Finding a long-lasting perfume that you love is akin to finding a perfectly-fitting pair of jeans or an exact foundation shade match. You come to rely on it for occasions when you just need to smell... good. They then inevitably spoil you for all other mediocre, short-lived scents. The task itself though, is no easy feat – except, of course, when you have a team of beauty experts like ours on your side.
We're no strangers to the sting that a disappointing sillage and longevity can bring. The best perfumes for women are often the priciest of our beauty buys, and one of the few areas we're willing to splurge a little more money, so it's only natural that we want - and expect - them to last. Many on the market, from the best floral fragrances to popular vanilla blends, are touted for their staying power, but some definitely do a better job than others. Pin-pointing them, especially online though, is easier said than done.
Thankfully, there are a few tells to look out for when selecting a long-lasting fragrance. All of which our beauty team have found in these vetted picks – spanning every olfactory family as well as brands like Jo Malone, Le Labo and Diptyque. Here are the scents that we deem the best long-lasting perfumes for women.
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18 of the best long-lasting perfumes, reviewed by our beauty team
Whether you're a lover of perfumes with jasmine or prefer scents that sparkle on the skin, like that of a fruity perfume, there's a long-lasting aroma to suit every preference. To make your search a tad easier, though, we've rounded up 18 blends – spanning brands like Issey Miyake and Byredo to more budget-friendly names like the best Zara perfumes – which are proven to stand the test of time.
Best floral long lasting perfumes
Reviewed by: Amelia Yeomans and Naomi Jamieson
RRP: £92 for 50ml | Notes: Tangerine, neroli, lavender, jasmine, orange blossom and vanilla
A modern classic, this is like the white T-shirt of floral fragrances. "Warm and sophisticated, YSL's Libre is the perfect finishing touch to any day," says digital beauty writer Naomi Jamieson. "It's smooth and rich, with that fresh mossiness that's typical of the best lavender perfumes marrying with musky vanilla notes, for a decadent but infinitely wearable signature.
She continues: "Personally, I think it lends itself best to a winter or evening scent, thanks to its sweet warmth, but its tangerine and orange blossom notes may also appeal to those on the hunt for a summer signature scent."
Who it suits: Those who like their florals with a bit of edge
Reviewed by: Amelia Yeomans
RRP: £68 for 30ml | Notes: Rangoon creeper, jasmine bud and natural tuberose
Gucci Bloom is another floral perfume for women with an innately classic feel. White florals intermingle with rangoon creeper, which gives it a slightly powdery edge – but not too cloying. "Expect to smell like a fresh-cut bunch of bright and beautiful blooms, all day long," says contributing senior writer Amelia Yeomans, summing up the nature of this long-lasting scent.
However, she continues, "Despite the vivid floral smell, I find this perfume is for those who like a subtle, lingering scent that doesn't overwhelm you, like some fresh, flowery blends tend to do." It's a great, elegant option for everyday wear.
Who it suits: Those who have an affinity with florals and who especially love classic rose notes
RRP: £118 for 100ml | Notes: English lavender, grapefruit, silver birch accord and oak
Reviewed by: Aleesha Badkar
I'm not usually a lavender fan but the heavy woods really ground this warming blend to prevent the namesake heart note from being too aromatic, while the fresh grapefruit opening lifts it into a sweet citrussy territory. So delicious and fresh.
Who should wear it: those who steer clear of heavy, heady scents but still want an aroma that lasts and evolves throughout the day.
Best woody long lasting perfumes
Reviewed by: Aleesha Badkar
RRP: from £155 for 35ml | Notes: Jasmine, saffron, amberwood, fir resin and cedar
Arguably this name's most famous perfume, thanks to its viral social media fame, Baccarat Rouge 540 is rich, ambery and a little sweet. "This has been a signature scent of mine for years, thanks to its unique blend of breezy jasmine, spicy saffron, warm amber and freshly cut cedar," says beauty eCommerce editor Aleesha Badkar. "While this combination may not sound sweet, the overriding scent reminds me of sugary candy floss, in the most delicious way."
However, don't let that sweetness put you off – it's not too sickly. Aleesha continues: "Once the sweetness subsides slightly, expect to be hit with a warming, amber base that really sticks to the skin."
