Perfume Fails: 7 Mistakes You’re Making and How to Fix Them Like a Pro
Perfume is more than just a scent—it’s a statement, a mood, and a way to express yourself. But are you making the most of your fragrance? From rubbing your wrists together to storing your perfume in the wrong place, even small mistakes can keep you from getting the full ‘main character energy’ you deserve. Don’t worry, though—I’ve been there too, and I’m here to help. Let’s dive into the 7 most common perfume mistakes and how to fix them like a pro
1. Rubbing Your Wrists Together Like It’s a Ritual
The Mistake: Spritzing perfume on your wrists and immediately rubbing them together like you’re starting a fire. This friction breaks down the fragrance molecules, altering the scent and making it fade faster.
The Fix: Hands off! Let your perfume settle naturally so the top, middle, and base notes can unfold the way they’re meant to. Trust me, your scent will thank you.
2. Storing Perfume in the Bathroom (A.K.A. Perfume’s Worst Nightmare)
The Mistake: Keeping your perfume on display in the bathroom seems fancy, but the heat and humidity from showers can break down the scent and make it fade faster.
The Fix: Store your perfumes somewhere cool and dry—think dresser, vanity, or even a cute little perfume tray on your nightstand.
3. Skipping Moisturiser Before Applying Perfume
The Mistake: Dry skin absorbs fragrance too quickly, which means your scent disappears before your coffee order is ready.
The Fix: Moisturise first! An unscented lotion or body oil acts like a primer for your perfume, making it last way longer. I love using Vaseline body lotion, particularly the Cocoa Glow version—it’s lightweight, hydrating, and perfect for layering under some of my favourite scent. It’s great with vanilla based fragrances but we will get into in another post.
4. Spraying Perfume on Clothes Instead of Skin
The Mistake: While your sweater might smell amazing, fragrance doesn’t interact with fabric the same way it does with skin. Plus, some perfumes can stain your clothes—yikes!
The Fix: For the best scent payoff, spray directly onto your skin, focusing on pulse points like your wrists, neck, and behind your ears.
5. Going Overboard or Not Enough
The Mistake: Either dousing yourself in perfume like a human diffuser or barely spraying enough to notice. Balance is key!
The Fix: A few well-placed spritzes are all you need. If you want a lighter scent, try the “cloud method” by spraying in the air and walking through it.
6. Wearing the Same Perfume Year-Round
The Mistake: Just like your wardrobe, your scent should switch up with the seasons. That heavy, spicy winter fragrance might feel a little intense in the middle of summer.
The Fix: Rotate your perfumes! Light, citrusy, or floral scents are perfect for warm weather, while rich, cozy scents shine in cooler months.
7. Expecting One Spritz to Last All Day
The Mistake: Thinking your morning spritz will last through your workday, workout, and dinner plans. Hate to break it to you, but most perfumes need a little refresh.
The Fix: Carry a travel-size version of your fragrance for touch-ups throughout the day. I highly recommend this atomiser — it’s compact, stylish, and keeps your scent fresh all day long. Just remember, a little goes a long way (your coworkers will thank you).
Final Thoughts
Perfume should be fun, not frustrating! A few small tweaks can make a big difference in how your fragrance lasts and smells on you. So go forth, spritz wisely, and claim your signature scent with confidence.
Got a fragrance hack I need to know about? Drop it in the comments—I’m all ears (and nose)! And if you’re ready to upgrade your perfume game, check out my favourite products!
