The insider’s guide to lingering beautifully

There’s an art to fragrance. Not just in the notes, but in the way it wears. A perfect spritz should bloom gently, evolve over time, and linger well into the evening.

But more often than not, it vanishes before your second coffee. What happened to the signature trail you were promised? Where did it go?

Even the most exquisite perfume needs support. These are the subtle but effective tricks that help your scent last all day, no touch-ups required.

Hydration Is Everything

Dry skin is the fastest way to lose a fragrance. Moisturized skin helps hold onto scent, allowing it to unfold slowly and stay longer. Reach for an unscented lotion or body oil before applying your perfume.

Tip: Use a scented oil from the same fragrance family underneath your perfume to give it staying power and softness.

Apply Like a Minimalist, Not a Maximalist

Where you apply matters. Pulse points like the wrists and neck are key, but don't stop there. Behind the ears, inside the elbows, the back of the knees, and even the small of your back help the fragrance warm and rise throughout the day.

Avoid rubbing at all costs.

Pressing wrists together crushes the top notes and disturbs the dry down. Let it air dry for a cleaner, more sophisticated scent evolution.

Let Your Clothes Join the Story

Perfume clings to fabric better than it does to skin. A soft mist on your coat lining or scarf can create a long-lasting aura. Spraying your hairbrush before use is another subtle method to diffuse scent with movement.

Avoid delicate fabrics like silk and cashmere, which may stain or absorb too much.

Master the Art of Layering

Fragrance should be treated like skincare. Start with a body wash or oil, then add your perfume. This layering creates depth and dimension while extending longevity. When the base is prepped, the fragrance sits better and stays longer.

Maison D’Abba layering tip:

Begin with a dry oil on pulse points, follow with a light mist of fragrance, and finish with a scented hair veil for movement and lift.

Understand Your Formula

Different types of perfume last different lengths of time. Eau de toilette is airy and designed for refreshment. Eau de parfum contains a higher concentration of oils and lasts longer. Pure parfum offers the most longevity with the least application.

If you want your scent to last from AM to PM, go with a higher concentration and apply strategically.

Protect Your Bottle Like You Would a Serum

Heat, humidity, and sunlight degrade fragrance over time. Keep your perfume in a cool, dry place away from direct light. This preserves the integrity of the scent so it performs better on your skin. A closet or vanity drawer is ideal.

Leave the bathroom shelf to your cleansers.

The Final Whisper

Scent is invisible, but unforgettable. To make your perfume last, think in layers, textures, and quiet gestures. Let it rest on your skin. Let it move with you. The most intoxicating fragrances are the ones that don’t shout, they stay close, then reappear when no one expects them.