- Two expert perfumers share how to make your scent last from morning to midnight.
- From hydrated skin to smart layering, these tricks keep your perfume from fading fast.
- Apply on pulse points, spritz fabrics, and carry a top-off for all-day fragrance power.
Being told you smell good ranks among the top-tier compliments. Sure, having wit and comedic genius must be great (I wouldn't know), but being the reason someone inhales a little deeper when you walk by? Yeah, that's power.
On the other end of the scent spectrum, however, come short-lived spritzes; I'm talking ones that, despite practically drenching your skin, Irish exit before your morning meeting. But fear not: fleeting fragrances are a thing of the past because we've mastered the art of how to make your perfume last all day (and night) with the expertise of two leading perfumers. Ahead, the six tips to know to make your perfume last for hours and hours.
Choose the right formula
The first rule of perfume club? Knowing your formulas. Because, as the variety that goes with fashion (I'm talking skinny jeans, flares, wide leg, etc., etc.), not all perfumes are created equal. "Formulation has a huge amount to do with how long a perfume will stay on the skin," says Emmanuelle Moeglin, founder and perfumer at Experimental Perfume Club. "Top notes, like citrus and fresh scents, are the most volatile, while base notes, such as woods and musks, are more stable and last longest."
That's why an eau de parfum (EDP) tends to linger longer than an eau de toilette (EDT). "It all comes down to concentration," Emmanuelle explains. "Parfum is the most concentrated, eau de parfum balances presence and freshness, and eau de toilette feels lighter and fades faster."
So, if you like your perfume to smell as strong well into the evening hours, an EDP is the one for you. But if you prefer your fragrance to smell light and subtle (and you're okay with it wearing off after a few hours), go for an EDT.
Know your application spots
Next comes application, to which your pulse points are the MVPs. "Apply on warm areas like wrists, neck, behind the ears, or inside the elbows," says Emmanuelle. "These radiate heat, helping the fragrance diffuse throughout the day."
Pia Long, head perfumer at Olfiction, agrees, adding some underrated spots. "The back of the neck is great, especially if you have long hair. Behind the knees or on the hem of a dress can also work beautifully, as movement helps release scent."
And whatever you do, resist the urge to rub your wrists together. "When you rub, you create heat that breaks the top notes and changes how the scent develops," says Emmanuelle. Pia's take? "It won't ruin the fragrance, but you'll not experience the opening sequence quite as it was designed."
Prep your skin properly
Did you know that fragrance clings to hydrated skin far better than dry skin? Well, "perfume lasts longer when skin is moisturized," Emmanuelle says. "Unscented, oil-based creams like jojoba or almond oil make great bases." And Pia agrees, saying it's a low-effort, high-payoff trick. "Some people even use a dab of petroleum jelly as a DIY fixative."
Layer up
If your favorite fragrance comes with a matching body wash or lotion, it's not just a marketing ploy—it's a strategy. "Layering within the same scent family reinforces and extends the perfume’s presence," Emmanuelle says.
Pia adds that it used to be a staple of scent routines. "In the 80s and 90s, layering was huge, and I wish it would make a comeback. It gives a fuller experience and means you need less perfume overall."
That said, if your favourite fragrance doesn't come with a matching body lotion, look at its key notes and find a cream with a similar scent profile to layer with.
Think about your clothes and hair
Don't sleep on your clothes and hair when it comes to perfume longevity because they both can carry scent beautifully. Contrary to the popular belief that perfume is only to be spritzed on the skin, Emmanuelle recommends doubling up on fabric and hair, too. "Perfume tends to last longer on fabric because it holds scent molecules better, while hair diffuses perfume as you move." Tip: Avoid using alcohol-heavy sprays on hair, as they can be drying.
But first, a word of warning. Pia cautions to always test fabric first: "Some perfumes can stain, so spray a hidden area first. Otherwise, fabric is one of the smartest ways to boost longevity."
Carry a top-off
As the adage goes: All good things must come to an end, and perfume is no exception. In other words, it fades. That's part of its magic.
As with other beauty products, the bottom line when it comes to longevity is reapplication. "Reapply after four to six hours to keep it fresh," says Emmanuelle. Pia agrees and recommends carrying a top-off scent with you. "It's easier to carry a small travel spray for touch-ups than chase the perfect 'forever' perfume. Choose one that makes you feel confident or calm—the best scent is the one that moves you."
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from viral celebrity hair and makeup news to the latest trend predictions, she’s an expert in recognising the season’s next big beauty look (before it ends up all over your social media feeds). You’ll usually find her putting TikTok’s recent beauty hacks to the Hype Test, challenging the gender-makeup binary and social stereotypes, or fangirling over the time Kourtney Kardashian viewed her Instagram Story (yes, it’s true). Find her also on LinkedIn.
