Where to spray perfume: a guide to pulse points

Where you put your fragrance matters almost as much as which one you choose. Spray it in the right places and it unfolds gently through the day. Spray it in the wrong ones and it either vanishes or overwhelms. The secret is your pulse points.

What is a pulse point?

Pulse points are the places where blood vessels run close to the surface of the skin, which is why you can feel your pulse there. The skin is slightly warmer in these spots, and that warmth helps a fragrance rise and develop, a little like a gentle diffuser.

The best places to spray

• The sides of the neck. The classic spot, and the one people notice when they lean in close.
• Behind the ears. Warm, sheltered and close to the face, so the scent stays near you.
• The inner wrists. Easy to reach and easy to smell yourself. Just don't rub them together afterwards.
• The inner elbows. A good choice in summer, when your arms are bare and moving.
• The collarbone or chest. Under clothing, the scent is released slowly as you warm up.
• Behind the knees. Fragrance rises, so this works well with a skirt, a dress or shorts.

You don't need all of them. Choose two or three and stick with what works for you.

How many sprays?

It depends on the strength. With an extrait de parfum, like every Immortal Extraits scent, two or three sprays is plenty. A lighter eau de toilette may need four or five. If you're unsure, start with fewer: you can always add more, but you can't take it back.

Not sure of the difference? Read extrait de parfum vs eau de parfum.

How to spray

• Hold the bottle 10 to 15cm from your skin for a fine, even mist.
• Spray onto clean, moisturised skin, ideally just after a shower.
• Let it dry naturally. Rubbing creates heat that makes the top notes fade faster.
• Put fragrance on before you get dressed, so it has time to dry and won't mark your clothes.

Places to avoid

• Your face and eyes. Perfume contains alcohol and will sting.
• Broken, irritated or freshly shaved skin. It can sting and irritate. Spray somewhere else, or onto clothing.
• Delicate fabrics. Silk and some light-coloured fabrics can mark, so test a hidden spot first.

If your skin is sensitive, try a small amount on your inner arm first and wait a day, or wear your fragrance on a scarf instead.

What about the spray-and-walk-through?

Spraying a cloud in front of you and walking into it gives a very light, even veil. It's gentle, but most of the perfume ends up on the floor, and it won't last as long as fragrance on your pulse points. Save it for when you want just a whisper of scent.

For more ways to make your scent go the distance, see 10 ways to make your perfume last longer.