Womens Thoughts

Women's Thoughts on Where to wear perfume 

Coco Chanel once said that perfume should be worn where you want to be kissed! You can wear it where ever you wish but to encourage evaporation and allow the full bouquet of the perfume to develop it is best applied to the pulse points on your body. Here the blood vessels are closer to the surface of the skin and the skin is slightly warmer so helping the evaporation. 

Pulse points are found in the hairline, the nape of the neck, behind the ears, under the breasts, in the crook of the arm, inside wrists and knees, and on either side of the ankles.Do not spray parfum or eau de toilette on clothing. As it dries it will leave a residue of oil and an unsightly stain! 

In the summer avoid applying scent to any part of the body that will be exposed to sunlight. Some scents may leave a dark ring on the skin! Bergamot, a common ingredient is apt to do this. Better to apply in hidden areas of the body.  

Why does skin sometimes sting when applying perfume. 

Perfumes are the most common sensitizers in cosmetics. They are different to allergies, tending to be produced in response to a group of substances rather to one particular component. Sensitivity may be slight or severe, temporary or prolonged, may arrive unexpectedly and disappear just as quickly. Reusing the product may produce no further reactions.  

However, questions that you may ask yourself are:-Does the stinging coincide with times when you have used other products, such as shampoo or cleansing lotion?Is your skin damaged, sunburnt, excessively dry or is it confined to one specific area? If perfume stings as you apply it, try putting a dab on cotton wool, wave around for a few seconds for the spirit to evaporate and then use. 

How long will perfume last? 

Body chemistry is the main factor in determining whether a fragrance suits you.  All perfumes are made by a perfumier (or nose). Scents are built up, note by note according to an evaporation scale.  There is the top note which lasts 10 to 20 minutes. The middle note lasting 20 to 30 minutes and the base note which can linger for 6 hours or more!

Different essences are combined, one on top of another until the desired smell is reached. Perfumes are made by combining essences, both natural and synthetic. Not all flowers smell as wonderful in essence form, as they do when in the garden. Hyacinth and lilac, being examples. Fixatives or longer lasting smells can come from animals such as musk and deer without endangering the animal. 

There are certain points that will ensure you get the most from your chosen scent. Avoid the mixing of fragrances and use unscented soap, shower gels and deodorant. You can always apply some of your chosen perfume to your armpits using a cotton wool pad as detailed above. Choose floral based not herbal based bath products if you feel you must use fragrances. 

How long your scent stays will depend on the perfume/spirit/water ratio Extrait or Parfum will last from 2 to 6 hours. ( 15-20% perfume) Parfum de toilette will last 2 to 5 hours. (12-15% perfume) Eau de Toilette from 2 to 4 hours. (5-12% perfume) Eau De Cologne will last from 1 to 2 hours.  (2-6% perfume) 

In terms of keeping, it is recommended that you store it in a cool, dark, dry place and make sure you always seal securely. Perfume will go off and deteriorates on exposure to heat and sunlight. The perfume will darken in colour.  

Always decant into glass bottles as a chemical reaction will take place in a plastic one. To clean a bottle, rinse with warm soapy water and then fill with a half and half mix of alcohol and water. Leave to stand for 12 hours approximately and then rinse with warm water.     

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