How does a fragrance last longer?

‘A perfume is like an invisible dress - and it should last all day.’ - L'Art Vévien

We've all been there: a new favourite fragrance in the morning, but by early afternoon there's hardly a trace of it left. This is not only disappointing, but also frustrating - especially if it's an exclusive perfume. The good news? The longevity of a perfume is no coincidence. It can be specifically influenced - with knowledge about the skin, application and, of course, the fragrances themselves.

In this article, we show you how to make your perfume last longer - and why the interaction between skin, technology and molecules plays a decisive role.

Skin & Preparation:

The skin is the first and most important carrier of fragrance. However, not all skin holds fragrances equally well. Dry skin has fewer lipids that can hold fragrances. Oily skin, on the other hand, offers the perfume more ‘grip’. Find out more here: Which skin types influence the fragrance effect?

What can you do?
Moisturising is the key. Apply an unscented, moisturising body lotion before perfume - preferably with natural ingredients. This helps to bind the fragrances and significantly prolongs their perceptibility on your skin. Lotions with a neutral pH value and without alcohol are particularly suitable, as these are volatile and also dry out the skin.

Application Techniques: how to apply perfume correctly

Perfume is art - and art needs technique.

The best places: Pulse areas such as wrists, neck, chest, crooks of the arms or behind the ears. The skin is thinner and warmer here, which allows fragrances to develop better.
The biggest mistake? Rubbing! Rubbing perfume after application destroys the fine fragrances and impairs the development of the scent.

Tip: Hold the bottle about 15 cm away from the skin and spray generously - but selectively. One or two targeted sprays are often enough if the quality is right. If you want to find out more details about application, check out our blog here.

Hair & Clothing: Clever use of alternative fragrance carriers

Did you know that hair is a fantastic carrier for fragrances? Fragrances adhere here for a particularly long time, especially if you spray a light mist over your hair - but from a distance of at least 20 cm.

Clothing - preferably natural fibres such as wool or cotton - can also store fragrances. But beware: some synthetic molecules and dark perfumes leave stains. Always test on an inconspicuous area first!

Storage: How to keep your perfume fresh for longer

Heat, light and air are a perfume's biggest enemies.

A high-quality fragrance - whether with natural ingredients or synthetic molecules - should always be stored in a dark, cool and dry place. Bathrooms are counterproductive: humidity and temperature fluctuations destroy the fragrance's delicate balance.

Ideal: In the original box, in a shady place, at a constant 15-20 °C.

Concentration & Quality: The fragrance itself counts

Not every fragrance is the same. And that starts with the concentration: eau de cologne contains around 3% fragrance, whereas an extrait de parfum contains up to 30%.

The higher the concentration, the longer it lasts on the skin. But it's not just about quantity. The quality and type of fragrance - whether natural essences or synthetic molecules - also influence how long a fragrance lasts.

L'Art Vévien only uses high-quality raw materials in artistic compositions - for intense and long-lasting fragrances. Further, every perfume we make is at an Extrait de Parfum concentration. Find out more about this here.

Practical Tips for travelling

If you want to smell elegant all day long, think mobile:

Take a travel sprayer or fragrance stick with you - ideal for everyday use or when travelling.

Reapply your fragrance in the afternoon, but only in small doses.

Extra tip: A handkerchief with a little perfume in your coat or handbag compartment will add a subtle fragrance - without the need for a new application.

Avoid Mistakes: Don'ts when wearing perfume

A strong appearance needs sensitivity. Therefore:

Don't spray on freshly shaved skin - this irritates and changes the fragrance.
Don't combine too many different products. Shower gel, body lotion and perfume should be fragrance-neutral or perfectly coordinated.
Do not apply in the sun: alcohol and essential oils can have a phototoxic effect.

Conclusion:
A long-lasting fragrance is not a product of chance, but the result of conscious decisions - from skin care to storage. If you know how fragrances work and what they need, you will experience your perfume on a whole new level.

And that's exactly what L'Art Vévien is all about: giving fragrances a real home.

Stay fragrant, stay unforgettable.
- Your L'Art Vévien team