Spritzing secrets from France. Read their expert tips and recommendations.
The Chemistry of Longevity
How long a perfume lasts on the skin depends on more than just your environment. It starts all the way back at the beginning with scent formulation.
Fragrance Concentration
One of the biggest determining factors in perfume longevity is fragrance concentration. You might notice that each of our scents lists a concentration percentage between 12% and 25%. This reflects the amount of pure perfume oil in the formulation. In general, the higher the concentration, the stronger the fragrance. This is why eau de parfum lasts longer than eau de toilette and body mist—it’s composed with a higher percentage of perfume oil.
Raw Materials
Another key factor in perfume longevity is the raw materials used to craft the scent. Light, fresh fragrances tend to evaporate more quickly, while deeper, warmer scents have more staying power thanks to their rich base notes. If you’re looking for a perfume that will last, reach for a warm, gourmand, or earthy scent (think: vanilla, amber, and woods). Even some floral scents have decent longevity. Fresh and citrus scents, on the other hand (think: bergamot, berries, and waterfruits), rely largely on top notes, which tend to be the first to fade.
Expert Tips to Make Your
Perfume Last Longer
Spritz More Than Once
Two to four spritzes will ensure you’ve applied enough perfume so it wafts to its fullest potential.
Reach for Warm Scents
As mentioned above, the warmer the fragrance, the longer it will last on the skin. Our experts recommend perfumes that lean on ambery, woody, and slightly gourmand base notes for the most staying power.
Keep Skin Hydrated
Using unscented lotion on the skin before applying perfume can help the fragrance to evaporate more slowly and remain on the surface of the skin longer.
Don’t Neglect Your Clothes
Since fabric doesn’t heat or sweat like skin, it can hold onto fragrance and make it linger. (Just be sure to test on a hidden part of the fabric and spray lightly, since some perfumes can cause staining.)
Reapply Fresh Fragrances
If you like fresh perfumes, re-applying throughout the day is the only true way to make your scent last.
What Not To Do
There are two perfume techniques that have been passed down for generations. Your grandma used them, her grandma used them, and you probably do, too. The first is spritzing perfume into the air, then walking through the mist for even scent distribution. The truth is, this method is more wasteful than helpful. Most of the fragrance ends up on the floor and surrounding furniture, resulting in a weaker scent and excessive spritzing. You should spray perfume directly onto the skin for best results.
The second myth is that you should rub your wrists together after applying perfume. Unfortunately, this friction can break down the top notes of your fragrance and disrupt the way the scent unfolds. Instead, you should spritz and let the perfume air dry to preserve the scent integrity.
Perfumes With Scent-sational Staying Power
POWDERY TOBACCO
Inspired by Tom Ford's
Tobacco Vanille
A strong, ambery base mingles with warm vanilla and highly-diffusive tobacco to create this bold, opulent fragrance.
Top: Tobacco | Middle: Honey
| Base: Tonka Bean
AMBERY CHERRY
Inspired by Tom Ford's
Lost Cherry
A lasting base of vanilla, Peru balsam, and tonka bean create a strong diffusion with cherry, almond, and spice notes.
Top: Cherry | Middle: Cloves
| Base: Peru Balsam
IT FACTOR
Dossier Originals: The Icons Collection
A blend of notes that’ll have anyone eating out of the palm of your hand.
Top: Ginger | Middle: Silky Musk
| Base: Sandalwood
SPICY ORCHID
Inspired by Tom Ford's
Black Orchid
An indelible vanilla and woody base meets potent orchid, ylang ylang, and spicy notes.
Top: Cinnamon | Middle: Ylang Ylang
| Base: Sandalwood
FLORAL MARSHMALLOW
Inspired by Mugler's
Loverdose Don't Be Shy
A warm, amber-vanilla base meets orange flowers to give this fragrance its divine staying power.
Top: Marshmallow | Middle: Orange Blossom
| Base: Amber
GOURMAND PATCHOULI
Inspired by Mugler's
Angel
A heady combination of long-lasting patchouli and ripe fruits evolves into deep, gourmand base notes.
Top: Mandarin | Middle: Patchouli
| Base: Caramel
AMBERY PEACH
Inspired by Tom Ford's
Bitter Peach
Rich, boozy-sweet gourmands give way to a patchouli and vanilla base for a deliciously-enduring scent.
Top: Peach | Middle: Jasmine
| Base: Patchouli
FRUITS OF LOVE
Dossier Originals: The Icons Collection
A warm, ambery-vanilla base creates a lasting foundation for the opening symphony of fruits and florals.
Top: Blackcurrant | Middle: Orange Flower
| Base: Amber
Whether you prefer to wear a warm scent that naturally lasts longer or reapply fresh, citrusy scents throughout the day, you have options when it comes to making your perfume last.
The most important thing is choosing a fragrance that makes you feel good as it lingers.
Which of these long-lasting scents do you fancy?
