Short-Lived Perfume Is the Worst, So We Found 26 That Will Last All Day

Anticipating the turn of the season always sparks a bit of fragrance restlessness for us beauty editors. Perhaps it's because we're constantly taking mental notes of the scents our favorite fashion people are wearing, or perhaps it's just that our gigantic fragrance collections have us on an endless rotation through the chic tonics on our vanities.

Whatever the case may be, long-lasting perfumes that can keep up with our busy schedules are of the utmost importance. With days that sometimes start with breakfast meetings, get punctuated with desksides, and end with happy hour, we need fragrances that will still be going strong for that second glass of pinot grigio.

Luckily, long-lasting fragrances abound! From pretty florals to enveloping musks and earthy scents that conjure images of nature's most divine creations, there are tons of elixirs to keep our olfactory interest piqued from morning to night. Ahead, check out the 26 long-lasting perfumes we love most.

For Everyday Wear, Try…

Fragrance family: Floral, woody

Key notes: Musk, ambrette, ambrox, iris root, pink pepper 

This unique scent was formulated to adjust to its wearer to complement their individual body chemistry. Its warm base notes pack a fragrant punch that wears evenly, meaning the scent won't change over the course of the day—nor will its potency. What you spritz is what you get.

Fragrance family: Floral

Key notes: Rose absolute, cumin, vetiver, musks

This soft floral composition smells exactly how you want a rose fragrance to smell: smooth, creamy, and organic. It's lovely from the moment you put it on until you wash it away.

Fragrance family: Fresh

Key notes: Aquatic accord, rose petal, pine needle

If one of your favorite scents is the way the earth smells after it rains, this fragrance is perfect for you. It's clean, fresh, and slightly floral. 

Fragrance family: Citrus

Key notes: Bergamot, Brazilian orange, grapefruit, lilac, silk amber, vanilla grass

Do you like compliments? Then you'll love this sensual scent. It's complex and fun but not too much for daily wear.

Fragrance family: Fresh

Key notes: Ylang-ylang, Tahitian tiare, ambergris

This fragrance is the epitome of salty skin and crashing waves. You'll instantly be transported to a long summer beach day when you wear it. 

Fragrance family: Floral

Key notes: Rangoon creeper, tuberose, jasmine bud

As you might have imagined while reading the ultra-floral notes present in this bottle, this fashion person–approved scent is like a bouquet of fresh flowers for your skin. The name really says it all.

Fragrance family: Floral

Key notes: Bergamot, white musk, amber

If you've ever wondered what L.A. cool people smell like, look no further than this clean, unisex fragrance. Milk is actually the secret sauce that's laced throughout all of the brand's scent offerings, so it can be worn alone or layered with the others. Either way, the intoxicating scent lasts all day and even takes on a new personality on the skin after you've bathed.

Fragrance family: Warm, spicy

Key notes: Clove oil, chestnut accord, vanilla accord

This warm scent really does smell like you've perched by a fire. It's smoky and sweet at the same time, making it a complex selection fit for fragrance aficionados who can appreciate a bold statement.

Fragrance family: Citrus

Key notes: Pink pomelo, mandarin, black currant bud, Moroccan orange blossom, Bulgarian rose essence, mint 

You'll need more than a modest spritz or two to give this tangy, fruit-forward scent the boost it needs to stick around all day, but once you're adequately doused, you'll be a walking orchard. Don't hold back for fear of going overboard.

Best long-lasting perfumes

Photo:

@emmahoareau

For a Special Occasion, Try…

Fragrance family: Earthy, woody

Key notes: Bergamot, amber, vanilla

If you are a fan of Dior's previous iteration of Sauvage, you can expect a similar scent that's even more concentrated and lasts even longer. Expect a zesty, leathery, sandalwood-infused experience.

Fragrance family: Floral

Key notes: Jasmine, orange blossom, grasse tuberose, ylang-ylang

This fragrance is like date night in a bottle. It's bold and romantic, and while you could easily spritz it every day, we think it's best reserved for those moments when you want to elevate your entire vibe.

Fragrance family: Warm, spicy

Key notes: Citrus, violet, coffee

Lively, fresh, and juicy are all accurate descriptors for this scent. It's sophisticated, like a tweed suit, but also charming and sensual. It really does deserve a small group setting to get its fair share of attention.

