There are many different types of perfumes, and each one lasts for a different amount of time. Some perfumes last for a very short time, while others can last for up to a week. It all depends on the type of perfume and how much people apply.
Some people prefer light, refreshing perfumes that don't linger for too long. Others might prefer stronger, more intense aromas that stay with them all day long. No matter what your preference is, there's sure to be a scent that's perfect for you.
The Different Types
These are the main types:
- eau de cologne
- eau de toilette
- eau de parfum
Many companies concentrate on just one of these products, however some cover the whole range.
For example, you don’t have to have lived in France to have heard of Chanel. The eau de colognes produced by Chanel, for example, are the lightest and most refreshing of the products, with a low concentration of fragrance oils. They are perfect for daytime use in hot weather as they do not last long on the skin and so will not make you feel too hot.
Chanel's eau de toilettes have a slightly higher concentration of fragrance oils and so last a little longer on the skin, making them more suitable for evening wear.
The priciest but more concentrated eau de parfums have the highest concentration of oils and so are the longest lasting, making them ideal for special occasions.
Let's take a look at each of these and their characteristics.
Eau de Cologne
Eau de cologne usually has a high alcohol content and lasts on average for about two hours on application, being a lighter blend of 2% – 4% perfume oils in both water and alcohol. The scent is light and refreshing, and it usually contains a combination of essential oils, floral waters, and alcohol. The most common essential oils used in eau de cologne are lemon, bergamot, and neroli, so they're ideal for people to wear anywhere.
Unopened, the bottle will have a shelf life between 12 months and 24 months, however once it is opened, it will expire between three months and three years.
Eau de Toilette
Eau de toilette has a lower alcohol content and the longest it lasts will be on average about four hours. The aroma is also less intense, with a light, fresh scent that is perfect to use anywhere. Unopened, the bottle should last a long time, however once opened, the shelf life will expire at between one year and three years.
Eau de Parfum
This has the highest concentration of oil and will last on average the longest - for up to eight hours. The scent is also the most intense, so a little goes a long way, and you probably don’t want to wear it just anywhere.
It typically contains between 15% and 20% perfume oil, commanding the highest price tag of all the perfume types. Because it is so potent, you only need to apply a small amount to your skin – but you haven’t lived until you’ve tried it!
Unopened, the bottle has a shelf life of between 3 and 5 years, but once it has been opened, the product will expire between 3 months and 3 years.
How Do You Make Your Perfume Last Longer?
There are a few tricks you can use to make your perfume last longer:
- Spray your perfume in the air and walk through it: This will help it to disperse more evenly and will make it last longer.
- Apply it to pulse points: Areas on your body where blood vessels are close to the surface, such as your wrists, neck, and behind your ears. This will help the scent to diffuse slowly and last longer.
- Store it in a cool, dark place: It’s ability to last depends on storage as heat and light can both cause perfume to evaporate more quickly. Keeping it in a cool place, like your bathroom cabinet or dresser drawer, will help it to last longer.
- Use less: A little goes a long way with perfume. If you use too much, the scent will be too strong, and it will evaporate more quickly.
Conclusion
How long your perfume will last depends on the type of perfume it is and the type of fragrance. If you have a light, floral perfume, it will likely not last as long as a heavier, musky scent. Experiment with different types of perfume to find one that works best for you and your lifestyle.
Perfume is a great way to make yourself smell nice and feel more confident. However, you don't want to be that person who is always dousing themselves in perfume. A little goes a long way, so use perfume sparingly. You'll also want to make sure you store your perfume properly to help it last longer. Keep it in a cool, dark place to prevent the scent from fading.
With proper care and storage, your perfume can last for a long time. So, spritz on your favorite scent and enjoy it while you can!
