How to Make Perfume Last: Tips for Longevity and a Strong Sillage
Have you invested in a valuable perfume and want it to last a long time? Is it unacceptable for you that it only lasts 2 or 3 hours?
Perfume is your olfactory slogan, the trace you leave in the memory of those you meet. It imprints your personality and marks your identity.
1. The Layering Technique: Hydrated and Nourished Skin
The key to long longevity is well-hydrated and nourished skin. After your shower, apply body products derived from your fragrance (lotion, cream, deodorant) or neutral products to avoid “olfactory cacophony”.
- Cream is richer than lotion and retains the olfactory notes of your perfume better.
- The more nourished and hydrated the skin, the better your fragrance will hold (remember to drink plenty of water).
- You can also opt for a body oil, which retains notes very well.
- Skin texture influences longevity: the more supple and soft the skin, the better the perfume will hold.
2. Application: Strategic Zones and Noble Supports
To make your fragrance last, do not rely solely on the skin. The secret is to layer supports (skin + clothes/hair).
- Body Zones: Respect the strategic areas of your body by perfuming the 8 pulse points.
- Clothing: Just after applying to the skin, spray your eau de toilette or eau de parfum on your clothes as well (cf. Where to apply perfume).
- Hair: Remember to perfume your hair. Spray your comb or brush, as hair is an excellent carrier for perfume.
- Preservation: Good longevity starts with proper storage of your bottle: away from air, light, and heat (cf. How to preserve your perfume).
3. Factors Influencing Longevity (Olfactory Families and Skin)
Several factors explain why a perfume lasts on one skin and not on another. The alchemy between skin and perfume is mysterious and personal.
- Skin: Perspiration can unbalance the perfume and make it more fleeting. Similarly, if your skin does not hold perfume well, prioritize application on noble and natural fabrics (wool, cotton, cashmere, linen) and avoid synthetics.
- Olfactory Family: Fresh perfumes (like Eau de Cologne or Eau Fraîche) are often volatile and have low tenacity. On the other hand, amber, oriental, or woody perfumes naturally have longer longevity. However, any olfactory family can be tenacious if it is well constructed.
4. I Can’t Smell My Perfume Anymore: The Habituation Phenomenon
When you are used to your fragrance, you may stop smelling it. This can be frustrating, but it is actually a good sign: it means it is well integrated with your personality. This is the phenomenon of olfactory habituation.
If your friends or partner give you compliments, it means your perfume still has sillage.
A solution is available to you to regain your sensations: take a short break with a “parenthesis perfume” for a few months. If you do not wish to change, be sure to follow all the advice above to make your perfume last as long as possible.
