A fragrance that lasts all day in a European winter can fade in three hours on a Dhaka afternoon. Heat speeds up evaporation and sweat washes the oils off the skin. You cannot change the weather, but these six habits make a real difference.
First, spray on moisturised skin. Fragrance clings to oil far better than to dry skin, so an unscented lotion right after a shower can add hours. Second, aim for pulse points that stay covered: the inside of the elbow, the chest under a shirt and the back of the neck under a collar. Covered skin stays cooler and the scent releases slowly.
Third, do not rub your wrists together. Rubbing crushes the top notes and the fragrance opens flat. Fourth, spray a little on clothes you will not wash immediately. Cotton and wool hold scent for a day or more, although you should test on a hidden seam first, as some dark oils can mark light fabric.
Fifth, store the bottle away from light and heat. A bathroom shelf or a car glovebox is the fastest way to ruin a perfume; a drawer in an air-conditioned room is ideal. Decants help here too, because the original bottle stays sealed at home while the 5ml travels with you.
Sixth, choose the concentration for the occasion. An Eau de Parfum or Extrait for long days outdoors, a lighter Eau de Toilette for the office. Our product pages list longevity and the best seasons for every fragrance, so you can filter for summer-friendly scents before you buy.