• EauMG Talks Longevity.

    Date: 2012.03.01 | Category: fragrance | Tags: ,,,,,,,,,

    Rita Hayworth perfume

    When I review perfumes, I comment on the perfume’s longevity. I don’t have a formal way of measuring this. But, I have expectations of how long a pure parfum/extrait, an EDP, an EDT, a cologne and a solid perfume should last on my skin.* The industry doesn’t really have a “set” standard for longevity either. So I ask you, how long should a perfume last on your skin?

    Here’s my thoughts and like I said, there is no industry standard or science behind my reasoning:

    Pure parfum, extraits or oil-based perfumes – I expect oil-based perfumes and parfums to last 10+ hours on my skin. I usually expect for these to wear closely but I expect at least 10+ hours. If the parfum is really expensive, I expect for it to last through a shower ;) I expect for their powers to last long through the night.

    Eau de Parfum – I expect EDPs to last 8+ hours on my skin. I don’t expect mega sillage but I expect to smell it at 8 hours.

    Eau de Toilette – I’m happy if an EDT stays on my skin for 4 hours.

    Eau de Cologne – I expect 2 hours of wear with colognes. I own one cologne, 4711.

    Solid Perfumes – I expect for solids to be reapplied throughout the day. I give them about 4 hours. I expect for them to wear closely to the skin too.

    Rita Hayworth perfume

    Here are some things I’ve noticed. Continuing reading for more of my rambling on and on:

    • Men expect for perfumes to last longer on the skin but they are usually only offered cologne or EDT concentrations. Why is this? Like I said, I expect for an EDP to last 8+ hours. I find that many male Youtube reviewers say a perfume has terrible longevity if it lasts on their skin for less than 10 hours…and they are usually reviewing something labeled “EDT”! My hypothesis is that women have lower expectations (or realistic expectations depending on who you ask) since many of us use so many products and these products let us down. We expect for a foundation to fade, for our hair to frizz, and for our undergarments and shoes to feel uncomfortable by quitting time. We don’t expect for our lipstick to last through lunch. The Revlon Colorstay line claims to last 12 hours; that’s the line’s selling point. I find that most women are happy if they can smell the base remains of their perfume after a work day. I also think that many of us don’t want a scent that lasts all day. Woman have distinctions in fragrances. Women have “day” and “night” fragrances.
    • On the same topic, I feel that most fragrances marketed to men are mislabeled. It says “EDT” but has the concentration of a women’s “EDP”. The market won’t say “EDP” because, silly rabbit, “perfume” is for chicks! More proof – You rarely see travel sized perfumes or atomizers marketed towards men.
    • Most of us associate longevity of a fragrance with quality. Personally, if a perfume is fleeting I put very little value on it. This is one of the reasons why I don’t own any bottles of citrus perfumes…take that back, I bought Atelier Orange Sanguine last week. I think this is also why I like “base note” heavy scents. Things with tonka, vanilla, amber, patchouli or resins stick to my skin longer; hence, I put more value on these notes.
    • The industry pushes EDTs to women by saying they’re “lighter” instead of lasting on the skin for a shorter amount of time. Not having longevity isn’t a great selling point, see bullet above. And most sales associates are correct to some extent, most EDT formulas are “lighter” than their EDP sisters…think Chanel. Most are completely different formulas…think Chanel. It’s not as simple as “watering” them down to make them “suitable for summer”.
    • Yes, dry skin will “eat” fragrances. Moisturize. I used to not believe this but now I’m older and wiser and I see the light. My friends with normal to oily skin types seem to have the same fragrances last on them hours longer than than they last on me. But, my abnormally low body temp makes up for my dry, parched skin type.
    • Oh, and perfumes evaporate AKA have less longevity in warmer climates. I’m sure you know that but really, our environment really influences longevity.

    I ask you:

    How long does a “long-wearing” perfume last on your skin?

    What’s “average” longevity?

    Do you associate longevity with quality?

    *See this guide for the differences and definitions of these.

    *Rita Hayworth pics from www.fanpix.net