If your fragrance has a habit of ghosting you before you’ve even finished your morning commute—there’s a chance it actually has nothing to do with the fragrance itself and (almost) everything to do with how you're applying it.
For the first time ever in ghosting history: It might be you, not them.
We asked fragrance specialist/ Twihard Chiara, for some advice to make your fragrance last longer and have you winning plenty of “you smell good” praise even by the day's end.
Why do some fragrances ghost you?
The lifespan of fragrance comes down to two factors. One: The formulation of the fragrance itself. And two: How said fragrance is applied to the skin.
Fragrance is a science. Meaning It all comes down to exact measurements and well-considered ratios. A fragrance with a higher perfume content tends to last longer than a diluted formula (which is usually heavy on the alcohol and light on the perfume). This is because alcohol evaporates quickly, taking the lighter, more volatile fragrance notes with it. Lucky for us, Go-To’s fragrances (a devastatingly chic trio of perfume oils. All yours to swoon and sniff) are alcohol free.
In terms of application (this is where you come in), a smidgen of prep can go a long way to help the fragrance seamlessly interact with your skin. So how do you pregame for a day of smelling amazing? Here’s what Chiara had to say.
1. Spritz your skin (not your shirt)
“Fragrance will wear best when it can interact with your body heat,” explains Chiara. “Applying to skin (specifically pulse points—more on that in a sec!) and not your outfit helps the scent evolve and linger throughout the day. Plus! No oil stains on your favourite linen shirt. Everyone wins.”
2. Hydration is key
“Dry, thirsty skin will drink up just about anything to quench itself. Even your very favourite, very nice perfume. When your skin is dry, fragrance evaporates into the skin rather than lingering on the skin. When your skin is hydrated, that smooth, moisturised surface helps hold onto the fragrance for longer.”
3. Target your pulse points
“These are the warmer spots on your body—like wrists, neck, behind the ears, and even the inside of your elbows—where blood vessels sit closer to the surface. The body warmth of these spots helps activate and diffuse the fragrance. When applied to these warmer areas (those bendy bits I mentioned), your body gently “warms up” the fragrance throughout the day, releasing the scent more consistently and allowing it to project better.” (Aka: you’ll actually smell it beyond 7:34AM.)
4. No rubbing, please
“It’s very tempting and can feel irresistibly chic to rub your wrists together after spritzing your favourite fragrance. But rubbing your wrists together actually breaks down the top notes and speeds up evaporation. Dab, press, or just let it be—your fragrance will thank you,” shares Chiara.
5. Store smart
“Heat, light, and humidity are sworn enemies of fragrance. Prolonged exposure to the elements can dull the scent and compromise the formula. Store your perfume in a cool, dark place—so not your sunny windowsill or steamy bathroom—to keep the scent as fresh as the day you got it.”
6. Layer wisely
“Build your scent like an outfit. Use complementary body products like oils or lotions to amplify your perfume. Layering helps the scent last longer and adds depth and dimension. Like fragrance contouring, basically.”
7. Family is everything
“Some notes naturally stick around longer than others. Woods, resins, and musks tend to be more clingy—in a good way. Citruses and florals? Often first to fade. So if lasting power is your top priority, choose your fragrance family accordingly.”
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