How to Make your Perfume Last Longer: 7 Easy Tips
How to Make your Perfume Last Longer:
Have you just purchased your favourite perfume, only to find that the scent seems to disappear after just a few hours? It can be frustrating to invest in a luxurious fragrance and not have it linger as long as you’d like it to. Don’t worry—you’re not alone! The good news is that with a few simple tricks, you can make your perfume last all day and have everyone around you noticing (and complimenting) how amazing you smell.
Here’s how to get the most out of your signature scent:
1. Moisturize Before Application
Perfume adheres better to hydrated skin. Before spraying your favourite scent, apply your favourite moisturizer/ body lotion to your skin. This creates a slightly sticky base that helps lock in the scent. Dry skin tends to absorb fragrance more quickly, causing it to dissipate sooner.
Tip: If your fragrance is vanilla based, then you can opt for a vanilla scented body lotion that will complement the base notes of the fragrance and enhance its projection and longevity. Follow this pattern depending on the notes you want to bring forward in your perfume or opt for products (shower gels, body lotions, oils, etc) from the same line. You can always layer with lightly-scented or unscented body oil after you’ve sprayed your perfume. This will lock the hydration and have you smelling incredible all day long
2. Apply to Pulse Points
Pulse points are areas where the blood vessels are closest to the skin—these spots emit more heat, which helps to diffuse and amplify the scent. Focus on your wrists, neck, behind the ears, inside elbows, and even the back of your knees. These areas naturally enhance the projection of the fragrance.
3. Choose Long-Lasting Fragrance Types
Not all perfumes are created equal in terms of longevity. Oil concentration determines how long a perfume lasts on the skin. Higher concentrations contain more fragrance oils, which evaporate more slowly than alcohol and water, leading to a longer-lasting scent. Here’s all the categories of perfumes based on their oil concentration:
- Parfum (Extrait de Parfum)
Concentration: 20-40% fragrance oil
Longevity: 8-12+ hours
Suggested Spritzes: 1-2 spritzes
- Parfum is the most concentrated and long-lasting form. Its intensity means you only need a small amount, applied to pulse points like the wrists or neck.
Alexandria II by Xerjoff and Ani X by Nishane are both Extrait de Parfum, with exceptional longevity and powerful silage:
- Eau de Parfum (EDP)
Concentration: 15-20% fragrance oil
Longevity: 6-8 hours
Suggested Spritzes: 2-4 spritzes
- EDP is a popular choice for its balance of strength and wearability. Apply to pulse points and optionally on clothing for better projection.
Dama Bianca and Lira by Xerjoff are both Eau De Parfum, for a more intimate wear making them ideal for a workplace scent or an every-day, casual wear.
- Eau de Toilette (EDT)
Concentration: 5-15% fragrance oil
Longevity: 4-6 hours
Suggested Spritzes: 3-5 spritzes
- EDT is lighter and works well for everyday use. Focus on pulse points and consider reapplying throughout the day for a consistent scent.
- Eau de Cologne (EDC)
Concentration: 2-5% fragrance oil
Longevity: 2-4 hours
Suggested Spritzes: 4-6 spritzes
- EDC is fresh and fleeting, making it ideal for quick refreshes or casual outings. Apply generously as its scent fades quickly.
4. Spray on Clothes and Hair
Fabrics and hair tend to hold fragrance longer than skin because they are less affected by body heat and natural oils. Lightly spray your clothes or hair from a distance. Be cautious, as some perfumes may stain delicate fabrics or contain alcohol that can dry out your hair. If you’re concerned, spritz the perfume on a scarf or use a hair mist from the same fragrance line.
5. Don’t Rub Your Wrists
It’s tempting to rub your wrists together after applying perfume, but this friction breaks down the fragrance molecules, causing the scent to fade more quickly. Instead, gently dab the perfume onto your skin or let it air dry naturally. This preserves the fragrance’s composition and longevity.
6. Store Perfume Properly
Perfume is sensitive to environmental changes. To maintain its quality and longevity, store your bottle in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid keeping it in the bathroom, as humidity and temperature fluctuations can degrade the fragrance over time. An ideal spot is a bedroom drawer or a shaded vanity table.
7. Reapply Strategically
Sometimes, re-applying your perfume is the only way to refresh. For an extra boost, carry a travel-sized version of your perfume for touch-ups during the day. Apply sparingly to your pulse points or hair to refresh the scent without overwhelming those around you.
With these tips, your perfume can go the extra mile, keeping you enveloped in your favourite scent from morning to night. Whether it’s layering with moisturizers, applying to pulse points, or storing your fragrance correctly, small changes make a big difference. Ready to let your signature scent shine? Try these tricks and turn heads wherever you go!
Discover more ways to elevate your fragrance game with our collection of niche perfumes from around the world.