Antonio Mcgowan
The world of fragrances is enchanting, with perfumes serving as mood boosters, signature scents, or reminders of fond memories. While some perfumes seem to disappear too soon, there are ways to make your favourite scent last longer. From moisturising before spritzing to storing perfume in a cool, dry place, there are many tips and tricks to ensure your fragrance endures from dawn till dusk. This includes the use of scented wood sticks, which are a popular aromatherapy trend, and exploring the science behind how different ingredients and storage conditions impact the longevity of a perfume's scent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of perfume | Eau de parfum has a higher concentration of fragrance oils than eau de toilette, so it will last longer. |
| Skin preparation | Moisturise with an oil-based or unscented lotion before applying perfume to make it last longer. |
| Spray locations | Spray perfume on your clothes, hair, and pulse points such as the wrists, inside elbows, behind the knees, and on the neck. |
| Spray technique | Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume, as this can break down the perfume molecules. Instead, gently press your wrists together or let them air dry. |
| Layering | Use companion products like shower gel or body cream to layer your fragrance and increase its staying power. |
| Timing | Apply perfume after showering, as pores open up after a warm bath or shower, allowing the skin to soak in the scent. |
| Storage | Keep perfume bottles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to avoid reducing the quality of the perfume. |
| Fragrance type | Use unscented fabric softener to make the scent last longer. |
| Scented wood sticks | Scented wood sticks are used in spiritual practices and smudging rituals to cleanse and purify living spaces, objects, and people. |
| Perfume sticks | Perfume sticks are a blend of oil and beeswax, providing a no-spill way to enjoy your favourite scent while on the go. |
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What You'll Learn
Moisturise before applying perfume
Applying moisturiser before spraying on perfume can help your scent last longer. This is because perfume evaporates faster from dry skin, so moisturising beforehand helps to lock in the scent. Michelle Feeney, the founder of Floral Street, explains that "moisturising the skin well before applying [perfume], helps with longevity". This is especially important during the winter months, as "perfume won't cling as well to dryer skin".
When choosing a moisturiser, opt for an unscented lotion to avoid competing scents. If available, you can also use a matching lotion to your fragrance to amplify its longevity. For example, several iconic brands such as Chanel, Jo Malone, and Le Labo offer body washes and lotions infused with their signature perfumes, allowing you to layer your scent and increase its staying power.
To further enhance the longevity of your perfume, apply it to your pulse points, such as your wrists, inside elbows, behind the knees, and neck. These areas emit warmth, which helps to activate the perfume and diffuse the scent. Additionally, remember not to rub your wrists together after applying perfume, as this can break down the perfume molecules and shorten its lifespan. Instead, gently press your wrists together or let them air dry.
By following these simple steps, you can make your favourite perfume last longer and enjoy its fragrance throughout the day.
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Know your pulse points
The pulse points on your body are where your body emits heat, which helps those fragrance notes develop quicker. Pulse points are the perfect activators for perfume, and they include the base of the throat, inside the wrists, inside the elbows, below the earlobes (not behind), and behind the knees. The radial artery in your inner wrists and the carotid artery on the side of your neck are two easily locatable pulse points. Other pulse points include the maxillary artery (where the facial artery crosses the lower jaw), the temporal artery (at the temples, to the side of the eye), the brachial artery (inner part of the biceps), the femoral artery (groin area), the popliteal artery (behind the knees), the dorsalis pedis artery (top of the foot arch), and the posterior tibial artery (inner back side of the ankle).
Applying perfume to pulse points can make the scent last longer. The heat of your skin makes your perfume radiate more, and the fume is spread into the air. The pulse points on your body emanate more heat, which causes the perfume to last longer.
However, it is important to note that you should not rub your wrists together after applying perfume, as this can dull the development of the notes and disrupt the overall fragrance profile. Instead, it is recommended to spray the perfume about 5-8 inches away from the skin. An even spray over a wider area will help the fragrance last longer than a generous amount in a small area.
