Cart
.png)
There’s nothing better than finding a fragrance you love, except being able to smell it on your skin hours after you first sprayed it.
If your perfume seems to disappear by lunchtime, don’t blame the fragrance just yet. How you apply, layer and store your perfume can make a big difference to how long it lasts.
From moisturising your skin before spraying to choosing the right pulse points, here are some simple ways to help your favourite fragrance stay noticeable for longer.
1. Start With Moisturised Skin
One of the easiest ways to make your perfume last longer is to apply it to moisturised skin.
Fragrance tends to hold better on hydrated skin than on dry skin. When your skin is dry, perfume can evaporate more quickly, which means your fragrance may not last as long.
Try this:
- Apply an unscented body lotion or moisturiser after showering and allow it to absorb before applying your perfume.
- For an even stronger effect, you can use a body lotion with a similar scent to your fragrance. This creates a subtle base for the perfume to sit on.
Tip: Avoid heavily scented lotions if you don't want them competing with your perfume.
.png)
2. Apply Perfume to Your Pulse Points
You’ve probably heard that you should spray perfume on your pulse points, but there’s a reason this works.
Pulse points are areas where the blood vessels are closer to the surface of the skin, creating more warmth. This warmth can help your fragrance develop and release its scent throughout the day.
The best pulse points include:
- Wrists
- Neck
- Behind the ears
- Inside the elbows
- Behind the knees
For everyday wear, try spraying your fragrance on your neck and wrists, rather than covering your entire body in perfume.
Should you rub your wrists together?
It’s a common habit, but it’s better to spray and let the fragrance dry naturally.
Rubbing your wrists together can disturb the way the fragrance develops on your skin and may cause the top notes to disappear more quickly.
3. Try Fragrance Layering
If you really want your fragrance to last, layering can be one of the most effective techniques.
Fragrance layering means combining complementary scented products to create a longer-lasting and more noticeable scent.
You don't necessarily need two different perfumes. Start with products from the same fragrance range.
A simple layering routine:
- Step 1: Shower and moisturise your skin.
- Step 2: Apply a matching or complementary body lotion.
- Step 3: Spray your perfume onto your pulse points.
- Step 4: Lightly mist your fragrance onto clothing if the product and fabric are suitable.
- Step 5: Let everything dry naturally.
You can also experiment with combining fragrances. Try pairing scents that share similar notes, such as vanilla and amber, rose and musk, or citrus and woody notes.
If you're not sure which fragrance families work together, explore City Perfume's Perfume Collection to discover different scents and fragrance styles.
.png)
4. Don't Forget Your Hair
Your hair can hold fragrance surprisingly well.
Instead of spraying perfume directly onto your hair, which can potentially dry it out because of the alcohol content in many fragrances, try using a dedicated hair mist.
Alternatively, spray a small amount of fragrance onto your hairbrush and allow it to settle for a moment before brushing through your hair.
This creates a subtle scent that moves with you without applying a large amount of perfume directly to your hair.
5. Spray Your Clothes, But Be Careful
Fabric can sometimes hold fragrance longer than skin, which is why your favourite scent may still be noticeable on a jacket or scarf hours after you've applied it.
However, not every fabric is suitable for perfume.
Some fragrances can potentially leave marks or discolour delicate materials.
If you want to spray your clothing, keep the application light and avoid delicate fabrics such as silk. When in doubt, test on an inconspicuous area first.
.png)
6. Store Your Perfume Properly
Even the best fragrance can lose its quality if it's stored incorrectly.
One of the biggest perfume storage mistakes is keeping your bottle somewhere that experiences heat, sunlight or frequent temperature changes.
Avoid storing perfume:
- In direct sunlight
- Next to a window
- In the bathroom
- Near heaters or other heat sources
- In places with large temperature fluctuations
The bathroom might seem like the obvious place to keep your perfume, but the combination of humidity, heat and changing temperatures isn't ideal.
Instead, keep your fragrance somewhere cool, dry and away from direct sunlight.
A bedroom drawer or wardrobe is usually a much better option.
7. Choose a Longer-Lasting Fragrance Concentration
If you're looking for a fragrance that lasts longer, the concentration of the fragrance can also make a difference.
Generally, Eau de Parfum (EDP) contains a higher concentration of fragrance oils than Eau de Toilette (EDT), although actual longevity varies depending on the ingredients, formulation and your individual skin.
Looking for something with more staying power? Explore our range of Eau de Parfum fragrances.
Not sure about the difference between EDP and EDT? Read our guide: EDP vs EDT: What's the Difference?.
8. Keep the Bottle Closed
It might seem obvious, but always make sure your perfume bottle is properly closed when you're not using it.
Repeated exposure to air can affect the fragrance over time.
After spraying, replace the cap securely and avoid leaving the bottle open while getting ready.
If you've invested in a special fragrance, taking a few extra seconds to store it properly can help preserve it for longer.
Luxury Fragrances Worth Exploring
If you're looking for a fragrance with impressive presence and longevity, here are some luxury and niche fragrances worth exploring at City Perfume.
Parfums de Marly ALTHAIR Exclusif
A richer interpretation of the ALTHAIR signature, ALTHAIR Exclusif offers a sophisticated and luxurious fragrance experience. Its warm, deep character makes it a great choice for those who prefer fragrances with a stronger presence and lasting impression.
SHOP NOW
EX NIHILO DEMON DANCER
EX NIHILO DEMON DANCER EDP captures the intensity of movement and self-expression. Sensual, charged and contemporary, it is an excellent choice for those who want a fragrance that feels distinctive and memorable.
SHOP NOW
Tom Ford Oud Wood
A sophisticated woody fragrance featuring cardamom, rare oud wood, sandalwood, vetiver, tonka bean, vanilla and amber. Its warm and refined character makes it a timeless choice for fragrance lovers looking for depth and presence.
SHOP NOWBrowse more fragrances through City Perfume's Niche Fragrance Collection. See More.
Find Your Next Signature Scent
Making your perfume last longer isn't about spraying more it’s about applying it correctly and taking care of your fragrance.
Start with moisturised skin, focus on your pulse points, experiment with layering and keep your perfume away from heat and sunlight. These small changes can make a noticeable difference to your fragrance routine.
Looking for your next signature scent?
Explore City Perfume's Perfume Collection and discover fragrances from some of the world's most-loved designer and niche fragrance houses.
VIEW MORE BLOGS
Best Perfumes For Compliments
If you’ve ever shopped for a fragrance, you’ve probably noticed the letters EDP and EDT on perfume bottles. But what do they actually mean? EDP stands for Eau de Parfum, while...
CLICK HERE
Vanilla Perfumes That Smell Expensive
Vanilla has earned its place as one of the most loved notes in modern perfumery. While it's often associated with sweetness, the best vanilla fragrances...
CLICK HERE
Find Your Signature Scent: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Perfume
There's something unforgettable about meeting someone whose fragrance instantly becomes part of who they are. A signature scent isn't just another...
CLICK HERE