How to Keep a Room Cool

Being cooped up in a room when it’s sweltering hot can be a real drag. Luckily, there are a number of different ways that you can cool down a room. Even if you don’t have air conditioning, you can adjust your windows and maximize the room’s airflow so that it’s not as hot. Instead of being uncomfortable, take the proper steps to make your room as cool as possible.

Steps

Using Fans and Air Conditioning

1. Turn a fan on. You can purchase stationary fans or use ceiling fans in your house. Fans will push around the air in a room and keep it cool. Ceiling fans are often the most effective way to cool down a room, while stationary and tower fans are usually cheaper to purchase.^[1] Determine how large you want the fan to be and how it blends in with your existing decor.
   
   • If you don't have a lot of space, you could purchase a smaller desk fan.
   • If you need to cool multiple people, you should consider purchasing an oscillating fan.
   • Stationary fans can come in the form of box fans, table fans, and tower fans.
   • You can purchase a stationary fan at most department stores or online.
   • You can also use the ventilation fan on your oven to move warm air outside.^[2]
2. Place ice cubes in front of a running fan. If you place ice cubes or an ice pack in front of a fan, it will create a cool breeze that can significantly cool down a room. This is a great alternative if you don’t have air conditioning.^[3]
   
   • You will have to replace the ice as it melts.
3. Create a cross-breeze with two fans. Hold your hand in an open window to get the orientation of the wind. Determine which way the wind is naturally blowing and point the fan in the same direction. Position another fan in a different window facing outward, so that it pushes hot air out of the room. This will increase airflow and create a breeze that will cool down the room.^[4]
   
   • Try to remove obstructions in the path of the two windows to improve the airflow.
4. Use an air conditioning unit that’s strong enough to cool the room. Whether it’s a window unit, central air, or a stationary unit, air conditioning is the easiest way to keep a room cool. Look on the product detail sheet or the packaging of a stationary or window unit to make sure that it’s optimized for the size of the room you want to cool. Then, once you have air conditioning, turn down the thermostat to reduce the temperature of the room.^[5]
   
   • Central air is the most effective type of air conditioning.
   • Stationary or mobile units are the least energy efficient types of air conditioning units.
   • The most efficient AC units are ductless wall-mounted units, because having less ducts minimizes energy loss due to air leaks. Choose a unit with a SEER rating of around 20-22, which is a high-efficiency unit.^[6]
   • Be sure to use the proper size air conditioner for your space, which will prevent short cycling and overrunning.^[7]

Adjusting Your Windows and Shades

1. Keep your windows and curtains closed while the sun is out. Around 30% of heat comes in through your windows. Your south and west-facing windows receive the most heat throughout the day, so make sure they remain closed while the sun is out.^[8]
   
   • You can determine which windows are facing south and west with a compass or by using GPS software like Google Maps.
   • The temperature is usually the hottest around noon to 3 p.m.
2. Open the windows after sunset if you don’t have air conditioning. The temperature usually drops after the sun goes down. If you’ve built up heat in your room during the day, opening the windows after the sun sets will allow cool air to flow into your room.^[9]
   
   • You can also open your windows early in the morning to take advantage of the cool morning air.^[10]
3. Keep your windows closed when using air conditioning. Opening the windows allows cold air to escape and hot air to enter your room. If you’re using air conditioning, your windows and curtains should be shut at all times during the day to prevent the sun from heating up the room.
   
4. Install low-E window film or insulated curtains on your windows. Low-E window film and insulated curtains are specially made to keep heat out of your room. To apply low-E film, peel the sticky sheet from its plastic backing and stick it onto the inside surface of your window. Insulated curtains are installed like regular curtains but are made of special materials that keep heat out of the room.^[11]
   
   • You can purchase low-E film and insulated curtains online or in the windows department of most hardware stores.
5. Plant trees or plants in front of windows that face south or west. Leafy trees, reeds, and sunflowers can block out the sun during the hot weather. Plant the trees or plants on the outside of the house and position them so that the leaves block out the sun. This is usually most applicable to rooms on the first floor of a house.^[12]
   

