Happy Wednesday, mes amies! Now that we’re officially in spring (although it may not feel like it at times), I’ve been beginning to think that it may be time for a new fragrance. I currently have a few fragrances that I like to alternate, but my go-to is Bath & Body Works’ Japanese Cherry Blossom spray. I’ve kept going back to this one for the last 2 years, or so, but I think it’s time for a new scent. Well, at least for this season. But with that said, I thought that today we could talk a little about perfume and, to make it easy for you, dear readers, I’ve outlined the do’s and don’ts of wearing perfume. Ta-da!
DO: Find your signature scent. The perfume you wear should be a scent that defines who you are. What you wear will remind those around you of you when they smell it. This is your signature scent. Perfume should also flatter you and work well with your skin’s natural chemistry. Remember, a perfume that smells amazing on one person may not develop as nicely on you, so test any new fragrance before buying it.
DON’T: Fragrance overdose. There’s nothing more obnoxious than excessive amounts of perfume. All you really need is a couple of sprays and you’re good to go. There have been many methods for properly applying perfume but, personally, I like to spray my neck/chest area once and then spray in the air and walk through the mist. Regardless of how you like to apply it, perfume should be worn tastefully and in moderation.
DO: Keep the perfume on your skin. Allow fragrances to develop naturally by letting perfume work naturally on your skin. The combination of your chemistry and body heat are what bring a perfume to life, so avoid spraying it anywhere other than your skin. Spritzing perfume directly onto clothes can stain fabrics and the alcohol found in perfumes can cause dryness if sprayed directly onto hair.
DON’T: Put on jewelry before perfume. I’ve been guilty of this before, but applying perfume over your jewelry is a big no-no. The ingredients which make up perfume work great with our skin but, when sprayed on jewelry, can cause tarnishing, discoloration and other damages. Always put on your perfume first, then accessorize.
DO: Switch fragrances by season. Just as you switch wardrobes and makeup according to season, do the same with your fragrances. Fall and winter may call for warm, woody and oriental scents but, while a certain fragrance may have been great for the cold seasons, it may not be as appealing as a floral, citrus or green fragrance for spring and summer.
DON’T: Rub the fragrance onto your skin. Although it’s common to spray wrists and then rub the fragrance where desired, when you apply perfume, simply spray it where you wish and leave as is. Rubbing can destroy the molecules of the fragrance, disrupting the way it develops on your skin.
The fragrance you wear shouldn’t only be what works well with your skin’s chemistry. It should be something that makes you feel good and happy when you wear it. Our sense of smell is incredibly powerful and is closely tied with our memory; wearing a perfume that reminds you of your childhood, special occasion or life event can have a positive impact on your state of being.
About Belinda
