PERFUME FAQS ADDRESSED

WHETHER IT’S ABOUT APPLYING A FRAGRANCE OR STORING IT, WE GET ALL YOUR PERFUME FAQS ADDRESSED BY DEBABANI GUHA, TRAINER, L’OCCITANE EN PROVENCE, INDIA

What are the dos and don’ts of applying a fragrance? Most people apply a fragrance to the wrist and behind the ears which is a standard practice. We also recommend using it on areas like the lowerankles and behind the knees, so that, when body heat diffuses the fragrance, the scent moves upwards and not away from the body. A common practice is to rub your wrists together after spraying a fragrance — this is not recommended. Instead, spray the fragrance and slightly tap your wrists. If you’re using an Eau de Parfum (EDP), you should spray it in the air and walk through it.
Do you recommend fragrance layering? Layering your fragrance is a great idea. Use a bath and shower gel or cream of the same fragrance. When you use a fragrance after doing so, it lasts longer. Hence, we’ve launched a complementing shower gel as part of our Cologne collection.
How does one know which is the right fragrance for them? At L’Occitane, we categorise our fragrances as Citrus, Floral, Fruity, and Aromatic/Oriental. Your choice of fragrance should ideally depend upon the time of the day, your personal preference as well as the occasion. The same goes for when you’re buying a fragrance.
Why is it that a fragrance smells differently on different people? This usually happens due to body temperature. Our nose gets used to a scent 30-40 minutes after application and we may not be able to detect the fragrance. However, others around us can.
What’s the average shelf life of a fragrance? The fragrances by our brand usually last for up to three years. However, speaking of perfumes in general, it’s advisable to use them within 18 months of opening the bottle. Beyond that, the essential oils start to fade.
What is the correct way of storing a fragrance? It is recommended that fragrances are stored in a cool, dark place with no direct sunlight. Remember, to secure the lid back on the bottle; else, the scent might evaporate. Also, avoid keeping it with other fragrances.
Do you have any tips for fragrances during the festive season? One should keep in mind the occasion and match the perfume to it. A woman’s perfume is an extension of her own personality and it becomes her olfactory fingerprint. If it’s a special occasion, you would like the fragrance to linger for a while. To achieve that, you can start layering the fragrance with a shower gel, body lotion and then finally, the Eau De Toilette (EDT). To make the fragrance last longer, you can also carry the concentrated perfume or EDT, to spritz it on every now and then. For an occasion such as a brunch, you could use a cologne or an EDT from the floral or citrus family. For an evening out, opt for a strong EDP.