Wear It Like You Mean It

A great fragrance you cannot smell by lunch is a waste of a great fragrance. Here is how to get the most out of every spray.

Projection, sillage, and longevity

Three words people mix up:

• Projection is how far the scent travels off your skin, the bubble around you.
• Sillage is the trail you leave behind as you move through a room.
• Longevity is simply how many hours it lasts.

Extraits usually win on longevity, while a bright EDT can project hard early and then settle. Know which one you want before you buy.

Where to spray

Aim for warm pulse points where blood is close to the skin: the sides of the neck, the chest, the inner elbows. Heat lifts the scent through the day. A spray on clothing lasts longer but can stain, so test a hidden spot first. Hair holds fragrance beautifully but alcohol can dry it, so go light.

Habits that quietly kill a fragrance

Do not rub your wrists together; it bruises the top notes. Do not spray onto dry skin and expect it to last; a little unscented moisturiser first gives the oils something to hold onto. And do not over-apply a heavy extrait, because more is not better when one spray already fills a room.

Once you know how a scent behaves, you will reach for it with confidence. Browse by the mood you want to project in our Explore hub.