However, the fact that the scents get lost in the ether is a big problem in the summer. It also happens in winter, but the extra layers we wear in the colder months tend to retain the scent, and because we sweat less, we keep it on longer. I've heard so many tips for making the scent last - most of them involve spraying it in weird places, the theory being that the heat in those places makes the scent more potent. But I wanted answers, so I went looking for it online. I came up with this
“There are a few factors that determine the longevity of perfumes.” In general, woody and spicy notes tend to last longer, while fruity and floral notes fade more quickly. So-called summer scents do tend to turn to floral notes and exotic fruits, which may also explain why this phenomenon is felt so keenly during the warmer months.
Then the dry or oily nature of your skin plays an important role. "The more oily skin you have, the slower the process of evaporating the fragrance from your skin. When the skin is dry, this process is much faster, the drier air winter also results in less evaporation." That's why formulators sometimes add humectants (ingredients that attract moisture) to a fragrance to help it adhere to the skin. "But the most important factor is the percentage of fragrance in the formula as a whole - and the amount of alcohol."
This is where things get somewhat technical. You may have noticed that some scents come across as EDTs or EDP's, but these aren't just marketing terms. EDT is the abbreviation of eau de toilette and, contains 5-10% fragrance throughout the formulation, while EDP or eau de parfum contains 7-15% fragrance. "The dosage of fragrance in a formulation will be the main factor determining its longevity." In contrast, a scented soap or body lotion most likely contains only 1-2% fragrance. This is the reason why EDP tends to be the more expensive option - it just has more fragrance and is therefore stronger.
You also mentioned that you knew you might notice your scent less throughout the day. A recent study suggests that the way we perceive smells is more complex than just familiarization. "It shows that there are many factors that change our perception of scent. For example, women seem to detect scents better than men, but age and genetics also play a role." As well as the environmental factors - do you smoke or drink? Do you live in a polluted area? How warm is it where you live?
There's not much you can do about your genetic makeup (and no one is telling you that you should move overseas to get the best out of your scent). But here's what you can do: “Moisturize your skin with a cream or serum before application so that the scent lasts longer.” And spray behind your ears - it's less likely to evaporate that quickly because your ears protect it from exposure to air and wind. I heard something similar about the belly button, for the record.
It might also be time for a summer scent. A scent can be summery and spicy.
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