So, you’ve got a new perfume and want to impress your friends, but it just doesn’t seem to last. I’ve been there, spent countless sprays and tried various tricks to make scents last longer. You’ve probably come across tons of blogs and videos with endless advice, but let’s keep it simple.
If you want to make your perfume last longer, there are just three essential tips to remember. Sure, there’s a lot out there to consider, but these three are the easiest and most effective perfume tips that truly make a difference.
Table of Contents
1. Perfume & Moisturizer Combo
If you’re into fragrances or part of a fragrance community, you’ll know this trick works. Of course, results vary by skin type, but in most cases, the scent lasts longer. Why does applying moisturizer help? It’s because hydrated skin allows fragrance molecules to stick better and release slowly over time, enhancing the scent’s longevity.
Use an unscented lotion so that the moisturizer doesn’t interfere with your fragrance’s aroma, allowing the perfume to adhere better to your skin and release its scent gradually over time.
Important Step: Apply the moisturizer first, then follow with your cologne.
Since we’re discussing unscented lotion as a moisturizer, let’s address a common question: Does Vaseline (petroleum jelly) make perfume last longer? The answer is yes! Vaseline acts as an occlusive moisturizer (a barrier) that keeps the fragrance from evaporating quickly, especially on pulse points where your skin is warmer, helping to spread the scent. This trick works because it holds onto the scent, releasing it slowly over time.
2. Spray at the Nape and Hair
We usually spray perfume on the sides of our neck and back, but don’t forget your hair. I’ve used this trick for over 10 years to make the scent last longer, and it works! Hair’s porous nature allows it to absorb and retain fragrances more effectively, leading to a prolonged release of the scent throughout the day.
However, I wouldn’t recommend applying perfume directly to most parts of your hair, as it often contains alcohol. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), alcohol can dry out hair, leading to breakage, split ends, and frizziness. Remember, not all fragrances are created equal—especially those widely available on the market, including homemade perfumes, where alcohol is often used to cut costs.
Alcohol Content in Various Fragrance Types:
- Eau de Toilette (EDT): Typically contains 5-15% perfume oil, with alcohol content around 80-85%.
- Eau de Parfum (EDP): Contains 15-20% perfume oil, with an alcohol content of approximately 70-80%.
- Parfum (Extrait de Parfum): The most concentrated type, with 20-40% perfume oil and a lower alcohol content of around 60-70%, lasts the longest due to its higher concentration.
- Body Mists & Colognes: Lighter fragrances with 1-5% perfume oil and alcohol levels similar to or slightly lower than EDT.
3. Choose a High Concentrated Perfume!
We’ve already discussed the oil percentages in different fragrance types, and Eau de Parfum (EDP) and Parfum (Extrait de Parfum) are often the best options for a long-lasting scent. If you’re wondering how to smell better, selecting the right fragrance plays a crucial role. However, many colognes on the market carry labels claiming to be EDP or Extrait, yet they fail to perform as expected. To avoid disappointment, ensure you purchase fragrances only from trusted stores, as some of these products are counterfeits. Authenticity is key for a true fragrance experience, so verify the source to get the quality and longevity you’re looking for.
Now, even if you follow all these steps, if your perfume lacks a high concentration, and you still opt for a low-quality—or, shall I say, “cheap”—fragrance, you’ll often find yourself outshined by those wearing high-quality, concentrated perfumes (outshined in terms of longevity, just to be clear). Keep this in mind: invest in high-quality fragrances. Trust me, it will transform your presence, leaving a lasting impression with every spritz.
Read More: 3 Simple Ways to Transfer Perfume into Travel-Size Sprays
Understanding the Fragrance Families
Knowing your fragrance family helps set realistic expectations for how long a scent will last and guides your choice based on preferred longevity.
Light and Airy Fragrance Families:
- Examples: Citrus, Aquatic, Floral, Green
- Popular scents: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue, Davidoff Cool Water
- Longevity: Typically lasts 4-6 hours due to their light composition
Longer-Lasting Fragrance Families:
- Examples: Oriental, Woody, Leather
- Known for greater staying power and extended wear time
Bonus Tip: Spray on Clothes – Avoid Armpit Area
If you’re wondering whether perfume lasts longer on skin or clothes, it generally lasts longer on clothes. Fabrics absorb and retain fragrances more effectively, allowing the scent to linger for extended periods. In contrast, the skin’s natural oils and heat can cause the fragrance to evaporate more quickly.
Make sure that if you spray on your clothes, it doesn’t stain. To test this, spray it on a white cloth first to check for any staining, or try spraying it 5-6 inches away from your clothes.
And please, for the love of God, don’t spray perfume on your armpit area—deodorant is a must! I’ve seen many people doing this, and when they sweat, it turns into a B.O. Bonanza.
Now, that you know how to make your scent last long with these tips. Make sure to take a shower and don’t rely on perfumes.
Jessie Bongolo
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