Few things are more frustrating than getting ready to leave the house, spritzing a few sprays of your favourite perfume on only for the scent to vanish by lunchtime. Sure, you could top up, but why waste extra product when you could follow our top tips for getting the most wear out of your fragrance?
Making perfume last longer isn’t a case of spraying to the point of overwhelm. It comes down to understanding how fragrances work, and how they work with your skin. We’re here to help you make sense of all these little caveats, helping you to apply scent with strategy to keep you smelling wonderful - without the need for reapplication.
Why do some perfumes fade quicker than others?
The simple answer to this question is composition! Unless you're very into perfume, the chances are you’re not likely to know the exact compositions of the different types of perfume. We break this down in our blog ‘what are the different types of perfume scents?’, but to summarise, there are six main types of perfume, and the higher the concentration of essential oils, the longer the fragrance will last. The types that you’re likely to find most commonly are:
- Eau de parfum - contains 15-20% essential oils and will last for 8-12 hours.
- Eau de toilette - the most common type, contains 5-15% essential oils and will last between 2-4 hours.
- Eau de cologne - contains 2-4% essential oils and will last up to 2 hours.
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Eau fraiche - contains 1-3% essential oils and will last up to an hour.
How long a perfume lasts will also depend on the notes it uses. Fragrance families behave differently on the skin, with some ingredients naturally having more staying power than others. For example, notes such as vanilla, amber, musk, sandalwood and patchouli tend to linger for much longer than lighter notes like citrus, fresh florals and aquatic scents. That’s why perfume compositions tend to favour these lighter notes as ‘top notes’ and the deeper ones as ‘base notes’. You can learn more about the different types of notes in our ‘how to understand fragrance notes’ blog.
In addition, your skin type, the weather, and even how you apply your fragrance can all influence how long a perfume lasts. The good news? There are a few simple tricks you can use to help your favourite scent last longer.
Top tips for making your perfume last longer
By following our handy tips below, you can enjoy your perfume for longer. These are all simple tricks that can make a huge difference.
1. Apply perfume to hydrated skin
One little known fact is that one of the easiest ways to make your perfume last longer is to apply it to hydrated skin! Dry skin doesn’t hold onto fragrance molecules as effectively, meaning your scent can disappear much faster, so it may be time to think about upgrading your skincare routine.
If you don’t have the time to apply moisturiser to your whole body, then before applying your perfume, moisturise only the areas where you plan to spray. An unscented body lotion works best, as it won’t compete with your fragrance, or you can choose one that has the same base notes as your fragrance if you don’t have an unscented one to hand, which can amplify the scent.
The moisturiser creates a smoother surface for the perfume to cling to, helping the scent develop and last for longer.
2. Focus on your pulse points
Where you apply your perfume matters, and we don’t recommend spraying all over your body. Instead, you should focus on your pulse points. These are areas where your blood vessels sit closer to the surface of your skin, creating gentle warmth that helps your fragrance release throughout the day. You should apply perfume to:
- The wrists
- Behind the ears
- The neck
- Inside the elbows
3. Don’t rub your wrists together
It’s a habit many of us have picked up, but rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume can make your fragrance fade faster. The friction creates heat, which can break down the top notes of your perfume. Instead, spray your fragrance onto your skin and allow it to dry naturally.
4. Store your perfume correctly
How you store your perfume can have a huge impact on its lifespan. Fragrance is sensitive to heat, light and humidity, which can alter the scent over time.
To keep your perfume in the best condition:
- Store it somewhere cool and dry
- Keep it away from direct sunlight
- Avoid storing it in the bathroom, where heat and steam can affect the fragrance
- Keep the bottle closed when not in use
5. Avoid overspraying
It might seem counterintuitive to spray less, but less really is more sometimes. Spraying too much can overwhelm your senses, and the perfume might not develop as intended. If it’s too strong, you may also become ‘nose blind’ and stop noticing your own scent.
A few well-placed sprays are usually enough. The goal is to create a subtle fragrance that develops throughout the day, rather than one that fills the entire room.
6. Layer your fragrance
Layering perfume is a simple way to boost your scent. By using matching or complementary scented products, such as a body wash, lotion, or body oil, you can create a stronger base for your perfume.
Start with your skincare or body products first, then apply your perfume on top to help lock in the fragrance. Layering also allows you to create a more unique scent profile by combining different notes, giving your perfume a more personal finish. Be careful not to mix too many scents though, as this can quickly become overpowering or even unpleasant as each one develops and mixes with the other.
Find your perfect scent with Hogies
At Hogies, we have a wide selection of fragrances to help you find your perfect one, this includes our luxury fragrances from designer brands and even clearance fragrances if you’re looking to try out something new at just a fraction of the cost.
For more expert advice, check out our 'how to pick a perfume online' blog, so you can find a long-lasting scent that you’ll reach for time and time again.