Making the Scent Last

You know that moment when you catch a whiff of your perfume hours after putting it on? Maybe it's on your sweater, in your hair, or just a soft trace of fragrance when you move.

I love that.

One of the questions I get asked fairly often is how to make perfume last longer. And while there's no magic trick that makes every fragrance last all day but, there are a few simple things that can help.

Start with moisturized skin

This is probably the easiest place to start.

Fragrance can fade more quickly on dry skin, so I like to apply a little unscented lotion or body oil before putting on perfume. Give it a moment to absorb, then apply your fragrance as usual.

You can also have a little fun with layering. If you're wearing Cactus perfume, for example, try pairing it with Cactus Body Oil. It's a lovely way to build a fragrance ritual without overthinking it.

Don't forget your clothes

Here's one of my favorite little tricks: fragrance often lasts longer on fabric than it does on skin.

A light mist on a sweater, scarf, or the inside of a jacket can leave a subtle trace of scent that you'll catch throughout the day.

Just be careful with delicate fabrics. Perfumes can leave marks, particularly on silk, satin, leather and colored materials. Always test an inconspicuous area first, and avoid spraying anything precious.

And remember, perfume will smell a little different on fabric than it does on your skin. That's part of the fun.

In your hair

Hair can hold onto scent beautifully, especially when it moves.

I love the idea of catching a little perfume as you turn your head or pull your hair down at the end of the day.

But because traditional Eau de Parfum contains alcohol, I wouldn't recommend regularly spraying it directly onto your hair. Alcohol can be drying, especially if your hair is already dry or color-treated.

Instead, try a light mist on a hairbrush, let the alcohol evaporate, and gently brush through your hair. Use this sparingly, as fragrance materials can still irritate the scalp or affect hair. A product specifically formulated for hair is the better option for frequent use.

It's a small touch, but one that can make wearing fragrance feel especially lovely.

Skip the wrist rubbing

We've all done it. Spray one wrist, rub them together, and head out the door.

Rubbing doesn't destroy your perfume, despite what you may have heard. I simply prefer to spray or dab it on and let it settle naturally.

Know what you're wearing

Perfume oils and Eau de Parfums wear a little differently, and that's one of the reasons I love making both.

Perfume oils tend to stay closer to the skin. They're softer, more intimate, and lovely when you want fragrance that's mostly for you and anyone who gets close enough to notice.

Eau de Parfum disperses more readily, giving the fragrance more presence in the air around you.

That doesn't necessarily mean one lasts longer than the other. So much depends on the ingredients, the concentration, your skin and even the weather.

Storage

Perfume bottles look beautiful sitting on a sunny windowsill. But heat, sunlight and humidity aren't particularly kind to fragrance.

Keep your bottles somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight. A bedroom shelf away from the window or a drawer is perfect.

And despite how convenient it may be, the bathroom isn't my favorite place to store perfume, especially if it gets warm and steamy.

Give it a little time

What you smell in the first few minutes isn't always what you'll notice a few hours later. Some materials disappear fairly quickly, while others linger softly on your skin.

When you're trying a new fragrance, wear it for a while.

And don't be surprised if you stop noticing it while someone else can still smell it. Our noses have a way of becoming accustomed to familiar scents.

Sometimes, just reapply

Not every perfume is meant to last from breakfast until bedtime.

Some fragrances are light and fleeting. Others hang around for hours. 

I keep perfume oils around for exactly this reason. They're easy to carry, easy to reapply, and a lovely way to refresh your fragrance during the day.

I don't think perfume has to fill a room to be beautiful. Sometimes it's that little bit of scent you catch on your sleeve or when someone leans in for a hug that makes it special.

A little moisture, a thoughtful spritz, and a bit of experimenting with where you wear your fragrance can make all the difference.

And if you feel like putting on a little more halfway through the afternoon? Go right ahead.

Explore Naked Goat Perfume Oils and Eau de Parfums and find your favorite way to wear fragrance.

— Heather