5 things you can do to make any perfume last longer

Let’s be real: we all love that moment when we spray on a perfume, and it feels like we’ve just stepped into a cloud of luxury. But fast forward a couple of hours, and suddenly that fragrance you were raving about has gone AWOL. Don’t worry—this isn’t one of those "your nose just got used to it" situations (well, sometimes it is, but let’s not go down that road). In this blog, I’m sharing my five tried-and-tested methods on how to make perfume last longer, so you can keep smelling amazing all day long.

1. Moisturize – The OG method

Before you even think about reaching for that perfume bottle, you’ve got to start with a good base. Moisturizing is the OG of fragrance hacks. Why? Well, dry skin is like a sponge—it soaks up your perfume, and poof, it’s gone. But when your skin is hydrated, it holds onto scent much better.

Pro tip: If you want to take it up a notch, use an unscented lotion or one that matches your perfume. This way, your fragrance won’t have to compete with your skincare products. Seriously, your perfume will thank you. It’s like giving it a nice, comfy surface to lounge on all day.

2. The Sephora insider hack: spray from a distance

Okay, now this little gem was shared with me by a very knowledgeable perfume rep at Sephora, so shoutout to them. It’s a simple but surprisingly effective trick: when you spray your perfume, do it from a bit farther away—think at least 6-8 inches from your skin. Why? Because when you mist from a distance, the fragrance lands on a larger surface area, both on your skin and your clothes.

Instead of hitting just one spot, you’re covering more ground, and the scent will last longer because it’s distributed more evenly. This way, it’s not just your wrist getting all the love, and you’ll leave a subtle trail wherever you go. Just remember not to overdo it, unless you're trying to relive the days of Axe body spray… we’ve all been there. Where you spray your perfume plays a big role in how long it lasts. You want to hit those pulse points—wrists, behind your ears, the back of your neck, and even your inner elbows. These areas generate heat, which helps to diffuse the fragrance and make it last longer.

3. A little spritz in your hair (But be careful!)

This one’s a bit of a cheat code, but it's got a catch. Spritzing perfume on your hair is a great way to make your scent last longer because hair holds onto fragrance better than skin. A couple of spritzes, and every time you flip your hair, you’ll send waves of fragrance into the air like you’re in a movie.

However, and here’s the "but"—perfume contains alcohol, and alcohol isn’t exactly your hair’s best friend. It can be drying if you overdo it. So, keep it light. Alternatively, you could spray it onto your brush and then run it through your hair, spreading the scent more gently. And if you’re super protective of your hair (I get it), there are actually hair perfumes designed just for this purpose. Problem solved!

4. Increase your sprays – A little controversial but hear me out

This next tip might stir the pot a bit, especially if you’ve spent any time in the depths of Reddit perfume threads. Some say increasing the number of sprays is a rookie move, while others swear by it. I fall somewhere in the middle, and here’s why: if you’re wearing a light, airy fragrance that fades within a couple of hours, you might just need to up your spray game.

Perfumes come in different concentrations, and if you’re rocking an eau de toilette or a light floral scent, it’s okay to give yourself a few extra spritzes. I’m not saying go overboard and bathe in it, but adding a few more sprays can help extend the wear time, especially if your fragrance is on the subtle side. At the end of the day, it’s all about balance—just don’t be that person on the elevator.

5. Layer your scents

This is like fragrance wizardry but in the best possible way. If you want to give your perfume some serious staying power, layering is the key. What do I mean by layering? Well, it’s as simple as using products with similar or complementary scents.

For example, start with a scented body wash or lotion, then apply your perfume on top. The fragrance from the lotion creates a base that your perfume can cling to, making it last longer. Plus, it adds depth to your scent, which makes it more interesting. You could also layer different perfumes if you're feeling adventurous—just make sure they blend well together. It’s like mixing cocktails but with fragrances!

Bonus: Macerate your perfumes

Okay, I know I said five methods, but this little bonus tip is too important to leave out: macerate your perfumes. Yup, you heard that right! Maceration is the process of allowing your fragrance ingredients to blend and develop over time, enhancing the overall scent and longevity. Lots of people rave about how their perfumes perform beautifully after they’ve tried this. I've written a blog on how you can easily macerate your perfumes at home. Take a look here!

So, there you have it—five tried and tested ways to make any perfume last longer. Whether you’re moisturizing like a pro, layering your scents, or mastering the art of the perfect spritz, these tips will have you smelling fresh for hours on end.

But here’s the thing: even after doing all of this, if you or the people around you can’t smell the fragrance after a while, it’s likely because you’ve reached the perfume’s max capacity. Some perfumes are just designed to be lighter, more intimate scents that won’t fill a room. So, don’t stress—it’s not you, it’s just the way the perfumer intended it! Keep experimenting, have fun, and enjoy your fragrance journey.