To make the scent last even longer, you can apply a small amount of Vaseline or an unscented moisturiser to your pulse points before spraying your perfume. The ointment will help the fragrance adhere to your skin for a more extended period.
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Don't rub, dab
To make your perfume last longer, it is important to know how to apply it correctly. One common misconception is that rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume is the best way to make it last. However, this will only break down the scent, making it fade more quickly. Instead, you should dab or spray the perfume on your wrists and let it dry without rubbing.
Pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, cleavage, ankles, and calves, are ideal spots to apply perfume because they emit heat, which helps the fragrance notes develop quicker. Spraying your perfume on your hair is also an option, but be cautious as some perfumes may dry out your hair.
The type of skin you have can also impact how long your perfume lasts. Dry skin doesn't hold perfume as well as oily skin. Therefore, it is recommended to apply an unscented body oil or lotion before spraying your perfume to help lock in the scent and provide something for the fragrance to stick to.
Additionally, the type of perfume you choose can affect its longevity. Woody and oriental scents tend to last longer than citrus, floral, or green scents. The concentration of perfume to alcohol in a fragrance also matters; eau de perfumes have a higher concentration and are more intense, lasting about five hours, while eau de toilettes are lighter and only last about three hours.
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Layer your scents
Layering your scents is a great way to make your perfume last longer. This involves using other scented products in your routine, such as shower gels, body creams, or lotions that complement your perfume. Layering creates a solid foundation for your perfume, enhancing its longevity.
One way to layer your scents is to apply an unscented or matching body lotion before spraying on your perfume. The moisture on your skin will help lock in the scent. Oily skin retains fragrance better, so using an oil-based moisturiser first can improve the longevity of your perfume. You can also mix the last bit of fragrance from an almost-empty perfume bottle into unscented body lotion or hand cream to create a custom scent and ensure nothing goes to waste.
Another way to layer your scents is to use scented hair products. As your hair can carry fragrance well, applying a fragrance designed for hair can help to prolong your scent. However, spraying perfume directly onto your hair can dry it out due to its alcohol content. Instead, you can spray a touch of perfume on your hairbrush and run it through your hair.
In addition to layering, you can also prolong your scent by applying perfume to your clothing. Clothing fibres can hold scents for a long time, even after washing. However, be cautious as fragrance can stain delicate clothes or jewellery.
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Apply after showering
Applying perfume after showering can help the scent last longer. This is because your pores open up in the steam, allowing them to soak up the scent. However, you should ensure that your skin is dry before applying perfume, as the fragrance will rub off if you apply it to wet skin.
To make your perfume last even longer, you can moisturize your skin with an oil-based lotion or cream before applying your perfume. This will help the scent stick to your skin for longer. Fragrance experts recommend using an unscented moisturizer, but you can use a fragranced one if you want to mix and match your scents.
It is also important to consider where you are applying your perfume. Pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, behind your ears, temples, and the top of your back, are ideal locations. These areas generate the most heat, which can help to intensify your fragrance.
Additionally, you may want to wait for your skin to cool down before applying perfume after a hot shower. Warmer skin can cause the perfume to evaporate faster, so it may be best to wait until your body has returned to its regular temperature. Some people recommend waiting at least 15 minutes, while others suggest waiting an hour. However, others claim that this does not significantly impact the longevity of the scent.
Finally, avoid shaking your perfume bottle before spraying, as this can shorten the scent's lifespan. Simply uncap, spray, and recap to preserve your fragrance.
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Frequently asked questions
Pulse points, or warm areas of the body, are ideal for diffusing fragrance. These include the wrists, inside elbows, behind the knees, and on the neck.
Perfume evaporates faster from dry skin. Applying an oil-based moisturiser or Vaseline before spraying on perfume can help lock in the scent.
Conditions like harsh sunlight and warm, humid temperatures can break down the ingredients in perfume. It is best to store perfume in a cool, dry, and dark place.
