Fragrances are part of how we express ourselves – they influence our mood and help us feel confident throughout the day. But nothing is more frustrating than applying your favourite fragrance in the morning, only for it to fade by lunchtime.
Sabah Karimi, founder of VEXA Beauty and a fragrance expert with over 15 years in the beauty, wellness, and ecommerce sectors, says that a perfume that doesn’t last long isn’t automatically a poor-quality fragrance.
“Short wear doesn’t mean your perfume is bad. Fragrance interacts with your skin chemistry, hydration, and how it’s applied. A little preparation can transform how long a scent lingers. The key is layering, targeting the right areas, and understanding what reduces a perfume’s longevity. Once you get these basics, even lighter scents can carry through the day.”
Here are Sabah’s top tips for making your fragrance last longer:
1. Prep your skin
Hydrated skin holds fragrance far better than dry skin, which can absorb scent molecules too quickly. Applying an unscented body lotion or a light, fragrance-free oil before spraying helps lock in the perfume. Exfoliating with a gentle scrub a day or two before can remove dead skin cells, creating a smooth surface for the scent to cling to. This foundation ensures the fragrance develops fully and lasts longer.
Top tip: Apply lotion while your skin is still slightly damp to maximise absorption. Unscented moisturisers cost around £5–£15 and make a big difference.
2. Target pulse points
Perfume reacts to body heat, so spraying on warm areas like the wrists, neck, behind the ears, and inner elbows helps diffuse the scent naturally. These spots act like little amplifiers, projecting fragrance more effectively. Avoid rubbing wrists together, which can break down the delicate top notes and dull the scent. A light layer of unscented primer or body oil on these areas can create extra grip for the perfume molecules.
Top tip: Focus on one or two pulse points rather than over-spraying all over. A small dab of oil costs just a few pounds and can extend wear by hours.
3. Layer your scent
Using matching or complementary body products can reinforce your fragrance. Body lotions, shower gels, or oils with the same notes help the scent evolve consistently throughout the day. Even unscented primers work by providing a surface for perfume molecules to bind to, giving top, middle, and base notes time to fully develop. Layering doesn’t mean over-applying, just building a base for the perfume to flourish.
Top tip: Apply body lotion first, then perfume, and finish with a subtle touch of the same fragrance on hair or clothing edges. Many brands sell matching lotion sets for £10–£30.
4. Use fragrance primers
Perfume primers, like Fusion Butter or similar products, are specifically designed to hold fragrance molecules in place and extend wear. They create a breathable, slightly tacky layer that grips the scent without altering its profile. Using a primer means fewer sprays are needed for all-day impact, and lighter perfumes can feel just as potent as heavier ones.
Top tip: Apply primer 2–3 minutes before spritzing perfume. A small jar lasts weeks and usually costs around £15–£25.
5. Avoid common mistakes
Several habits shorten perfume longevity. Spraying directly onto clothing can alter the scent and leave stains. Over-rubbing wrists or layering too many fragrances can clash notes. Skipping a primer or moisturiser base reduces how long the perfume lasts. Being mindful of these pitfalls ensures the scent works with your body chemistry rather than against it.
Top tip: Stick to skin application at pulse points and keep clothes as a backup, not the primary carrier. Minimal effort avoids frustration and wasted product.
