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Should I Rub My Perfume In?

Published in Perfume Application 2 mins read

No, you should not rub your perfume in.

Rubbing your perfume after applying it is a common mistake that can actually diminish the scent and its longevity. Here's why:

  • Evaporation: Rubbing creates friction, which generates heat. This heat accelerates the evaporation of the top notes of your perfume, causing the fragrance to fade more quickly.

  • Distorted Scent: The friction caused by rubbing can alter the chemical composition of the perfume. This can change the way the perfume smells, blending it excessively with your skin's natural oils and distorting the intended fragrance profile. The top, middle, and base notes may not develop as intended.

  • Reduced Longevity: Because rubbing speeds up evaporation and alters the fragrance, the perfume simply won't last as long on your skin.

Instead of rubbing, dab your perfume. Apply it to pulse points like your wrists (lightly), neck, and behind your ears. Dabbing allows the perfume to naturally interact with your body heat and develop its full scent profile without distortion. Let it air dry, and resist the urge to rub.

Here's a quick comparison:

Feature Rubbing Dabbing
Friction High Minimal
Evaporation Accelerated Natural
Scent Distorted, Faded True, Full Bloom
Longevity Reduced Increased

By dabbing instead of rubbing, you'll enjoy a more accurate, longer-lasting, and richer fragrance experience.

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