Ashley Boyce, co-founder of Noteworthy Scents, tells Teen Vogue, “Layering is your best friend. You can extend the overall profile of a lighter fragrance by pairing it with a fragrance that has a bit more depth to ensure the notes don’t evaporate as quickly. For example, we recommend pairing our n,144 citrus perfume with n,818, which is a musk scent and can help ensure better longevity, and it’s the perfect pair.”
Make sure that you’re also opting for perfume that’s in good condition too. Boyce says, “Store your perfume in a cool, dark place to preserve its quality.” Similarly, make sure it’s sealed properly.
2. Prep the Skin for Perfume
“For longevity, there’s a lot of advice we can share,” Kattan says. “Number one, it’d be prepping your skin with a moisturizer, especially if you have dry skin naturally. If you have oily skin, you’re kind of okay, but it’s still better to prep.”
First and foremost, very dry skin can become irritated by perfumes. Plus, “fragrance clings better to hydrated skin, making it last longer,” Boyce says.
Board-certified dermatologist Omer Ibrahim, MD, FAAD of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology broke down the science for us. “Moisturized skin holds fragrance molecules better because oils and humectants create a surface that slows evaporation. Dry skin absorbs and dissipates scent more quickly, making it fade faster. Applying perfume over a lotion or oil (especially unscented) helps lock in the fragrance for longer wear.”
There’s plenty of options when it comes to priming with lotion. You can opt to layer fragrances by choosing a lotion with a complimentary scent. That adds more dimension and dynamic to your scent in addition to highlighting certain notes and creating a more unique scent.
Alternatively, you can use a plain lotion to highlight your perfume of choice or layer with just perfumes instead. You can use whatever you have in the house. Model and perfume aficionado Calum Harper previously told Teen Vogue that he opts for a vanity staple, Vaseline.
Or, choose a lotion specifically created for making perfume last longer. “We created a fragrance-free priming lotion designed to enhance longevity and intensity, acting as the perfect foundation for any scent. Infused with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, and shea butter, it hydrates while maintaining your skin’s moisture barrier, creating the ideal environment for your fragrance to flourish. Apply it before your scent to magnify its impact and ensure it lasts throughout the day,” Boyce says.
3. Where to Apply Perfume
Being strategic about where you put your perfume is also key to making it last longer. There are options but a great starting point is deferring to the age-old saying. “Focus on pulse points—wrists, neck, behind your ears, and inner elbows. These spots warm up and help project the scent,” Boyce shares.
Even when applying in those areas, being conscious about what spots you aim for can make perfume more noticeable. For example, Harper’s trick is to spray the back of his neck specifically so that people will smell the fragrance if he gives them a hug. EVNNE’s Hanbin uses a similar hack.
