Spoiler alert: It’s not forever—but it can be longer than your last situationship.

Ever spritzed a perfume in the morning only to wonder by lunch if you even put it on? Or caught a whiff of yourself mid-day and thought wow, I smell incredible (go you)? Welcome to the wild world of fragrance longevity—where your scent's staying power depends on everything from your skin type to your playlist. OK, maybe not your playlist. But still, a lot.

Let’s unpack what actually makes a fragrance last longer—and when it’s time to say goodbye (yes, even that bottle from college).

 First Things First: What Are We Really Asking?

When people ask, “how long does perfume last?” they usually mean two things:

1. How long does the actual scent linger on my skin?

2. How long does an unopened perfume last on the shelf before it turns into Eau de Expired?

Spoiler: We’ve got answers to both.

How Long Does Perfume Last on Your Skin?

The short answer: anywhere from 2 to 12+ hours. The long answer? It depends on the type of fragrance you’re wearing.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Eau de Cologne (EDC) – 2 hours
  Light, fresh, flirty—kinda like a summer fling.

• Eau de Toilette (EDT) – 4 to 6 hours
  The casual day-date of perfumes.

• Eau de Parfum (EDP) – 6 to 8 hours
  A solid relationship: dependable, long-lasting, and worth the commitment.

• Parfum / Extrait de Parfum – 8 to 12+ hours
  The ride-or-die of fragrance. Lingers like a good compliment.

Of course, your mileage may vary. Your skin’s pH, oiliness, and even the weather can mess with a perfume’s staying power. Hotter temps = faster evaporation. Dry skin = quicker fade. Basically, perfume is a diva—it performs best under just right conditions.

Pro Tip: Layer Like a Pro

Want your scent to last longer? Start with an unscented body lotion or a matching scented moisturizer. Oily, hydrated skin holds onto fragrance better than the Sahara desert.

Also? Don’t rub your wrists together like you’re casting a spell. It crushes the top notes. Dab and go.

How Long Does Perfume Last in the Bottle?

If you’re hoarding a bottle from 2014, it might be time to let go. On average:

• Unopened perfumes last 3 to 5 years

• Opened perfumes last 2 to 3 years

Look for signs it’s turned: the juice has changed color, the scent smells “off,” or it no longer smells like it used to. Kind of like that one ex—you know the one.

To extend your perfume’s shelf life, store it in a cool, dark place. Bathroom counters are a no-go (heat and light are the enemies). Your closet? Perfect. Your wine fridge? Extra, but valid.

I still have the very first bottle I created for Wicked Good + it still smells amazing. I also have a bottle of perfume from college (1999)! I store them in a cool, dark spot in my closet. 

How Long Does Perfume Last? The Final Spritz

Perfume is a mood, a memory, a little invisible armor. Whether it lasts 2 hours or 12, the real magic is how it makes you feel. Want something with serious staying power? Go for a parfum. Want to reapply and relive the scent all day long? Go for a travel spray.

At the end of the day, scent is personal. Just like your go-to coffee order or your midnight playlist.

So spray it, love it, and if it fades? Just hit refresh.