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Yoliswa Dube
A MONTH ago, if you’d said to me, “you smell nice” after 5PM, I’d have given you the look that says “really” with my eyes wide open. I don’t stink by the way, far from it, but I just went through a phase I wasn’t sure if my fragrance was doing a good job and actually lasting all day.

I was bothered if I couldn’t smell a sweet scent on myself. I’d inspect myself to make sure, crazy I know, but I really needed to know that everything in that department was set because nothing taints a good looking outfit like an unpleasant odour.

I’d even freshen up several times during the course of the day because I really wanted my scent to announce my presence. I was caught up in the “I must smell fantastic” zone and needed to know why I couldn’t get maximum output from my fragrance. It costs way too much money to fail me in this way, I often thought.

And I really wasn’t the only one concerned about this fragrance not lasting thing. My good friend would always say, “I want to wear a fragrance and be asked what it is”. She was justified, if it’s expensive, it should be flaunted and the next person should smell it.

At this point, I had tried out a number of fragrances and knew exactly which ones worked well for me so that was never the problem. The problem was not being able to make the fragrance count. I began a journey of discovery and found that my fragrance was not staying on me because of a number of reasons which I’m happy to share.

First things first, don’t store your fragrance in the bathroom or other damp, warm places. Heat, light, and humidity will break down the perfume and lessen the quality of the fragrance. Instead, store them in cool, dry spots like on the vanity in your room and away from windows.

Rub Vaseline on your pulse points (wrists, neck, inside the elbows, behind the knees) before spraying your perfume because this makes the scent last longer. Odd, I know, but it works pretty well.

The ointment, which is occlusive, will hold the fragrance to your skin longer than if you were to spray it onto dry skin. Oily skins retain fragrances longer, so if you have dry skin, use a moisturiser first to help lock in the scent.

Your fragrance should never compete with your lotion so make sure you apply an unscented lotion before your fragrance. This also applies to the roll-on or underarm spray you go for. Using something subtle that won’t compete with your fragrance but will keep you fresh is the way to go.

Spray your perfume after drying off from the shower or bath and before getting dressed. The moisture on your skin will help lock in the scent. This will also prevent the fragrance from staining delicate clothes or jewellery. Never spray your fragrance on your clothes but directly onto your skin. It’s simple chemistry.

Heat is what activates perfume so if you apply your fragrance on the pressure points, it’ll be activated by the warmth of your blood. Also, your skin oils can alter the way a perfume smells.

Whatever you do, don’t rub it in. Many people feel a need to rub the area where they applied perfume in order to warm the skin or spread the scent but rubbing actually breaks down and diminishes the fragrance.

I always used to see this in movies and just didn’t get why people did it but for a lighter scent, spray the fragrance in the air and slowly walk into the mist.

The spray will distribute evenly across your body and leave you with a hint of fragrance for occasions when you don’t want to smell as strong.

In as much as you want to smell good, never wear too much perfume that’ll will terrorise the next person. That’s never the idea.

The idea is to smell fresh and pleasant, for your confidence’s sake. Remember, smelling good, gives your outfit that much more oomph, somehow.

Feedback from “Dress to kill”

Hie Yoliswa. You’ve really done well for yourself, keep it up. — Geraldine.

I absolutely loved your article. — Herrington, Victoria Falls.

Hey Yolie, sorry I didn’t read our Pattern and Style in time because I was out of the country, but whenever I get hold of the newspaper, that’s the first page I turn to. Nonetheless, those MTV Africa Music Awards were something else in terms of fashion, “bekufiwa”. – Jussy.

• Until next week, flaunt your pattern and style and don’t forget to drop me an SMS/Whatsapp on +263 774 492 700, follow me on Twitter handle @YoliswaStarr or send an email to [email protected].