Roja Dove shares the fragrance tips you wish you’d known years ago

As the creator of some of the world’s finest fragrances, British perfumer Roja Dove knows a thing or two about how to make you smell fantastic. As he launches his new fragrance, Enigma Aoud, exclusively at Selfridges, he shows us how an expert applies fragrance (note: you’ve probably been doing it all wrong) and reveals his unique method of creating one-of-a-kind scents.

DO

“One of the most beautiful places for scent is in the clavicle. As you move your head, you have the pleasure of smelling it, but also if someone comes to greet you, they will too.”

DON’T

“Never spray scent directly onto the neck. This area is very sensitive and fragrance has alcohol in it, which will dry out and age the skin.”

DO

“Spray scent on the wrists; we use our hands and arms when we speak and it is movement that brings scent to life.”

DON’T

“Never put scent behind your ear. Hollywood taught us to do this, but the skin there produces a lot of oil, which is quite unpleasant.”

DON’T

“A lot of people spray scent into the air around them, mistakenly thinking they will be coated in it. In fact, most of it just goes to waste.”

DO

“Spray four or five times in the same spot, a few centimetres from your skin. The scent will last for much longer.”

DON’T

“Avoid rubbing your wrists together after spraying scent. The friction creates heat, which distorts the scent. Simply press your wrists together instead.”

DON’T

“Steer clear of fragrance shopping with a friend. Trust your own nose.”

DO

“Take the time to find the scent that expresses who you are. A scent might be something you have a life-long love affair with, so you wouldn’t pick up a new partner that quickly.”