How to Make Your Favourite Fragrances Last Longer?

If we could wish for one thing, it would be to smell great all day long. Especially after spending money on buying your favourite perfume, you would want it to last as long as possible.

We all love our few spritzes in the morning to get a natural scent of our favourite flower or fruit, however, more often than not, it wears off before lunchtime rolls in.

If you’re wondering how to make your fragrance last longer, you’re not alone. What most people don’t realise is that applying perfume is an art and that there are best practices to make your perfume last longer.

With the right application techniques, storage methods, and product choices, you can enhance the longevity of your favorite scents.

Before we dive into the specifics, the first step is to get a fragrance that emotes who you are. Browse through different brands and notes before settling on one that feels right for you. 

What is Anosmia (Nose Blindness)?

Anosmia, often known as nose blindness, is the partial or complete loss of smell. It can be brought on by illnesses, allergies, or extended exposure to a particular fragrance. This condition can be either temporary or permanent.

A lot of individuals believe their perfume has faded away when, in fact, their nose has only stopped picking it up. Even if people around you can still smell it, the aroma seems faint or nonexistent because of the desensitization of olfactory receptors. To prevent this, switch between different perfumes rather than wearing the same one daily.

Understanding anosmia is a key factor for appreciating scents for longer without unnecessary overapplication. 

Long-Lasting Notes and Concentrations

Not all perfumes are created alike. Understanding the different perfume notes and their effect on longevity is extremely important. Choosing the right category of scent is key. Every fragrance has its distinct characteristics, with some having more sillage and lasting power than others. 

For lasting appeal, your go-to should be Oriental, Floriental, Woody, Leathery, Musky, and potent white floral notes. Given their heavier molecular weight and low level of volatility, which takes longer to dissipate, these perfumes will stick to the skin. These fragrances often constitute a combination of elements such as amber, incense, vanilla, Tonka, oud, honey, and cashmere wood.

Going a step further from notes, the fragrance world consists of different types of concentrations. Both in the bottle and on the skin, certain scents will naturally stay longer than others. Cologne and perfume are offered in varying concentrations, which indicates that the proportions of aroma oil to alcohol differ.

Among these, an Eau de Parfum lasts the longest as it contains a higher concentration of aromatic compounds, typically around 15-20%. This results in a more potent and enduring fragrance. For an EDP, a little usually goes a long way.

Tricks to Make Your Perfume Last

1. Moisturize: To lock in the fragrance, make sure your skin is nicely moisturized. Dry skin absorbs and evaporates fragrance more quickly. Hydrated skin holds onto fragrance molecules better, improving their longevity. You can use an unscented body lotion or one with scents that complement the notes of your perfume. Many popular brands offer matching products to complement their fragrances.  
   

2. Pulse Points: Knowing the pulse points is key to making the most of your fragrances. Pulse points generate heat, helping to diffuse the scent throughout the day. These areas include your wrists, the nape of your neck, behind your knees, behind your ear, and inside your elbows.  

3. Maceration: Most fragrances improve with time through maceration, a process where the perfume’s ingredients blend and mature, leading to improved potency and longevity.  

4. Store in a Dark Place: Given their chemical composition, perfumes are volatile substances, meaning they will naturally evaporate and oxidize over time. Warmth and sunlight expedite their degradation and will alter the scents of your perfumes. It is always recommended to store your perfumes in a cool, dark place, such as a wardrobe or box.

5. Weather Conditions: Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity significantly affect how a fragrance performs. Scents tend to evaporate faster in hot weather, while cold temperatures can mute certain notes. Seasonal fragrances exist for this reason.  

6. Skin Chemistry: An underrated point but your skin chemistry matters when it comes to fragrance longevity. Your skin’s pH level and oiliness impact how a perfume develops and lasts. Oily skin generally holds fragrance better, whereas dry skin requires extra hydration to help retain the scent.

7. Don’t Rub Your Wrists: A common misconception, but you shouldn’t be rubbing your wrists after applying the scent. While rubbing your wrists allows the scent to bloom, the friction increases the volatility and causes faster evaporation. The best strategy is to let the perfume settle into your skin naturally and tap the area gently. 

8. Using Perfume Oils: Perfume oils are highly concentrated aromatic liquids, usually derived from natural sources. Unlike alcohol-based perfumes, these are free from alcohol and contain a stronger scent. They are crafted by capturing aromatic compounds from various botanicals, fruits, spices, and other natural substances. They also have a slower evaporation rate, allowing the scent to stay on the skin for an extended period.

9. Layering Scents and Aroma Chemicals: To create a long-lasting scent experience, pair matching body products such as lotions, gels, and body oils. Many sources state that using aroma chemicals, or synthetic fragrance ingredients, such as Iso E Super and transparent musks improves fragrance performance. However, we must keep in mind that fragrances are delicately created to smell the way they do in proper proportions. Once you add another chemical to this, it's going to change the way it smells and performs.

10. Spray on Clothing: Finally, one of the best ways to lock in and boost your fragrance is by spraying a small amount on your clothing. When you spray it on clothing, the fragrance does not develop as fast as it does not interact with your skin chemistry or warmth. Make sure to do this carefully as a big spritz and highly concentrated perfumes can leave a stain. 

Other Tips to Keep In Mind

1. Check the Base Notes
   Pay attention to your perfume's base notes to extend its lifespan. Base notes improve a perfume's composition by containing powerful, lasting scents like woods, resins, and musks. Over time, these enduring ingredients provide rich scents as they gradually change.
   
   
2. Think About Seasons
   Making seasonal adjustments to your scent choices is another piece of advice. During the warmer months, go for scents that are more refreshing and zesty to help beat the heat. Incorporate deeper base notes and warmer fragrances throughout the winter months. By doing this, you can ensure an enjoyable scent experience that complements the climate for an aromatic expression.
   
   
3. Brush It Through Your Hair
   A great and underrated tip is to delicately brush it through your hair. The hair effectively captures and holds onto scents, providing a delicate, lasting fragrance. To let the perfume last all day, either spray the perfume onto your hairbrush and run it through your hair or apply it directly to your hair and run your fingers through it.

In conclusion, a good scent is more than choosing the scent. It is knowing the right ways to improve its silage. 

It is time to find your signature scent here at Belvish, the best online perfume store in India. Let Belvish be your partner in choosing the perfect scent.