Guide
Make it last.
Seven habits that help a fragrance hold through a long Indian summer day or a winter evening.
The short answer
Apply it well, store it well.
Put perfume on clean, moisturised skin at the pulse points, leave it alone instead of rubbing it in, and keep the bottle away from heat and sunlight. Longevity varies from person to person, but these habits help every fragrance perform at its best.
Seven habits
What actually helps.
- 01Apply after a shower, on clean skin. Fragrance clings better to skin that is warm and slightly moisturised.
- 02Use an unscented moisturiser first. Dry skin lets fragrance fade faster, especially in winter.
- 03Spray the pulse points: wrists, inner elbows, sides of the neck. Warmth there helps the scent unfold.
- 04Do not rub your wrists together. Rubbing breaks the top notes down faster; let it dry on its own.
- 05Add one light spray to your clothes from a distance, on fabric that will not stain, such as a scarf or the inside of a jacket.
- 06Match the scent to the day. Fresh, citrus-led compositions suit peak summer; amber, vanilla and woods suit cooler evenings.
- 07Store the bottle upright, away from direct sunlight, heat and the bathroom. Do not leave it in a parked car.
How much
Less than you think.
Two to four sprays is plenty for most people with an eau de parfum. Over-spraying does not make it last longer; it only makes it louder at the start. If you cannot smell your own fragrance after a while, that is normal. Your nose adapts, and others can usually still notice it.
If you know you react to aromatic materials, patch test on the inner arm before wearing a new scent.