Limiting the Heat in Living Spaces

1. Close off spaces that you aren’t occupying. Fans and air conditioning will have to work harder to cool down larger spaces. If you aren’t occupying other rooms in your house, you should close the doors to those rooms to trap more cool air in the room you’re in. This will only work if the fan or air conditioning is in the room you’re currently occupying.^[13]
   
   • Keep all doors and vents open if you're using central air. Closing your ducts or doors could cause damage to your air ducts or central air unit.^[14]
2. Turn on the stove fan after you cook. Cooking will increase the temperature of your kitchen significantly. If you’re trying to cool down your kitchen or a room connected to your kitchen, you can minimize the heat coming off of your stove or oven by turning on the exhaust or stove fan. You can usually find a switch or button on your stove for the fan. This will suck the hot air out of the room and expel it outside.^[15]
   
3. Turn off unnecessary heat-generating appliances. Electronic equipment and appliances like computers, stoves, televisions, and dryers can heat up a room. If you aren’t using a heat-generating appliance, turn it off or unplug it when you aren’t using it.^[16]
   
4. Take a cold shower. A cold shower will lower your body temperature and make the room feel cooler. Excess steam from hot showers can raise the humidity in a room.^[17]
   
   • This can be especially helpful for cooling down right before you go to bed.^[18]
5. Use a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier will reduce the level of humidity in a room and could cool you down. Purchase a dehumidifier online and turn it on in the room that you want to cool down. If you're unsure of whether the humidity in your room is high, a humidistat can be used to measure it.^[19]
   
   • Average humidity in a room should be between 50% to 55%.^[20]

Video

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy01osti/29513.pdf
2. ↑ [v161403_b01]. 6 May 2020.
3. ↑ https://www.trulia.com/blog/how-to-cool-down-a-room/
4. ↑ https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy01osti/29513.pdf
5. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/02/realestate/the-best-way-to-cool-your-space.html?_r=0
6. ↑ [v161403_b01]. 6 May 2020.
7. ↑ [v161403_b01]. 6 May 2020.
8. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/smart-homeowner/energy-saving-tips/how-to-save-energy-and-cut-cooling-costs/view-all/
9. ↑ https://www.motherearthnews.com/renewable-energy/energy-efficiency/natural-cooling-methods-zm0z15aszsor
10. ↑ [v161403_b01]. 6 May 2020.
11. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/smart-homeowner/energy-saving-tips/how-to-save-energy-and-cut-cooling-costs/view-all/
12. ↑ https://www.motherearthnews.com/renewable-energy/energy-efficiency/natural-cooling-methods-zm0z15aszsor
13. ↑ https://www.trulia.com/blog/how-to-cool-down-a-room/
14. ↑ https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/closing-vents-and-doors-to-unused-rooms/
15. ↑ https://www.trulia.com/blog/how-to-cool-down-a-room/
16. ↑ https://www.motherearthnews.com/renewable-energy/energy-efficiency/natural-cooling-methods-zm0z15aszsor
17. ↑ https://ionmax.com.au/blogs/resources/reduce-humidity-without-dehumidifier
18. ↑ [v161403_b01]. 6 May 2020.
19. ↑ https://ionmax.com.au/blogs/resources/reduce-humidity-without-dehumidifier
20. ↑ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/property/advice/9614700/What-is-the-recommended-humidity-for-a-home.html

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How to Feng Shui Your Bedroom

The ancient Chinese method of Feng Shui helps us to balance our homes and create happier, more successful lives, room by room. We often turn our attention to the bedroom, the sanctuary where we can rest and recharge. Having the proper Feng Shui in the bedroom can help your romantic life as well as your ability to rest and to feel in control. You have to know how to keep the chi flowing, and how to deflect any negative energy that may enter your room—and your life.

Steps

Applying Feng Shui to Your Bed

1. Have a solid headboard. The best Feng Shui headboards are the ones that are solid and made from wood, or the upholstered ones, as they have a very good combination of solid, but also gentle and supporting Feng Shui energy for you and your bedroom. While you are drifting off to sleep, your body is going into an extra busy energy repair work on many levels. Subconsciously, your head needs good backing, protection and support, just like your back needs it when you are sitting in a chair for extended periods of time.
   
