Lance Carson
There are many ways to stretch the volume of your favourite perfume. You can use a perfume diluent fragrance carrier oil, such as Perfume Dipropylene Glycol (DPG), to stretch/dilute your perfume oil—simply mix one part fragrance oil to one part DPG to get double the amount of perfume oil. Another way to stretch your perfume is to be mindful of your skin type—the alcohol base in perfume evaporates more quickly on dry skin, so if you have dry skin, opt for a moisturiser with the same scent as your perfume, or use a fragrance-free moisturiser before applying your perfume. You can also try layering your perfume with its eau de parfum version to refresh the scent for an hour or so. Additionally, consider that perfume is activated by heat and chemical reactions, so it's more effective when in contact with the body rather than clothing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Choosing and using perfume strategically | Spray on pulse points, such as the temples, below the earlobes, the base of the throat, inside the wrist and elbow, and behind the knee |
| Type of perfume notes | Woody, oriental, and leather notes last longer than floral, green, and aquatic notes. Citrus notes fade the quickest. |
| Season | Perfumes wear off quicker in summer than in autumn and winter. |
| Humidity | Perfume scent evaporates quicker in low humidity than in high humidity. |
| Skin type | Dry skin can cause perfume to fade faster. |
| Clothing | Spraying perfume on clothes can help it last longer, but it can stain and damage certain fabrics, such as silk. |
| Moisturizer | Using a moisturizer with the same scent as your perfume or a fragrance-free moisturizer before applying perfume can help stretch the fragrance. |
| Layering | Using different products with the same fragrance, such as an eau de toilette, lotion, and powder, can make the scent last longer. |
| Fabric | Spraying perfume on clothes, hangers, or in the wardrobe can indirectly scent your fabrics. |
| Essential oils | Adding a few drops of essential oils to water when rinsing lingerie or ironing can help spread your favorite scent. |
| Crafts | Creating a perfumed locket by adding a few drops of oil to melted beeswax can help carry your favorite scent. |
| Dilution | Using a carrier oil, such as dipropylene glycol (DPG), can stretch or double the volume of pure perfume oil. |
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What You'll Learn
Apply perfume directly to your skin, not clothing
Applying perfume directly to your skin is a much better option than applying it to your clothing. Perfume is activated by heat and chemical reactions, and it is more effective when in contact with the body rather than clothing. The fabric of your clothes will absorb and retain perfume for longer than your skin, but the scent will not 'evolve' in the same way.
Applying perfume to your clothes can also be damaging to the fabric. The alcohol in perfume can degrade animal proteins such as silk, and the dyes in fabrics may bleed and fade. Synthetic fabrics like polyester are more susceptible to stains from perfume oils. Dark juices on delicate or pale fabrics may also cause staining.
Applying perfume to your skin can help the scent evolve throughout the day. The warmth of your blood at your pulse points makes these areas prime targets for applying perfume. The best places to apply scent are the temples, just below the earlobes, the base of the throat, inside the wrists and elbows, and behind the knees.
If you have sensitive skin, spraying perfume on your clothes may be a better option. You can also spritz perfume on padded clothes hangers or add a few drops of essential oil to the water when you steam-press items such as handkerchiefs.
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Know your skin type—oily skin holds perfume longer
When it comes to making your favourite perfume last longer, knowing your skin type is key. If you have oily skin, you're in luck—oily skin tends to hold perfume longer than dry skin. Here's why, along with some tips to make your scent stick around even longer.
The Science Behind It
Perfume is activated by heat and chemical reactions. It works best when in contact with the body rather than clothing. Oily skin produces more sebum, which can help trap and hold onto the perfume molecules, allowing the fragrance to linger.
Moisturise Your Skin
Even if you have oily skin, moisturising is key to making your perfume last longer. Dry skin can cause your fragrance to fade faster, so be sure to moisturise before applying your perfume. Opt for an oil-based lotion or cream, and if possible, choose an unscented moisturiser or one with the same scent as your perfume. This creates a nourished base for your fragrance to settle onto, helping it to "stick" and last throughout the day.
Apply to Pulse Points
Pulse points are areas on the body where you can feel your heartbeat through your blood vessels. These spots are ideal for applying perfume because the warmth of your blood makes the fragrance last longer. Target pulse points like the base of your throat, inside your wrists and elbows, and behind your knees.
Avoid Rubbing Your Wrists Together
While it may be a common practice, rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume can actually disrupt the fragrance. Instead, simply spritz your wrists and let the perfume dry naturally.
Store Your Perfume Properly
To make the most of your perfume, it's important to store it correctly. Keep your perfume bottles somewhere cool and dark, as light and humidity can alter the scent. Avoid transferring your perfume to decorative containers, as this can alter the fragrance's composition and allow air to mix with the scent. Always store your perfume in its original container to help prolong its lifespan.
Layer Your Scents
Layering scents with different products in the same fragrance family is a great way to make your perfume last longer. Start your day with an eau de toilette, apply a scented lotion in the afternoon, and finish with a dusting of perfumed powder for an evening out. This way, your scent will evolve while still maintaining its core fragrance.
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Choose a perfume with a higher concentration of oils
One way to stretch the volume of your favourite perfume is to choose a perfume with a higher concentration of oils. The concentration of oils in a perfume is directly linked to its longevity. Perfumes with a higher concentration of oils tend to last longer and require fewer reapplications throughout the day.
