Everyone has a personal “scent circle”, which is approximately an arm’s length from the body. Fragrance should be one of the most subtle, personal messages you send to those with whom you come in contact. No one should be aware of your fragrance unless he or she steps inside your “circle.”

Perfume also lasts longer if sprayed on after a shower when the skin is still slightly damp. A number of fragrance lines offer various products in the same scent, such as aftershave, cologne, bath soap, deodorant, and so on. The ever-popular Bvlgari, for example, has an incredible line that even includes shampoo. “Layering” these products, especially for evening wear, by using the soap or bath foam of the fragrance line then the body lotion and finally applying the perfume itself is highly recommended; it will enhance your fragrance and make it last much longer, without the overpowering effect that applying too much cologne could have.

Because fragrance rises, spray or smooth fragrance onto skin from the feet to the shoulders. If fragrance is applied only behind the ears, it will eventually rise and disappear.

The wearer’s diet can affect the way a perfume and fragrance smells and how long it will last on the skin. If the wearer is on a high fat or spicy diet, then the perfume and fragrance will be more intense. If there is a dramatic change in the wearer’s diet, that will then alter skin chemistry, causing the fragrances to smell differently.

Skin type will also affect the way a fragrance smells on a person. Fragrance wearers with an oilier skin should note that fragrances interact with the oils in the skin to create a more intense scent. Dry skin does not retain fragrance for as long as oily skin, which means that the wearer will need to re-apply the fragrance more often.

If you find fragrance too cloying or suffer from allergic reactions, try spraying your favorite scent onto your hairbrush or hair accessories.

High altitudes will deaden the intensity of your fragrance in a very short time.

Because fragrance generally lasts only four to six hours, it’s a good idea to keep a spare bottle in your desk if you’d like to reapply before you head out after work. Many of our favorites come in mini-versions perfect for this use. Remember that scents begin emanating the second you open the bottle.

Always go for quality ... These fragrances are more likely to last several hours per application. While cheap imitation versions of your favorite cologne abound, maximizing lasting-power requires that you stick to the real thing. It’s not about showing off a trendy label on your bathroom counter — it’s about minimizing the time and expense of reapplication. Imitation fragrances may smell the same in the bottle, but only a few are actually similar in quality to their legitimate counterparts. Most are made with inferior ingredients that last less than an hour on the skin.

Once a bottle of perfume is opened it should be used. Otherwise it will begin to fade or change its character with time. Long exposure to strong sunlight or extremes in temperature can disturb the delicate balance of the perfume and change its scent. Perfume, to last, should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct light, preferably in its beautiful box. Just as books must be read... records played...fragrances must be worn to be enjoyed!

Make it a rule never to try more than three scents at one time when you are shopping for a new fragrance. Your nose will lose its ability to tell the difference. Apply fragrance directly to the skin when you are testing new scents. You cannot get a true reaction to the fragrance from the bottle. Apply a few drops to your wrist. Allow the heat of the body to develop the fragrance on your skin and then sniff. If you would like to test one or two additional scents, apply one to the other wrist... wait...and then apply the third to the inside bend of the elbow. Give the fragrance at least ten minutes after you have applied it. You will experience the different levels of “notes” as the scent mingles with your body chemistry. If you want to delay your decision while you shop, be sure to write down which fragrance you put where, so you’ll be able to refer back to it later on.

Introduce the enjoyment of fragrance to every person you know. It is never too soon for them to experience the fun and benefits of fragrance.