How to Make Perfume Last Longer, According to Fragrance Experts

Choose a Perfume With a Higher Concentration

Fragrances have different concentrations depending on the formulation. And some fragrance formulations don't last as long as others—think a splashy eau de toilette (EDT) or body spray vs. a more concentrated eau de parfum (EDP).

Generally, higher concentrations have a stronger scent and last longer; a little usually goes a long way. Fragrances with lower concentrations—like body splashes and EDTs—can be sprayed more liberally.

Smith provided us with a helpful cheat sheet:

• Extract/Extrait/Solid perfume: 20 percent to 30 percent
• Perfume: 15 percent to 25 percent
• Eau de Parfum (EDP): 8 percent to 15 percent
• Eau de Toilette (EDT): 4 percent to 8 percent
• Cologne aka Eau de Cologne (EDC): 2 percent to 4 percent
• Body cream/Lotion: 3 percent to 4 percent
• Aftershave/Splash: 2 percent to 4 percent

Spritz On After Showering

Take advantage of your just-out-of-the-shower skin, which is primed and ready to hold onto scents.

"After a shower, your clean pores will open in the steam, making it the perfect time to apply your perfume," says Spinnato. "However, don't apply the perfume while your skin is still wet as it will only rub off when you dry yourself."

Moisturize First

Before applying (or reapplying) any fragrance, moisturize your skin with your favorite oil-based lotion or cream. Unscented formulations are ideal, but if you want to mix and match your scents, then feel free to use a fragranced moisturizer. For best results, shower, pat dry, then moisturize before spritzing.

"Dry skin will not hold on to your fragrance as long as moisturized skin will, so moisturize, moisturize, moisturize," says Smith. "Fragrances will 'stick' to moisturized skin longer, and you will smell the scent throughout the day."

Aim for Pulse Points

For even longer staying power, spritz your fragrance onto pulse points. These areas include your wrists, the nape of your neck, behind your knees, behind your ear, and inside your elbows.

"These [areas] react with the natural fluctuations in your body temperature and, in turn, emit your scent throughout the day," explains Spinnato.

Apply Directly on the Skin

Fragrances smell better—and last longer—when in contact with your body's natural oils. Don't apply perfume onto clothing or fabric; instead, spray it onto your skin.

Spray Your Hair

If you've ever accidentally sprayed perfume in your hair, you might have noticed that the scent lingers far longer than it does on your skin. Though you don't want to completely douse your hair with fragrance (it can be potentially damaging and too strong), a light misting is smart.

"The fragrance will permeate your strands and last throughout the day," says Spinnato. There are even hair fragrances and mists available for purchase, which are usually slightly less concentrated and formulated with additional oils to nourish hair.

Stop Rubbing Your Wrists Together

Spritzing and rubbing your wrists together feels like second nature, but Spinnato says it's bad news for your fragrance. (Don't worry; we've been doing it wrong, too.) The "smashing" action not only diminishes the quality of your perfume notes but can also disrupt the overall fragrance profile.

Toss Old Perfume

Have you ever noticed that "old scent" smell when spraying a vintage perfume bottle? That certainly wasn't the original scent; the perfume is well past its prime.

Fragrance expiration dates vary but average about two to 10 years. If your perfume smells "off," has changed colors, or looks different (e.g., cloudy, separated, or yellowed), it's likely time to toss it.

Preserve Your Fragrances

There are ways to prolong your fragrance's shelf life. If stored correctly, perfume can last longer in its bottle.

"Although your perfume collection makes a lovely #shelfie in your bathroom, this is really the last place you want to store your fragrances," says Smith. "Light and humidity will alter the scents of your perfumes. Keep your perfume bottles somewhere cool and dark."

Use Matching Scented Products

Purchasing body wash, lotion, and other skin products that match your perfume can help optimize the fragrance. Many brands offer product lines that include perfume or cologne and other coordinating items.

Store Perfume in the Original Bottle

Some people transfer their perfume to decorative containers. Doing so can alter the fragrance's original composition and allows air to mix with the scent. Store your perfume in its original container to help it last.

Avoid Shaking Fragrances

If perfume bottles are shaken, oxygen can enter the container and mix with the fragrance. This will only shorten the scent's lifespan. Stick to a simple method—uncap, spray, then recap.