Seamus Hammond
Knowing how to make perfume last longer is the secret to feeling flawless all day. Many factors can influence how long a perfume lasts, from the type of fragrance to how and where it is applied. For example, some perfumes will naturally last longer than others, with more concentrated perfumes like eau de parfum lasting longer than eau de toilette. The way you store your perfume can also impact its longevity, with light and heat breaking down the fragrance faster. To make your perfume last longer, try applying it directly to the skin, particularly the pulse points, and avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this can break down the scent molecules. You can also try spritzing your perfume onto your hair or clothes, although this may not be suitable for all hair types or clothing materials.
How to leave perfume on longer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Dry skin can affect the dry down of your fragrance. |
| Skin temperature | Skin absorbs perfume better when it's warm. |
| Pulse points | Wrists, neck, insides of elbows, back of knees, ankles, sternum, throat, and behind the ears. |
| Hair | Hair can hold perfume longer than skin. |
| Moisturizer | Moisturized skin absorbs the perfume's scent more effectively. |
| Petroleum jelly | Holds the scent in place longer. |
| Clothing | Perfume will stay longer on textiles than on the skin. |
| Storage | Store perfume in a cool, dark place. |
| Perfume type | Eau de parfum has a higher concentration of fragrance and will last longer. |
| Application | Spritz, don't mist. |
| Body oils | Perfume smells better and lasts longer when in contact with the body's natural oils. |
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What You'll Learn
Spray perfume directly onto skin, not fabric
While spraying perfume on your clothes may seem like a good idea, it's not the best way to make your scent last longer. Perfume smells best and lasts the longest when it comes into contact with your body's natural oils. This means that, rather than spraying it on fabric, you should spray it directly onto your skin.
When you spray perfume on fabric, it can also cause stains, especially if the perfume is highly concentrated and has a darker colour. Synthetic materials can also alter the scent of the perfume.
To make your perfume last longer, it's best to apply it directly to your skin, holding the bottle about 10 to 20 cm away. Target specific points, such as your wrists, the nape of your neck, the insides of your elbows, and the back of your knees. These areas, known as pulse points, produce more heat than the rest of your body, which helps to activate and diffuse the perfume.
You can also make your perfume last longer by applying it to moisturised skin. Take a shower or bath and dry your skin, then apply an unscented moisturiser or body oil before spraying on your perfume. The moisturiser will provide a cushiony, nourished canvas for the scent to settle onto, helping it to last longer.
If you want your perfume to last throughout the day, you can also try applying a small amount of Vaseline or petroleum jelly to your pulse points before spraying on your perfume. This will create a moisturising lock for the scent, preserving the fragrance for hours.
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Moisturise skin before applying perfume
Moisturising your skin before applying perfume can help the scent last longer. This is because fragrances tend to cling to emollients, so applying an unscented moisturiser or body oil to your skin first will help it to absorb and retain the perfume.
It is best to use an unscented moisturiser, as you will be applying a scented perfume afterwards. However, if you want to take things to the next level, you can try layering your perfume on top of a matching scented lotion. Many beauty brands offer perfumes and moisturisers as matching sets.
If you don't have time for a shower, applying a moisturiser to your skin before spritzing on your perfume will still help to prime your skin and retain its fragrance for longer.
Some perfumes, such as solid perfumes and perfume oils, double as moisturisers, helping the scent to linger.
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Store perfume away from light and heat
Storing perfume in a cool, dark place is essential for making the scent last longer.
Perfume is sensitive to light and heat, and storing it away from these elements will help preserve the fragrance. Avoid placing your perfume on a shelf or in a bathroom, as these locations typically receive direct sunlight and heat. Instead, opt for a cool drawer, cupboard, or shelf with ample shade.
Keeping your perfume in its original container is also recommended, as transferring it to decorative bottles can alter the fragrance's composition and allow air to mix with the scent. Additionally, shaking the bottle can introduce oxygen, shortening the scent's lifespan.
By storing your perfume away from light and heat, you can prolong its freshness and enjoy your favourite fragrance for an extended period.
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Apply perfume to pulse points
Applying perfume to your pulse points is one of the most effective ways to make it last longer. Pulse points are areas where the blood vessels are closer to the skin, producing more heat and, as a result, activating and diffusing the perfume.
Pulse points include the insides of your wrists, the nape of your neck, the base of your throat, the back of your ears, the insides of your elbows, the backs of your knees and ankles, and your sternum. Spraying perfume on these areas will allow the scent to radiate from each spot.
Before applying perfume to your pulse points, you can rub a small amount of Vaseline or petroleum jelly onto them. This will act as an additional moisturizing lock, preserving the fragrance throughout the day.
It is also important to note that you should avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume. This breaks down the scent molecules, altering the scent and causing it to fade faster. Instead, spritz your perfume directly onto the skin, as this will make it last longer.
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Choose eau de parfum over eau de toilette
If you want your perfume to last longer, opt for eau de parfum over eau de toilette. Eau de parfum is more concentrated, meaning it has a higher concentration of fragrance and will last longer. A little goes a long way with eau de parfum, so you won't need to use as much.
Eau de parfum typically contains a higher ratio of fragrance oil to alcohol, which lends to its longer-lasting power. The more concentrated a perfume, the more expensive it tends to be, so eau de parfum often comes at a higher price point than eau de toilette.
When choosing an eau de parfum, look for fragrances with prominent base notes. Woody, balsamic, spicy, and Oriental scents like patchouli and amber will have a longer shelf life.
If you're unsure about committing to a full-sized bottle of eau de parfum, many brands offer smaller sizes or rollerballs, which are great for travel and can be more affordable. You can also try layering your eau de parfum over a matching body lotion or oil to make the scent last even longer on your skin.
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Frequently asked questions
To make your perfume last longer on your skin, you should apply it directly to your skin, particularly your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, inner elbows, knees, and the back of your ears. Spraying perfume on your clothes can also make the scent last longer, but be aware that it may stain. You should also moisturise your skin before applying perfume, as fragrance tends to cling to emollients.
You should store your perfume in a cool, dark place, as light, heat, and humidity will alter the scent. It's best to keep it in its original container, as transferring it to a different bottle can alter the fragrance.
Eau de parfum has a higher concentration of fragrance than eau de toilette or body spray, so it tends to last longer. Perfumes with more prominent base notes, such as woody or balsamic flavours, will also have a longer shelf life.
