Do you ever spritz your favorite perfume only to realize a few hours later you can’t smell it on yourself anymore? Perhaps you’re unsure of the correct application method, so you simply spray a large cloud, walk through it, and hope for the best? If this sounds like your fragrance routine, you're not alone. I tapped perfumer Clement Gavarry (the expert nose behind iconic scents from brands like Phlur, Kayali, Prada, and more) to break down everything related to perfume application. Like, how many sprays of perfume do you actually need? Where should you spritz it? And what’s the smartest method to make your fragrance last all day? And do the same application rules apply for body mists and more concentrated extraits?
Ahead, the best ways to apply perfume, so you don't waste a single spritz of your precious scents.
Where should you spray perfume?
In general, it's recommended to apply perfume directly onto pulse points such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears, Gavarry explains. These areas of skin emit more warmth, helping whatever scent you apply diffuse better and linger longer. "You can also mist through the hair or lightly over clothing too, since these materials tend to hold scent longer than skin," he adds.
Unfortunately, the 'spray and walk' method, where you spray perfume into the air and walk through the mist, isn’t ideal for fragrance longevity, says Gavarry, adding that "most of the fragrance just disperses into the air and doesn’t stay on your skin or clothing, which reduces its staying power." The bottom line: If you want your scents to be stronger or stay on longer, it's best to apply them directly onto your skin or an outfit.
It's also a common habit to tap your wrists together after applying perfume, but it’s actually not recommended either. "Rubbing your wrists together can break down the fragrance molecules and alter the scent, leading to a weaker and less accurate fragrance experience," explains Gavarry. It's best to let the perfume settle naturally without any friction, so just spray it on and let it dry down on its own.
How many sprays of a perfume should you use?
This largely depends on the concentration of your fragrance. When applying an eau de parfum (or EDP for short), it’s best to focus on pulse points, and you can lightly spray it on your clothing as well for added longevity, says Gavarry. "EDPs strike a good balance between intensity and wearability, so a few spritzes will be enough to provide a lasting scent." We recommend three spritzes for ideal longevity and sillage (aka how far your fragrance projects), but if you love a stronger scent, then four or five sprays will do the trick.
If you've got an extrait de parfum, which is a more concentrated version of fragrance, he recommends "applying it sparingly on pulse points, since it has a higher fragrance oil concentration, a little goes a long way here." You really only need one or two spritzes of an extrait.
"Body mists, on the other hand, are lighter and less concentrated, so you can apply them generously to your skin and hair, reapplying as needed throughout the day to keep the scent fresh and light," says Gavarry. "Reapplying is also part of the fun for this type of product." You can start with four or five sprays of a body mist, and if you still want a stronger and longer-lasting scent, add a few more.
How long should a good perfume last?
"A good perfume should last around six to eight hours, but it depends on the way you tend to use perfumes and the perfume you are using," says Gavarry. Body mists will last on the shorter side, whereas eau de parfums and extraits boast longer staying power.
Gavarry also explains that "some perfumes are closer to the skin, and others are more diffusive to make an entrance and statement for your surroundings." If I have a longer, 12-hour day, I love bringing along a small travel-size fragrance to reapply and freshen up with a spray or two later.
Meet the expert:
- Clement Gavarry is the principal perfumer at DSM-Firmenich, where he helps develop scents for brands like Phlur, Orebella, Kayali, and more.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers everything from niche fragrance trends to new body mist launches. For this story, she tapped Perfumer Clement Gavarry for his insight, and also used her own personal testing experience.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
