You can use the search bar on our website to find any perfumes you’re interested in. Our collection is constantly expanding, so be sure to explore our full range—we’re sure you’ll love it!

FEMALE (A-Z)

104

Armani Si

115

Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche

111

Chanel Chance Eau Tendre

112

Dior J’adore

110

Gucci Flora Gorgeous Jasmine

101

Lancome La Vie Est Belle L’Extrait

108

LV Rose Des Vents

106

YSL Black Opium Over Red

109

YSL Libre L’Absolu Platine

MALE (A-Z)

113

Armaf Club De Nuit Intense Man

107

Chanel Bleu De Chanel

102

Dior Sauvage

105

Hugo Boss Bottled

103

Paco Rabanne One Million

116

Versace Eros

UNISEX (A-Z)

114

Calvin Klein CK ONE

117

Tom Ford Tabacco Vanille

The Notes

Perfumes are composed of three layers of scent—top notes, middle notes, and base notes—which create a fragrance’s overall experience as it evolves over time.

Here’s a perfect breakdown of each:

Top Notes

Top Notes (Opening Notes)

What They Are: The first scents you smell when you apply the perfume.

Characteristics: Light, fresh, and volatile (they evaporate quickly).

Purpose: Create the first impression of the fragrance and entice you.

Common Examples: Citrus (lemon, bergamot, grapefruit), light fruits (apple, pear), herbs (lavender, basil, mint).

Lifespan: Typically last 5 to 30 minutes before fading into the middle notes.

Middle Notes

Middle Notes (Heart Notes)

What They Are: The core of the fragrance that emerges after the top notes fade.

Characteristics: Well-balanced, fuller, and more rounded.

Purpose: Define the fragrance’s main character and connect the top and base notes.

Common Examples: Floral (rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang), spicy (cinnamon, nutmeg), fruity (peach, raspberry), green (tea, violet leaves).

Lifespan: Typically last 2 to 4 hours before transitioning to the base notes.

Base Notes

Base Notes (Dry-down Notes)

What They Are: The deep, rich scents that linger the longest on your skin.

Characteristics: Heavy, warm, and long-lasting.

Purpose: Provide depth, stability, and longevity to the fragrance.

Common Examples: Woody (sandalwood, cedarwood), musky (musk, ambergris), sweet (vanilla, tonka bean), earthy (patchouli, vetiver, oud).

Lifespan: Can last 4 to 12+ hours, depending on the perfume concentration.

Fragrance Families

To simplify the world of scents, perfumers classify fragrances into families, each encompassing both feminine and masculine scents, though structured differently.

At Fragrana, we categorize our perfumes into six main families: citrus, floral, oriental, woody, chypre, and aquatic. While this doesn’t cover every nuance, it serves as a helpful guide—just as basic tastes like sweet, salty, spicy, and bitter help describe flavors.

Curious about each fragrance family? Keep reading! 😊

Citrus – Fresh & Energizing 🍋

Bright and zesty, citrus fragrances feature notes like lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, and orange. They often blend well with fruity notes like apple, peach, and berries, adding a juicy and playful twist.

Floral – Romantic & Timeless 🌸

Floral scents highlight delicate, feminine notes like rose, jasmine, and lily. Many floral perfumes incorporate fruity notes such as peach, raspberry, and pear, creating a vibrant and modern floral-fruity blend.

Oriental (Amber) – Warm & Seductive 🌙

Exotic and sensual, oriental fragrances mix vanilla, amber, and spices. Some oriental compositions also feature fruity accords like plum and dried fruits, adding richness and depth.

Woody – Earthy & Sophisticated 🌳

Woody scents have a warm, grounding effect with sandalwood, cedarwood, and vetiver. This category often includes leather notes, bringing in smoky, rich, and slightly animalic nuances for a bold and refined scent.

Chypre – Bold & Timeless 🍂

Chypre fragrances are elegant and complex, blending bergamot, oakmoss, and patchouli. Many classic chypres feature leather accords, giving them a deep, luxurious feel, while some incorporate dark fruits like plum and fig for a sophisticated contrast.

Aquatic – Light & Refreshing 🌊

Inspired by the ocean and fresh air, aquatic scents often have clean, airy notes. Some fruity elements like watermelon, melon, or pear are commonly used to enhance their crisp, refreshing quality.

The Fragrance Wheel

Some fragrance families are closely related, while others are more distant. Understanding these connections can help you discover new scents you might love. For example, if you enjoy aquatic fragrances, you may also appreciate citrus scents. Likewise, if your favorite perfumes contain woody notes, you should explore chypre fragrances.

To navigate these relationships, we use The Fragrance Wheel. The version we follow at Fragrana was created by renowned perfumer Michael Edwards in 1983 and has since been widely used by perfumers (affectionately called “noses”) around the world.

By referring to the Fragrance Wheel, you can explore scents that are similar to your favorites—or venture into entirely new olfactory territories. Experiment with fragrances that complement your preferences, or take a bold step toward something completely different.

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