Blog

We wish perfume was just about the pretty packaging and its killer scent. Surprisingly, there’s more to your favorite scents than we perfumers lead you to believe, some of these truths you know and most you don’t. Before your next shopping trip to your fragrance counter, give these surprising (but important) things to know about fragrances.

1. Perfume isn’t a positive in your hair

Who hasn’t sprayed a few extra pumps in their hair to make sure you could still smell in a little later in the day? Guilty! Perfume in your hair does more harm than good. Since the majority of scents on the market are alcohol because it causes dryness if applied frequently.

2. Rubbing your wrists is a big no-no

We’ve mentioned this before in other blog posts, but it’s a truth worth repeating over and over. Rubbing your wrists against each other after spraying a scent increases the interaction of the fragrance with your skin’s natural oils, which can end up distorting the scent. In most cases, that means a decrease in how long it will last on your skin.

3. Some perfumes contain animal ingredients.

This used to be more common in the early days of perfume making now these ingredients are synthetic. A variety of fragrances include civet, an ingredient from the feces of a civet cat! Eek.

4. Even if your PH doesn’t hold perfume long, there is a loophole

How frustrating is it to buy a really nice fragrance just to discover it doesn’t last long on your skin? Don’t let it go to waste, instead of dousing yourself in it, apply it just to your pulse points and spray a little on your clothing. Scent clings to your linens longer than compared to when it is on your skin.

5. Colognes aren’t just for men

Here’s a fun fact, one third of men’s fragrances sold are worn by women! What really makes a scent for men or for women all boils down to how it’s presented in the media, and its packaging.

6. Your diet can affect how fragrances smell on you

You know that the same scent can smell different on two people. So many factors go into play, like sweat, the environment, and also the food you eat!

7. Sniff in three’s

When testing perfumes, a good rule of thumb is to sniff three in a row. Our noses tend to trouble differentiating the aromas if you don’t take a break in between. During your break, take a deep breath of some coffee beans (that’s the quickest way to clear your nasal passages).