Who it suits: Those who love a signature red lip and appearing mysterious
Reviewed by: Aleesha Badkar and Naomi Jamieson
RRP: £170 for 50ml | Notes: Cardamom, iris, violet, Australian sandalwood, cedarwood and musk
Another viral sensation, Le Labo's Santal 33 has a recognisable quality that sets it apart from other sandalwood-led scents. "It's the definition of an autumn–winter scent as it gives off a spicy, leathery warmth," says Naomi. "Here, rich floral notes of iris and violet give way to woody and musky hints that just make this fragrance so hypnotic.
"I've also found that it clings beautifully to clothes, especially knits," she continues. "It never fails to make me feel chic, and I find I can still detect traces of it on my hair and wrists when I climb into bed, such is its staying power."
Who it suits: Sandalwood fans who get excited about a good glass of red wine
Reviewed by: Amelia Yeomans
RRP: £66 for 50ml | Notes: Vanilla, cashmeran, patchouli and sandalwood
With a little earthy patchouli, balanced with sweet vanilla, this Zadig & Voltaire fragrance packs universal appeal. "In my experience, this fragrance starts off light and powdery, but quickly becomes woody and richer as it dries on the skin," says Amelia.
"I find it to be a very clean scent that becomes more complex the longer you wear it," she continues. "This makes it such a unique and exciting scent to wear, as hours after spritzing, you'll be hit with wafts of different notes than when you first applied it.
Who it suits: Those who love to keep people guessing with their scent
Best spicy long-lasting perfumes
Reviewed by: Stephanie Maylor
RRP: £140 for 50ml | Notes: Davana, tonka beans, coffee, labdanum, agarwood and sandalwood
Byredo is known for making long lasting perfume for women and men, and Mumbai Noise is one of our favourites. "Woody, spicy, and a little bit smoky, with potent oud and bitter coffee, this is certainly a powerful olfactory experience," says beauty editor Stephanie Maylor.
That power only goes to boost its longevity. "That being said, I found that this fragrance lives on the skin far beyond the first spritz," Stephanie continues, "and it has an earthy, woody, leathery aroma that will appeal to both men and women."
Who it suits: If you're looking for a scent that makes a statement, this is just the ticket
Reviewed by: Stephanie Maylor
RRP: £102 for 50ml | Notes: Ginger, black cardamom, pink pepper, orchid, jasmine, sandalwood and patchouli
"On the first sniff, you may be taken aback by the strong scent that conjures up spicy gingerbread with a hint of incense," Stephanie says of this Jo Malone London Cologne Intense. "After a while, though, I found that this fragrance really settles on the skin and transforms into a warm, woodsy scent that’s comforting and cocooning."
Who it suits: Those who love being snuggled up in cashmere blankets – and who want a fragrance that reflects that
Reviewed by: Stephanie Maylor
RRP: £150 for 100ml | Notes: Truffle, ylang-ylang, jasmine, bergamot, orchid, Mexican Chocolate, sandalwood and white musk
This is an absolute classic, with rich appeal that makes it a great statement fragrance any time, or a sophisticated evening scent. "Winter, dusk, a little black dress – these are the things that come to mind whenever I smell Black Orchid," Stephanie says.
"This cult chypre has top notes of black truffle and jasmine with a hint of citrus," she continues. "It is a bold, confident scent, with a touch of the gothic about it."
Who it suits: Confident souls who love all-black outfits and dark red nails
Best fresh & clean long-lasting perfumes
Reviewed by: Stephanie Maylor
RRP: £70 for 50ml | Notes: Bergamot, magnolia and sandalwood
A twist on the original L'Eau D'Issy, here the iconic scent is elevated with floral and zingy notes. "This is splashy, fresh and floral with citrussy bergamot, pretty magnolia and a subtle woody base," says Stephanie.
"To me, it's the fragrance equivalent of a light, neutral-toned cashmere scarf – chuck it on whatever the weather and you'll give off an impression of quiet luxury," she concludes.
Who it suits: Those who aren't seeking the spotlight but still want to smell fresh and chic
RRP: £102 for 75ml | Notes: Neroli, fig accord, vetiver and tonka bean
Reviewed by: Stephanie Maylor
This scent perfectly balances a tangy, citrussy top note of neroli with a warm and mouthwatering fig middle for an effect not unlike walking through an Italian garden in full bloom. Don't be fooled into thinking the citrus-focused initial scent means this won't go the distance. I found it clung to my skin all day and continued to greet me with wafts of creamy fig accord and neroli hours after spraying.
Who should wear it: Those who want to relive their favourite European vacation all day, every day.
