Recently, beauty mogul Huda Kattan went viral for speaking out against the trend of freezing perfumes.
In one of her latest TikTok videos, she responded to a widespread clip of someone following this misguided practice, urging her followers not to make the same mistake.
But freezing perfume isn’t the only myth circulating in the beauty world. From rubbing wrists together to ‘evenly’ spread the scent to believing expensive perfumes last longer, people are unknowingly following poor fragrance practices.
In response to these widespread misconceptions, Maria Mukaranda, beauty editor at Cosmetify, has debunked some of these common myths to help people make the most out of their perfumes.
Myth: Freezing your perfume makes it last longer
Many people believe that freezing perfume preserves its freshness and extends its lifespan. However, Maria Mukaranda, like Huda, advises against it.
“Freezing perfume can actually distort the scent profile, causing it to smell different from when you first bought it. Instead, perfumes should be stored in a cool, dark place.”
“The myth likely comes from the idea that lowering the temperature reduces the alcohol’s evaporation rate, making the perfume’s oils more concentrated and long-lasting. While this may sound good in theory, it actually alters the fragrance’s composition.”
“Though it makes for viral content on TikTok and Instagram Reels, it’s not a practice that should become part of your routine.”
Myth: Rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume helps spread the scent
Many people rub their wrists together after spritzing perfume to “evenly” distribute the fragrance, but Maria warns that this can actually weaken the scent.
“Rubbing perfume into the skin breaks down the fragrance molecules, causing it to lose strength and fade faster. The friction also mixes the perfume with your skin’s natural oils, which can distort the scent.”
“Instead, it’s best to spray from about 30 cm away and let the fragrance settle on your skin naturally.”
Myth: All fragrances smell the same on everyone
We’ve all experienced the disappointment of buying a perfume that smelt amazing on a friend, but not quite as nice on ourselves.
Don’t worry, your friend hasn’t played a prank on you! There is actually a reason for this.
“Body chemistry, skin type, diet, and hormones can all affect how a fragrance reacts on the skin. Your unique scent profile can alter how the fragrance develops.”
“So, before purchasing based on a friend’s recommendation, always test the perfume on your own skin first.”
Myth: More expensive perfumes last longer
Many assume that pricier perfumes are designed to last longer. But according to Maria, this is a common misconception.
“Longevity isn’t always tied to price. What really determines how long a fragrance lasts is its concentration of essential oils.
“Perfumes with higher oil concentrations, like Eau de Parfum, generally last longer than those with lower concentrations, like Eau de Toilette.”
“Expensive perfumes often come with a hefty price tag because of rare or luxury ingredients, packaging, or the brand name itself. It’s not always about staying power.”
“When choosing a perfume, focus on whether it’s an Eau de Parfum or Eau de Toilette, rather than the price tag, if longevity is your priority.”
Myth: Spraying perfume in the air and walking through it disperses it evenly
Many people walk through a cloud of perfume in the hopes of evenly distributing their perfume. In fact, this can not only lead to a weaker scent, but also lead to unnecessary waste.
“When you spray in the air, a large portion of the scent particles don’t even land on your skin. For better coverage, I’d recommend spraying perfume directly onto your clothes.
“Fabrics hold onto fragrance for much longer than skin, ensuring the scent is more evenly distributed.”
Myth: Perfume stains are impossible to remove
There’s a common fear that if perfume stains your clothes, those stains are permanent. But according to Maria, while this is sometimes true, it isn’t always the case.
“Perfume stains, especially on delicate fabrics, can be tricky but aren’t impossible to remove.
“Gently blotting the stain with a cloth dipped in a mixture of water and alcohol can lift it. For more delicate items, using a specialised cleaner or taking it to a professional cleaner is your best bet.”
“Always check fabric labels and spray perfume directly on your skin, or wait a moment after application before dressing to avoid staining altogether.”
Myth: You need different perfumes for day and night
Many believe that lighter fragrances are for the day, while heavier scents should be reserved for evening wear.
“There’s no rule that says you need a separate fragrance for day and night. While some people prefer lighter, citrus-based scents during the day and richer, more complex scents for evening events, it really comes down to personal preference.”
“If you love a particular fragrance, feel free to wear it any time of day. It’s more about how you feel than about following a strict perfume schedule.”