   • If you don’t have a headboard, fake one by attaching a few panels of wood to the wall behind your bed.
2. Get a supportive mattress. There are a variety of mattresses on the market, choose wisely and invest in the one that will promote best sleep and relaxation. The better you sleep at night, the better your health during the day, this is really simple. Be mindful of good Feng Shui and do not buy used mattresses - you never know what energy they have accumulated from previous owners.
   
3. Make sure the bed is a good height. To allow for a balanced Feng Shui energy flow under the bed, you need to have your bed at a reasonable height above the floor level. Generally, the beds that have built-in storage drawers underneath to help you with storage solutions are considered bad Feng Shui beds. Why? Because the energy needs to circulate around your body when you sleep, which is not possible if the space underneath the bed is blocked.
   
   • For a bed that is low to the ground, get risers to lift it up. This is an inexpensive way to add height to your bed.
4. Make sure the bed is positioned as far from the door as possible. Place the bed in the area further from the door or diagonally from the door, but not in line with the door. In other words, you want to be able to see the door while in bed, but not be aligned with the door. Be it the bedroom door, the door to the balcony/patio, the bathroom door or your closet doors, you do not want your bed in line with any of the doors in your bedroom, or too much chi will flow towards the bed. Ideally, the bed can be diagonally positioned from the door, jutting out from the opposite corner.^[1]
   
   • Having your bed positioned too close to the door can lead you to get startled by surprises that may come your way. The further you are from the door, the more prepared you'll be for what may come. This is the same reason why the bedroom should be as far from the door as possible.^[2]
   • However, ideally, when you wake up, the door should be in your direct line of vision, or close to it, so you feel that you have control over your life.
5. Have a good supporting wall behind your bed. In addition to a good headboard, you always want to have a solid wall behind your bed. When you sleep under the window, your personal energy tends to get weaker in time, as it has neither proper support, nor protection.
   
6. Place grounding and balanced energy on both sides of the bed. Place two nightstands on either side of the bed to create balance while you sleep. Ideally, you can also place the same lamp on both nightstands, to add some soft lighting to your bedroom. This balance is important for keeping you centered, and especially for maintaining equality in a relationship if you share the bedroom with your partner.^[3]
   
   • Ideally, the nightstands should be round instead of square to cut the chi energy that may be directed toward you, which can also be thought of as the "poison arrows."
   • A small nightstand on either side of the bed is another great way to balance the energy in your room.
7. Keep your bed far away from any TVs, desks, or other distractions. Ideally, you should move your desk and television out of your bedroom, so the bedroom truly becomes a place where you can rest and relax. However, we all have limited space, so if you do have a television or a desk in your room, position it as far from your bed as possible to not get in the way of the bed's positive energy. If you can, drape a light scarf or blanket over the TV or desk, or even cover it up with a Japanese folding closet to create even more space.
   
   • Place your TV in a cabinet or place an art cover over it to help it blend into your space.

Avoiding Negative Energy

1. Avoid a mirror that faces your bed or a mirrored set of closet doors. If these mirrors are fixtures that you can't get rid of, then drape some fabric over them. Left exposed, they are thought to disturb your sleep. In general, you should avoid having mirrors in your bedroom, especially if you're sharing it with a romantic partner, because they may open up a space for infidelity. Mirrors are also too energetic for such a restful space.
   
   • If you like having a mirror in your room, place it on the inside of a closet door and only access it when you need it.
2. Refrain from positioning your bed directly under a beam. A beam may create feelings of pressure that can disrupt your sleep. If you have no other options, cover the beam with fabric or hang 2 bamboo flutes from the beam with the mouthpieces pointed downward. This will help block some of the unwanted energy coming from above the bed. The idea is that you don't want to feel threatened in your sleep.
   
3. Skip fountains and water features. Also, don't hang up pictures of water or place an aquarium in your room. These could invite possible financial loss or robbery. Keep your fish tank or paintings of water or rivers out of the bedroom if you want to have the best possible Feng Shui.
   
