Ever wonder why your favorite fragrance seems to fade away so quickly? We've been there before, and we have some tips and tricks to help you make your fragrance last longer. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to wearing fragrance, we've picked up a few secrets along the way that can help you enjoy your scent all day long. In this guide, we'll share seven practical tips to ensure your favorite perfume stays with you from morning till...morning!

1. Moisturize Your Skin

One of the essential steps in making your fragrance last longer is to prepare your skin properly. Before applying your perfume, make sure to moisturize your skin. Dry skin tends to absorb fragrance faster, leading to a shorter lifespan. By moisturizing, you create a barrier that helps the scent linger for a longer time. Opt for an unscented lotion or body oil to avoid conflicting aromas with your perfume unless you're a layering kween.

For even better results, try applying the moisturizer immediately after showering or bathing, while your skin is still slightly damp. This will lock in moisture and prevent your skin from soaking up too much of the fragrance.

2. Apply to Pulse Points

When applying your perfume there is no one right way, but if you're into optimization, try applying to your pulse points. These areas, like your wrists, neck, and behind the ears generate heat, which helps to activate the scent. Dab or spray your fragrance on these points, and the warmth of your body will release the scent throughout the day.

Additionally, you can also apply the fragrance to other warm areas of your body, such as the inside of your elbows and behind your knees. If you're a chronic hand washer, try rolling or spraying on the top of your wrist or a little higher up on your arm so it doesn't constantly get washed. These spots may not be as commonly mentioned, but they can contribute significantly to the longevity of your perfume and help you get that "scent bubble"!

3. Layer Your Fragrances

For a longer-lasting fragrance experience, consider layering your scents. Start with a scented body wash or lotion that complements your perfume. This layering technique builds a foundation for your fragrance, making it more likely to stick around. 

If you want to layer but don't know where to start, we'll cover some layering basics in another post, but here are a few quick ideas.

For example, if your signature fragrance has floral or citrus notes, use a body wash or lotion with similar undertones to enhance, or woody undertones to create a more robust scent experience. This can enhance and prolong the overall scent experience. Just know that layering takes some trial and error!

4. Store Properly

How you store your fragrance can also affect its longevity. Many of us may be tempted to display our beautiful perfume bottles on our dressers or in the bathroom for easy access, but doing so can compromise the quality of the fragrance.

If you can, keep your perfume away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, as they can break down the delicate scent molecules. Store your fragrance in a cool, dark place, such as a drawer or cabinet, to preserve its freshness for a longer time. Avoid exposing it to rapid temperature changes, such as placing it near a heater or air conditioner vent.

5. Use a Fragrance with High-Quality Oils & a Higher Concentration

The quality and concentration of oils in a fragrance play a significant role in its longevity. Perfumes with higher oil concentrations tend to last longer than eau de toilettes or body sprays, which have a lower oil content. Therefore, consider investing in a higher quality perfume with a higher concentration, such as parfum or eau de parfum.

Parfum, also known as perfume extract, typically contains the highest concentration of fragrance oils (around 20-30%) and can last for up to 8-10 hours or more. Eau de parfum has a slightly lower concentration (around 15-20%) but still offers good longevity, lasting up to 6-8 hours. Each of Ourside's unisex scents are Eau de Parfums. Eau de toilette and body sprays have even lower concentrations (between 5-12%), making them ideal for a quick refresh but not as long-lasting. At Ourside we also invest heavily in quality perfume oils because they help to increase the longevity of the fragrance even if we forgo some traditional fillers due to their links with endocrine disruption.

6. Apply Fragrance to Clothing and Hair (with Caution)

While applying fragrance to your skin truly brings out the scent in a unique way, you can also lightly spritz or dab your perfume on your clothing and hair for an extended scent experience. We like to spray or use our rollerballs right at the back of our neck for that extra boost that someone can sniff when they hug you. Be careful to check the fabrics and perfumes if you're going to try spraying your clothing since some fragrances may leave stains on certain fabrics.

Before applying the fragrance to your clothing, do a patch test on a discreet area to ensure it won't cause discoloration or damage. Opt for areas that are less visible in case of any potential staining.

7. Reapply Strategically (if needed)

While these tips can significantly extend the life of your fragrance, it's important to acknowledge that no perfume can last forever, and there's nothing wrong with freshening up! Body chemistry, weather conditions, and daily activities can all affect how long a fragrance remains noticeable on your skin, so we recommend packing a rollerball or travel size in your everyday bag so you can freshen up on the go. Just remember that after a while, our olfactory senses become accustomed to the fragrance, making it less noticeable to us even though others may still perceive it.

TL;DR

Remember, everyone's body chemistry and lifestyle is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. Experiment with these tips and find the combination that works best for you. By following these simple yet effective tricks, you can enjoy your favorite perfume for longer throughout the day. Properly moisturizing your skin, focusing on pulse points, layering scents, storing your perfume correctly, and using high-quality fragrances will ensure that your signature scent lingers like that ex you can't seem to get rid of. So, go ahead and make the most of your perfume collection with these tips, and indulge in the delightful experience of a long-lasting fragrance that defines your style and personality.