TL:DR: How To Make Perfume Last Longer
- Start with clean, dry skin
- Moisturize with unscented lotion on pulse points
- Spray pulse points (don’t rub)
- Hold the bottle ~5-7 inches away
- Layer with matching mist/oil
- Light spritz on clothes (fabric-safe)
- Store in a cool, dark, dry place
- Reapply lightly as needed (body mist optional)
There’s nothing worse than putting on your favorite fragrance just for it to disappear by the time you get to dinner. That’s why at Snif, we develop each scent to last as long as possible. But what else can you do to make your favorite perfume last all day or night? We’ve got the tea on how to get the most from your scent!
Before we dive in, we want to clear the air on the word “perfume.” At Snif, we believe that fragrance is for all. That's why we don't use words like perfume or cologne to actively describe our scents. However, we recognize it is our role to help educate and translate the fragrance world, and so we'll occasionally reference these words in our blog posts!
snif’s tips to make your scent stay
Here are our seven tips on the dos and don'ts of a long-lasting scent so that you aren’t wasting any fragrance on unnecessary sprays.
prep that boosts longevity
Before you even remove the cap on your fragrance bottle, there are a few things you can do to prepare your skin to boost the longevity of your scent.
Always make sure you’re applying your perfume to clean, dry skin. Taking a few seconds to dab away any water droplets or perspiration before you apply your scent is an easy way to make sure it lasts as long as possible.
You can also prepare your skin by putting moisturizer or a tiny dab of petroleum jelly on your pulse points (more on these in the next section). This gives the fragrance molecules something to grab onto and stick to.
Moisturizer acts as an occlusive barrier on top of the skin, which means it helps seal in the moisture and prevent water loss, creating the ideal canvas for a fragrance. If you use this tip, just make sure you go for an unscented moisturizer that won’t compete with the smell of your fragrance or a scented moisturizer that will pair well with it.
Make sure to try out your moisturizer and scent duo before you debut it for the first time. Given that your unique skin chemistry slightly alters the scent of fragrances, you want to make sure that the combo smells as good on your skin as you imagine it will based on how the products smell in the bottle.
where and how to apply
Pulse points are the best place to spray your sandalwood, patchouli, musk, or any other iconic scent. So, what are pulse points?
Pulse points are areas of your body where your arteries are closest to the skin, where you can feel your heartbeat. These are spots like your wrists, on the neck in between your collar bones, behind the ears, on your elbows, and on the back of your knees.
These areas not only amplify your fragrances but are also widely known as the best spots to apply your signature scent for maximum staying power and a long lifespan. To make sure you get the longest wear possible out of your fragrances, spritz on two to five sprays, depending on how concentrated the scent is what the occasion is.
You’ll need less highly concentrated scents because they pack a stronger punch. In terms of setting, if you’re going to be in cramped or poorly-ventilated spaces, do a light application. For outdoor or more spacious venues, spritz on a little bit more to make sure your scent doesn’t get lost in the mix. As soon as you spray on your fragrance, give it a few minutes to dry naturally on your skin (that’s right, no rubbing needed!).
application mistakes to avoid
Just like how there are a few basic style mistakes to avoid (think mixing leopard and cheetah print), there are a few common mistakes that people make when applying fragrance that can be easily avoided.
First things first, don’t rub your wrists together right after applying your fragrance. Although it’s tempting, doing this breaks down the fragrance molecules and reduces their longevity.
Another area where mistakes are often made when it comes to fragrance application is the ideal distance from which to spray. Try to hold the bottle five to seven inches away from you as you apply your scent. If you hold it too close, you risk having areas of your skin where the fragrance is too concentrated and others where there’s none at all.
Even though it seems like the most glamorous way to apply perfume, don’t do the classic move of spraying a big cloud of fragrance, then walking through it. As dramatic as this application method may be, you end up wasting a lot of fragrance, and the scent itself doesn’t make it to your pulse points.
You also want to avoid overspraying your fragrance in enclosed spaces as you apply it. If you spray too much in your bathroom, you risk overwhelming the space with the scent.
Last but not least, carefully consider mixing scents. Although we’re all about experimentation, you can have too much of a good thing when it comes to blending fragrances. Try to keep the combination to two or three fragrances maximum to make sure you don’t lose the nuance and complexity of each scent.
don’t spray fragrances directly on your hair
Speaking of myths, we also don’t recommend spraying most perfumes or fragrances directly onto your hair. Like rubbing scents on your wrists, this is a common fragrance habit that doesn’t really do you any favors. The natural oils in your hair may help it retain fragrances, but spritzing scents directly onto your locks can make them lose their hydration.
