Wear & care

Do

• Test on skin, not just paper: skin warmth and chemistry change how a scent develops.
• Wait for the dry-down (30 to 60 minutes) before deciding: the base is what you'll actually wear.
• Spray on warm spots (neck, chest, inner wrists, behind the ears): warmth helps the scent rise.
• How much? 2 to 4 sprays is enough for most perfumes; strong ones need 1 or 2, light colognes more.
• Clothes and hair hold scent longer than skin. Spray from a distance, avoid silk and light colours (some perfumes stain), and spray hair lightly since alcohol dries it.
• Moisturised skin holds scent longer: apply an unscented lotion first.
• In Iran's summer heat, scents get louder: go lighter (citrus, green, light musks), spray less, and keep sweet or heavy ones for evening and winter.
• Store bottles away from heat, light and humidity: a cupboard or drawer beats the bathroom or the car. Kept well, most perfumes last for years; once opened, many stay good for 3 to 5 years or more.
• Signs a perfume has turned: a sour or harsh opening, a much darker colour, or top notes that have vanished.