PROFESSIONAL PERFUMER EXPLAINS HOW & WHERE TO APPLY FRAGRANCE PART 1 | HOW TO WEAR COLOGNE

Summary

In this engaging video, Ashton and master perfumer Richard discuss the essentials of fragrance application and offer insights into how fragrances interact with our bodies. Richard shares expert tips on where and how to apply fragrance—emphasizing the neck and clothes over the skin, and avoiding common mistakes like spraying too much or too close. They also touch on personal preferences, skin chemistry, and the role of deodorants, noting that how a fragrance behaves can vary based on individual factors. The conversation offers a unique perspective on wearing fragrances and how to ensure they perform best.

Takeaways

• 😀 Spray fragrances on clothes, not just skin, for better diffusion and longer-lasting scent.
• 😀 Avoid over-spraying fragrance to prevent becoming 'noseblind' and losing scent perception.
• 😀 Skin chemistry affects how fragrances react, so experiment with different application methods.
• 😀 Don't mix scented deodorants with fragrances to avoid competing smells and clashing scents.
• 😀 Apply fragrance in personal areas like the neck or hair for an intimate and subtle scent cloud.
• 😀 Experiment with different application spots (neck, shoulders, elbows) to see what works best for you.
• 😀 The 'pulse point' method (neck, wrists) isn't always the best—try the back of the neck or shoulders.
• 😀 For a lighter fragrance, increase the number of sprays to make it suitable for evening wear.
• 😀 If a fragrance doesn’t work on your skin, apply it on clothing or other areas for better results.
• 😀 Use fragrance as a deodorant alternative for a signature, elevated scent that lasts throughout the day.
• 😀 The nose adapts to strong smells, so be mindful of fragrance strength in shared spaces like offices.

Q & A

What is the recommended location to apply fragrance according to Richard?

Richard recommends applying fragrance to areas like the neck, collarbone, and behind the ears. These areas allow the scent to diffuse naturally, giving a more pleasant experience both for the wearer and those around them.

Why does Richard suggest avoiding spraying fragrance directly on the chest or wrists?

Richard suggests avoiding the chest and wrists because applying fragrance to these areas can interfere with its development and make it harder to evaluate the scent accurately. It can also lead to a stronger fragrance cloud around you, which might overwhelm the wearer.

How does clothing play a role in fragrance application?

Richard prefers spraying fragrance on clothing instead of directly on the skin. Clothes act as a better diffuser, helping the scent last longer and project more effectively without being trapped by the skin or disturbed by body heat.

What are the disadvantages of over-spraying fragrance?

Over-spraying fragrance can lead to 'nose blindness,' where you can no longer smell the fragrance because your nose becomes accustomed to it. This can also result in a scent that’s too overpowering for those around you.

How can you avoid 'nose blindness' when wearing fragrance?

To avoid 'nose blindness,' Richard recommends applying fragrance in areas like the neck or the crook of the elbow. This allows the fragrance to diffuse naturally as you move, giving you an occasional 'waft' and helping you experience the fragrance from an external perspective.

What is the role of skin chemistry in how a fragrance smells?

Skin chemistry plays a significant role in how a fragrance develops on an individual. For example, some people may find fragrances becoming sweeter or sharper on their skin. Richard advises that if a fragrance doesn’t work well with your skin, you can try applying it to clothes or hair instead.

What does Richard think about using fragrance as a deodorant?

Richard views fragrance as an elevated form of deodorant, especially in the past when fragrances were used for this purpose. He recommends using fragrance as a deodorant alternative but advises against using heavily scented deodorants alongside strong fragrances to prevent clashing scents.

How does Richard suggest applying fragrance for different occasions?

For everyday wear, Richard suggests using only 2-3 sprays to avoid overwhelming the environment. For evening wear or special occasions, you can apply more, like 20 sprays, to make the fragrance more pronounced and noticeable.

Why is it important not to apply fragrance right after a shower?

Richard believes that applying fragrance immediately after a shower is not ideal because your clothes will cover the scent, preventing it from diffusing effectively. He suggests waiting until you're dressed to apply fragrance to allow it to interact with your clothes and air better.

What is Richard's personal favorite spot for fragrance application?

Richard’s favorite spot for applying fragrance is the neck area, specifically behind the ears. This area is intimate and allows the fragrance to diffuse as you move, creating a subtle, personal experience while also being noticeable to those around you.