Reviewed by: Naomi Jamieson and Aleesha Badkar
RRP: £62 for 50ml | Notes: Iris, pink pepper, ambrette and ambrox
The original Glossier scent is aptly named 'You,' for its uncanny ability to smell a little different on everyone who wears it (a point that has made it one of brand's most iconic and best-selling products).
"This fragrance is the definition of a skin scent, says Naomi. "On me, it smells very powdery and musky, with those hints of iris and ambrox shining through and lingering beautifully."
Who it suits: Those who love change, as it's something of a mood ring; it smells a little different depending on the day and where you spray it
Best fruity long-lasting perfumes
RRP: £97 for 50ml | Notes: Blackcurrant nectar, isparta rose, davana, benzoin and patchouli
Reviewed by: Amelia Yeomans
This beautifully feminine perfume is not just one of my favourites in terms of smell, but also how long it lingers. For a true indication of how good this perfume is, I could still smell it on my wrists after showering.
Who should wear it: Those who want to appear mature and sophisticated.
Reviewed by: Stephanie Maylor
RRP: £69 for 30ml | Notes: Mirabelle, bergamot, lemon and orange, freesia, jasmine, oakmoss, white musk and sandalwood
Oozing French girl appeal, this is a classic feminine scent. "Chloé's Nomade is everything that I wanted a long-lasting perfume to be: slightly light and fruity on the first spray, then drying down to be sexy, woody, and lingering," says Stephanie.
"It is a classic Chloé scent, in that it's understated – but it's also the sort of scent that will have everyone asking what you’re wearing," she adds.
Who it suits: Those who are hunting for the perfect versatile signature scent
RRP: £190 for 50ml | Notes: Raspberry, blackcurrant, rose, sandalwood, incense, patchouli, amber and benzoin
Reviewed by: Stephanie Maylor
A totally unique scent, I found it exceptionally hard to put this perfume into words. It’s opulent, lavish, and decadent. One sniff and you can imagine the type of woman who may wear this - confident and sophisticated.
Who should wear it: For those who want to be the picture of elegance.
Best gourmand long-lasting perfumes
Reviewed by: Stephanie Maylor and Naomi Jamieson
RRP: £22.99 for 80ml | Notes: Saffron, coriander, bitter orange, praline, jasmine, amber, moss and musk
High street favourite Zara just so happens to have Jo Malone CBE's input into its affordable perfume range – and Naomi says Red Temptation, all bitter orange, praline and musk, smells similar to a famous luxurious scent.
"If you adore Baccarat Rouge but can’t justify spending hundreds on a perfume, I highly recommend giving this Zara number a whirl," she says. "It shares a similar blend of notes – including saffron and jasmine – and is surprisingly long-lasting for such a budget scent. It's warm and sweet, and perfect for everyday wear.
Who it suits: Those who want an affordable scent they can spritz and top up liberally
Reviewed by: Stephanie Maylor
RRP: £65 for 30ml | Notes: Pear, pink pepper, orange blossom, coffee, jasmine, almond, vanilla and cashmere wood
"Black Opium is a modern classic that has amassed a sizeable fragrance fan base and for good reason," Stephanie says of this icon. It's wearable, rich without being overpowering and many women's signature scent for its timeless appeal.
"I would describe this floral gourmand perfume as sensual, dark, and mysterious, with an ingredients list that sounds a lot like a Starbucks order, with black coffee, almond and vanilla," Stephanie adds.
Who it suits: Those who welcome compliments on their scent
Reviewed by: Stephanie Maylor
RRP: £95 for 50ml | Notes: Vanilla absolute, vanilla caviar and lavender
This scent from Burberry is proof that, while the note brings a definite sweetness, vanilla scents don't have to be all sickly – they can be soft and sophisticated, too.
"This scent is up there with the best vanilla perfumes and is both bold and sexy," says Stephanie. "It balances sweetness with a touch of spice, which I think makes it perfect for an evening perfume – and ideal for year-round wear too."
Who it suits: Those who love vanilla scents but don't want an overly sweet signature.
How we tested the best long-lasting perfumes for women
A small selection of the long-lasting perfumes for women we tried for this guide
As we say in all of our fragrance guides, perfume is a very subjective thing. But, luckily, one universal metric we can assess scents by is their lasting power. So, to compile this guide, our team tested dozens of perfumes, from best-sellers to our own personal favourites, in order to determine which perfume lasts longest.
To do this, we gave each scent at least one full day's wear and tested many of them in different weather conditions and environments. As well as assessing how long each perfume had stayed on the skin, we also took other factors like price, packaging, composition and potency into consideration – to determine which long-lasting fragrances are truly worth the investment.