   • If you are a fan of fountains and water art, place them in a bathroom instead.
4. Keep plants and flowers outside of your room. Plants are thought to possess too much yang, which creates too much energy and activity for you to get the rest that you need. If you have no other place to put your plants, try to keep them out of your line of vision when you're on the bed.^[4]
   
5. Avoid accumulating clutter around your bed or pushing one side of your bed against a wall. The Chi can't circulate, which means possible disturbances in your intimate life. If your bed is up against a wall, then one partner will have to sleep on the inside, becoming literally "trapped" in the relationship.^[5]
   
   • Keep your bed relatively clutter-free as well, such as by limiting throw pillows and blankets.
6. Get rid of your television. Television creates an unhealthy magnetic field which may disrupt your sleep, strain your relationship with your partner or bring a third party into the bedroom. If you have to keep it in the bedroom, then try to cover it with a scarf when you're not using it. If you're really serious about it, hide the TV in the closet when you're not using it, or place it on a shelf that can lock up, hiding the TV when it's not in use.
   
7. Put your books elsewhere. You can keep a few books in your room if you read to put yourself to sleep, but too many books can make you feel overwhelmed in the space. Your bedroom is a place for rest and relaxation, and if you have too many books there, it will be too much like a place for work. Too many books in your resting space can also be overwhelming.^[6]
   

Creating Balance Through Colors

1. Include fire element colors for passion and energy. A balanced Feng Shui Fire element in your space will bring a supporting energy in all your career efforts and will help you achieve recognition. It will also help you invite passion and romance into your life and your bedroom. The Feng Shui fire element colors are:
   
   • Red
   • Orange
   • Purple
   • Pink
   • Strong Yellow
2. Include earth-toned colors for nourishment and stability. A strong and harmonious Feng Shui Earth element in your home will help create stability, nourishment and protection for all your relationships. Feng Shui Earth element colors are:
   
   • Light Yellow
   • Beige
3. Include "metal" colors for clarity and preciseness. Feng Shui metal element brings the qualities of sharpness, precision, clarity and efficiency; its balanced presence will help you live with clarity and lightness. Feng Shui metal element colors are:
   
   • Gray
   • White
4. Include pastel colors to add peace and restfulness to your bedroom. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you can feel calm in your own bedroom and to get a good night's sleep. Having light, soft, and pastel colors throughout your bedroom can add to your serenity and peace of mind. Here are some colors you can use:
   
   • Light blue
   • Light pink
   • Light green
   • Light purple

Making Other Considerations

1. Think of your bedroom as an oasis. Your bedroom should be your sanctuary. It should be an escape from the stress of your everyday life, whether those include your work, your children, your health, or your friendships. It should not be a place where you throw all of the extra things you have no place for.^[7] On the contrary, it should be your oasis in the middle of a desert, a place you can come to when you want to rest -- or just when you need a break.
   
   • Never bring extra items into your bedroom or negative energy and over time you will start to respect the space more.
2. Have soft lighting. For the best Feng Shui, you should avoid bright, garish lights, or ceiling lights over your bed. Instead, have desk lamps with soft light, and try to get as much natural light as you can from the window. This will make you feel more serene and at ease than harsh lights that are too bright.^[8]
   
   • Try adding small lamps, string lights, and other soft lighting to avoid needing the overhead lighting.
3. Be aware of the position of the windows. If you can, try to avoid placing your bed between the window and a door, or you'll be in the middle of the "draught" of chi running between these two places. If you can't avoid it, just make sure you have nice, pleasant curtains to block some of the bad energy. You should also avoid sleeping facing the window, if you can, or your sleep won't be as restful.
   
4. Have inspiring art in your bedroom. Hang up images of calming scenes from nature, or other places that inspire you. Pick some neutral scenery, an image that motivates you to achieve your dreams, or something else that puts you in a calm and peaceful frame of mind. Anything too graphic, gory or just disturbing does not belong in your bedroom. Place the most inspiring image across from your line of sight in the bed, so that it's the first thing you see when you wake up.^[9]
   
   • Hang photos of your favorite places or display an inspirational quote on the wall.
5. Aim for equality. Try to have equal space on either side of your bed and other furniture. A person should be able to walk around as easily around one side of the room as the other, within reason. Of course, a piece of furniture may add some inequality, but in general, you should avoid letting most of the stuff in the bedroom clutter over to one side, or you'll create discord in your most important room.^[10]
   
6. Get rid of clothes you no longer wear. Go through your closet and drawer and remove all of the clothes you haven't worn within the last year. Donate these clothes or pass them on to a friend or relative if they can still be worn. Even though you may not see the old clothes, keeping them in your bedroom may prevent you from embracing new opportunities.
   
