How to Make Perfume Last Longer

Longevity starts before you spray

Fragrance clings to moisture and oil. Dry skin releases it in a couple of hours; conditioned skin holds it all day.

1. Apply within a minute of showering, while skin is still slightly damp.
2. Use an unscented moisturiser on the pulse points first.
3. Spray, never rub — friction shears the top notes off.
4. Target warm areas: neck, inner elbows, behind the ears.
5. Mist hair lightly from a distance; fibres hold scent beautifully.
6. Keep a travel decant for a single refresh late in the day.

Where not to spray

Avoid clothing you care about, especially silk. Avoid spraying into the air and walking through it — most of the perfume ends up on the floor.

The most common cause of poor longevity is not the perfume. It is dry skin.

Storage matters too

Heat, light and humidity break down naturals. A bathroom shelf is the worst place in the house for a flacon; see our perfume storage guide.

Match concentration to occasion

If you consistently need more hours, move up in concentration rather than spraying more. Our note on EDP versus extrait explains the trade-off.