Help me wipe a smell on...
February 23, 2009 9:19 PM   Subscribe

Does anyone know how I can make my own perfume applicators?

I recently decided to start using perfume instead of just my lovely soapy smell. After a few trials, I came across Bond Girl 007 from Avon and I just can't get it out of my nose (in a good way). I have a purchase order in with my rep, but the more I think about it, I feel like part of my enjoyment also stems from the way I applied the sample I received.

The sample packet that the bond girl came in had a perfume infused applicator pad that is almost the same material as a facial cleansing pad. That made it much easier to apply without splashing/spraying an overwhelming amount and at the same time making it super easy to get the perfume on exactly the pulse points I want to hit.

Can I reasonably create my own perfume application pads? Ideally this would involve a similar fabric (without the facial cleanser on it) and a way to keep the pads stored so they don't dry out.

Should I just use a piece of gauze to apply the perfume each time and call it a day?

*Bonus portion* Suggestions for a special occasion perfume similar to Bond Girl. I know it's relatively new - so anything you offer up helps.
posted by MsLgean to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (10 answers total)
 
Best answer: I would get those cotton cleansing pads (like this?) cut them in half, hold one over the top of the bottle, tilt to moisten the pad and apply. Discard.*

*Or you could throw each one into your underwear drawer afetr you've finished and make your knickers smell nice.
posted by lottie at 9:33 PM on February 23, 2009


Spray a paper towel at close distance, apply, discard (into toilet, if it can handle it.) Simple and cheap.
posted by qvtqht at 9:51 PM on February 23, 2009


Q-tip
posted by artdrectr at 11:38 PM on February 23, 2009


Best answer: Coming at it slightly sideways, you might want to check out the Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab forums. The members-only bits include a BPAL General one which has running threads about application methods - I don't remember off the top of my head seeing this one, but you might find other ideas. At the very least, you could reuse single-use gauze in a scent locket, with your linens, or as a room/car scent. [Not shilling for the forum, the inventiveness/obsessiveness just blows my mind.]

You're going to have a huge problem with reuse because of how fast alcohol dries out - a pure perfume (and yeah, I know they cost a fortune if even available) would be easier to mix with a carrier, act as a marinade for cloths, and then pop in some sealed tupperware.

You could also dig around the perfume blogs that reviewed Bond Girl. At worst, you'll get a list of notes to start finding others from (although given the unknown quantities, that's never easy), and at best, you'll get comparisons to others. This one gets into comparison land, and they're mostly fancier brands, if that fits your special occasion needs.

Good luck! It sounds light and lovely from the notes, and more orange blossom in the world is definitely a good thing.
posted by carbide at 1:41 AM on February 24, 2009


Well, it's an eau de parfum, so it's something like 80% alcohol and water. That means most of the methods for making perfume oil applicators will be less than perfect for your purpose, by their capacity and by their attention to viscosity.

First, you have to be able to get the perfume out of the spray bottle, and for all I know, you'll have to pry the crimped metal at the neck off to do that.

But then, well, you could try a sponge applicator like these, or a roller applicator, perhaps. I'm having trouble finding any roller applicators large enough to accomodate a whole bottle of Bond Girl, but you can see what I'm talking about and other perfume vials here.

It's problematic, in any case, to expose an eau de parfum to air, and you might find that it goes gummy or crusty at the opening... I would definitely think "how is this going to age" if I were buying a perfume sold with a cockamamie delivery system. Perfumes can go bad, and you don't want to hasten that process. But hey, if I wanted what you want, I would totally buy a little jar, just like a jar of Oxy pads, and fill it with fresh cotton pads and dump the perfume in. Keep the lid on tight! Or just put it in the jar, and apply with a q-tip or a brush. But your perfume is not going to last you as long this way. No way, no how.

Also. An eau de parfum is traditionally for all-over wear, so the thing to do is to spray and walk through. I know a lot of people are more conservative than that, or begin that way when they start wearing perfume, but it can certainly be done without excess. I also just personally think "pulse points" are kind of hooey. It dries down when it dries down, and after that, it's not going to project very far, regardless.

As for recommendations for an occasional perfume... I haven't smelled Bond Girl, but the vetiver and exotic orchid make me think Euphoria by Calvin Klein might not be a bad call, for evening. I wear it and I often get compliments (At hug distance, not from across the street. Those aren't compliments!) it's rich and sexy and complex, though I think it might be a little... berrier... than what you like about Bond Girl.
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 3:07 AM on February 24, 2009


MUA users say it's similar to D&G's Light Blue and Narciso Rodriguez.
posted by contrariwise at 3:10 AM on February 24, 2009


You could douse makeup applicator pads for application, perhaps storing them individually in tiny ziploc bags that are sold for storing beads or jewellery.

Or someone above had a good suggestion of decanting into a roller ball applicator. That way you can easily dab on your perfume vs. spritzing all over the place. I've personally used perfume this way, as it gives you more control over where and how much fragrance you apply!
posted by exquisite_deluxe at 3:45 AM on February 24, 2009


Best answer: There's an ebay auction for 115 of what I assume is the sample you're talking about. Current bid? $1.44.

Ebay is great for getting large lots of samples.

Otherwise, I think that a storage situation won't really work because the alcohol in perfume causes it to dry so fast; those cotton facial pads are probably your best bet.
posted by charmcityblues at 6:43 AM on February 24, 2009


You could do what my grandmother did. Apply perfume with a handkerchief, then carry that in your bag. It's a great defensive weapon when there's someone stinky on the bus. You just pretend to delicately wipe your nose and you've got an instant gas mask.
posted by 26.2 at 8:01 AM on February 24, 2009


Response by poster: Thanks so much everyone! Especially for the suggestions on evening wearers.

The Ebay auction is much more than I could have hoped for and wish I had been able to think of it myself. The extra time those samples will buy can give me a chance to try out other solutions offered up as well.
posted by MsLgean at 4:54 PM on February 24, 2009


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