4 min read

How to Increase the Longevity of Natural Perfume

Written By: Eden Botanicals

Natural perfumes can offer a beautiful botanical alternative to those typically seen in the mainstream beauty world, though natural aromatics aren’t known for their fragrance longevity. This is because conventional perfumes contain certain synthetic molecules that elevate the aroma and/or increase the lasting power of the product on the skin. Nature did not find such molecules necessary – for example, the scent of flowers attract bees and other pollinators that can detect even the faintest hint of the flower’s perfume at lengthy distances. No need for longevity, the focus is instead on the bliss of undeniable attraction.

For us, however, a little more longevity goes a long way in our aromatic enjoyment. Whether it’s how they are formulated or how they are applied, there are a few secrets to getting the most longevity out of your natural perfumes.

Formulate for Balance and Longevity

The trick to composing a perfume with the most impact, balance, and long-lasting aroma is to ensure there is an adequate combination of Base notes, Middle/Heart notes, and Top notes. These note categories are based on an oil’s volatility – the rate at which it evaporates. Top Note oils contain the smallest molecules and are the quickest to evaporate (e.g., citrus oils), Middle Note oils generally last 2-4 hours (e.g., floral oils), and Base Note oils that evaporate the slowest and contain the largest molecules can last for 4-6 hours or more on the skin (e.g., resins and woods).

Too much Top and not enough Base and your perfume may lack depth and dissipate too quickly. Without enough Middle/Heart, it may not possess the body and complexity you’d hoped for. For more information and examples, please see our article Natural Perfumery Basics. Following these basic composition guidelines can improve any blend you make!

Use Fixatives to Your Advantage

While Base note oils are some of the most long-lasting on the skin, there are also several oils that fall into the category of fixatives. Fixative oils work in numerous ways to help extend, fortify, stabilize, and/or improve a composition. While some fixatives are base notes, such as Sandalwood, Agarwood and Labdanum, there are also fixative Middle/Heart notes such as Clary Sage or Cypress Leaf. To learn more about fixatives and how they work, please read the article Fixatives and Their Function in Natural Perfumery.

Create an Oil-Based or Solid Perfume

Perfumes in a ‘carrier’ oil base, such as Jojoba or Fractionated Coconut Oil, will typically last longer than alcohol-based perfumes that can tend to evaporate more quickly. Not only will the carrier oil help slow evaporation and hold the scent, oil-based formulas are able to contain a higher percentage of aromatic oils than alcohol-based perfumes. Solid perfumes are oil-based with the addition of beeswax or vegetable-based wax such as candelilla, and can contain the highest percentage of aromatic oils. This higher concentration of aromatics has the potential to make for a more powerful and lingering aromatic experience. You’ll find full instructions on making oil-based, alcohol-based or solid perfumes in our article Natural Perfumery Basics.

Skillfully Apply for Staying Power

When the scent of your natural perfume is too fleeting, you may find yourself reapplying frequently in an attempt continue enjoying the experience. Here are a few application tips for added staying power:

·         Before applying the perfume, moisturize the skin with a natural oil such as Jojoba or Fractionated Coconut Oil or your favorite unscented lotion. This provides a foundation that helps the perfume stay on the skin’s surface for longer. Fragrance doesn’t last as long on dehydrated or dry skin, so moisturizing not only helps give staying power to your perfume, it is also good for your skin!

·         Another alternative is to add a small amount of perfume to an unscented moisturizer and then apply.

·         Avoid rubbing perfume into the skin after applying; friction increases the evaporation of the scent from the skin.

·         Apply perfume to hair, to pulse points that generate heat such as wrists, inner elbows, neck, and behind the ears, or dab onto a scarf.

Enjoy your natural perfume and let us know if you have your own secrets to share for helping add longevity to your aromatic creations!