Understanding Lotion Fragrance: How Long Does The Scent Last?

How long do fragrances in lotions last? It depends on a few factors, including the strength of the fragrance, the notes, and the type of skin you have. For example, a citrus-fresh cologne will not last as long as an Ambrée eau de parfum. The strength of the juice you're spritzing, how dry your skin is, and the weather can also affect how long a fragrance lasts. Perfume can last four to six hours, or even longer, depending on these factors. Some people find that their lotions last up to two years once opened, but it's important to be aware of possible allergic reactions to altered chemicals.

Once opened, lotions can last up to two years

The condition of your skin also makes a difference. Perfume tends to last longer on people with oilier skin, as it has something to 'cling' to. Additionally, perfumes dissipate faster on dry skin or in dry weather conditions.

To make your fragrance last longer, you can try using matching body products or unscented body creams, butters or lotions, which act as a primer for your perfume. You can also switch to a stronger formulation, such as eau de parfum, pure parfum or extrait, which are highly concentrated and will smell stronger for longer.

Perfume lasts longer on oilier skin

It is generally agreed that once opened, body lotions last up to two years. However, the fragrance in body lotions can last for varying amounts of time depending on the person's skin type. Perfume tends to last longer on oilier skin as it has something to 'cling' to. The strength of the fragrance is also a factor, with deeper base notes such as woods, resins, leather and tobacco evaporating more slowly. The weather can also affect how long a perfume lasts, with fragrances dissipating faster in dry conditions.

To make perfume last longer, it is recommended to use matching body products, or unscented body creams, butters or lotions if these are not available. These add emollients which hold perfume. You can also switch to a stronger formulation such as eau de parfum, pure parfum or extrait, which will smell stronger and last longer. Another tip is to spray your hair as well as your skin, but be careful if the perfume is dark in colour as it may unintentionally dye your hair.

Deep, smouldering base notes evaporate more slowly

To make your fragrance last longer, you can use matching body products, or unscented body creams, butters or lotions if matching products aren't available. Body creams and body lotions, in particular, add emollients which hold perfume. You can also try spraying your hair, as well as your skin, to make your fragrance last longer. However, be careful if the perfume is dark in colour, as it may unintentionally dye your hair.

Using matching body products can help 'layer' on your fragrance

Using matching body products is a great way to layer on your fragrance. Layering fragrance is a technique that can help your scent last longer. Body creams and lotions, in particular, add emollients that hold perfume.

If you're looking for a longer-lasting fragrance, opt for a stronger formulation. Eau de parfum, pure parfum and extrait are highly concentrated formulas that will smell stronger and last longer. They may be more expensive, but you can end up using far less.

Another tip is to spray your hair as well as your skin. Just be careful if the perfume is dark in colour as you may unintentionally dye your hair! Test on a tissue first.

Perfume likes to 'cling' to skin, so they tend to last far longer on oilier-complexioned people. The strength of the fragrance is also a factor, and so are the notes: deep, smouldering base notes – the woods, resins, leather and tobacco etc. – are ‘heavier’ in structure, so evaporate more slowly. A citrus-fresh cologne will never last as long as an Ambrée eau de parfum. Perfume can last four to six hours (or even longer), depending on the strength of the juice you’re spritzing, how dry your skin is or even what the weather’s like – perfumes dissipate much faster on dry skins, or when the air is particularly dry.

Stronger formulations will smell stronger and last longer

The strength of the fragrance is also a factor, and so are the notes: deep, smouldering base notes – the woods, resins, leather and tobacco etc. – are ‘heavier’ in structure, so evaporate more slowly. A citrus-fresh cologne will never last as long as an Ambrée eau de parfum. Perfume can last four to six hours (or even longer), depending on the strength of the juice you’re spritzing, how dry your skin is or even what the weather’s like – perfumes dissipate much faster on dry skins, or when the air is particularly dry.

You can also try spraying your hair as well as your skin – though be careful if the perfume is dark in colour as you may unintentionally dye your hair! (Test on a tissue, first.)

Frequently asked questions