The degree of perfume persistence is a key characteristic that determines the quality and affects the price of the product. Unofficially, perfume durability is measured in hours – the time during which the smell remains on the body. Some aromatic compositions remain on the fabric for 3-5 days. The most persistent fragrances disappear only after washing clothes. Usually this is how premium products from well-known brands behave.
See Also: How to Remove Perfume smell: Complete Guide 2026
What is the Persistence and Concentration of Perfume?
The persistence of a perfume reflects its ability to linger on the body after application. Concentration is the volume fraction of the aromatic substance in the composition. A perfume composition consists of top, middle and bottom base notes, which are revealed gradually. Top notes are the starting notes. These are the very first smells that are clearly felt immediately after applying the perfume. Top notes appear and evaporate first. Popular options are orange, orange blossom, bergamot, lime, lavender, rosewood.
Middle notes are central. They remain after the top notes have evaporated, providing a smooth transition to the base notes. Common options are ylang-ylang, neroli, jasmine, verbena, rose.
Base notes are background. They last longer and determine the main direction of the aromatic composition. Usually represented by woody and nutty aromas, vanilla, musk, sandalwood, vetiver, ambergris and oakmoss.
Each layer of a perfume can consist of a combination of aromas. The base of the fragrance is a completed perfume composition, which is the basis for further experiments. Perfumers add other ingredients to the base to obtain exclusive aromas. The volume of the base composition determines the stability.
The trail of fragrance is one of the requirements of consumers and an important criterion for assessing the quality of perfume products. Buyers expect a long trail that gently envelops the body throughout the day. Trailing fragrances are subtle and light. Aromatic notes are felt in close proximity and at a distance, making others pay attention and turn around.
Aromatic molecules fill the air and leave a perfume trail, which can be used to determine the recent presence of the perfume owner. Expensive, elite perfumes necessarily create a long trail. The ability to leave an aromatic trail is directly related to the process of diffusion – the dispersion of perfume molecules in the air. The strength and persistence of the smell affect the formation of a trail.
What does the Durability of Perfume depend on?
Fragrance persistence is a criterion for choosing perfume. Many have experienced disappointment when a pleasant smell evaporates in 1-1.5 hours.
This usually happens when buying cheap eau de toilette. However, a high price is not always a guarantee of long-term preservation of the fragrance. Factors determining the persistence of perfume:
- Fortitude
- Concentration of aromatic substances.
- Type of perfume (perfume, toilet water or eau de parfum).
- Composition (natural and synthetic flavors).
- Individual characteristics of a person (skin type, hormonal background).
- External conditions (weather, humidity).
The degree of concentration of the perfume determines the duration of the notes. Concentrated products last longer. The classification of perfumes will help you find out the percentage of aromatic substances. Perfume is divided into types:
Perfumes with a concentration of aromatic ingredients up to 30%. The duration of the fragrance is more than 5-7 hours.
Eau de parfum with a content of aromatic components up to 20%. The scent lasts on the skin for over 3 hours.
Eau de toilette with a concentration of aromatic base up to 15%. The owner of the perfume is infused with the aroma for about 2-3 hours.
A separate group includes perfumed waters and colognes with a content of aromatic ingredients up to 5%. The pleasant smell completely evaporates within 1-1.5 hours after application.
The appearance of aromatic components gives perfumes a certain degree of stability. Floral and citrus compositions evaporate faster than oriental compositions based on rich, rich-hued substances – amber, sandalwood, spices, musk. Skin temperature can be a decisive factor in determining the duration of the sound. Each person has a genetically determined skin type. For some people, the normal body temperature is 35°C, for others – 37°C. On warm skin, the composition sounds intense, aromatic substances evaporate quickly. On cold skin, the smell is revealed weaker, but lingers longer.
The season affects the duration of the scent. The same scents are revealed and last differently in different conditions. In summer, perfume evaporates quickly, in winter – it lasts a long time.
See Also: How to Apply Perfume Correctly and Where?
How to determine the Durability of a perfume?
To choose a long-lasting perfume, pay attention to the composition and concentration of aromatic substances.
Perfume is marked on the packaging with the words parfum or perfume, EDP and EDT. In the first case, it refers to concentrated perfumes. The presence of EDP in the marking, which stands for Eau de Parfum, indicates perfumed water. The marking EDT means toilet water – Eau de Toilette.
The composition will help determine the durability of perfumes. Study the information on the packaging to draw conclusions. Compositions in which the base notes are jasmine, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, patchouli, myrrh, rose, win in durability over perfumes based on “light” aromas. “Light” include orange and geranium, neroli and bergamot, lemon and grapefruit.
Test the perfume on different areas of the skin to get an idea of the durability. Do not rub the aromatic liquid. Inhale the fragrance periodically at intervals of about 30 minutes, noting the intensity of the sound. Count the number of hours the scent is actively spreading.
See Also: What Perfume Does Rihanna Wear? Her Favorite Fragrances Revealed
How to extend the Durability of Perfume?
The marking of perfume resistance will help you choose a quality product. Simple tricks will increase the duration of the sound. How long the aroma will last on the body depends on the method of application. Perfumes are sprayed on areas of the skin where large blood vessels lie close to the surface. Other rules:
- Apply to clean skin, ideally after a shower;
- Use a sprayer or applicator;
- Do not rub on skin.
- Moisturize your skin before applying perfume to make the scent last longer.
- Spray perfume on clean hair to prolong the scent.
Alternatively, apply eau de parfum to a comb and run it through your hair to distribute it evenly.
Here are some simple tips to help your perfume last longer:
Apply perfume to your wrists, elbows, neck, behind your ears, and collarbones. The pulsation of blood helps to release the fragrance and create a trail.
Avoid touching areas where perfume has been applied.
Store perfumes in a dark, cool place, avoiding temperatures above 20°C and direct sunlight.
Additional use of perfumed body cream or lotion will help you enjoy your favorite scent longer.