There are various types of perfumes, classified based on the concentration of fragrance oils they contain. These include:
- Parfum: Parfum has the highest concentration of fragrance oils, typically ranging from 15% to 40%. Due to the high oil content, parfums are highly potent and long-lasting. They are often the most expensive type of perfume.
- Eau de Parfum (EDP): Eau de Parfum contains a high concentration of fragrance oils, usually between 10% and 20%. EDPs are known for their strong and long-lasting scents, making them a popular choice for those seeking a balance between longevity and affordability.
- Eau de Toilette (EDT): Eau de Toilette contains a moderate amount of fragrance oils, typically ranging from 5% to 15%. While EDTs may not last as long as parfums or EDPs, they are often more affordable and suitable for daily use.
- Eau de Cologne (EDC): Eau de Cologne has a lower concentration of fragrance oils, usually around 2% to 4%. EDCs are typically lighter and less intense, making them ideal for those who prefer a more subtle scent.
When choosing a perfume with a higher concentration of oils, consider the sillage and longevity you desire. Sillage refers to the trail of scent that a perfume leaves behind. Parfums and EDPs with higher oil concentrations will have a stronger sillage and will be more noticeable to those around you.
Additionally, certain fragrance notes also play a role in the overall longevity of a perfume. Woody, oriental, and leather notes tend to last longer than floral, green, or aquatic notes. Citrus notes, on the other hand, tend to fade the quickest.
By selecting a perfume with a higher concentration of oils and considering the type of fragrance notes, you can effectively stretch the volume and longevity of your favourite scent.
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Use a carrier oil to stretch your perfume
Carrier oils are an essential part of perfume-making. They dilute the fragrance oils and make them safe to apply to the skin. Many fragrance ingredients are quite pungent, and a carrier oil helps to tone down the scent.
The type of carrier oil you choose will influence the intensity and longevity of your perfume, as well as the range at which others can smell it. For example, oil-based perfumes are moisturising and will stick closer to your body, lasting longer. However, they may not be detectable by others unless they are very close to you. Alcohol-based perfumes, on the other hand, have a greater range but can dry out the skin.
There are several carrier oils to choose from, each with its own unique properties:
- Jojoba oil is a popular choice as it closely resembles the skin's natural sebum, making it ideal for blending with essential oils and ensuring excellent absorption and compatibility with various skin types.
- Fractionated coconut oil is lightweight, non-greasy, and remains liquid at room temperature, making it a versatile choice for blending with other oils.
- Avocado oil has a velvety texture and earthy aroma, making it a good option for those seeking depth and complexity in their fragrances. It is also rich in Vitamin E and safe to use, providing optimal skin nourishment.
- Grapeseed oil is known for its neutral scent and compatibility with a wide array of essential oils.
When creating your own perfume, the general concentration of fragrance oils to carrier is 20-80%. This can be adjusted to suit your preference, with a lower concentration of fragrance resulting in a lighter perfume. For example, for a perfume that is 20% fragrance, you would use 20 drops of fragrance oil and 80 drops of carrier oil.
You can also use carrier oils to stretch the volume of your existing perfumes. Perfume Dipropylene Glycol (DPG) is a diluent fragrance carrier oil that can be used to double the volume of your perfume oil. To do this, simply mix one part fragrance oil with one part DPG.
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Layer perfumes with their eau de parfum version
Layering perfumes is a great way to make your favourite scent last longer and to create a unique blend that feels personal to you. The process involves adhering fragrance molecules to the skin in a variety of formats to make the aroma last throughout the day or evening.
When layering perfumes, it's important to consider the fragrance notes and fragrance families of your perfumes to determine whether they will layer well. Choose fragrances with a commonality and that reside in similar fragrance worlds. For example, perfumes with similar notes such as jasmine can be layered together. You can also layer perfumes with complementary fragrances, such as a floral scent with an earthy perfume. If you're feeling adventurous, try combining two or more opposite fragrances, such as a spice and vanilla.
To layer perfumes, start with a clean slate by applying a fragrance primer to your pulse points. Then, apply the strongest blend first to allow the lighter fragrances to come through. If you're using perfumes with equal fragrance oil percentages, apply the one with the heavier scent first so that the lighter one doesn't get overpowered. It's also important to start with small amounts of each fragrance to avoid overpowering the composition. One or two spritzes of each scent should be enough to evaluate how they interact.
Layering perfumes with their eau de parfum version is a great way to amplify their staying power and depth. For example, you can layer a floral body lotion with a gourmand eau de parfum for added depth and sweetness. Alternatively, you can pair a woody, musky lotion with a crisp, citrus eau de parfum for a balanced scent.
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Frequently asked questions
The alcohol base in perfume evaporates more quickly on dry skin than on oily skin, so if you have dry skin, opt for a moisturiser with the same scent as your perfume, or use a fragrance-free moisturiser before applying your perfume.
You can use a Perfume Dipropylene Glycol (DPG) diluent fragrance carrier oil to stretch your perfume oil. To do this, mix one part fragrance oil with one part DPG to get double the amount of perfume oil.
Place your fragrance in a cool, dark location for a minimum of 48 hours up to a month. Aging your fragrance allows the scents to mingle and become stronger.
