Making Fragrances Last

I have dry skin, and I live in the middle of the desert, so fragrance never lasts long on my skin. That was the biggest reason I avoided perfume for so long, so I wouldn't waste money on perfume that would only last about an hour on me. However, after some experimentation, I found ways to make my perfume last longer.
1) Layer with other products of the same scent. I know this isn't always practical and it can get very expensive, but if you would like, layering with the perfume's body wash or body lotion can extend the scent's life.
2) Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Layering rich, fragrance-free lotion under my perfume helps the perfume to cling to my skin and not evaporate as quickly, thus lasting longer. My perfume's lifespan on my skin went from an hour to six! I used Aquaphor and Vaseline for the winter, but for summer when I don't want to feel like an oil slick, I used Aveeno. 
3) Pulse points are key. Pulse points are warmer than the rest of your body, so it diffuses the scent. Examples are the base of the neck, wrists, the inside of the elbow, the temples, behind the ears, behind the knees, and in the cleavage. 
4) Don't crush the scent. I see so many people spray their wrists with a perfectly awesome perfume, but then they rub their wrists together. When I see this happen, I am screaming inside. Avoid this like the plague because it crushes the top notes of the scent, making the perfume not only last for a shorter time, but it also dulls the complexity and full potential of the scent. In fact, it may even develop differently than the maker (or you) intended. 
5) It's okay to get some on your clothes. People have always told me to spray perfume on myself before dressing, but getting some perfume on your clothes actually extends the scent's lasting power because it won't evaporate as quickly.
6) Hair mist. Hair mist is not necessary at all, but if your perfume sells a hair mist to go with the perfume, spraying some in your hair where it won't evaporate will help the scent stick around longer. Of course, you could spray actual perfume in your hair, not a specially designed hair mist, but be careful because it can be drying.  < Previous Post Next Post >