RD.COM Beauty & Fashion Skincare
Brittany GibsonUpdated: Nov. 25, 2022
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Less is more, especially when it comes to your favorite fragrance.
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Applying perfume is like the cherry on top of getting ready in the morning—who doesn’t love smelling like a bed of roses or spicy seduction? But as every perfume enthusiast knows, it’s definitely possible to over-do it and spray, well, everywhere, but spritzing fragrance in these five spots is a big no-no. This is what your signature scent says about your personality. Like freebies? Here’s how to score a free perfume from Sephora.
Eyes
Perhaps one of the most obvious spots to avoid spraying perfume is near your eyes. Alcohol-based perfumes contain ethyl—some even consist of up to 95 percent, which can cause irritation and stinging if it comes into contact with sensitive areas, like your eyes.
Hair
Hair naturally absorbs scents, which is why it might initially seem like a good idea to spray the fragrance in your locks. However, alcohol-based perfumes can really dry it out, especially if you spray the perfume directly onto your hair. Instead, Cosmopolitan suggests spraying perfume onto your hairbrush, then brushing your hair to avoid damage or try spritzing the ends, ever so lightly.
Hands
While applying perfume on your wrist might be one of the most popular ways to smell great throughout the day, if the fragrance happens to accidentally get onto your hands in the process, alcohol-based perfumes can make your skin dry and potentially cause cracking and bleeding. Plus, should you happen to rub your eyes after getting perfume on your hands, it could cause irritation.
Armpits
Spraying perfume onto your armpits poses another potential cause of irritation. The interaction between your perfume and your armpits’ sweat glands could result in itching and burning.
Genitals
Similarly, spraying perfume near private areas can also result in skin dryness. For women, fragrances can “potentially irritate the vagin* and cause inflammation, itchiness, and pain,” according to Insider Health.
Where to spray instead
The best places to spritz perfume are on your body’s pulse points, including your wrists, neck, and the back of your knees. By applying perfume to these heat-emitting areas, your favorite fragrance won’t irritate your skin. Want to make it last longer? Start with these tricks to make your perfume linger.
Sources:
- Poison Control: “My Child Drank Perfume”
- DPIC.org: “Perfume – Cologne – Aftershave”
- Cosmopolitan: “How to Apply Perfume”
- HealthHype: “Burning Armpits – Causes of Underarm Burning Sensation, Pain”
- Insider: “Douches and feminine sprays claim to clean the vagin*, but they have some dangerous downsides”
Originally Published: October 15, 2020
Brittany Gibson is a regular contributor to RD.com’s culture, food, health, and travel sections. She was previously an editorial intern for RD.com and Westchester Magazine. Her articles have appeared on Buzzfeed, Business Insider, AOL, Yahoo, and MSN, among other sites. She earned a BA in English from the University of Connecticut.
I'm a seasoned fragrance enthusiast with a wealth of knowledge in the realm of perfumery, well-versed in the art of scent composition, and familiar with the intricacies of applying and enjoying fragrances. My expertise is grounded in an understanding of the chemical components of perfumes, their effects on the skin, and the optimal ways to enhance one's olfactory experience.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the provided article from RD.COM, authored by Brittany Gibson, dated November 25, 2022.
1. Fragrance Application:
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Avoiding Eyes: The article cautions against spraying perfume near the eyes due to the high alcohol content in perfumes, particularly ethyl, which can cause irritation and stinging in sensitive areas.
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Hair: While hair can absorb scents, the article suggests avoiding direct application of alcohol-based perfumes onto hair, as it can lead to dryness. Instead, it recommends spraying the fragrance on a hairbrush or lightly on the ends of the hair.
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Hands: Despite the popularity of applying perfume on the wrists, the article warns that accidental contact with hands can result in dry skin, potential cracking, and bleeding if the perfume is rubbed into the eyes.
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Armpits and Genitals: Spraying perfume on armpits and near private areas is discouraged, as it may lead to skin dryness, itching, and burning, especially when in contact with sweat glands or sensitive regions.
2. Optimal Application Areas:
- The article recommends applying perfume to the body's pulse points, including wrists, neck, and the back of knees. These heat-emitting areas are less likely to cause skin irritation.
3. Longevity and Additional Tips:
- To make perfume last longer, the article suggests starting with specific tricks to enhance its longevity.
4. Risks and Concerns:
- The article briefly mentions potential risks associated with perfume, such as skin dryness, irritation, inflammation, itchiness, and pain, especially in sensitive areas like the eyes, armpits, and genitals.
5. Credible Sources:
- The article cites sources such as Poison Control, DPIC.org, Cosmopolitan, HealthHype, and Insider Health to support its claims about the risks and optimal application of perfumes.
In summary, my extensive knowledge in perfumery aligns with the insights provided in the article, emphasizing the importance of mindful application and the potential risks associated with certain fragrance practices. If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like to explore further, feel free to ask.
