an aesthetic close-up of perfume bottle on top of white bed sheets
Photo: Laura Chouette

Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel used to compare perfume to an accessory. She said that no elegance is possible without perfume. And it is hard not to agree with this woman! Fragrance can be a subtle way to express ourselves, emphasize our style, and make us feel confident. But how many sprays of perfume should you use?

Too little, and you'll barely be able to smell it. Too much, and you'll be overpowering everyone around you. In this blog post, I'll share my tips for finding the perfect number of perfume sprays for any occasion. Together we are going to discuss the science behind long-lasting fragrance, and I'll give you some tips on how to make your perfume last all day. 

What Are the Notes in a Fragrance?


Perfumes come in various types, each with different concentration levels of fragrance oils. Additionally, every perfume composition has three main notes and three main stages of a fragrance's development: top notes, heart notes, and base notes.

The top notes are the initial burst of fragrance, which fades quickly.  The heart notes follow, providing the core scent, while the base notes are the foundation, lasting the longest. To ensure a long-lasting scent, apply perfume to pulse points – areas with higher body temperature – such as the wrists and neck. These areas help to diffuse the fragrance throughout the day.

an aesthetic close-up of perfume bottle surrounded by dry flowers
Photo: Lizzy Honey

  • Dossier Perfumes: Luxury, Compassion, Affordability

In the pursuit of exquisite scents, Dossier Perfumes emerges as a unique contender. Their collection offers fragrances reminiscent of the most famous and beloved perfumes in the world, yet with a distinctive twist. What sets Dossier apart is not only their dedication to crafting high-quality scents but also their commitment to ethical choices. These perfumes, similar in essence to renowned counterparts, are not only more affordable but also 100% vegan and cruelty-free. Dossier Perfumes allows you to indulge in luxury while making a compassionate choice for both your senses and the environment. With a note like Love Don’t Be Shy dupe, even a couple of sprays are enough for the whole day.

  • Less Can Be More

In the world of perfumery, subtlety often triumphs over intensity. A common mistake is over-application, which not only overwhelms the senses but also shortens the fragrance's lifespan. As a general rule of thumb, two spritzes of perfume directly to the skin should always be plenty – sometimes too much. The more concentrated is the fragrance, the longer you can expect it to last on your skin and clothing, and, as a result,  the less you should use. For example, an eau de parfum (EDP) is more concentrated than an eau de toilette (EDT), so you will need fewer sprays of EDP.

If you can still smell the fragrance on yourself after a few hours, resist the urge to reapply. Over time, our noses become accustomed to the scent, and what seems faint to us might still be quite noticeable to others.

  • Consider the Concentration of Your Fragrance

Perfumes come in various concentrations, including Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, and pure Parfum. The concentration determines the intensity and longevity of the fragrance. Eau de Toilette contains a lower concentration of aromatic compounds and usually requires more sprays for a lasting effect. Eau de Parfum strikes a balance, while Parfum, with its high concentration, demands only a few drops or sprays. Understanding the concentration of your chosen fragrance helps in determining the appropriate application.

The perfume critic and fragrance specialist Michelyn Camen says that the number of sprays you need will depend on the concentration of the perfume, the occasion, and your personal preferences. However, she generally recommends starting with two sprays and adjusting as needed.

an aesthetic close-up of perfume bottle surrounded by dry flowers
Photo: Karly Jones

  • Think on the Occasion

Clothing is more than just a canvas for fashion; it's a platform for fragrance as well. Applying perfume to your clothes can provide a longer-lasting scent compared to skin application alone. However, exercise caution as some fragrances can stain delicate fabrics. To avoid this, spray perfume on your clothes from a slight distance to allow the mist to settle. This technique ensures that your clothing carries the fragrance while reducing the risk of discoloration.

  • Layer Fragrances for Personal Scent

Layering fragrances is a great way to create a unique and personal scent that is all your own. It is also a way to make your perfume last longer. When layering fragrances, you want to choose scents that complement each other. This means choosing scents that have similar notes or that will blend well together. For example, you could layer a citrusy top note with a floral heart note or a woody base note. try starting with a light scent and then add more as needed. This will help you avoid overwhelming yourself or others with the scent.

Let's summarize...


So, as we learned, the number of sprays of perfume you should use depends on a number of factors, including the concentration of the perfume, the occasion, and your personal preferences. However, as a general rule of thumb, two sprays should be plenty for most people. If you are worried about overdoing it, you can always reapply perfume throughout the day. I hope this blog post has helped you learn more about the science of perfume and how to apply it correctly to get the best results. Now go out there and smell your best!

Lots of love,
Liz

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