One of the most common comments in perfumeries is: "This perfume doesn't last long." In fact, most of our customers ask us about the longevity of a perfume when choosing one.
In most cases, the claim that a perfume doesn't last long enough doesn't have much to do with the fragrance's actual longevity, but rather with how our brains and sense of smell process scents over time. This is where anosmia, also known as "olfactory fatigue," comes into play.
What is anosmia and olfactory fatigue?
Anosmia is the total or partial loss of the sense of smell. It can be temporary or permanent and can be due to various causes, such as respiratory infections, allergies, or even genetic factors. However, what most influences the perception of the longevity of a perfume is not total anosmia, but olfactory fatigue.
Olfactory fatigue is a natural phenomenon in which our brain stops perceiving a scent after a prolonged period of exposure. This happens because our olfactory system quickly adapts to constant odors, prioritizing the detection of new stimuli. Thus, even though the perfume is still present on our skin and is perceived by others, our own sense of smell becomes numb, giving us the impression that it has disappeared.
Why does it seem like a perfume doesn't last?
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Olfactory Adaptation : Our sense of smell is designed to detect changes in the environment as part of our survival instinct. Once we become accustomed to a scent, our brain filters it out and stops consciously registering it.
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Different molecules, different durations : Not all ingredients in a perfume have the same longevity. Citrus and aquatic notes tend to evaporate quickly, while woods, resins, and musks can last for hours or even days on the skin.
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Skin type and body chemistry : Each person's skin influences how well a fragrance lasts. Dry skin tends to retain fragrance less, while oily skin can make it last longer.
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Application : Applying perfume to strategic points like your wrists, neck, and behind your ears can improve its longevity. It's also helpful to apply it to your clothes, as fabrics tend to retain scents longer.
How to avoid olfactory fatigue?
If you feel like you're not noticing your perfume after a while, try these tips:
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Take olfactory breaks : Move your nose away from the fragrance and breathe in fresh air before smelling it again.
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Change your perfume occasionally : Alternating fragrances prevents your sense of smell from getting too used to a specific scent.
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Ask others : Often, the perfume is still noticeable to others, even if you no longer notice it.
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Hydrate your skin : Well-hydrated skin helps it retain the aromatic oils of the perfume better.
The perception of a perfume's longevity is highly subjective and influenced by our own physiology and habits. Before dismissing a fragrance due to its supposedly short lifespan, it's important to consider factors such as olfactory fatigue and the perfume's composition.
Finally, perfumes are designed to be enjoyed in layers and moments, not always constantly and uninterruptedly.