Perfumes are like a personal signature. It’s an art and science, yet some myths and misconceptions surround the perfumery world. These myths lead to misunderstandings of how perfumes work, how they should be applied, and how long they last. In this blog, we will debunk some of the most common perfume myths so you can make the most of your favorite scents.
Myth #1: Rubbing your wrists helps the perfume last longer
Rubbing your wrists after applying your perfume does more harm than good. If you think that by rubbing your wrists, you’re distributing the scent or making it last longer, you’re wrong. The friction between the two wrists breaks down the delicate molecular structure of the fragrance which means that you’re breaking the top notes of the fragrance, and you’re making them evaporate faster than usual. When you do that, you’re ruining the perfume’s normal development. Instead, you should spray the perfume and let it dry naturally. This allows the perfume to settle properly and ensures a long-lasting experience.
Myth #2: Perfumes expire and become useless
Perfumes don’t expire but their composition can change over time. They oxidize if they’re not stored properly. If your perfume is exposed to high temperatures or direct sunlight, its molecules break down, resulting in an unpleasant smell. It’s better to store your perfume in a cool, dark place and avoid exposure to humidity if you want it to last longer. Whether it's after 2 or 10 years, It’s fine if your perfume smells the same as you first bought it.
Myth #3: Alcohol-based perfumes are low quality
Alcohol is an essential ingredient in most perfumes, it makes the perfume diffuse properly while sitting on the skin. There’s a common misconception that alcohol-based perfumes can’t be compared to oil-based ones. Alcohol enhances a fragrance’s projection and longevity. Many perfumes would feel overly concentrated without adding alcohol to them. While oil-based perfumes tend to be more subtle, Alcohol-based ones make the perfume project more and last all day.
Myth #4: Perfume smells the same on everyone
Body chemistry plays a huge role in fragrances. Your skin’s PH level and natural oils determine how the fragrance smells on you. The same perfume can smell floral on someone but it’s musky and clean on another one. It’s better to test how perfumes develop on your skin rather than smelling it on a paper tester. Allow the perfume to settle for a few hours and see how it reacts with your body chemistry.
Myth #5: More sprays make perfumes last longer
Over-spraying doesn’t make perfumes last longer, proper placement does. Over-applying perfumes can make the scent initially strong, but it won’t last. Instead of using excessive sprays, focus on proper application. Spray your perfume on the pulse points, where heat helps release the fragrance gradually. Mist on places like your wrists, neck, and behind the ears. These areas help the fragrance develop over time, enhancing its longevity and leaving a lasting impression.
Myth #6: Eau de Toilette (EDT) is weaker than eau de parfum (EDP)
Longevity doesn’t only depend on the oil concentration of the perfumes. Eau de Parfum (EDP) has a higher perfume oil concentration (15-20%) compared to Eau de Toilette (EDT) (5-15%). That doesn’t mean EDPs will last longer. Instead of choosing based on the concentration, it’s better to test the perfume on your skin to choose one that settles well on you.
The truth about perfumes
Perfumes are a way to express your individuality. It’s good to understand the myths in the perfumery world if you want to get the most out of your fragrances. Let the perfumes develop naturally on your skin, and store the perfume in a good place to keep the quality. Alcohol-based perfumes help more in fragrance projection, and you can smell specific notes according to your body chemistry. Apply perfumes to your pulse points for best results and remember, oil concentration isn’t enough to tell if the perfume will last longer. Now that you know the truth, you can enjoy your perfumes the right way!
Ready to explore long-lasting, high-quality fragrances? Check out our collection at Shop & Beyond and find your perfect scent today!