“Spray your pulse points!” “Wear scented body cream!” You’ve likely heard all these typical pieces of advice for making perfume last longer, but really – is that it? We don’t think that’s good enough, frankly. When you’re paying hundreds to thousands on a great fragrance, there’s a fully-entitled expectation it will last longer.
But of course, some light fragrances, or those made with lower alcohol concentrations, tend to fade fast. How long your fragrance lasts also depends on your unique odour footprint, and the oiliness or dryness of your skin. If your signature scent is dissipating quickly, fret not as there are a few useful and practical tricks to make your perfume stay put all day.
Nurture your skin first and foremost
Moisturised skin equals a longer-lasting scent. Before you spritz, make sure to moisturise your skin with an unscented lotion or body oil. Choose something as neutral as possible that’s designed primarily to rehydrate dry skin, as it’s similar to your skin’s natural oils and won’t alter your scent’s profile. Hydrated skin holds fragrance molecules better than dehydrated skin does, and it helps slow down the evaporation process, which makes your perfume last longer.
Don’t rub it in
Contrary to what you might think, rubbing your wrists together – or rubbing your scent in at all – doesn’t do much other than causing the notes to break down and fade faster. When scents interact with heat, the friction between your skin damages the perfume molecules and changes its original scent. Instead, spray your perfume into the air and walk through it (glamorously).
Spritz your clothes
When spritzing, add a spray or two to your clothing. As you move throughout the day, the fabric will release the scent in a delicate and subtle way, keeping you enveloped in a fragrant embrace, all day long.
Wear it on your hair
Fun fact: Hair can actually retain scent for hours on end, and even longer than on your skin in many cases. If your signature scent doesn’t come in a hair mist version, then spray your perfume onto your hairbrush and carefully brush it through your locks to help minimise any damage from the drying alcohol perfume contains. Cue the slow-motion hair-flick.
Store your scents safely
Store your bottles in a cool, dark, and dry place away from sunlight, as sunlight and humidity can actually break down the molecules and weaken your perfume. So, switch them over to your bedroom vanity – out of direct sunlight, of course. To extend the longevity of a perfume, consider storing it in the fridge.
If in doubt, spray more
Enjoy your perfume and spray with abandon! Two quick spritzes aren’t going to give you that all-day “oomph” unless they’re really intense fragrances. Try to do at least three sprays on body parts that emanate more heat than anywhere else, such as your collarbones, three on each forearm, and all over your clothes.
