BEAUTY
Is there anything more disappointing than finding your signature scent, only to watch it fade into the air before you even step out the door? After testing dozens of perfumes and finally landing on "the one," it can feel like a wasted act when your fragrance doesn’t last as long as you’d like. So, what’s the secret to making your perfume stay around longer?
Even if you’re the type who enjoys switching up fragrances, it’s always disappointing when your favourite scent disappears faster than a reality show collaboration. Luckily, there are ways to ensure your perfume has more staying power. According to renowned perfumers the trick is optimising how you apply your fragrance to slow down the evaporation process. Essentially, the rate at which your perfume fades depends on both the liquid's volatility and your skin’s temperature. To help you maximize your scent’s longevity, we’ve gathered expert advice from industry-leading perfumers on how to make your favorite fragrance last all day.
Prepping Your Skin: Hydration is Key
The first step in making your perfume last longer begins before you even reach for the bottle. The secret? Well moisturised skin. Perfume adheres better to hydrated skin, so applying your fragrance post-shower is ideal. When your skin is freshly cleansed and hydrated, it creates a perfect base for your perfume to hold onto. Experts recommend locking in moisture with a body lotion, which provides extra oils for the fragrance to bind to, even more so if its the same fragrance that you will eventually top with. So, next time you spritz, make sure your skin is clean and moisturised for a lasting effect.
Rethinking Pulse Points: Cool Surfaces Hold Scent Longer
We’ve all been taught to apply perfume to pulse points—wrists, neck, behind the ears—for maximum impact. And while these spots do release more scent due to higher body heat, they can also speed up evaporation as the warmer your skin, the quicker your perfume will fade. To counteract this, try spraying your fragrance on cooler surfaces, like your clothing or hair, where it can linger longer. If you love the warmth of a pulse-point application, mix it up by spritzing both your skin and your clothes for optimal diffusion throughout the day.
Know Your Strength: EDP vs. EDT
Ever wondered why some fragrances last longer than others? It all comes down to concentration. The next time you're shopping for your signature scent, pay attention to whether it’s an eau de toilette (EDT) or an eau de parfum (EDP). Eau de parfums generally contain a higher concentration of fragrance oils, making them more long-lasting than their eau de toilette counterparts. If you want your scent to go the distance, opting for a higher concentration is key. Some brands even offer "intense" versions for those who crave even more staying power.
The No-Rub Rule: Why Friction is the Enemy
We’ve all done it—rubbing our wrists together after spraying perfume. But did you know that this common habit can actually make your scent evaporate faster? The friction created by rubbing breaks down the top notes of the fragrance, causing it to disappear more quickly. Instead of rubbing, simply press your wrists together or let the scent air-dry naturally to preserve its full composition.
Seal it with Oil: Boost Fragrance Longevity
Fragrances are mostly made up of alcohol, which evaporates quickly. To slow down that process, try applying a thin layer of an oil-based balm or emollient like petroleum jelly to the areas where you plan to spritz. The oil helps "seal" in the scent, allowing it to last longer. You can also look for perfumes that offer oil-based versions, like attars, which are more concentrated and provide a stronger, longer-lasting aroma.
Fragrance Chemistry: Why Perfumes Smell Different on Everyone
Ever noticed how a perfume smells divine on someone else but fades into oblivion on your own skin? That’s because fragrance reacts differently to everyone’s unique skin chemistry. Factors like skin pH, oil composition, and body temperature all influence how a scent develops and how long it lasts. If your favourite perfume fades quickly, it might not be the perfume’s fault—it could be a case of incompatible skin chemistry. Always try a fragrance on your own skin before committing to a full bottle, and let it settle for a few hours to see how it truly performs.
Olfactory Families: Choose Your Scent Wisely
Not all perfumes are created equal when it comes to longevity. Certain fragrance families—like woody, oriental, or chypre—are known for their staying power, thanks to the richness of their base notes. On the other hand, lighter fragrances, like citrus or fruity florals, tend to fade more quickly. If long-lasting scent is a priority, look for perfumes with complex, multi-layered compositions that lean into these deeper olfactive families.
Layering: The Pro Trick for All-Day Scent
One of the best ways to ensure your fragrance lasts is to layer it with other products from the same line. Start by using a scented body lotion or oil, then follow up with your perfume. For an extra touch, spritz a hair mist or travel-sized version of your scent throughout the day to maintain that freshly-applied aroma. This method not only helps your fragrance last but also adds depth and richness to the scent as it develops.
Reapply Like a Pro
There’s no shame in reapplying your fragrance throughout the day—consider it a way to refresh both your scent and your mood. Carry a travel-sized version or a rollerball in your bag, and give yourself a quick spritz when needed. Each reapplication helps boost the lighter top and heart notes that tend to fade first, while reinforcing the base notes that linger longer. Plus, reapplying is a lovely ritual that keeps you smelling—and feeling—your best.
In the end, making your perfume last isn’t just about choosing the right scent—it’s about knowing how to wear it. With a few simple tweaks, like applying on well moisturised skin, avoiding friction, and layering strategically, you can enjoy your favourite fragrance from morning to night. After all, a signature scent deserves to make a lasting impression, just like you.