Spritz to last

Maximise your frangrance’s longevity potential with these tips

1 Know your EDT from your EDP: Most fragrances are eau de toilette (EDT) or eau de parfum (EDP). Eau de toilette typically contains about 8%-15% fragrance oil, which lasts about 4-6 hours, while eau de parfum typically has 15%-30% fragrance oil that can last 8-10 hours. Eau de parfum has a higher concentration of fragrance oil, so it lasts longer on the skin. If you prefer not to reapply your fragrance, eau de parfum is your best option.

2 Spritz over moisturised skin: Scent application and dry skin do not go together, so prep your skin with moisturiser to hold the fragrance. Apply a fragrance-free body lotion to clean postshower skin that is free of sweat, oil and impurities before spritzing, or use Vaseline on pulse points to help lock in the moisture and prolong the scent.

3 Layer your fragrance: Layering is one of the easiest ways to make your fragrance last and create a signaturescent trail. When layering two scents, go for one spritz of your heaviest scent profile (usually woody or incense-based) and a couple of your lightest scent profile (usually fresh, zesty or delicately floral). If you have a shower gel or body lotion of the same fragrance, layering these products will increase longevity.

4 Don’t rub your wrists together: When applying fragrance to your wrists don’t rub them together. Rubbing can break up the fragrance molecules and cause the top notes to disappear faster. Not only does this affect the longevity but it alters the scent. Apply and leave it to settle into the skin or apply and press lightly with the palm of the hand.

5 Fragrance storage is key: Exposure to light and heat can chemically alter your fragrance. Maintain scent and longevity by storing fragrances in a cool, dark place. Make sure they are not exposed to sunlight, steam or humidity.

6 Apply to the pulse points: Heat helps diffuse fragrance, so apply to your pulse points where the skin is thinnest and veins are closer to the surface, making these areas warmer. Target the insides of your wrists and elbows, behind your ears, your neck and the backs of your knees.