7. Avoid photos of relatives or friends "watching you." You can have a few key family photos in your bedroom, but avoid a clutter of photos of people everywhere, or you will feel like you're being watched and will get overwhelmed. The same goes for religious figures.
   
8. Make sure your bedroom isn't too crowded. Keep your bedroom as spare and simple as possible. Don't add extra chairs, lamps, or pictures to your bedroom if you're not sure whether or not they are really necessary. The more stuff you have in there, the more difficult it may be to find balance.
   
9. Get rid of any clutter. To have optimal Feng Shui in your bedroom, you have to get rid of any extra papers, trash, old trinkets, silly photos, useless gifts, or really just anything you don't really need in there. If you have too much sentimental attachment to some of the items, you can put them in storage or another room, but work on minimizing the stuff you really need in your bedroom. Having a spare and uncluttered bedroom will lead to an uncluttered and fulfilling life.^[11]
   

Video

Tips

• Keep your dresser closed at night for a better energy flow.
• Try to always have a clean room.
• Use a compass to get N, E, S, W directions.
• Use round end tables, using sharp corners isn’t conducive with Feng Shui.
• Hang a moving mobile to have positive chi flowing.
• If you have a lot of bright colors, try to balance them out with softer colors.

Related wikiHows

• Feng Shui Your Car
• Apply Feng Shui to a Room

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/applying-feng-shui-principles-to-your-bed.html
2. ↑ http://www.care2.com/greenliving/how-to-feng-shui-your-bedroom.html
3. ↑ [v161194_b01]. 20 November 2019.
4. ↑ https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/bedrooms-plants-feng-shui
5. ↑ [v161194_b01]. 20 November 2019.
6. ↑ https://angiesdiary.com/lifestyle/feng-shui-bedroom-design/
7. ↑ [v161194_b01]. 20 November 2019.
8. ↑ https://angiesdiary.com/lifestyle/feng-shui-bedroom-design/
9. ↑ https://angiesdiary.com/lifestyle/feng-shui-bedroom-design/
10. ↑ [v161194_b01]. 20 November 2019.
11. ↑ [v161194_b01]. 20 November 2019.

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How to Apply Perfume

Learn how to wear your signature scent for long-lasting fragrance

The best part about wearing a perfume or cologne is smelling it throughout the day—but how do you get it to last that long? The key is in the application process. We’ve assembled the best ways to apply your favorite scent so it stays all day (or night) long. We also talked to beauty specialists to learn how to buy the right fragrance, and we’ll go over how to store your fragrance to keep it smelling fresh. Read on for more!

How to Use Perfume & Where to Spray It

1. Take a shower or bath and dry your skin completely.
2. Use a non-scented body lotion before spraying a fragrance.
3. Apply the scent to your inner elbows, wrists, and knees.
4. Dab cologne or perfume near your collarbone and on your neck.
5. Try putting the scent on your belly button or behind your ears.
6. Apply the scent away from your skin.

Steps

Best Ways to Apply Perfume so it Lasts Longer

1. Take a shower or bath and dry your skin completely. The best time to apply perfume or cologne is right after you bathe. Not only is your skin is free of dirt and sweat, but it’s also warm and ready to absorb moisturizers and fragrances.^[1] Make sure to dry yourself off before applying your scent, or it may rub off or evaporate faster while you’re drying.^[2]
   
   • Use a body wash or soap that is unscented, or has very little scent, so your perfume doesn’t clash with its smell.
2. Use moisturizer before spraying your fragrance. Applying a non-scented body lotion before spraying cologne or perfume can help the fragrance last throughout the day. If you have a lotion, mist, or oil in the same fragrance line as your perfume or cologne, use that instead to layer the scent and make it stay even longer.^[3]
   
   • Another great option is petroleum jelly. The perfume will stick to the jelly molecules rather than the pores, keeping the fragrance alive longer.^[4]
3. Spray the perfume or cologne before putting on your clothes. Fragrances last longer when they’re in direct contact with your body’s natural oils, and the alcohol in them can potentially discolor your clothes.^[5] After you apply the scent, try to let dry on your skin a little before putting on your clothes, too.^[6]
   