How to pick the best long-lasting perfume
As for how to choose a perfume that lasts, there are a few things to keep in mind right off the bat. One is to consider the perfume as a pyramid, consisting of top, heart and base notes, the latter of which, Karen Harris, Head of Marketing at The Perfume Shop says, "form the foundation of the fragrance." Harris explains that these base notes, "come into force around 30 minutes after integrating with the middle notes, and typically last six hours."
There's also the matter of concentration and the notes themselves, which we've outlined below...
1. Pick the right perfume concentration
"The perfume concentrate is the blend of scented raw materials – namely oils, molecules, absolutes," explains Harris. "The higher the percentage of concentrate, the more persistent the perfume."
- Eau de parfum is the longest lasting; it can stick around for up to 8 hours.
- Eau de toilette tends to last 4–7 hours.
- Eau de Cologne will last around 2–3 hours.
2. Consider the fragrance notes
If you want your perfume to last, think about the notes you're wearing. Citrus, green, and other fruity perfume notes, for instance, don't tend to last as long as warm, woody blends (though there are some exceptions). Look out for the following when shopping for fragrance.
- Floral: Jasmine, rose, lavender and patchouli can be found in several of the scents listed above as they are quite powerful and very recognisable, no matter what they are blended with.
- Woody: sandalwood and cedarwood are both good examples of enduring notes. They are warm and are often used as a base note.
- Spicy: These include clove, pepper, cardamom, star anise and cinnamon – and offer warmth and depth to scents.
- Fresh: Powdery florals like iris and zingy citrus notes like bergamot are known to offer distinctive, lasting aromas.
- Gourmand: Vanilla, milk, caramel and boozy notes like whiskey and rum are often good indicators of a long-lasting blend and are typically found as base notes.
- Amber: Amber perfumes often boast a very warm and woody base, which as mentioned are the types of notes that tend to linger well on the skin.
- Oud perfumes: This olfactory family also needs a shout-out as they are known for their heady impression and staying power. Ideal if you gravitate towards very musky and spicy fragrances but it can be quite intense and overpowering.
3. Try it on
By far and away the best way to be assured of a perfume’s staying power is to test it. If you’re heading to the high street to seek out Zara's best-selling scents or a fragrance counter for designer brands, be sure to test a scent on your skin, rather than a blotter, to check how well it plays with your body chemistry. Then leave it for 24 hours to see how it dries down.
The molecules and scent type must also factor into your decision-making: "If you take something light and airy, such as neroli, it’s a 'butterfly' extract, which basically means it pretty much flutters off quite quickly," says fragrance expert and journalist Alice du Parcq.
"Unless the brand can afford to add copious amounts of it into their scent, those lightweight citrusy and floral perfumes will only last a couple of hours on the skin, regardless of price. However, a larger molecule such as vanilla, tuberose, some wood extracts and lots of beautiful synthetic musks take longer to evaporate from the skin. If you want a perfume that’s going to last, aim for those richer aromas that cling on for longer."
Bottle size is also something to consider, as it can be worth spending a little more for the larger option so that you can enjoy the aroma for longer – especially if it's a scent you wear every day. Knowing where to spray perfume will also help you get the most out of your signature. Your pulse points (like your wrists and either side of your neck) are the best place to spritz your scent but be sure not to rub your wrists together, as this can break down the molecules.
FAQs on long-lasting perfumes
Are expensive perfumes long-lasting?
This is a good question and one that’s not entirely straightforward to answer. When we put it to Jo Fairley, perfume expert and Editor of digital fragrance magazine The Scented Letter, her response was "yes and no." Often you'll pay a premium for a scent that goes the distance, but that doesn’t mean you need to splash out way beyond your budget.
“It’s not related to the brand, necessarily, but to the concentration of the scented oils in the bottle,” continues Fairley. "An eau de toilette contains a larger dose of fragrant oils than a cologne. An eau de parfum is stronger still, in terms of concentration. And the highest level of the all-important fragrant oils is in a parfum or elixir – these can often still be detected on skin 24 hours after applying. Although they’re always the most expensive version of a fragrance, I think they offer the best value in terms of staying power."
By this logic, you could purchase an eau de parfum from a cheaper brand and still enjoy just as much longevity as an eau de parfum from a fine fragrance would offer. "There are plenty of ace affordable brands who do excellent long-lasting perfumes," adds du Parcq. "Have a look at M&S Discovery Intense, Floral Street, Nuxe, L'Occitane and Beauty Pie."
