pulse point

We’ve all been there… we’ve just bought this gorgeous new scent that we’re addicted to BUT it doesn’t always last as long as we want it to on the skin. You can of course, take your perfume on the go and reapply throughout the day: but here are some ways to maximise the longevity of every spray without the need to constantly reapply.

Apply the perfume to your pulse points

There’s a reason for this: your perfume reacts to your body’s heat so applying it to your pulse points can help release the scent throughout the day. Pulse points include wrists, neck, décolleté, behind the ears.

Apply your perfume straight after your shower

The moisture from the shower will help lock in the scent. “The best time to spray perfume on your skin is right after your shower. This is because moisture gives your scent something to hold on to, so spraying your signature scent on after your skin has been freshly washed boosts its staying power,” says Natalia Ortiz, Chief Commercial Officer at The Fragrance Shop.

Moisturise the skin before application

Using an unscented moisturiser can help lock in and enhance your perfume. “Fragrance molecules cling better and longer on well moisturised skin. Apply body lotion to damp or dry skin – and then add perfume to prolong its scent, reducing the need for reapplication throughout the day,” says Tonya Kidd-Beggs, founder of Stories.

You can also find a matching lotion to your perfume to really enhance that scent.

You might find that using something emollient like Vaseline to the areas where you apply perfume can also help as this can really help lock in that scent.

Store your perfume correctly

It may look pretty on the shelf, but the best way to ensure that your perfume will last for as long as possible is to keep it in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight. Temperature and humidity fluctuations can break down that precious fragrance.

Spray it on your hairbrush

If you find that your hair products overwhelm the scent of the perfume, or just want glorious smelling hair, try spritzing your hair brush with your perfume before brushing through. You wouldn’t want to spray directly on your hair as the alcohols can be drying, and be surrounded by that gorgeous scent.

Some brands now have matching hair perfumes: this is also a fab option.

Don’t rub your wrists together

This breaks down the perfume quicker and makes the top notes disappear faster. “Resist the temptation to rub your wrists together as the friction makes your perfume evaporate faster and disperses its notes in the wrong order, disrupting its creative composition,” says Tonya Kidd-Beggs, founder of Stories.

Be aware of the different types of perfume

The different types of perfume makes a huge difference to how long they’ll last as that’s how they’re designed. They each have their own uses.

Eau de Fraiche/fragrance water = lowest oil concentration (1%-3%) lasting up for an hour after application. Great for body mists and fragrance waters.

Eau de cologne = 3%-5% fragrance. Lasts 4 to 6 hours

Eau de toilette = 5%-15% fragrance. Lasts around 4 to 6 hours

Eau de parfum = 15%-20% fragrance. Lasts up to 8 hours

Parfum = 15%-30% fragrance. Lasts up to 24 hours.

There’s also solid perfumes have less essential oils, but because of the high-fat content, the aroma molecules take longer to evaporate and stick to the skin for a longer period of time.

Choose the right fragrance profile

Certain scents are known for lasting longer, subtle scents like sandalwood and musk are often used as foundation notes as they last longer.

Perfumes with more prominent base notes will also have a longer scent life than those with prominent top notes. Base notes such as vanilla, amber, musk, patchouli, moss, sandalwood and cedarwood sink into your skin so the scent lingers the longest. 

Perfumes with lighter prominent base notes are more volatile. The more volatile your scent, the quicker it is likely to expire. This includes citrus, floral, and green scents,” says Natalia Ortiz, Chief Commercial Officer at The Fragrance Shop.

Take note of your fragrance notes

Usually, each fragrance contains 3 notes, a top which is the first fragrance you smell (this disappears after 20 minutes), an intense middle note which becomes noticeable after 15 minutes, and a base note (the strongest scent) that lingers for up to four to eight hours. Therefore, when layering perfume, not only do you enhance certain smells and make your own unique scent, you also allow the perfume to linger for longer – win win situation!” says Mona Kattan, CEO of Kayali.

Citrus fragrances like lemon and mandarin are unstable and evaporate quickly – you’ll often find them in top notes. Therefore, products that are more citrus based will not last as long.