Instead, experts recommend putting your scent on your hairbrush and combing it through your hair for a light scent that doesn’t saturate your strands quite as much (and prevents some alcohol damage in the process). We suggest a Snif body mist, made with ingredients that are safe to use on your skin and hair.
be mindful of spraying your clothes
For most people, spraying their clothes with perfume is an instinctual part of the application process. Although this is a great trick to make your fragrances last longer, it’s important to consider the fabric before you do it.
Natural fabrics like cotton and wool blends hold onto fragrance the best. That said, when the weather cools down and you start to pull out your favorite, chunky wool sweaters and scarves, spray away.
There are certain fabrics that you need to be much more careful with, though. Leather and delicate fabrics like silk can be damaged by scents. Before you spritz down your silk dress or go-to leather jacket, do a fabric patch test.
Spray a small amount of your fragrance on a small patch of fabric on the inside of the garment. If nothing happens, then it’s safe to spritz, but if the scent leaves a stain on the fabric, only spray it on your skin. Keep in mind that scents with higher fragrance oil concentrations tend to be the most likely to stain fabric.
know your fragrance (and mist) concentrations
|
Category |
Typical Concentration % |
Wear Time |
Pros |
Watch-outs |
|
Eau de Parfum |
~15-20%+ |
~6-12 hours |
Intense, long-lasting, strong sillage |
Over-application can lead to an overwhelming scent |
|
Eau de Toilette |
~5-15% |
~3-6 hours |
Casual, subtle |
Won’t last all day, so make sure to reapply |
|
Body Mists |
Concentration varies |
~2-3 hours |
Lighter fragrances, affordable |
Under application can make the scent fade faster |
All fragrances — including perfume, body mist, and cologne — are made with different amounts of fragrance oils that determine how strong their scents are.
Perfumes with high concentration levels (typically above 15%) are categorized as eau de parfums. An EDP offers more intensity, longevity, and sillage.
Eau de toilettes are lighter, more casual scents with lower fragrance concentrations, often between five and 15%.Their aromas can last between three and six hours, while EDPs can last six to 12.
When it comes to body mists, these options are formulated to be lighter, which means they don’t have the same staying power. However, you can usually still expect the scent of your mist to linger for around two to three hours.
consider the climate
When it comes to fragrance longevity, climate plays a role. If you’re in a hot and humid place, chances are your signature scent won’t last as long as it usually does. This happens because people sweat more in the heat, which causes fragrances to diminish and evaporate. On the other hand, fragrances tend to be longer-lasting in cool, dry climates.
If you do live in a warm place that has high humidity levels, there’s a few things you can do to make sure you’re still getting the most out of your fragrances. Try applying a lighter layer of your fragrance initially and incorporating more reapplications throughout the day. You can also go for scents with denser base notes in the amber or woods families. These scents tend to stick around longer and are perfect for evening events.
on the go tips
When you’re reapplying your fragrance on the go, we have a few tips to keep in mind to make sure you smell divine all day long.
If you need to do a quick reapplication on the train or between meetings and you don’t have time to moisturize your skin again, dab on a little bit of lip balm on your pulse points before you spray your fragrance. This is a quick and easy way to make sure your scent has something to cling onto.
Dab away any sweat before you apply the balm to help your fragrance stick around as long as possible.
A good rule of thumb to keep in mind as a re-spritz strategy is that eau de parfum needs to be reapplied every six to eight hours whereas eau de toilette needs to be reapplied every three to four hours. That said, if you know you’ll be on the go and don’t want to bother with reapplying your scent, go for an EDP because it will last all day long.
Everyone knows that feeling of when you can still smell your perfume, you’re not quite ready to reapply, but you need a little refresh. For moments like those, it’s a good idea to carry a lightweight body mist in your bag that pairs nicely with your fragrance.
A little spritz of body mist can go a long way when you need a moment to reset and do some mid-day self-care.
how should you store your fragrance?
Regardless of your signature scent profile, you need to store it correctly to get the most bang for your buck out of every bottle. Ideally, you should store your fragrances in a dry, cool, and dark place.