   • If you do decide to give your clothes a quick spray to freshen them up, do it before you put them on. That way, you can mist them evenly and avoid hitting one area directly.^[7]
   • Although some recommend spraying the fragrance and walking through it, this can miss areas you want to target, wasting expensive perfume and possibly staining objects nearby.
4. Spray fragrance on your inner elbows, knees, and wrists. Your “pulse points” are areas on your body where the blood vessels are close to the skin’s surface, creating extra heat.^[8] The heat enhances the fragrance and makes it last longer. Three of the most effective pulse points are on the inside of your wrists, elbows, and knees.^[9]
   
   • Try to avoid rubbing your wrists together—this can break down the top notes, or lighter scents, in the fragrance and change the way the scent develops on your skin.
   • Even if you’re not wearing a short-sleeve shirt, spraying fragrance on the inside of your elbows can spread the scent to other areas of the body and in the fibers of your clothes.
   • Spraying perfume or cologne on the back of your knees can leave a trail of scent (or sillage) wherever you go.
   • If your perfume is roll-on or doesn’t have an atomizer (or spray nozzle), apply some to your fingers and rub it gently in a small circle on your pulse points.
5. Apply your cologne or perfume near your collarbone. Your neck is another pulse point that has a lot of dips because of the bone structure, giving the fragrance plenty of room to rest and interact with your skin. Apply the scent to your wrists, then lightly dap on each side of your neck near your collarbones.^[10]
   
   • Aim for the areas on your neck where you can feel your pulse, like just under your ear.^[11]
   • Try dabbing a little cologne or perfume on the back of your neck if you’re wearing a shirt with a collar.
6. Dab some perfume or cologne behind your ears. Professional makeup artist Erica Coates says another good pulse point to target is behind the ears.^[12] Spraying this area also puts a little of the scent in your hair, holding the fragrance longer and allowing it to diffuse throughout the day.^[13]
   
   • If you’re wearing jewelry, try spraying behind your ears instead of your neck. That way, you avoid tarnishing your necklaces.^[14]
   • This also allows people you hug or hang out with up-close to enjoy your perfume or cologne.
7. Apply perfume or cologne near your belly button. Although it might seem strange, your belly button is a pulse point just like your wrists and neck. If you’re wearing a crop top or bikini, spray or dab a little bit of your favorite fragrance on this spot.^[15]
   
8. Try spraying perfume down your back for a more natural scent. Your back is an area that’s usually covered up by clothing, making your scent last longer and preventing it from being too overbearing for others. Simply pull the collar of your shirt back and mist the scent between your clothing and skin.^[16]
   
   • If your fragrance is super light and floral, try spraying twice.
   • Your natural movements throughout the day will disperse the scent, and it won’t be right in front of you all day—that way, your fragrance will just seem like a part of your natural scent.
9. Apply the scent away from your skin. This allows you to spray the fragrance directly on the areas you want to target without over or under-doing it. That way, none of your perfume or cologne is wasted and you get just enough scent to make a lasting impression without harming your skin.^[17]
   
   • Less is more when it comes to fragrance—spray it on one area of your body to start out with, then apply to more if you feel like it’s too subtle.^[18]
10. Spray the cologne or perfume on your comb before brushing your hair. Because fragrances latch onto hair fibers, your hair will carry the scent for a long period of time and leave a scent trail as you move from place to place. However, spraying your hair directly can also dry out the fibers—to prevent that, spray the scent on your brush before styling your hair.^[19]
    
    • Try not to over apply the fragrance, or the alcohol may damage your hair.
11. Reapply your scent about every 6 hours. Most colognes and perfumes tend to lose most of their base notes after 6 or more hours.^[20] If you start to worry that your fragrance is gone, ask a friend or partner if they can smell it—if they can’t, that’s a sign you need to reapply.
    
