Long-lasting perfumes

What a perfume's longevity depends on

The concentration of essences

An Eau de Toilette contains around 5-12% perfume oils, an Eau de Parfum 15-20%, an Extrait de Parfum even over 30%. The higher the concentration, the longer the perfume lasts on the skin.

The base notes

It is the base notes that determine how long a perfume lasts: oud, amber, musks, vanilla, patchouli, sandalwood and resins stay on the skin for hours, while citrus and green notes evaporate quickly.

Your skin type

Dry skin holds perfume less well: applying a neutral moisturiser first can add another 2-3 hours of longevity. Diet and the pH of your skin also affect the result.

How to make your perfume last longer: our advice

Apply your perfume right after the shower on moisturised skin, on the warm pulse points (neck, wrists, behind the ears), without rubbing your wrists together. Spray it on your hair and your clothes too: on fabric a fragrance can last for days. And above all choose niche fragrances with rich base notes: the quality of the raw materials makes the real difference.

Why choose long-lasting perfumes from Maison de Parfum

Since 2006 we have been selecting the most beautiful and best-performing niche fragrances for our boutique in Bologna. We test every perfume in this category ourselves for longevity and sillage: if it lasts on our skin, it will last on yours.

Frequently asked questions about long-lasting perfumes

How long does a long-lasting perfume last on average?

A long-lasting niche perfume in Eau de Parfum lasts on average 8-10 hours on the skin; an Extrait de Parfum can go beyond 12 hours, and on fabric the sillage can linger for days.

Which notes last longest on the skin?

The most tenacious notes are oud, amber, musk, vanilla, patchouli, sandalwood, leather and resins such as benzoin and labdanum. They are heavy molecules that evaporate slowly and anchor the whole fragrance.

Why can I no longer smell my perfume after a few hours?

It is often "olfactory fatigue": your nose gets used to the fragrance and stops perceiving it, but the people around you still smell it. Before topping up your perfume, ask someone to confirm.

Are long-lasting perfumes suitable for every season?

Yes, as long as you choose the right notes: amber, oud and vanilla in winter; in summer go for long-lasting fragrances built on musks, light woods and white flowers, which last a long time without feeling heavy in the heat.