A gorgeous perfume is the perfect finishing touch to any outfit and will leave a lasting impression wherever you go. So, naturally, it can feel disheartening when your favourite perfume fades too quickly. Fear not, as we delve into the science and art of making your perfume last longer. We’ll debunk the myths and explore ingredients that genuinely contribute to prolonged fragrance wear, as well as provide you with practical tips to make sure your signature scent lingers all day.
Does Vaseline make perfume last longer?
Have you ever caught wind of the rumour that slathering Vaseline on your pulse points before applying your favourite scent can work wonders for your fragrance's staying power? Well, this wives’ tale turns out to be exactly that: more fiction than a fragrance fairytale. That’s right, vaseline doesn't play hero when it comes to making your perfume last longer. Quite the opposite. Unfortunately, it contains properties that can hinder the absorption and diffusion of perfume on the skin. Instead of relying on misconception, let’s explore the great ingredients that will help your perfume last longer.
What ingredients make perfume last longer?
To extend the life of your fragrance, it’s essential to know which ingredients can truly make a difference.
Fragrance concentration
It might sound obvious, but choosing a perfume with a high fragrance concentration can undoubtedly make a difference. Opt for an Eau de Parfum for a higher percentage of perfume oil. Take Givenchy L’interdit for instance. The stunning combination of fruity and floral top notes, with woody base notes is the perfect long-lasting allure of an evening.
Fixatives
Finding a fragrance with fixatives is key. Fixatives help stabilise and slow down the evaporation of the fragrance. Common fixatives include musk, amber, and benzoin, so try to find a perfume with such ingredients to maximise longevity. A fragrance boasting an irresistible and lasting magnetism is the Britney Spears Midnight Fantasy Eau de Parfum. Containing fixatives like musk and amber, this perfume features an enchanting floral aroma and a signature scent that exudes absolute seduction.
Bold base notes
Perfumes that boast bold base notes are the secret to a scent that stands the test of time. Seek out fragrances infused with ingredients like sandalwood, vanilla, or patchouli for an enduring and captivating presence. Featuring notes of vanilla and patchouli, the iconic Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium is a fan favourite for a reason. The perfect companion for an evening that lasts all night long until the sun comes up.
Our top tips to make your perfume last longer:
1. APPLY PERFUME TO CLEAN AND DRY SKIN
It's a smart move to apply your perfume right after you've showered and dried off. The steam from the shower opens up your skin pores, enabling the fragrance to interact as intended. What better way to kickstart your day than with a relaxing shower followed by a refreshing spritz?
2. MOISTURISE FIRST
Nourished skin is like a clean canvas for your favourite perfume. Amp up your fragrance game by applying moisturiser to your skin before you spritz the day away. Top tip: make sure your moisturiser is unscented to fully reap the rewards of your perfume!
3. KNOW YOUR PERFUME POINTS
There’s a reason everyone sprays their neck and wrists — these are pulse points. They emit heat, intensifying the scent throughout the day. Don’t forget behind the ears too!
4. DON’T FORGET YOUR HAIR
It doesn’t stop at pulse points though… a little spray on the locks goes a long way. Spray your favourite perfume on your hair for the ultimate long-lasting effect.
5. DON’T RUB YOUR WRISTS
It’s time to debunk another myth. Rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume hinders, it doesn’t help! The friction breaks down fragrance molecules and diminishes staying power. Instead, air dry or gently tap into the pulse points.
6. MIST FROM A DISTANCE
Even fragrance distribution is a must if you want your perfume to last. Simply hold your perfume bottle a few inches away from your skin as you spray. This will provide a balanced application and prevent any one area from being overwhelmed with scent whilst avoiding leaving others high and dry.
7. LESS IS MORE
Surprisingly, piling on the application has the opposite effect, it’s likely to fade faster than if a small amount of product is spritzed onto the skin.
8. DON’T SHAKE YOUR FRAGRANCE BOTTLE
Don’t shake before you spray! This is an important one. Shaking the perfume bottle introduces air and potentially messes with the fragrance’s composition so avoid at all costs…
9. KEEP YOUR PERFUME IN ITS ORIGINAL BOTTLE
It’s great to transfer perfume into smaller bottles, especially for travelling or when you’re on the go, this can lead to faster degradation as it’s exposed to air and light. If possible, keep the perfume in its original bottle for optimum longevity.
10. STORE YOUR PERFUME IN A COOL, DARK PLACE
Just like with food, heat and light can alter the composition of your perfume. Store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to maintain its integrity.
Find your signature scent
Discover your signature scent with Fragrance Direct by exploring all fragrances today. For more inspiration and top perfume tips and tricks, head to the fragrance inspiration blog.
