Using perfume is a great way to smell nice throughout the day. However, you may find that the beautiful fragrance you sprayed on in the morning has completely faded by mid-afternoon. Getting your favorite perfume to last longer can seem difficult, but there are several tricks you can use to extend the life of your scent.
Spray Perfume Directly Onto Clothes
One of the best ways to make perfume last longer is to spritz it directly onto your clothing. Fabrics hold fragrance much better than skin does. When you put perfume right on your clothes, the smell will linger for many more hours compared to applying it to pulse points on your skin.
Aim for areas on your outfit that don’t rub against your skin too much, like the collar or hem of a shirt, or the inner part of a jacket. These spots will hold the scent better. Just be cautious of staining delicate fabrics with oil-based perfumes.
Use Unscented Lotions and Soaps
When you wear scented skin care products, they can interact with your perfume and alter the smell. The combination of fragrances also means your perfume won’t last as long. Using unscented body lotions and soaps allows your perfume to shine.
You don’t need to give up your favorite scented skin care items altogether. Just use them on days when you aren’t wearing perfume so the two fragrances don’t compete.
Pick Perfumes With Strong Sillage
Certain perfumes are formulated to have a very strong sillage, meaning they project a noticeable scent trail as you move. These fragrances with powerful sillage tend to last longer on skin and clothes.
Florals, orientals, and musky perfumes typically have good lasting power and sillage. If longevity is important to you, consider choosing one of these fragrance families. Just avoid fresh, citrusy scents if you want something long-lasting.
Apply Perfume to Damp Skin
Spritzing a bit of perfume onto damp skin after your morning shower can help the fragrance cling and last. The water acts like a primer so the perfume bonds better and absorbs more slowly.
This tactic works best with body mists and light eau de toilette fragrances. Don’t use it with super concentrated parfum, as this could result in the scent being overpowering.
Layer Your Fragrances
Layering multiple fragrances is an effective way to make them last longer. Start by applying an unscented moisturizer after your shower. Once it has absorbed, spritz your perfume onto pulse points as you normally would.
Follow up with the matching scented body lotion or body wash from the perfume line. Finally, mist your perfume once more onto your wrists, neck, and clothes. The layers of fragrance will keep the scent going strong.
Use Perfume Primers
Perfume primers create a barrier between your skin and the fragrance to slow down absorption. This keeps the perfume from fading too quickly. Primers also contain emollients that moisturize skin so the scent adheres better.
To use a primer, simply smooth it onto wrists, neck, and other pulse points after showering. Let it fully dry, then apply your favorite perfume on top. Reapply the primer throughout the day to refresh your scent.
Carry Perfume With You
Keep a travel size bottle of your signature scent in your purse, desk drawer, locker, or car. That way you can touch up your perfume halfway through the day or whenever you notice it starting to fade.
A quick spritz on pressure points like wrists and neck will revive the fragrance. Having perfume on hand prevents you from having to go perfume-free if your morning application wears off prematurely.
Store Perfume Properly
Heat, light, and air can all cause perfume to degrade faster. Keep your bottle somewhere dark, cool, and dry to maintain the integrity of the juice. Store perfume in its box if possible, as this blocks light exposure.
Avoid leaving perfume in the bathroom, near windows, or in your car, as heat breaks down the scent molecules. Refrigerating perfume can extend its lifespan, but only do so with glass bottles.
Moisturize Skin
Well-hydrated skin better grasps onto scented particles in perfume. Use an unscented moisturizer each morning and night to hydrate your skin. Your perfume will cling nicely to supple, conditioned skin.
Exfoliating also removes dead skin cells and improves absorption of perfume. Try gently scrubbing with a loofah 2-3 times per week before you apply fragrance.
Spritz Hairbrush
Misting some perfume onto your hairbrush then brushing your hair is a clever hack. Your locks will absorb the fragrance and release it gradually, keeping your hair smelling amazing for longer.
This technique works particularly well with soft, porous hair textures. Just avoid getting perfume directly on your scalp, as too much could irritate.
Use Perfume Oils
Perfume oils contain highly concentrated extracts for intense, lingering fragrance. A little drop of oil goes a long way. Roll a drop onto each wrist and behind ears at the start of your day.
Since oils don’t contain alcohol, the evaporation happens more slowly. This translates to a longer lasting scent compared to eau de parfum or eau de toilette.
Conclusion
Making your favorite perfume last throughout the day is possible with some smart application techniques. Spray fragrances right onto clothing, layer with scented lotions, and touch up midday for extended wear. Primers, oils, and hair application can also help perfume cling longer.
Storing your perfume properly and using unscented skin care prevents the precious juices from deteriorating prematurely. With the right tricks, you can make every bottle of perfume go the distance.