    • Quickly spray your wrists and neck to touch up your scent throughout the day.^[21]
12. Use rubbing alcohol to wipe off excess fragrance. If you’ve sprayed one too many times or if you don’t like the smell of your perfume, dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and apply it over the areas that are too oversaturated. You can also use alcohol (baby) wipes, a non-scented lotion, or hand sanitizer.^[22]
    
    • If you’re not sure if you’ve applied too much or too little, ask a partner or friend you trust if you smell okay.^[23]

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Wearing Perfume or Cologne

1. Rubbing perfume or cologne on your skin. Rubbing the area you apply fragrance to can dull the top notes (the light scent you smell in the first 5 minutes) and mixes the scent with your natural oils, which can change the way your cologne or perfume smells.^[24] Instead, let the scent soak into your skin or lightly dab it on your pulse points.^[25]
   
   • If you have a cologne that doesn’t have an atomizer, try not to splash it on your skin. Instead, put 1 finger over the opening and tip it upside-down before dabbing it on your pulse points.
2. Spraying too much perfume or cologne. A little bit goes a long way when it comes to perfume or cologne. It’s best to put on too little than too much. Stick with 2 spritzes to start—you can always take the bottle with you and apply more later if it’s not strong enough.^[26]
   
   • Before wearing a new scent, test it out at home. Spray 1 pulse point and take note of how strong it is. Every couple of hours, check in and see how the scent is holding up.
3. Layering fragrances without testing them out first. Mixing fragrances on paper can help you see how the two scents will interact with each other so you can avoid them clashing or overpowering each other. Try to start with a warm base (like cedarwood or vanilla) and add a lighter, more vibrant scent (like floral or citrus) on top.^[27]
   • Start with two fragrances you think would compliment each other well and spray them on yourself to test how they mix with your body’s natural scent.

Buying the Right Fragrance

1. Choose a perfume with a higher concentration for a longer-lasting scent. Perfumes and colognes have different concentrations of essential oils for different customer demographics.^[28] Generally, fragrances with a higher concentration (labeled “Extraits” or “Parfums”) have a stronger scent and tend to last longer than those with lower concentrations.^[29]
   
   • Parfum or extrait: 20 to 30% concentration, usually the most expensive kind of fragrance, lasts 8 to 24 hours.
   • Eau de parfum or parfum de toilet: 15 to 20% concentration, lasts 4 to 5 hours.
   • Eau de toilette: 5 to 15% concentration, lasts 2 to 3 hours, often used as a daytime fragrance.
   • Eau de cologne: 2 to 4% concentration, lasts 2 hours, used as an aftershave or splash-on fragrance.
   • Eau fraiche: 1 to 3% concentration, lasts less than an hour, used in mists, splashes, and veils.
2. Look at the fragrance’s ingredients to make sure you aren’t allergic to it. The “number one thing you should keep in mind when choosing a perfume or cologne is ingredients,” makeup artist Shipra Taneja says. “An allergy can definitely cause more grief than enjoyment.”^[30]
   
   • If you don’t know whether you’re allergic to any ingredients, test a new scent on a small area of your skin and wait for an hour to see if there’s any reaction. If there is, don’t use it.
   • If your skin reddens, itches, becomes bumpy, swells, or peels, you might be allergic to something in the fragrance. Wash your skin immediately with scent-free soap and water.^[31]
3. Test the top, middle, and base notes. Perfumes and colognes are usually made up of 3 layers of scent combinations called “notes.” Light citrus or floral notes are usually found in the top notes, spices and fruity scents are in the middle notes, and woodsy or musky aromas are in the base notes. After applying a fragrance, wait to smell all three layers to see if you like them.^[32]
   
   • Top notes: Smell after 5 to 15 minutes.
   • Middle notes: Test the fragrance after 20 to 60 minutes.
   • Base notes: Sniff the cologne or perfume more than 6 hours after applying.
   • Beauty and skincare specialist Barbie Ritzman recommends getting free fragrance samples by visiting “your local department stores or beauty retailers” or “signing up for newsletters or looking for sample request forms from your favorite perfume brand.”^[33]
   • If you’re going out on the town, going to work, or visiting the beach, try a daytime fragrance. If you’re planning a date, or going out to dinner, try a nighttime fragrance instead.

