Perfume is a mix of perfume concentrate, alcohol and sometimes small additives such as color or preservatives. Its concentration plays a huge role in how long it lasts on the skin and how intensely it smells. A higher concentration will usually have a longer lasting effect than a lighter, less concentrated scent.
The earliest perfumes were made with a wide variety of natural ingredients, some of which were downright gross: musk (extracted from deer glands), hyraceum (petrified beaver feces) and ambergris (sperm whale vomit). Our modern perfumes are primarily created in the lab using a multitude of synthetic chemicals that imitate the aromas of flowers, grasses, spices, woods, roots, leaves, fruits, animal secretions, resins, oils and even coal tar.
Most perfumes are not a health hazard, however there is always the possibility of allergic reactions, especially with certain types of perfumes and ingredients. A common allergy is called contact dermatitis, which can cause redness, swelling and itching in sites exposed to the fragrance. A more severe allergy is called contact urticaria, which causes hives and swelling in the lungs and throat.
If you do experience irritation or itching, stop wearing the perfume as soon as possible and speak with your dermatologist about the best way to treat this type of rash. Other health concerns include a link between pleasant scents and anxiety and stress, and an increase in blood pressure when wearing certain perfumes.
Applying perfume after showering is a good idea because your pores are open and the water in your body will help the perfume to soak in more effectively. A light layer of unscented body lotion or Vaseline can also help your perfume to stick, particularly if you have dry skin. Try to avoid rubbing your wrists together or brushing against your clothing because this can crush the fragrance molecules and change how the scent develops on your body throughout the day.
The location on the body where you spray your perfume can make a difference as well. Some experts recommend the wrists, but others suggest different areas. Try one spritz on each cleavage, the inside of your elbows (not directly on the armpits), behind the knees and on the nape of the neck. If you have a perfume with a strong base note, it can stay on the skin longer when applied to these areas because it sticks to your sweat more.
Perfumes are generally formulated to be used once or twice a day. A few spritzes will give you the right amount of fragrance for most occasions, but you might like to consider a heavier dose for special events or when you want to smell great all day.
Keeping your perfume in the fridge can help it to last longer as it slows down the oxidation process, which can alter the scent and reduce its intensity. It can be a good idea for those who have sensitive noses as well because it may keep the alcohol in the fragrance from irritating them.