A lot of people instinctively want to keep their fragrances in the bathroom along with other beauty and skincare essentials. We totally get that reasoning, but resist the urge to do so! The humidity in bathrooms can break down the essential oils in fragrances.
Also, keep your scent bottles capped and closed when you’re not using them. Oxygen in the air can cause your fragrances to oxidize, which makes the smell less strong over time. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to keep your fragrances closed until you’re ready for a spritz.
what are some tips to make your scent last on the go?
For a long lasting fragrance on the go, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to keep your fragrance going all day long. If you know you’re going to be out of the house all day, try swiping a little bit of unscented lip balm on your pulse points. This will give the fragrance a waxy surface to cling on to and will help fuse it to your skin.
Don’t forget to spray a small spritz of fragrance on your clothes throughout the day to stay smelling fresh. This will help ensure that you smell amazing from head to toe.
long-lasting scents with clean ingredients
At Snif, we pride ourselves on creating clean, genderless, high-quality fragrances.
We refuse to compromise with the norms of the fragrance industry and use only the best ingredients in every formula we create. We don’t want you breaking the bank either, so all of our scents are accessibly priced. (A quality fragrance shouldn’t cost the same as a 7-day trip to Ibiza.)
While you’re taking that relaxing bath we mentioned earlier, start browsing our collection for a new scent you will love.
Whether you’re hitting the pool by day or tearing up the dance floor at night, Snif’s fine fragrance is crafted to keep up with you and your lifestyle.
Sources:
5 Self-Care Practices for Every Area of Your Life | VeryWell Mind
Why do we get used to smells? | BBC Science Focus Magazine
Fragrance Sensitivity: When Scents Cause Symptoms | Everyday Health
FAQs
Does Vaseline make perfume last longer?
Yes, applying a thin layer of Vaseline to the spots where you spray your perfume can make it last longer. Vaseline moisturizes your skin, helping to create a barrier that traps the fragrance molecules by giving them something sticky to cling to. This slows down the evaporation process which elongates the fragrance’s lasting-power.
Where should I spray perfume to make it last?
If you want your perfume to last as long as possible, make sure to apply it to warm pulse points (after applying a layer of moisturizer or Vaseline).
Some of the most common pulse points include your wrists, neck, inner elbows, and behind your knees. You can also add a spritz to your clothes if they’re made from natural fabrics to enhance the smell of the fragrance.
Should I spray perfume in my hair?
No, as tempting as it may be, you shouldn’t spray perfume in your hair. Scents are made from a combination of fragrance oil and alcohol. The alcohol may strip your hair and dry it out, which can lead to split ends, breakage, and a brittle texture.
The combination of alcohol and other chemicals can also irritate and dry out your scalp. If you want your hair to smell as delicious as your skin does when you wear your signature scent, look for a product specifically formulated for hair.
What lasts longer: EDP, EDT, or oils?
Although the lasting power of an eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and oil depends on the specific formula, EDP tends to outlast EDT because it contains a higher concentration of fragrance oil.
Oils are very long-lasting because they have the highest percentage of fragrance oil out of the three. The concentration of aromatic compounds in oils tends to be higher than 30% which is why they can last for up to 24 hours.
How far should I spray?
When it comes to spraying your fragrance, distance matters because it determines how well dispersed your fragrance is and the strength of the smell. Ideally, you want to spray your fragrance from about 5-7 inches away for even diffusion.
Does perfume last longer on skin or clothes?
Your perfume will last much longer on your clothes than on your skin. Natural fibers (like wool and cotton) can absorb and trap fragrance molecules, which allows the smell to linger for a long time. Synthetic fabrics may alter the smell of your fragrance, and they may not be as good as retaining it as natural fabrics.
Skin, on the other hand, doesn't absorb fragrance as well as fabric because there are natural oils on your skin that start to break down fragrance as soon as you spray it. However, the way fragrance interacts with your specific body chemistry will give every scent a distinct smell on you, a process that doesn’t occur with fabric.
How many sprays is ideal?
The number of times you should ideally spray a fragrance depends on the concentration of the fragrance oils in the scent.
Highly concentrated scents need fewer sprays because they have a stronger scent. It’s also important to consider where you’re wearing your fragrance. If you’re going to work and will be in an enclosed space, then you don’t need to do a heavy-handed application of your fragrance.
On the other hand, if you’re going to an outdoor concert, you may want to spritz on a bit more of your signature scent.