Considering the price one might spend on the perfect perfume, it would be nice if it lasted longer than the morning commute, right? So if you’ve found that fragrance fades quite quickly on your skin, it’s time to get acquainted with the fragrance notes that last the longest.
No matter your scent preference, there are tips you can follow to find a spritz that’ll last the distance. Whether you like a fragrance infused with rose or are on the hunt for your wedding day scent, it’s all in the formula.
Even if your favourite note isn’t considered ‘long-lasting’, it can be supported by other elements to help it wear for longer.
Ready to smell good for a long time? Here’s what you need to know.
Look out for musk and woody notes
Musk and woody families frequently feature among the fragrance notes that last the longest. Particularly if they’re present in the base of a perfume. This is because the oils tend to evaporate at a slower rate than those with a fruity or floral base, meaning they’re noticeable for longer.
Choose the right strength
How long your perfume sticks around has a lot to do with which kind of fragrance you buy. Generally, if a fragrance has a lower concentration of essential oils, it will fade faster.
Ever wondered about the difference between EDPs and EDTs? One such divider is their concentration levels.
Parfums contain the largest volume of essential oils, which means they take the longest to evaporate. Eau de parfums (EDPs) are next in line for lingering time, followed by eau de toilette (EDT). Eau de cologne contains the least amount of long-lasting essential oils and will therefore not last as long on the skin.
Top tip: Consider fragrance layering for extra longevity too. Combine two scents or match a divine-smelling body lotion with your favourite perfume. And if all else fails, carry an affordable body mist for quick touch-ups throughout the day. We like Aéropostale Twilight Dreams Body Mist ($15 at Priceline).
Top 5 fragrance notes that last the longest
#1 Patchouli
A standalone note, patchouli is very strong and sweet but can also be earthy and musky. It’s one that changes depending on the mix it’s in as well as the wearer.
Find it in: Lancôme La vie est belle L’Eau de Parfum, $112 at Myer
#2 White musk
White musk is a versatile note that’s often found at the base of unforgettable fragrances.
Find it in: Ariana Grande R.E.M., $65 at Chemist Warehouse
#3 Sandalwood
Sandalwood is a woody note that works well when paired with other fragrance families but also heroes in masculine scents.
Find it in: J-Lo Live EDP Spray, $39.99 at Chemist Warehouse
#4 Tuberose
If you love a fresh green and floral scent, tuberose is a favourite. The fact it’s long-lasting is a bonus.
Find it in: AERIN Tuberose Le Jour EDP, $320 at Myer
#5 Freesia
Freesia essential oil has a fresh, heady scent that’s perfect for use in bath, body and perfume products.
Find it in: Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia, $106 at Myer
Which fragrance notes do you look for in a scent? Which fragrance of yours do you think sticks around for the longest?
fruity types please.
Wonder what freesia smells like?
Freesia is amazing Yoh! They’re often seen growing wild on the side of the road in Spring. They love little hillsides. It’s one of my favourite floral scents along with rose, violet and citrus blossoms (orange blossoms/lemon or lime blossoms). Freesia is so good! It’s sort of sweet but it in a ‘pow’ kind of way and then emits down gently. That’s the best way I can describe it! 🙂
Interesting! Love punchy scents. As tuberose is for example.
From those tuberose or sandalwood. Must can one make smell urin like
lol wow I didn’t know that ! haha good to know!
Green apple scents often smell like urine to me, but not musk. Maybe it’s a difference in perception?
*Misfortune* it’s to do with body chemistry. For example I love some fragrance notes but they smell like urine on me too. It’s pretty common.
patchouli is one of the best scent out there in fragrances in my opinion i love it
Ooooh I love woody notes! Sandalwood is beautiful and a fave of mine. Don’t mind at all that it’s one of the longest lasting 🙂
I always thought Parfum and Eau de Parfum were the same, glad to find out I was wrong
The only one I’ve not smelt so far is the tuberose.
Tuberose is glorious but very expensive unfortunately. Estee Lauder make a fabulous one.
I haven’t tried this one but certainly sounds lovely
There is also a perfume from Marc Jacobs I think that has tuberose scent it smells divine.
I’m not familiar with tuberose or freesia. I’ll have to have a sniff somewhere.
Oh I adore tuberose.
I love the fresh notes, especially green tea, they don’t seem to lady the longest thou.
The Elizabeth Arden original green tea one seems to last the longest on me. I’ve had a bottle of it for nearly 10 years, and most other citrusy perfumes would’ve died long ago.
Love the main photo. Mt 2 favourite perfumes were discontinued many years ago. I haven’t found anything to quite take their place.
Some interesting information, in particular that the layer the fragrance is located at being important but I guess that makes sense
Absolutely love Patchouli
I like the musky scents and they do hold which is really nice
I’m not a huge fan of florals, I like sweet and fruity scents
Me too.
me too!
Patchouli, White Musk & Sandalwood – yeah, I love them! I adore the heavy scents, but I’m mindful that they can be overpowering for others. La Vie est Belle is GORGEOUS!
Coincidently, I just tried this on today for the first time and am in love! Such a gorgeous feminine scent
I really like the freesia scent.
Longevity is certainly a consideration but I probably would not turn to these notes. They don’t really suit me.
I love the woody notes in a perfume.
I love your floral scents, however not a fan of musky fragrances.
I love woody orientals.
yes please -love them too
Thanks so very much BH for this Great Article on Fragrance Notes and How Long they Last, I guess you get what you pay for as many of these Fragrances are very Expensive. Even though I have payed a lot of money for Perfume it’s Fragrance doesn’t last. Will need to get what you have in this Article.
I have a variety of different scents that I love and use for different moods and seasons. From crisp water scents, orientals, beautiful florals, to a few gourmand I love them all
I have a nice freesia rollerball that I use at work at its lovely
I find lily scented fragrances always seem to last well.
Good to know. I find sandalwood overpowers and musk too sickly but I do like freesia, tuberose and patchouli. Rose is my overall favourite scent
I like the other notes on top of these.
I do love musk and white musk, although oddly I don’t think they’re in my favorite fragrance (Dune)
I am not sure.
I love floral tones for fragrances . Jasmine, i also love fresh smells too
I thought rose would be up there… freesia is surprising. It seems so light!
Oh yes Rose can be quite a lingering scent.
Oh I love tuberose scent.
Patchuoli can be strong for me at times and have to spray lightly.
Florals are my fave
This is interesting.
My favourite fragrance notes are; orange blossom, pink pepper, tonka bean, rose, raspberry, coffee, frangipini, bourbon vanilla…to name a few haha!! The perfume that sticks around the longest??
Tom Ford Lost Cherry!!! Its longevity & sillage is HUGE, one spray is so strong!!! It is a cherry bomb haha so so so strong!!!
Chloe Narcisse also has enormous longevity and projection.
And Anais Anais….there’s a few that I have tried
I love fruity scents as they are fresh and don’t give me a headache
I love Citrus based scents.
The scent I have that lasts the longest is an Iris scented one from Prada.
I love these scents but fruity smells are my favourite! X
The flowers in the picture are so lovely
yes really pretty
interesting article
I like more musky scents and even love a few of my partners -Not overpowering but just a lingering scent
Summer I am obsessed with creamy bubblegum tuberose.
Love musky type scents as long as used lightly
I love orientals and spicy, woody scents. More like winter/cold weather perfumes for me.