There are various “scent taboos” and “scent rules” circulating online. Are they all true? Today, let’s discern the authenticity of these highly debated “scent rules” across the internet. Here we go with Perfume 101.
Round 1
Michael: Are the wrist and behind the ears the ideal spots for applying fragrance?
Mr. Branddecant: NO! The skin on the wrist frequently comes into contact with jewelry, watchbands, mouse pads, etc., affecting the scent. Moreover, perfume can cause jewelry to lose its luster. As for behind the ears, the secretion of oily substances with body odors can disrupt how the fragrance unfolds. Thus, neither location is the ideal spot for applying fragrance. Instead, try spraying perfume on the outer side of the arms and the neck; the scent will steadily emanate!
Round 2
Michael: Is the “perfume rain” the best way to apply fragrance, ensuring an even distribution and long-lasting scent?
Mr. Branddecant: NO! “Perfume rain” leads to significant waste; most of the misty perfume disperses into the air. When you leave the area, very little of the sprayed perfume remains on your body. Therefore, this method is only suitable for overly intense perfumes or when you wish to use up the fragrance quickly.
Round 3
Michael: Can’t perfume be sprayed on hair, as it might cause hair loss?
Mr. Branddecant: NO! It’s not that extreme. Spraying perfume on hair might, due to the high volatility of alcohol in perfume, slightly draw out moisture from the hair strands, causing mild dryness. However, it’s worth noting that some lower-quality perfumes might irritate hair follicles, leading to minor hair loss.
Round 4
Michael: Can spraying perfume on the wrists and then rubbing them together disrupt the structure of fragrance molecules?
Mr. Branddecant: NO! Spraying perfume on the wrists and rubbing them together increases local temperature, accelerating the evaporation of the perfume’s top notes to some extent. However, this minor rise in temperature isn’t enough to disrupt the chemical structure of the molecules; hence, this belief is erroneous.
Round 5
Michael: Is over-spraying perfume unprofessional and disrespectful to perfumers?
Mr. Branddecant: NO! Perfume is evolving towards individualized and fun expressions. Many avant-garde perfumers are open to layering scents. People can use perfume to express themselves diversely, creating unique fragrances. However, not all perfumes are suitable for layering; choose light and simple fragrances, like the pioneering Zuma Long perfume that first introduced the concept of layering.
Round 6
Michael: Isn’t the purpose of spraying perfume to make others notice it, so spraying too little won’t suffice?
Mr. Branddecant: NO! The purpose of spraying perfume is to adorn and please oneself, not solely to make others notice it. Moreover, spraying too much perfume will likely disturb others, leading to the opposite effect.
Round 7
Michael: Can people with active sweat glands not use perfume?
Mr. Branddecant: NO! People with active sweat glands can apply a lightly scented antiperspirant before using perfume to minimize the effect of sweat on the fragrance. It’s also advisable to spray perfume on clothes, hair ends, or less glandular areas. Additionally, it’s best not to apply perfume right after exercising or before engaging in physical activities.
Round 8
Michael: Can individuals with strong body odor use perfume to mask it?
Mr. Branddecant: NO! Perfume isn’t a deodorant; it only offers fragrance and can’t cover body odor. Moreover, the volatile substances in perfume might magnify the original body odor, making it more pronounced.
Round 9
Michael: Can women use men’s perfume, but men should never use women’s perfume as it might appear feminine?
Mr. Branddecant: NO! The distinction between men’s and women’s perfumes is often marketing-driven. In recent years, the number of unisex fragrances has continuously increased, many of which lack distinct gender characteristics. Who says women must love sweet floral scents and men must prefer smoky woody fragrances? There’s no need to fixate on a perfume’s gender attributes.
In summary, applying perfume is a liberating and enjoyable activity. All so-called “safety rules” are merely suggestions; your preferences are what matter most.
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