Scents And Sensibility - by Editor

Pulse points

Perfume should be sprayed on the pulse points. There are five pulse points: the insides of the wrists, the insides of the elbows or the crook of the arms, the insides of the knees, the nape of the neck and just behind the ears. Unless you want to smell overwhelmingly potent, don't spray strong perfume on all the pulse points. Only do so if you are wearing a very mild perfume. Ideally, don't always spray perfume on the same pulse points every time. If you spray perfume on your wrists for example, spray them on the crook of your arms another time, and on the inside of your knees and the nape of your neck a third time. Though perfume is certainly not proven to harm your skin in any way unless you have an allergy, it is best to play safe.

Allergies

If you find perfume gives you a rash, you should try spraying it on your clothes. Body head combined with perfume causes the fragrance to emanate even further, but perfume tends to stick to clothes longer, with the result that you smell good for a longer period of time.

Body odour

Whether or not you smell good, is not as important as to ensure you don't smell bad. Don't ever spray perfume on your underarms. Deodorants and antiperspirants are to be used on the underarms. If you are wearing something sleeveless, you should best use a roll-on strong antiperspirant for all-day protection.

Price factor

You don't have to spend a packet and invest only in designer perfumes. You will find many perfumes in the market that smell great, and do not come with a hefty price tag. Cheap, strong perfumes tend to go wrong though, so it is best you stick with a mild perfume if you are opting for an inexpensive one.

You could however, invest in one 100ml bottle of your favourite expensive perfume, and use it only for evenings out. It will last for a long time, and there is an advantage to wearing the same perfume every evening, as the next time your spouse or friends smell that perfume on someone else, they will immediately be reminded of you! Marilyn Monroe once said I sleep in nothing but Chanel No. 5, and before long sales of this perume tripled! Everybody wanted to smell like Marilyn Monroe.

Potency

Don't wear a perfume that is too strong during the day. Mild, light fragrances are best suited for daytime wear, while stronger perfumes work well at night.

Body chemistry

Often certain perfumes may smell good in the bottle or on paper, but when you spray it on yourself, you may smell pretty bad. You may not even realise that you are reeking, so it is best to ask the honest opinion of a close friend every time you try on a new perfume.

So there you have it. Wear perfume, and wear it often. Perfume adds a much needed finishing touch to your make-up so don't leave it out!