Why does my perfume fade so quickly?
Find that your perfume has seemingly disappeared mere moments after you’ve spritzed it on? It could be down to a lack of moisture, more specifically oil. "This very often happens when your skin is dry," explains Fairley. "Perfume likes to cling to oil, so if you find that your scent is fading fast, either layer it over a 'matching' body product like an oil, cream or body butter, or an unscented body treat, applied to the neck and wrists."
A good long-lasting perfume tip is to regularly exfoliate with one of the best body scrubs. This will help remove old skin cells that absorb scent but don’t retain it. "You can also try spraying your clothes," adds Fairley. "Fabric holds fragrance very well. Just be sure to do a 'stain test' first, spritzing a tissue to make sure there’s no mark."
If your skin is well-nourished but you still can’t smell your signature scent, it could simply be that you’ve become too accustomed to it. "We tend to become conditioned to a smell if we’re around it all the time," says du Parcq. "It’s like when you walk into a kitchen and there’s a bowl of bananas – our brain recognises that smell instantly and it’s really potent, but after about 10 minutes you can’t detect it any more. So, if you’re spraying a tonne of perfume and you’re barely noticing it, then trust me other people around you will smell it absolutely fine.
"Perhaps have a little break from that scent, put it into storage somewhere dark and cool so as not to 'age' it for a few months, and try something new," she continues. "When you come back to that scent, your nose will be more responsive to it." This is one reason why so many perfume pros will have a fragrance wardrobe with a rotation of at least a few scents over just one signature.
Our expert panel
Woman&home's beauty editor, Stephanie Maylor, has almost 15 years of industry experience on everything from skincare to perfumes, the latter of which she's afforded this guide. "My fragrance wardrobe is quite eclectic," she says. "I've got fresh, almost-aquatic aromas I favour in the warmer months, then headier, ambery scents saved for evening. My summer go-to will forever be Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess." To get the most out of your signature scent, Stephanie recommends layering it with the coordinating hair perfume (if it has one), naming Byredo's Gypsy Water her go-to.
Aleesha Badkar is Beauty eComm Editor at woman&home. She loves to make an impression with fragrance, and her (ever so slightly unreasonable) inclination to not smell like anybody else in the room leaves her constantly testing different scent profiles as well as keeping up-to-date with the newest perfume launches every season. She tends to err towards woody, amber blends with a subtle sweetness or blends that boast hints of sharp citrus, soft smokiness or salty animalistic notes.
For a long-lasting finish, Aleesha says, "Although I know you're not really supposed to, I spray a light mist over my hair to keep my fragrances lingering every time I swish my head around throughout the day. But I make sure to do it from quite far away so that the chemicals don't do too much damage!"
Naomi Jamieson is a Digital Beauty Writer at woman&home, where she shares her expertise on makeup, skincare, nail trends and fragrance. When it comes to her own perfume preferences, Naomi is a lover of powdery florals as well as warm woody blends, with the likes of Diptyque's Orphéon, Fleur de Peau and Le Labo's Santal 33 featured among her list of all-time favourites. She looks for formulas that really melt into the skin to recreate a lingering sense of comfort.
To ensure her fragrances last all day, Naomi says: "I never rub my wrists after spraying them, instead, I let my perfume dry down fully. And when I wear knit jumpers, I always mist the neckline a little, as I find scent really clings to the fibres - though be mindful of staining."
Amelia Yeomans specialises in fashion and beauty content, covering everything from fragrance and nail art trends to reporting on fashion weeks. Perfume-wise, Amelia is of the firm belief that no compliment beats being told you smell good. "I want every perfume I wear to be appealing yet distinctive," she explains, before adding, "I tend to gravitate towards fresh, floral and peppery fragrances for the daytime. For evening, I stick to floral top notes but sweeter base notes like blackcurrant or vanilla. YSL Libre has been my staple for years."
As for making her scents linger, "I always put a couple of spritzes on the top of my head and the back of my neck. It sticks to my hair for hours and those around you will inevitably get wafts of it."
Alice du Parcq is an award-winning fragrance expert and journalist who has shared insights into finding a long-lasting signature scent with woman&home, as well as answering commonly-asked questions on price, longevity and why fragrances fade. Her Substack, The Perfume Playground, is well worth subscribing to if you are a fragrance fan.
Jo Fairley is a perfume expert and Editor of the award-winning digital fragrance magazine The Scented Letter, who has shared expertise on why fragrances fade, as well as answering the age-old question of whether price equals longevity.