Fragrance family: Floral

Key notes: Tuberose, bergamot, melon, eucalyptus, ylang-ylang, jasmine, orange blossom, coconut, white musks

Imagine your most put-together friend. Now, imagine their cool older sister. That's the scent vibe we're talking about here. And it is divine, all day and all night.

Fragrance family: Woody

Key notes: Ambrette, sea salt, sage

This invigorating scent oozes pure joy by evoking the feeling of being cliffside near the sea. 

Fragrance family: Fresh

Key notes: Tunisian neroli, Italian bergamot, Sicilian lemon, winter yellow mandarin, lavender

Neroli lovers, rejoice. This vacation-worthy fragrance is the only bottle you'll need to pack for that trip to the Italian Riviera, even if you're only going there in your imagination.

Fragrance family: Chypre

Key notes: Rose, bergamot, patchouli

This classic chypre presents a citrusy, floral, and woody blend that's at once sophisticated and really cool. It's the ultimate chic Parisian aroma that moves through the day without burning off into oblivion. You'll want your entire life to smell like this.

Fragrance family: Floral

Key notes: Dark plum, myrrh, night-blooming jasmine, benzoin tears, vegan musk, golden amber, patchouli, citrus absolute

At first sniff, this scent is beyond sweet. But as you wear it, it develops a spicy, whiskey-like personality that's fun enough for daytime wear and romantic enough for a night out.

Best Long-Lasting Perfumes

Photo:

@fongminliao

For a Lasting Impression, Try…

Fragrance family: Floral

Key notes: Orange blossom, vanilla, luscious marshmallow

This scent seriously smells like candy. How that's possible, we're not sure, but just know that Kilian is the Willy Wonka of the perfume game. This is Rihanna's known favorite scent, and we all know our favorite bad gyal would not waste her time reapplying a short-lived scent.

Fragrance family: Woody

Key notes: Chantilly musk, crisp amber, cedarwood, violet, sandalwood, magnolia, ambrette, Jamaican nesberry

You don't need to have spent time exploring the Mojave Desert to appreciate the sweet and woody aromatic throw of this scent. It's not an overpowering fragrance, but it will live on the skin for hours.

Fragrance family: Floral

Key notes: Jasmine, tuberose, orange blossom

Florals can read "grandma," and although we're big fans of matriarchs, we're not so into the powdery, potpourri vibe in our fragrance. This flower-forward scent from Heretic just smells rich. Oh, and the name is really good.

Fragrance family: Woody

Key notes: Patchouli and vanilla bean

This moody offering from Michelle Pfeiffer's clean, nontoxic fragrance line Henry Rose sumptuously blends patchouli and vanilla for a sweet and earthy finish. 

Fragrance family: Floral

Key notes: Bergamot, petals, lemon oil, linden, rose accord, dune grass, muscone, saltwater, white moss

This zesty floral is so much more than your typical rose scent. It's clean, spicy, and salty, too. It'll absolutely leave an indelible impression on anyone who gets a whiff. 

Fragrance family: Floral

Key notes: Rhubarb, lychee, Turkish rose, vanilla, cashmere wood, musk

The only thing better than a bouquet of Turkish rose, lily of the valley, and peony is a fragrance that encompasses all of those vibrant florals. Then consider the tangy fruit notes, woods, and frankincense, and you've got yourself a full-bodied, all-day kind of fragrance.

Fragrance family: Warm, spicy

Key notes: Rhubarb, bergamot, black pepper, violet, black tea, tobacco leave, incense, orris, white birch, tanned leather, smoked papyrus

Smoky and spicy with a hint of mystery, this smell is sure to leave a lasting impression no matter where you wear it to. It's unlike anything you've ever smelled—and that's a good thing.

Fragrance family: Warm, spicy

Key notes: Leather, tonka bean, sage

Save this perfume for a special occasion when you really want to wow. This intoxicating blend of leather, tonka bean, and sage will earn you endless compliments. 

Fragrance family: Oriental

Key notes: Juniper berries, nutmeg, coriander, musks, ambery woods, vanilla

This musky, vanilla accord–based scent is the kind of fragrance that completely envelops the senses and leaves everyone wondering about the person wearing that gorgeous perfume. Be prepared for endless compliments.

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated. 

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