Why do some perfumes last longer than others? A perfume is constructed as a poetic blend of natural ingredients and nature-identical raw materials. The molecular system of ingredients creates a pyramid structure consisting of top, middle, and base notes.
When shopping for your next fragrance, we suggest that there are a few ingredients you can look out for that often contribute to a long-lasting scent.
From an olfactive point of view, longer-lasting fragrances typically present variations in wood, musk, and resin ingredients; this will establish the base foundation on the skin which will extend the wear for six hours and up.
Another key factor is the oil concentration in the fragrance.
Whether a fragrance is an eau de toilette (EDT), eau de parfum (EDP), or parfum will help determine the lasting power based on the fragrance oil concentration percentage. A higher fragrance oil concentrate can help a consumer distinguish how strong and how long-lasting the fragrance will be on their skin.
Parfums or Eau de perfums often have over 20 to 25% of fragrance oils, compared to Eau de toilettes, which have much lower concentrations of oil.
When sampling a fragrance in person, you should spray it on your own skin and wait beyond the first impression, the top note. Let the scent linger and go beyond the middle note to the base note in approximately 20 minutes or more. Climate, weather, geography, and your own body chemistry affect how a fragrance lasts on you personally.
But where you spray your perfume and how you layer it can also help the scent last longer.
The pulse points of the body are the most common for fragrance applications. If you have a signature scent that you wear daily, my recommendation would be to spray it on your clothes as there is no reaction to body chemistry so the scent can last longer. Also, if the fragrance is available in ancillaries such as body cream or oil you can also establish the base prior to application.
With a base of vanilla from Madagascar paired with fresh notes of lime and coriander, Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensée Pure Perfume is one of our favorite fragrances.
Below, are some of our favorite long-lasting scents.
Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensée Cologne Absolue Pure Perfume
A unisex fragrance that plays well with the unexpected contrast between vanilla and woody moss. Its character is fresh and elegant without being heavy, so feel free to use liberally. Its exotic ingredients are 91% natural and include vanilla from Madagascar, lime from Mexico, and coriander from Russia.
Chanel Chance Eau de Parfum
Great for a busy day, this spicy, floral scent leaves behind a subtle, sweet linger in the air. Jasmine, pink pepper, and vanilla are just a few of the ingredients that help give this fragrance a warm depth.
Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel, Paris-Edimbourg
This new unisex fragrance presents an aromatic, woody scent that conjures the wild and majestic landscape of the Scottish Highlands. A powerful burst of juniper berry and cypress evolves into a warm vetiver accord with earthy undertones and smoky accents, for a long lasting, fresh scent.
Christian Dior Oud Rosewood Eau de Parfum
Infused with a duo of oud and sandalwood, this potent blend creates an instant presence. The contrasting ingredients provide an evocative signature and are enhanced by essences from the far east.
Gamine Eau de Parfum
The heavy influence of natural raw materials gives this fragrance a greater diffusion on skin. Composed of blue hemp, vetiver root, chocolat noi, and wild Indonesian patchouli, this scent has an aromatic quality that is both herbaceous and woody.
Giorgio Armani Si Passione Eau de Parfum
This is the perfect fragrance for any time you want to be remembered. Infused with cedarwood and highlighted with woody vanilla and rose blooms, this fruity, floral combination creates an intense, uncompromising scent for every type of woman.
Hermès L’Ombre des Merveilles Eau de Parfum
The blend of incense, black tea, and tonka beans captures the senses and leaves behind a timeless, tender trail. This is a unisex fragrance that is truly captivating.
Jimmy Choo Eau de Parfum
This perfume embodies the Jimmy Choo brand: glamorous, sexy, and seductive. At the heart of the fragrance, an aura of rich and exotic tiger orchid. The lingering scent is created with sweet toffee and Indonesian patchouli, leaving a subtle, sensual memory on the skin.
Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede Cologne
This luxurious, fresh fragrance from the iconic British brand fills the room with its combination of peonies, red apple, jasmine, rose, and gillyflower. A contrasting infusion of blush suede enhances the scent, bringing an enticing sensuality to the fragrance.
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
A unisex fragrance created with the perfect blend of ingredients. The combination of cardamom, iris, violet, cedarwood, and musky notes come together to form a unique aroma that smells great on just about anyone.
La Vie est Belle Soleil Cristal Eau de Parfum
This fragrance captures the essence of a sunny summer day – warm yet fresh, made for those who live to bask in the sun. The white floral, mandarin top notes are infused with ylang-ylang, vanilla, and coconut accords. The ingredients come together to create a textured aura that makes the iconic smell resonate with a unique intensity.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Celestia Cologne Forte
This radiant fragrance captures the scent of the sea meeting the sky. Made up of a rich burst of blackcurrant, jasmine, mimosa, and bergamot
Maison Margiela Replica Sailing Day Eau de Toilette
Transport your mind by awakening memories of walking along the shore of a sandy beach. This light, fresh fragrance is inspired by a memory of the warm sea breeze and sailing towards the horizon. The lasting scent is intensified by base notes of red seaweed, rose essence, and iris absolute.
Narciso Rodriguez For Her Pure Musc Eau de Parfum
A woody floral scent that will grab the attention of any bystander, while the signature musk at the heart of this fragrance is combined with jasmine and orange blossom to add freshness. The base notes, cashmeran, amber, and patchouli create a seductive lasting aroma.
Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum
Walk into a room and let your perfume do the talking for you. This fragrance is all you need to create a luxurious, sensual impression. The rich accords of black truffle, black orchid, and plum, enhance this timeless scent.