Laura Bermingham

So many scents launch in and around September for good reason. Fragrance reacts differently with our skin when the weather changes. Scents launching in spring ahead of summer are mostly fresher, more uplifting versions of much-loved perfumes. At this time of year we are looking at colder weather, and traditionally we want to wear darker, more exotic and richer fragrances.

I spoke to Jonny Webber, fragrance expert at Perfume Direct about this. Jonny explains the science of scent and skin. He says: ‘Summer scents are designed to work in a different way with our bodies. This is why perfumes being promoted for summer use tend to be fruity, lighter and ‘less volatile’, which means they can last longer and aren’t as overwhelming as a perfume more associated with winter.

‘Perfume works with heat. It’s made up of aromatic molecules in a neutral medium. Once on the skin the liquid begins to evaporate and the molecules leave your skin, giving off a smell.’

Jonny also explains how the top, heart, and base notes come together to make a beautiful fragrance.

‘Perfumers measure the volatility of the molecules to control the nature and evolution of the scent. Different notes in a perfume are combined to hit the air at different times, hence top notes, middle and base notes in perfume descriptions.

‘Lighter weight molecules, such as those present in citrus, pepper, herbs and fruity notes come out first, while the least volatile, and generally heavier notes, will linger on skin longer. These tend to be amber, woody and musky notes.’

So if you wear one particular scent and it’s your signature, chances are the perfume brand will issue a seasonal iteration to work with both skin and weather (see Coco Mademoiselle L’Eau Privée).

Jonny adds: ‘Perfumes associated with the winter season tend to be heavier and last longer because the body doesn’t sweat as much, so they can be overwhelming if they evaporate too quickly in the warmth of the summer.’

If you want your perfume to last longer on your skin Jonny has two great tips.

‘To preserve the perfume, and make it last longer, spritz both wrists lightly and let the liquid sink in.’

He also has a second, lesser-known tip: ‘Perfume can last longer on moisturised skin, so a complementary body lotion (or fragrance-free moisturiser) applied first can help to maintain the scent’s release for longer.’

Perfume can last longer on moisturised skin so apply that first