Don’t let your perfume fade too soon, lock the fragrance with these expert tips

Best pulse points for perfume: Targeting pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, behind the ears, and even behind the knees, helps diffuse the fragrance during the day (Image: Canva)

If you love perfumes and want a lasting fragrance, know that simply buying the best perfume will not help. For a lasting fragrance, you should know how to properly wear a perfume and also care for it.

Things like moisturising your skin, layering the scents and applying a perfume in the right areas, it’s important, says Ishita Misra, Co Founder and Creative Director, Fonzie Folksy. “Apart from these choosing long-lasting base notes can make your fragrance stay with you all day,” she adds.

Factors that impact the longevity of a perfume:

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“Fragrance longevity isn’t just about spritzing more. It depends on multiple factors, including skin type, moisture levels, and even the concentration of the perfume. Oily skin tends to hold fragrance longer than dry skin, which absorbs scent molecules quickly. The strength of a perfume also varies based on its concentration. Eau de Parfum (EDP) has a higher concentration (15-20%) and lasts around 4-8 hours, while Eau de Toilette (EDT) (5-15 percent) typically lasts 2-4 hours. Lighter formulations like Eau de Cologne (EDC) have the lowest concentration (<5 percent) and may only linger for 1-2 hours. To get the most out of your fragrance, it's essential to understand these differences and choose accordingly,” informs Misra.

How to apply a perfume:

Applying perfume is all about technique. Targeting pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, behind the ears, and even behind the knees, helps diffuse the fragrance during the day. “The warmth of these areas naturally boosts scent projection. However, avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this breaks down fragrance molecules and shortens their longevity. Instead, spray from a distance of 6-8 inches and let it settle naturally on the skin,” suggests Misra.

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How to express the fragrance of your perfume:

• Moisturise: Apply an unscented lotion to pulse points before spritzing. A moisturized base helps retain the scent longer.

• Layer complementing products: Using a matching shower gel, lotion, and perfume helps reinforce the fragrance and extend wear time.

• Apply after shower: The warmth of freshly cleansed skin helps lock in the scent, making it last longer.

• Use scent-friendly textiles: Spraying a light mist on clothing (scarves, collars, cuffs) promises a longer-lasting scent.

• Choose stronger base notes: Perfumes with ingredients like amber, vanilla, sandalwood, and musk last longer than citrus or floral fragrances.

• Create a scent bubble: Spraying it in front of you and walking through the mist ensures an even, long-lasting application.

• Give It time to settle: Apply fragrance 15-20 minutes before heading out so it that bonds well with your skin.