A pheromone fragrance is built to work close to the body, so application technique matters more than it does with a loud designer scent. These are the nine things that make the biggest difference.

1. Apply to warm pulse points

Wrists, the sides of the neck, the hollow at the base of the throat, and behind the ears. These spots stay warm and push the scent outward slowly through the evening.

2. Moisturise first

Dry skin releases fragrance fast. An unscented moisturiser gives the oils something to hold on to and can add hours of wear.

3. Do not rub

Rubbing your wrists together breaks the top notes and speeds up evaporation. Spray and let it settle.

4. Two to four sprays, no more

Pheromone perfume is meant to be discovered at conversation distance. Overspraying turns a personal signal into a room announcement and gets the opposite reaction.

5. Spray at the right distance

Hold the bottle around fifteen centimetres from the skin. Too close and you get a wet patch, too far and most of the mist lands on the floor.

6. One spray on clothing, not more

Fabric holds scent longer than skin, so a single spray on a collar or scarf extends the trail. Avoid silk and light coloured fabrics that can stain.

7. Time it right

Apply about twenty minutes before you leave. The top notes settle and what people meet is the heart of the fragrance rather than the alcohol burst.

8. Reapply once, at the right moment

For a long evening, one light reapplication after six hours keeps the profile fresh. Carry a small decant rather than the full bottle.

9. Store it properly

Heat, sunlight, and humidity degrade fragrance oils. Keep the bottle in a cupboard or drawer, not on a bathroom shelf.