Perfume can be expensive. Sigh. The luxurious scents we love can make a huge difference to everyday mood and self-confidence, but fueling the passion can feel like a chore when replacing each bottle means such a big knock to your bank balance.
Whether you wear your signature scent each day or you're trying to make that special occasion bottle last longer, there are plenty of ways to make your perfume last longer from the moment you apply it to your skin. Make the most of your favourite scent with our tips and tricks for longer-lasting perfume and find some more exciting ways to spend the money you save each month!
Making perfume last longer
Here are our ten expert tips for making the most of your favourite perfume:
- Understand perfume types
- Choose a stronger scent
- Store it well
- Keep your skin hydrated
- Moisturise before application
- Apply to damp skin
- Spray it in the right places
- Don't rub!
- Apply scent to your clothes
- Use every drop!
Understand perfume types
Knowing a little about the different types of perfume can help you make the best decisions at the start of your journey. Choosing a perfume with a long-lasting formula will mean more time between replacements, so you can save money and get the most out of your favourite scent.
From eau de toilette to parfum, from cologne to body spray, there are lots of different perfume types available, which means choosing the best formula can be difficult. What's the difference? Eau de toilette, cologne, and body sprays have a lower concentration of fragrance oils, which means a more subtle scent that wears away quickly.
If you're looking for a formula that promises to last, choose an eau de parfum, which will be more highly concentrated and will last longer on your skin. A lot of the time, just one or two sprays will be enough to last all day! Eau de parfum can be a little more expensive, but when you consider how long it will last you might find the option is much better value for money than a lower-cost alternative.
Choose a stronger scent
Choosing a stronger scent is another sure-fire way to enjoy the effects of your perfume for longer. Powerful fragrances, like musks, tend to make more of an impact and last longer than a fresher alternative. If you can't decide between a rich scent and a lighter option, consider how long it might last when you're making your decision.
Store it well
The way you store your perfume can make a big difference when it comes to its quality over time. Our favourite fragrances can't last forever, but there are a few ways you can maximise your perfume's life.
Keep your perfume away from direct sunlight. Heat and light from sun and daylight can cause the fragrance oils to break down sooner than they might otherwise. You should also be careful not to store your perfume anywhere that gets warm, like above a radiator or in a steamy bathroom. High temperatures can affect the top notes of your scent and even turn them sour!
The best place to store your perfume is in its original box, or at least on a dressing table away from extreme high and low temperatures.
Keep your skin hydrated
Before you apply perfume to your skin, make sure you're well hydrated. Keeping your skin hydrated is a major bonus for just about every element of beauty, from hair and nails to skin and even eye brightness. What you might not have known, however, is that having hydrated skin can help your perfume last longer!
If your skin is dehydrated, it will drink up any liquid that's applied in an attempt to rehydrate itself. Keep yourself healthy and hydrated, and you'll find your perfume sits better and lasts for longer.
Moisturise before application
Moisturise your pulse-points before applying perfume for a longer-lasting and more intense fragrance effect. Use a non-scented moisturising lotion on your wrists and neck to create a barrier for your perfume to sit on.
Tip: use a body lotion that matches your perfume for even longer-lasting results.
Apply to damp skin
Surprising, but a great tip! Spray on your perfume just after you get out of the shower to reap the benefits of your favourite scent. Make sure you dry off a little, so you aren't applying perfume onto dripping wet skin, but keep your wrists and neck a little damp to help lock in the fragrance oils for longer-lasting results.
If you're applying your perfume to shower-fresh skin, be sure to let it dry for a few minutes before you get dressed.
Spray it in the right places
Where you spray your perfume can make a pretty big difference when it comes to its effect and how long it will last. Aim for parts of your body which are naturally warmer, like your wrists and neck, for the best results.
Don't rub!
So many perfume wearers apply a spritz onto each wrist and then rub them together, without realising that the friction created causes fragrance oils to fade faster. Rubbing perfume also impacts the natural development of the scent and can make it smell different. Instead, apply a spray and let the liquid dry naturally on top of your skin.
Apply scent to your clothes
There are lots of places you might like to spray your favourite perfume for longer-lasting results. Try a little on your clothes to intensify the scent and make it last longer than the one day between showers.
Tip: never spray perfume directly onto your clothes, as some formulas can stain.
Use every drop!
To make the most of every drop, open up your nearly empty perfume bottle and pour what's remaining into a scent-free body lotion. Rub on a little lotion into your regular perfume spots to get more from your favourite product.
Use these simple tips and tricks to get the most out of your perfume and enjoy the sweet smell all day long. For more beauty and wellness advice, keep exploring the Fragrance Direct blog!
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