Perfume Longevity: What Affects It and Why It Matters
Yesterday, I returned to my studio after nearly a week away. The rainy Midsummer festivities were celebrated, the peony intoxication enjoyed, and I was welcomed by scent of my projects— or rather, by the blotters I’d left behind from recent creations, waiting to reveal how well the base notes held up over time.
And it truly brought me joy — every composition still carried its base, even after a full week. That’s one of the clearest signs that a formula works well.
What affects perfume longevity?
1. Ingredients and their chemistry
Each perfume is composed of top, heart, and base notes. It’s the base notes that determine how long a fragrance stays on your skin.
Some molecules — like veramoss (an oakmoss alternative) or ambroxide (a molecule that captures the soul of ambergris) — can last for days. These are the backbone of long-lasting fragrance.
2. The formula’s structure
Balance between notes is key. A perfume that leans too heavily on the top without a grounding base might smell lovely at first, but it won’t linger.
3. Concentration
This refers to how much aromatic material is present in the alcohol base. The typical perfume types are:
EDT (Eau de Toilette): 8–12% concentration — bright and expressive, with medium longevity (4–6 hours), and strong projection.
EDP (Eau de Parfum): 15–20% — longer lasting (6–10 hours), with a deeper, softer aura.
Extrait de Parfum: 20–30%+ — intense staying power, but a more intimate projection.
What do projection, sillage, and longevity mean?
Projection is how far a fragrance radiates around you, especially in the first hour.
Sillage is the scent trail you leave behind.
Longevity is the total time the scent remains detectable on the skin.
In general, EDTs offer the strongest projection, while EDPs create more refined, lasting presence. Extrait is closest to the skin — a scent for you and only those very near.
What does it mean when a perfume “does its job”?
It means the fragrance unfolds gracefully, keeping harmony and presence throughout the day. That it’s felt by you — and maybe others — but never overwhelming, never too much.
Do you know your own scent preferences?
Do you lean toward soft presence or a bold signature that lingers on your clothes?
In my studio, everything is created with feeling in mind.
Scent is not just memory — it’s a step toward the version of you that’s becoming.
Anna Pipara
13:13 Perfumery
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