Come on - who would not want to smell wonderful all day long? Spritzing your scent in the morning can make you feel like you are adding the finishing touches to your appearance before you head out the door. But if your fragrance has disappeared by lunchtime, it might not be the fault of the perfume. The application and upkeep of your scent can make or break how long it lasts.

Whether you are new to scent or simply want to get more mileage out of your favorite bottle, here are smart tips to make your scent last longer, on your skin and in the bottle.

How to Make Perfume Last Longer on Skin

1. Apply right after bathing

Timing is everything. The best time to apply perfume is after taking a hot shower, when your skin is fresh from the warmth and still moist. This traps the fragrance and makes it hold onto your skin longer.

2. Moisturize first

Perfume will last longer on moist skin. Put an unscented moisturizer on your skin before you apply your fragrance so that it will last longer. The moisture creates a barrier, trapping the fragrance on your skin.

3. Apply on uncovered skin, not on apparel

Perfume is formulated to come into contact with the oils on your skin naturally. Putting it directly on your skin - instead of on clothing - will make the scent stronger and last longer.

4. Pat your pulse points

This one's the secret tip! Pulse spots radiate warmth, causing odor to disperse during the daytime. Spray the perfume on your wrists, neckline, inner elbow, and on the back part of your knee.

5. Add a dash of Vaseline

Put a little Vaseline or other fragrance-free balm on your pulse points first. It makes the surface sticky, which lasts longer for the scent.

Also Read: How Long Does a Perfume Last?

6. Don't rub it in

Rubbing your wrists against each other is natural, but it's an absolute no. It breaks up the scent and causes it to evaporate more rapidly. Pat gently if you must blend.

7. Fragrance your hair (lightly)

For a light fragrance trail, spray a little perfume onto your hairbrush and brush through dry hair. Do not spray directly onto hair to prevent drying due to the alcohol content.

8. Layer your scent

Want to extend staying power? Use body wash, lotion, or deodorant that has the same scent as your perfume. Some companies have synchronized products that will complement each other for more fragrance.

9. Take it to go

Spray some Q-tips or cotton balls with your fragrance and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Leave it in your purse for a quick lunch refresher application.

10. Recycling leftover perfume

When you're down to the final drops and your spray won't work, don't throw away the bottle. Combine the remaining scent with an unscented lotion to make a personalized-scented body lotion.

Artistic Applications of Scent Around the House

Spritz your drawers with scented tissue paper. Spray tissue and put it in your clothing drawers so your clothes will have a gentle signature scent.

Spritz your bedding with perfume. Spritz pillowcases, curtains, or even a towel lightly for a quick pick-me-up at home.

How to Store Fragrance Properly

Keep it dark and cool

Heat and sunlight are the enemies of perfume. Keep perfumes away from steamy bathrooms or sunlit makeup counters. Store it away, rather, in a drawer or cupboard where temperatures remain constant.

Stick with the original bottle

Although the decorative perfume bottles look lovely, putting your fragrance in them can allow air in and reduce its shelf life. Leave it in its original container, which is designed to keep the formula intact.

Don't shake it

Perfume is not a cocktail - you don't shake it. If you shake the liquid, it lets in air, and eventually this oxidizes and breaks down the scent.

Also Read: How long do Pura scents last?

Select the Optimal Perfume Concentration for Longevity

Perfumes come in differing strengths, which determine how long they last on your skin:

Parfum (Extrait de Parfum): The most potent (and longest-lasting).

Eau de Parfum (EDP): Long-lasting and intense.

Eau de Toilette (EDT): Light and subtle.

Eau de Cologne: Very light, evaporates at once. If you want staying power, select parfum or eau de parfum strengths of your perfume. 

Endurance Fragrance Notes vs. How They Disappear 

Certain scents hang around longer than others independently. This is a quick summary: Long-lasting base notes: Patchouli, sandalwood, amber, musk, vanilla. Transient top notes: Citrus, green, floral, aquatic scents. If you value longevity, choose fragrances with heavy, woody, or spicy base notes. 

Final Thoughts 

Perfume is personal - and, if used in the right way, it is an extension of you. Proper perfume, judicious application, and proper storage allow you to wear your scent of choice from morning till evening without having to reapply after a few hours. So the next time you spritz on your signature scent, give these a try - much to my surprise, your fragrance could last a heck of a lot longer.