How To Apply Perfume So It Lasts All Day, According To Fragrance Experts

Master the science of scent longevity

There’s something about catching a hint of someone’s perfume long after they’ve left. Maybe it’s the friend whose floral scent always seems to linger, or the coworker who somehow still smells amazing at 5 p.m. Sometimes, it seems like a blessing or a gift—I'm usually the girl whose fragrance seems to disappear by lunchtime, no matter how many spritzes I start with. And unless you're one of those people who gets a headache from perfume, you might want something with a little

more staying power.

The truth is, making your scent endure isn’t just about picking a long-lasting option: It’s chemistry. It’s timing. It’s even about where you spray it. “Fragrance is where chemistry meets memory,” says perfumer Richard Rochon, founder of his eponymous luxury fragrance line. “The goal isn’t to smell strong—it’s to leave a trail that feels effortless, like an extension of you.”

Ahead, Rochon and other experts explain the simple steps I—and you—can take to make fragrance last, from concentration and body chemistry to how and when you apply it. Because when you understand the process, your scent is more likely to go the distance.

What we mean by 'fragrance'

All scents begin the same way: a fragrance concentrate is created by carefully balancing natural or synthetic aromatic compounds with alcohol and sometimes water. “The main difference between fragrance types is concentration, meaning how much of that concentrate is blended with the alcohol,” says Emilie Mascarell, fragrance and beauty product developer. That concentration determines intensity, projection, and longevity—in other words, how strong the scent is, how far it travels, and how long it lasts.

Here’s a breakdown of the main types of fragrances for women, according to our experts:

• Parfum/Extrait de Parfum: At 25 to 40% fragrance concentrate, these are deep, rich, and designed to last all day with just a dab.
• Eau de Parfum: The most popular strength for its staying power (around 6 to 8 hours) without being overwhelming, an EDP is typically 15 to 25% fragrance concentrate.
• Eau de Toilette: EDTs are just 5 to 15% concentrate, with a light and fresh scent that’s ideal for daytime or casual wear—especially for those who prefer something more understated.
• Eau de Cologne: These are subtle and more affordable than higher concentrations (just 2 to 5% concentrate here) but require more frequent reapplication throughout the day.
• Body Mist: The most accessible entry into the category, these are just 1 to 3% fragrance with a price tag to match. Ultra-light and great for layering or a quick midday refresh.

While these are the most common categories, Mascarell says fragrances aren’t strictly regulated. “It’s not unusual to find something labeled ‘Eau de Parfum’ even when the concentration is closer to an extract,” she says. Because of that, it’s not always easy to compare fragrance quality across brands, says Nicole Eckels, CEO and founder of Glasshouse Fragrances. “Price isn’t always a marker of quality either,” she adds. “It’s more about trusting the brand. Look for brands with a strong reputation, or shop at reputable retailers that vet what they carry.”

And if you’re still unsure, she says you can often tell quality by how the scent develops: “You can tell when something’s well made, because it unfolds nicely. It doesn’t hit you all at once or smell synthetic or sharp.”

Scent won't stick? Here's why

Fragrance molecules evaporate at different rates based on factors like concentration and the balance of raw materials. “It’s pure chemistry,” says Rochon. “The lighter, more volatile top notes fade first; heavier materials like woods, musks, and amber stay the longest.”

The unique chemistry of an individual’s skin matters, too. The heat from your skin is what makes a fragrance develop and bloom, says Eckels. So you might get very subtle differences from person to person. Other factors, like skin type and diet play a small role, too. “Dry skin tends to absorb and lose scent faster, while moisturised or oilier skin holds on longer,” says Rochon. And if someone eats a lot of garlic or spices, those can come through the skin, delicately affecting the fragrance, says Eckles.

Here's how to master the spritz

If your scent seems to disappear too soon, it might not be the perfume’s fault—or at least, not entirely. Some formulas fade faster by nature, but

smart application can make whatever you’re wearing last noticeably longer.

1. Start with hydrated skin. “Fragrance binds better to moisture than dry skin,” says Rochon, noting that’s why some people recommend using vaseline prior to application. His advice? Spritz right after a shower when skin is still slightly damp.

2. Layer. The best way to extend longevity is to layer a fragrance, says Eckles. “Use a body lotion in the same scent before spraying your perfume—it’s like using lip liner before lipstick. When the top layer fades, there’s still something underneath to hold it.”

2. Spray from 6 to 8 inches away. This ensures an even diffusion and avoids overloading one area, which can alter how the perfume develops.

3. Target pulse points. Spray on pulse points such as wrists, neck, inner elbows, and even the back of the knees, says Mascarell. These warm spots help the fragrance diffuse naturally as your body heats up.

4. Don’t rub. Yes, it’s tempting, but rubbing breaks down delicate top notes and alters the structure of the scent.

5. Extend to hair and clothes. A light mist over clothing or hair can help scent last longer, but keep some distance to avoid staining fabrics or drying out strands.

And remember: technique isn’t the only factor in longevity. Store your fragrance like you would skincare—away from heat, humidity, and sunlight. “Light and temperature fluctuations can alter a perfume’s composition over time,” says Eckles.

Perfume is part science, part ritual

Once you understand the science—how fragrance concentration, body chemistry, and skin moisture affect wear—and pair it with the ritual of intentional application, any scent can work harder for you. Apply to moisturised skin, target pulse points, and skip the wrist rub for a fragrance that lasts and subtly evolves throughout the day.

Like a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers, you'll bloom beautifully throughout the course of a day.