How Long Does That Lotion Scent Really Last?

Many factors influence how long a scent lasts, including the type of application, the concentration of the fragrance, and how it is stored. To make a scent last longer, it is recommended to apply it to moisturized skin, as this helps to lock in the fragrance. Additionally, spraying or dabbing the scent onto bare skin allows it to meld with the body's natural oils, resulting in a longer-lasting aroma. Applying the fragrance to pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, elbows, and knees, can also enhance its longevity due to the heat-activated release of the scent throughout the day.

Moisturized skin makes fragrance last longer

Applying fragrance to dry skin can cause it to disappear within 15 minutes as it is instantly absorbed. However, if you have well-moisturized skin, the fragrance can sit on top of the skin, lasting longer as it is not wasted by sinking into the skin.

How to Make Your Fragrance Last Longer

Firstly, it is recommended to apply your fragrance right after you shower and dry off. This helps to ensure your scent lasts all day.

Secondly, applying an unscented lotion before you spritz on your perfume will moisturize your skin and lock in your fragrance for a longer period.

Thirdly, you should spray or dab the fragrance onto bare skin. This prevents clothing or fabric from obstructing your scent. Perfume smells better and lasts longer when it is able to mix with the natural oils of your body.

Finally, applying your fragrance to your pulse points is crucial. Fragrance reacts to heat, and applying it to your pulse points can help release the scent throughout the day. Spray your wrists, the nape of your neck, the insides of your elbows, and the back of your knees.

Other Tips

• Smear a small amount of Vaseline onto your pulse points before applying your fragrance. The balm will act as an additional moisturizing lock for the scent, helping it last even longer.
• Do not rub the fragrance into your skin as this breaks down the chemicals and causes the top notes to break down faster.
• Spray your fragrance onto your hairbrush and run it through dry hair. Do not spritz directly onto your hair as the alcohol in perfumes can cause damage.
• Buy the lotions, body washes, and other products sold alongside your fragrance. This will help to maximize your scent.

Apply perfume to pulse points

Applying perfume to your pulse points is a great way to make your fragrance last longer and smell stronger. Pulse points are areas on the body where the blood is closest to the skin, and the heat emitted from these points helps fragrance notes to develop more quickly.

The wrists are one of the most common places to apply perfume, and for good reason—they're a pulse point that will help your scent last longer. When applying perfume to your wrists, be sure to spritz lightly and avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this can change the course of the scent by heating up the skin and producing natural enzymes. Instead, let the perfume dry on the skin before moving your wrists.

Another pulse point to focus on is the neck, which is especially important if you want your fragrance to be noticeable from all angles. You can also apply perfume to the centre of your throat, a pulse point that will make your fragrance smell even stronger.

The inside of your elbows is another pulse point that is often overlooked. Like the wrists, this area is involved in a lot of movement throughout the day, so applying perfume here will help to amplify your aroma each time you move.

Finally, the back of the knees is a pulse point that is ideal for radiating your fragrance. The skin behind the knees is usually very warm and soft, and when you sit down, the aroma from your fragrance will rise.

Don't rub wrists together after applying perfume

Rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume is a common practice, but it may not be the best idea if you want to get the most out of your fragrance. Here's why:

It Changes the Way the Scent Performs

According to master perfumer Harry Frémont, rubbing your wrists together after spraying perfume changes the way the scent performs on your skin. Complex fragrances are typically made up of top notes, middle or heart notes, and base notes. Top notes are lighter and more delicate, while base notes are heavier and longer-lasting. By rubbing your wrists together, you can spoil or dull these light-molecule top notes, as the friction between the perfume and your skin's natural oils can cause them to evaporate more quickly. This means you may be bypassing the opening scent and going straight to the heart notes.

It Can Affect the Scent's Performance

The act of rubbing your wrists together can also affect the scent's performance and longevity. While some people claim that it does not damage the fragrance molecules, others argue that it can accelerate the evaporation of the top notes, changing the way the scent smells and reducing its longevity. Some people even compare it to rubbing your hands together after washing them, as it can physically dry the scent faster.

Alternatives to Rubbing

Instead of rubbing your wrists together, you can try lightly dabbing them together or letting the perfume air-dry. Applying an unscented moisturizer to your skin before spraying perfume can also help extend the wear of your fragrance, as hydrated skin holds scent longer.

The Bottom Line

While rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume may not be catastrophic, it can alter the way your fragrance smells and performs. If you want to experience the full range of notes and make your perfume last longer, it's best to avoid this common practice and explore alternative methods of application.

Spray perfume on a hairbrush and brush through hair

While some people spray perfume directly into their hair, this is not recommended due to the high alcohol content in fragrances, which can dry out hair strands, irritate the scalp, and even lead to breakages or dandruff.

If you want to scent your hair, there are alternative methods that won't be as damaging. One option is to spray your perfume into the air and walk through it. This way, the scent settles on your hair instead of saturating it when sprayed up close, reducing the impact of alcohol on your hair.

Another option is to spray your perfume directly onto a hairbrush and comb it through your hair. It is recommended to avoid brushing too close to the roots and instead concentrate on evenly distributing the scent throughout the length of your hair. This method will leave a soft and subtle scent.

If you prefer a stronger scent and added hair-loving benefits, such as hydration, you can try a hair mist. Hair mists are formulated with a lower concentration of alcohol compared to perfumes, so you don't have to worry about damaging your hair. Some popular hair mist options include:

• Givenchy Irresistible Hair Mist
• CHANEL No. 5 Hair Mist
• Narciso Rodriguez Hair Mist for Her
• Byredo Hair Mist Sundazed

So, while it is not advisable to spray perfume directly onto your hair, there are several alternative methods to scent your hair safely and effectively.

Store perfume in a cool, dark place

Keeping your perfume in a cool, dark place is one of the best ways to store it. This will protect it from its three main aggressors: heat, light, and humidity. Sunlight can damage perfume bottles, and the introduction of light can break down a perfume's chemical makeup. Therefore, it is best to avoid displaying perfume bottles. Instead, keep them in a dark place, such as a closet or drawer.

The kitchen and the bathroom are the worst places to store perfume, due to the changes in temperature and high humidity. The fridge is a good option, as it maintains a stable temperature and keeps the perfume away from light and heat. However, very cold fridges can damage perfume, so avoid storing it in a fridge where drinks, fruits, and vegetables freeze.

To further protect your perfume, you can place the bottles in boxes before putting them in a closet or on a shelf. This will help to shield them from sunlight and temperature fluctuations.

Frequently asked questions