So, why do some perfumes last longer than others? Claude Dir, a renowned perfumer and master nose at the international fragrance manufacturer Mane, credits longevity to the construction of a fragrance and the ingredients used. “A perfume is constructed as a poetic blend of natural ingredients and nature-identical raw materials,” he says. “The molecular system of ingredients creates a pyramid structure consisting of top, middle, and base notes.”
He suggests looking out for specific ingredients that contribute to a long-lasting scent, like wood, musk, and resin. “This will establish the base foundation on the skin which will extend the wear for six hours and up,” he explains. And keep in mind the oil concentration, too.
“Whether a fragrance is an eau de toilette (EDT), eau de parfum (EDP), or parfum will help determine the lasting power based on the fragrance oil concentration percentage,” says Linda Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation. “A higher fragrance oil concentrate can help a consumer distinguish how strong and how long-lasting the fragrance will be on their skin.” Parfums or eau de parfums often have over 20 to 25% of fragrance oils, compared to eau de toilettes, which have much lower concentrations of oil.
But where you spray your perfume and how you layer it can also help the scent last longer. Dir recommends spraying fragrance on your clothes, instead of pulse points because there will be “no reaction to body chemistry so the scent can last longer.”
With a base of vanilla from Madagascar paired with fresh notes of lime and coriander, Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensée Pure Perfume is one of our favorite fragrances, and it fits all the criteria of our list.
Below, our favorite long-lasting scents.
Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensée Cologne Absolue Pure Perfume
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Amazon
A unisex fragrance that plays well with the unexpected contrast between vanilla and woody moss. Its character is fresh and elegant without being heavy, so feel free to use it liberally. Its exotic ingredients are 91% natural and include vanilla from Madagascar, lime from Mexico, and coriander from Russia.
Price at time of publish: $111.99
Chanel Chance Eau de Parfum Spray
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Chanel
Great for a busy day, this spicy, floral scent leaves behind a subtle, sweet linger in the air. Jasmine, pink pepper, and vanilla are just a few of the ingredients that help give this fragrance a warm depth.
Price at time of publish: $116 for a 1.7 oz bottle
Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel, Paris-Edimbourg
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Chanel
This new unisex fragrance presents an aromatic, woody scent that conjures the wild and majestic landscape of the Scottish Highlands. A powerful burst of juniper berry and cypress evolves into a warm vetiver accord with earthy undertones and smoky accents, for a long-lasting, fresh scent.
Price at time of publish: $140 for a 4.2 oz bottle
Christian Dior Oud Rosewood Eau de Parfum
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Dior
Infused with a duo of oud and sandalwood, this potent blend creates an instant presence. The contrasting ingredients provide an evocative signature and are enhanced by essences from the far east.
Price at time of publish: $310 for 4.25 oz spray
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Gamine
The heavy influence of natural raw materials gives this fragrance a greater diffusion on skin. Composed of blue hemp, vetiver root, chocolat noi, and wild Indonesian patchouli, this scent has an aromatic quality that is both herbaceous and woody.
Price at time of publish: $185
Giorgio Armani Si Passione Eau de Parfum
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Sephora
This is the perfect fragrance for any time you want to be remembered. Infused with cedarwood and highlighted with woody vanilla and rose blooms, this fruity, floral combination creates an intense, uncompromising scent for every type of woman.
Price at time of publish: $104 for a 1.7 oz bottle
Hermès L’Ombre des Merveilles Eau de Parfum
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Macy’s
The blend of incense, black tea, and tonka beans capture the senses and leaves behind a timeless, tender trail. This is a unisex fragrance that is truly captivating.
Price at time of publish: $158 for a 3.3 oz bottle
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Amazon
This perfume embodies the Jimmy Choo brand: glamorous, sexy, and seductive. At the heart of the fragrance, is an aura of rich and exotic tiger orchid. The lingering scent is created with sweet toffee and Indonesian patchouli, leaving a subtle, sensual memory on the skin.
Price at time of publish: $66 for 1.3 oz bottle
Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne
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jomalone
This luxurious, fresh fragrance from the iconic British brand fills the room with its combination of peonies, red apple, jasmine, rose, and gillyflower. A contrasting infusion of blush suede enhances the scent, bringing an enticing sensuality to the fragrance.
Price at time of publish: $80 for 1 oz bottle
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau De Parfum
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Nordstrom
A unisex fragrance created with the perfect blend of ingredients. The combination of cardamom, iris, violet, cedarwood, and musky notes come together to form a unique aroma that smells great on just about anyone.
Price at time of publish: $90 for a 0.5 oz bottle
Lancôme La Vie Est Belle
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Lancome
This fragrance captures the essence of a sunny summer day – warm yet fresh, made for those who live to bask in the sun. The white floral, mandarin top notes are infused with ylang-ylang, vanilla, and coconut accords. The ingredients come together to create a textured aura that makes the iconic smell resonate with a unique intensity.
Price at time of publish: $102 for 1.7 oz bottle
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Celestia Cologne Forte
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Nordstrom
This radiant fragrance captures the scent of the sea meeting the sky. Made up of a rich burst of blackcurrant, jasmine, mimosa, and bergamot.
Price at time of publish: $235
Maison Margiela Replica Sailing Day Eau de Toilette
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Sephora
Transport your mind by awakening memories of walking along the shore of a sandy beach. This light, fresh fragrance is inspired by a memory of the warm sea breeze and sailing towards the horizon. The lasting scent is intensified by base notes of red seaweed, rose essence, and iris absolute.
Price at time of publish: $76 for a 1 oz bottle
Narciso Rodriguez For Her Pure Musc Eau de Parfum
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Nordstrom
A woody floral scent that will grab the attention of any bystander, while the signature musk at the heart of this fragrance is combined with jasmine and orange blossom to add freshness. The base notes, cashmeran, amber, and patchouli create a seductive lasting aroma.
Price at time of publish: $103 for 1.6 oz bottle
Philosophy Amazing Grace Magnolia Eau de Parfum
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Amazon
Created to enhance your well-being, lift your mood, and leave you feeling energetic, this is definitely a feel-good fragrance. A fan favorite, the woody, floral scent is sophisticated, serene, and whimsical.
Price at time of publish: $58 for a 2 oz bottle
The Harmonist Moon Glory Parfum
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Bergdorf Goodman
Enriched with notes of lychee, organic honey, ylang-ylang, and warmed with amber musk. This sensual fragrance captures that in-between moment after the sun has disappeared below the horizon, yet before night falls. Its complexity reveals itself gradually, like the night sky, recalling the intoxicating scent of flowers at dusk.
Price at time of publish: $350
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Sephora
Walk into a room and let your perfume do the talking for you. This fragrance is all you need to create a luxurious, sensual impression. The rich accords of black truffle, black orchid, and plum, enhance this timeless scent.
Price at time of publish: $150 for 1.7 oz bottle
Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris Intensément Eau de Parfum
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Amazon
Remember the last time you received a bouquet of fresh roses, bursting with a sweet aroma? Now, imagine that smell bottled up. This new variation of the classic fragrance Mon Paris is literally a lush bouquet of roses in a bottle. The intense scent is made up of bold blackcurrant, roses, and white musk.
Price at time of publish: $108 for 1.6 oz bottle
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