Start with moisturised skin
Fragrance holds on better to hydrated skin than to dry skin. Apply an unscented lotion after your shower, or one in a matching scent, and spray your perfume once your skin is dry.
Where to apply perfume
Pulse points are the classic places: the inside of the wrists, the sides of the neck, behind the ears and the inner elbows. These areas are warm, which helps the scent lift from your skin. Two to four sprays are usually enough; you can always add more later.
Don't rub your wrists together
Rubbing creates friction and heat that can make the lighter opening notes fade faster. Spray, then let the perfume dry on its own.
Clothes and hair
Fabric can hold a scent for a long time, but some perfumes can mark light or delicate fabrics, so test a hidden spot first or spray before you dress. Most perfumes contain alcohol, which can dry out hair; for a scented hairstyle, mist lightly onto a brush instead.
Why perfume smells different on everyone
Your skin type, body temperature, the weather and the other products you wear all change how a fragrance develops. The same perfume can smell sweeter on one person and fresher on another, and it can fade faster on dry skin. That is why it is worth trying a scent on your own skin, not only on paper.
Choose a style that suits how long you need it
As a rough guide, warm, woody, amber, vanilla and oud styles tend to linger longer than light citrus and aquatic styles, which feel bright but fade sooner. Explore warm and amber perfumes, vanilla and gourmand perfumes or oud perfumes for more staying power, or fresh perfumes for a lighter feel.
Layer and top up
A body mist or lotion under your perfume adds another layer of scent, and a small travel spray in your bag lets you refresh in the afternoon. Browse our body mists. Every fragrance performs differently, so treat these as tips rather than guarantees.
Find a fragrance with the Scent Finder or ask us for a recommendation.
