Everybody’s appeal to perfume is different. Some are attracted by the packaging, the brand, or the celebrity. Whereas others are more traditional in being enamored by the scent alone. Initially, I was guilty of only being concerned with the scent, what feelings a fragrance evoked, or the impression that it conveyed. However, with time, with the knowledge I learned about perfume notes, fragrance families, and the fragrance wheel alike. I now look at the DNA quality of a fragrance’s scent profile for lack of a better term. The impression a perfume gives is important, and is the reason why many of us have a passion for perfumery, but what about a fragrance’s ability to last once applied.
This is an element of perfume wear that became important to me amongst others. I was no longer looking for a fragrance with a ‘quick hit’ of goodness for 20-30 minutes before fading away. So I did what many of us do, and what brought the majority of you to this article. I researched and continue to study ways to make my perfumes last longer.
There are two ways you can approach increasing the duration of a fragrance. Primarily, you can look at the DNA of a perfume. Its perfume oil concentration distinguishes an Eau de Toilette from an Eau de Parfum. Alternatively, you can look at base preparation. Steps you can do independent of the ‘genetic makeup’ of a fragrance. I believe to guarantee long wear after perfume application, you need to pay attention to both the DNA of a fragrance, as well as the external efforts that can be made to amplify the fragrance.
In this article, we will look at 3 simple and easy steps that can amplify the current ‘genetic makeup’ of your fragrances. Steps that are guaranteed to increase perfume longevity for hours!
Base Preparation for Longer Wear
Base preparation is crucial in ensuring that your fragrance lasts longer. A good base preparation mirrors what a primer is for a makeup routine. However, good base preparation doesn’t just start with a good moisturiser, the preparation begins in the shower.
Exfoliating
Exfoliating needs to be your best friend. Not only does exfoliating remove dead skin and dirt, but it also improves the efficacy of your moisturiser. Hence, establishing an exfoliation routine and finding a good moisturiser work hand in hand. Using a good cleanser is good but as good as they are, physical exfoliants like a dry brush help even more when used together. Another example of physical exfoliants is exfoliating gloves, my preferred method. The build-up of layers of dead skin can make moisturisers less likely to be absorbed by your skin. Exfoliating 2-3 times a week is enough, and a safe way to test the durability of your skin. How frequently you exfoliate depends on the strength of the exfoliant and skin sensitivity. For people with sensitive skin like myself, starting with gentle body scrubs and introducing abrasive scrubs slowly is beneficial. Over exfoliating can cause the skin to be damaged, and vulnerable, and eventually lead to acne breakout. Maintaining a consistent exfoliation schedule will help not only help your skin to become accustom, but keep your skin silky smooth, and prepped for long-lasting perfume application.
Click here to read the top 5 benefits of exfoliating!
Moisturising
After a fresh shower, previously I would make the mistake that many make and dry my body fully from head to toe before applying any product to my skin. To achieve perfume longevity, locking in moisture is essential. Damp skin is more absorbent than dry skin. Therefore, applying body lotion on damp skin straight after getting out of the shower, amplifies the ability of the moisturiser to penetrate deeper into the skin. It also leaves your skin feeling smoother and hydrated. Having been someone who has always suffered from dry and eczema-prone skin, making this change to my routine really helped. Instead of thoroughly drying my whole body, I would fully dry areas like behind my ears, armpits, nether regions, and my feet. Whereas I would simply pat dry the rest of my body.
It’s All in the Order
When discussing ways to improve perfume longevity, I was always told to apply your body lotion first and then follow it up with your fragrance. However, in recent months I have been trialing applying my fragrance on my damp body straight out the shower, and then following with non-scented body lotion to lock in the scent. One body lotion that keeps me moisturised all day long, and has my skin feeling silky smooth is CeraVe’s Moisturising Cream in the tub form specifically. I found the CeraVe Moisturising Lotion in the bottle to be a more diluted formula in comparison. Using non-scented body lotions on top of fragrances helps seal in the scent, whilst not adding another scent layer that can alter the overall scent profile of the fragrance. Non-scented moisturisers are perfect for prolonging the longevity of your perfumes. They also allow the fragrance to take center stage, without competing with other scents. Other products, such as Vaseline, which even though does help in sealing fragrance, can also cause people to pick up on the smell of petroleum jelly and the fragrance. Which at the end of the day is a personal preference on whether that bothers you or not.
Layering is Your Best Friend for Longer Wear
Perfume layering has become a popular topic amongst perfume lovers like you and myself. Layering not only makes scents last longer but also intensifies them too. The concept of layering not only applies to perfumes but extends further to shower gels and body lotions. Layering also allows you to curate a unique scent that is ‘your own’; layering plays a role in solidifying a signature scent for yourself that only you can replicate. Think of this as an extension of your base preparation. This method can also be used when applying fragrance oils.
Click here to learn more about how to layer your fragrances!
Placement is Key for Longer Wear
All the tips already mentioned should give your body mists and Eau de Toilettes an extra boost in increasing longevity. However, one thing that remains is these products are less concentrated than fragrance oils. This is where ‘dousing’ your body in your fragrance becomes one of the best and simplest tips I have come across. Dousing your product does not mean the mistake many make of spraying their fragrance in the air and walking through it. With this method, you are wasting product, and more importantly not reaping the benefit of directly spraying perfume on your pulse points.
Popular Pulse Points:
- Behind the Ears
- Behind the Knees
- Inner Elbows
- Chest
- Wrists
Pulse points are areas on your body where heat is either trapped or naturally produces heat. The heating up of perfume enables the scent to radiate easily. Hence, aiding in the projection of the fragrance. When applying perfume, never rub. This only disperses the fragrance particles, whereas patting allows for the natural drying and absorption of particles.
Fabric is your Best Friend
Spraying perfume directly onto your clothes was one of the best tips for longevity and projection. Fragrance particles tend to last longer on fabrics with higher surface areas such as cotton and linen. They allow scent particles to constantly be released, explaining why I would still smell my perfume on my clothes days later.
All the preparation is well and good, but at the end of the day, your scents cling more to fabric than your skin.
Click here to learn about the best places to spray perfume on your body!
Click here to learn how I find ways to apply perfume and make it last with sensitive skin!
