After moisturiser, once it’s had a minute or two to absorb properly, rather than straight on top of wet cream or straight onto bare, unmoisturised skin.

Why the order matters

Moisturised skin holds fragrance better and for longer than dry skin, since there’s less rapid absorption and evaporation happening straight away. Applying perfume onto skin that’s still wet with cream, though, can dilute the fragrance and change how it develops, sometimes muting the top notes before they’ve had a chance to show properly. Giving the moisturiser a minute or two to sink in first gets you the longevity benefit without diluting the scent itself.

A simple routine that works

  • Moisturise pulse points, wrists, neck, inner elbows, straight after showering
  • Wait a minute or two for it to absorb
  • Apply perfume to the same areas rather than spraying over clothing

Our guide to applying and wearing perfume and complete guide to perfume cover the full application routine in more depth.