Buzz
After investing in your ideal scent, it's essential to know how to ensure it lasts all day, avoiding the risk of it fading by morning. We consulted several fragrance experts who shared their advice on making your perfume last longer. They also break down how varying fragrance concentrations affect its staying power.
1. Opt for a Fragrance With a Higher Concentration
Perfumes come in various concentrations, and the formulation can greatly affect how long the scent lingers. For example, lighter scents like eau de toilette (EDT) or body sprays don't last as long compared to more concentrated formulations such as eau de parfum (EDP).
In general, higher concentrations offer a more intense fragrance that sticks around longer. A small amount is often enough. Meanwhile, fragrances with lower concentrations, like body splashes and EDTs, can be applied more generously for a similar effect.
Smith shared a handy fragrance guide with us:
- Extract/Extrait/Solid perfume: 20% to 30%
- Perfume: 15% to 25%
- Eau de Parfum (EDP): 8% to 15%
- Eau de Toilette (EDT): 4% to 8%
- Cologne, also known as Eau de Cologne (EDC): 2% to 4%
- Body cream/Lotion: 3% to 4%
- Aftershave/Splash: 2% to 4%
2. Apply After Showering
Make the most of your skin right after a shower, when it’s naturally prepared to lock in scents.
"After you shower, the steam opens your pores, making it the perfect time to spritz on your perfume," says Spinnato. "Just be sure not to apply the fragrance while your skin is still wet, as it will rub off when you dry yourself."
3. Start with Moisturizer
Before applying any fragrance, make sure to moisturize your skin with your preferred oil-based cream or lotion. Unscented options work best, but if you prefer to blend scents, feel free to use a scented moisturizer. For optimal results, shower, gently pat your skin dry, and then apply moisturizer before spritzing your fragrance.
"Dry skin doesn’t hold fragrance as effectively as moisturized skin, so always moisturize before applying," advises Smith. "Fragrances last longer on hydrated skin, and you’ll be able to enjoy the scent throughout the day."
4. Focus on Pulse Points
For even longer-lasting fragrance, target your pulse points. These include your wrists, the back of your neck, behind your knees, behind your ears, and the inside of your elbows.
"These [areas] interact with the natural changes in your body temperature, releasing your fragrance throughout the day," says Spinnato.
5. Apply Directly to Skin
Fragrances perform better—and last longer—when they come into contact with your body's natural oils. Avoid applying perfume to clothing or fabric; instead, spray it directly onto your skin.
6. Mist Your Hair
If you've ever sprayed perfume in your hair, you’ve probably noticed that the scent lingers much longer than it does on your skin. While you don’t want to oversaturate your hair with fragrance (as it can be damaging and overpowering), a light mist works wonders.
"The fragrance will infuse your hair and linger all day," says Spinnato. There are even hair perfumes and mists available, which tend to be less concentrated and often contain extra oils to help nourish your hair.
7. Stop Rubbing Your Wrists Together
Spraying and rubbing your wrists together might seem automatic, but Spinnato explains it's not ideal for preserving your fragrance. (It turns out, we’ve all been doing it wrong.) This "rubbing" action not only weakens the perfume’s notes but can also alter the fragrance’s overall profile.
8. Discard Old Perfume
Ever sprayed a vintage perfume and noticed it doesn’t smell quite right? That “old” scent means the perfume has lost its original fragrance—it’s well past its best-before date.
Fragrance expiration times can differ, but they typically range from two to ten years. If your perfume smells off, has changed in color, or looks unusual (e.g., cloudy, separated, or yellowed), it’s probably time to let it go.
9. Keep Your Fragrances Fresh
There are ways to extend the lifespan of your perfume. When stored properly, fragrance can last longer in its original bottle.
"While your perfume collection might look great on your bathroom shelf, that's actually one of the worst places to store your fragrances," says Smith. "Exposure to light and humidity can change the scents. Store your perfume bottles in a cool, dark place instead."
10. Use Coordinated Scented Products
Buying body wash, lotion, and other skincare products that complement your perfume can enhance its scent. Many brands offer product lines that feature perfume or cologne along with other coordinating items.
11. Keep Perfume in Its Original Bottle
Some people transfer their perfume to decorative bottles, but this can change the original composition and introduce air to the fragrance. To preserve its integrity, store your perfume in its original bottle.
12. Don’t Shake Your Fragrance Bottles
Shaking perfume bottles can allow oxygen to enter and mix with the fragrance, which will shorten its lifespan. Keep it simple—uncap, spray, and recap.
