Why doesn't the perfume last on me?

Coco Chanel once said: Perfume is the invisible, unforgettable, and unique accessory in the realm of fashion that announces a woman's arrival and lingers long after she has left. Every one of us, including men, wishes to achieve this effect when using perfume. We want to be noticed and remembered for our carefully selected fragrances. But then... DISASTER! Our beloved perfume doesn’t last as long as we would like! If you want to find out why, this article is for you.

The science of scent adaptation

The first and perhaps most mundane reason for this is that our sense of smell has the ability to adapt to scents, meaning that over time, we react less intensely to stimuli. This phenomenon is called habituation. When it comes to wearing perfume, you should be aware that, unfortunately, you won’t be able to smell it on yourself all the time. Unless, of course, it is poorly suited to you, in which case its scent may cause unpleasant symptoms such as headaches or even nausea.

Fragrance concentration and longevity

Another equally important factor is the concentration of fragrance oils in the product you are using. So:

• Perfumes labeled as EDC or Eau de Cologne  contain the lowest concentration of fragrance oils, just 2-4% and last for about 2-3 hours.
• EDT or Eau de Toilette contains a medium concentration of 5-15%, allowing its scent to linger for 4-6 hours.
• A higher concentration can be found in perfumes labeled EDP or Eau de Parfum which contain 15-20% fragrance oils and last between 6-8 hours.
• Finally, PARFUM or pure perfume has the highest concentration of fragrance oils (20-30%) making its scent detectable for 24 hours or even longer.

The conclusion from this classification is clear: if you want a fragrance that lasts a long time, opt for Eau de Parfum or pure perfume. The concentration of fragrance oils affects not only the longevity of a scent but also its projection, meaning how far the scent travels in the space around the person wearing it. In other words, projection determines whether and how others perceive your perfume. Interestingly, projection is also influenced by the volatility of individual fragrance notes. For example, citrus notes are more noticeable but less long-lasting, while base notes, such as musk, have a lower projection but greater longevity.

Proper storage and application methods are also crucial for extending a perfume’s longevity. You can find more details on this topic in our other article, titled: "Tips for Storing Perfume."

The impact of temperature and environment on perfume longevity

Additionally, body temperature, as well as humidity and ambient temperature, play an important role in determining how long your favorite scent will last on your skin. Perfumes contain volatile chemical compounds that evaporate when exposed to air, and an increase in body temperature can accelerate this process. Francis Kurkdjian therefore recommends applying perfume to hair or loose clothing on warmer days: Air movements cause them to shift, which helps disperse the fragrance around you. In summer, high temperatures can make perfumes smell more intense but for a shorter duration, whereas in winter, this tendency is reversed.

The role of skin pH in perfume longevity

Another key factor influencing how and for how long a perfume lasts is skin pH, which measures the acidity or alkalinity of the skin’s surface. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where 7 is neutral, values below 7 indicate acidity, and values above 7 indicate alkalinity. Healthy skin has a slightly acidic pH, typically between 4.5 and 5.5. In cases where the skin’s pH is more alkaline, some fragrance components may break down more quickly, leading to faster scent evaporation. That’s why using the right hygiene and skincare products, as well as maintaining proper hydration, is essential. These steps will help your skin maintain its natural acidity.

Why perfume smells different on everyone?

The final topic we’d like to discuss in this article is our so-called scent identity, which refers to the individual, absolutely unique scent characteristic of each person. Scent identity is shaped by various factors, including genetics, diet, skin chemistry, medications, hormonal imbalances, and stress levels. It determines how long and in what way a perfume develops on the skin. That’s why the same perfume will never smell exactly the same on different people. Before purchasing a perfume, it is important to test how it interacts with your own chemistry. You might find that a fragrance that smells fantastic on a friend only smells fantastic on them. While you can’t control your genes, you can enhance your skin’s chemistry by using the right skincare products and maintaining a proper diet. Spicy and highly aromatic foods such as garlic, onions, and chili not only raise body temperature but also alter the natural scents your body emits, which can distort the way a perfume smells. Proper hydration, consuming vitamin rich foods especially fruits and vegetables as well as healthy fats from avocados, fatty fish, and quality oils, all contribute to maintaining a balanced body scent.

We hope this article has clarified your doubts and that the tips provided here will help you extend the longevity of your favorite perfumes. We also invite you to explore the products of our brand, Rêve de Chantelle, in the "Luxury Perfumes" section. There, you’ll find not only original but also exceptionally long-lasting scents captured in small bottles, just waiting for you to fall in love with them…