Storing Perfume Properly

1. Store your cologne or perfume in a dry, dark area. The one place you don’t want to keep your fragrance is on the bathroom counter—the humidity from your shower or bath can oxidize the ingredients, changing its scent and color. Instead, store your perfume or cologne in a closet, cabinet, or in the fridge.^[34]
   
   • Another place to avoid is the windowsill. The heat and light can degrade the fragrance molecules and speed up its expiration date.^[35]
2. Check if your fragrance has expired after 2 to 3 years. Perfumes and colognes do expire, but luckily, they tend to have a fairly long shelf life. However, each fragrance has a different lifespan. You can tell if yours has expired if it smells slightly sour or off, or if the color or shade of the liquid in the bottle has changed.^[36]
   
   • Perfumes with citrus essential oils tend to expire faster than those with spicy, wood, or vanilla notes, or synthetic ingredients like musk.^[37]
   • When fragrances degrade, they tend to take on a more orange or yellow hue.^[38]
   • Using expired perfume or cologne probably won’t cause a rash, but it may be irritating for certain skin types.

What Are the Best Ways to Apply Perfume?

Video

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Tips

• Try out new scents every once in a while. Change up perfumes or colognes on special occasions like Valentine's Day, your birthday, or Christmas.
• Keep your perfume in the fridge and it will last two to three weeks longer.
• Try to avoid spraying perfume or cologne directly onto your clothes. Unless you’re wearing a sweater, the alcohol can leave stains and the scent won’t last as long as it would on skin.^[39]
• The key is to avoid dousing yourself in perfume. Try to apply a few light sprays here and there to leave a pleasing scent that isn’t too overwhelming for others.

Related wikiHows

• Apply Cologne
• Make Solid Perfume
• Make Perfume With Essential Oils
• Use Fragrance to Be Seductive

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/beauty-makeup/where-to-spray-perfume
2. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/makeup/fragrance/how-to-make-your-perfume-last-longer
3. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/pulse-points-for-perfume-5345267
4. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2022/feb/04/does-applying-petroleum-jelly-under-your-perfume-make-the-scent-last-longer
5. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/makeup/fragrance/how-to-make-your-perfume-last-longer
6. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/beauty-makeup/where-to-spray-perfume
7. ↑ https://www.mensjournal.com/style/how-to-apply-cologne-the-right-way
8. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/science/pulse-physiology
9. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/pulse-points-for-perfume-5345267
10. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/beauty-makeup/where-to-spray-perfume
11. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-apply-cologne-without-overdoing-it
12. ↑ [v162083_b01]. 8 April 2022.
13. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/pulse-points-for-perfume-5345267
14. ↑ https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/news/a15034/where-to-apply-perfume/
15. ↑ https://www.self.com/story/how-to-apply-perfume
16. ↑ https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/news/a15034/where-to-apply-perfume/
17. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-apply-cologne-without-overdoing-it
18. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/pulse-points-for-perfume-5345267
19. ↑ https://www.self.com/story/how-to-apply-perfume
20. ↑ https://sartorialmagazine.com/beauty/2024/2/5/the-science-of-perfume-decoding-the-composition-and-structure-of-fragrancesnbsp
21. ↑ https://www.mensjournal.com/style/how-to-apply-cologne-the-right-way
22. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/beauty-makeup/where-to-spray-perfume
23. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-apply-cologne-without-overdoing-it
24. ↑ [v165305_b01]. 30 January 2025.
25. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/beauty-makeup/where-to-spray-perfume
26. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/beauty-makeup/where-to-spray-perfume
27. ↑ https://fashionjournal.com.au/beauty/layer-fragrances/
28. ↑ https://sartorialmagazine.com/beauty/2024/2/5/the-science-of-perfume-decoding-the-composition-and-structure-of-fragrancesnbsp
29. ↑ https://dermnetnz.org/topics/fragrances-and-perfumes
30. ↑ [v161897_b01]. 16 August 2021.
31. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/contact-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352742
32. ↑ https://sartorialmagazine.com/beauty/2024/2/5/the-science-of-perfume-decoding-the-composition-and-structure-of-fragrancesnbsp
33. ↑ [v161907_b01]. Tuesday, June 27, 2023.
34. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-store-perfume-7509375
35. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/does-perfume-expire-8558411
36. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/does-perfume-expire-5380451
37. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/does-perfume-expire-8558411
38. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/does-perfume-expire-8558411
39. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/beauty-makeup/where-to-spray-perfume

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