Longevity
Longevity refers to how long a fragrance remains detectable on skin. A fragrance with strong longevity can last 8–12 hours; a weaker one may fade within 2–3 hours. Longevity is primarily determined by concentration, the molecular weight of the aromatic materials used, and the ratio of tenacious base notes to volatile top notes.
Projection (also called sillage)
Projection describes how far a fragrance radiates from the skin — how noticeable it is to others nearby. A high-projection fragrance announces itself when you enter a room; a close-projection fragrance stays near the skin and is perceptible only to those very close to you. Projection isn't the same as intensity: some very intense fragrances project closely; some lighter ones radiate widely.
Why longevity varies between people
Skin chemistry — influenced by pH, oil levels, hydration, diet, and hormones — significantly affects how long fragrance lasts and how it develops. The same fragrance can last 10 hours on one person and 3 on another. This is normal and not a sign of a bad fragrance.
Pulse points (wrists, neck, inner elbows, chest) are warm areas of skin where fragrance evaporates gradually over time. Spraying onto warm skin produces better longevity than spraying onto cold or dry areas.
Practical ways to extend longevity
- Moisturise first: Apply an unscented lotion before your fragrance. Oily skin holds fragrance longer than dry skin; moisturiser recreates that environment.
- Don't rub: Rubbing wrists together after applying fragrance breaks down the molecular structure of the top notes and accelerates their fade. Apply and let the fragrance settle.
- Layer with a matching base: Applying a body wash, lotion, or oil from the same line as your fragrance creates a scent layer that extends the signature without adding more of the fragrance itself.
- Choose heavier base notes: Fragrances built on oud, musk, amber, and resinous bases are inherently more tenacious than light citrus or aquatic fragrances.
- Store correctly: Heat, humidity, and light degrade fragrance over time. Store bottles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
When you use SCNTMIX to analyse a mix, longevity and projection are included in the performance breakdown for each pairing.