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 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.
Customer review: "Smells so good—I always get asked what perfume I'm wearing. Sooo long-lasting." — Glossier customer
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.
Customer review: "Le Labo scents seem to swirl and settle after the first 30 minutes, and then last from morning well into the evening and linger into the next day." — Nordstrom customer
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.
Customer review: "Everyone in NYC loves this. Compliments galore. Including a saleswoman bursting out as soon as I approached her, 'You smell great!!!'" — Sephora customer
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.
Customer review: "I am just about to order another bottle of Salt, it’s my feel good fragrance for summer. I love it all year round but by Memorial weekend it’s a must!! Sea sun sand….heaven, therapy for the soul and mind." — Sephora customer
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.
Customer review: "The first time I smelled this fragrance I fell in love. It was inside a magazine. I knew I just had to get it. Once received and sprayed on it wasn't exactly what I had smelled before but I still liked it. It has a decent longevity (6-8 hours). Great scent to wear in the fall and even spring, not overpowering." — Nordstrom customer
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.
Customer review: "It's round and resonant and substantial enough on its own but also works lovely for its purpose as a layering scent. Can round out more top-note heavy/heady scents and provide a more substantial base." — Credo customer
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.
Customer review: "Have you ever taken a drive out to the countryside on a winter day? Do you know that feeling of opening your window slightly and smelling the crisp cold air and a faraway campfire somewhere? That’s what this perfume reminds me of." — Sephora customer
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.
Customer review: "We love Jo Malone and Diptyque but this fragrance seems to wear longer and always provides a compliment." — Amazon customer
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.
Customer review: "The fragrance is pleasant and stays for a long, long time unless you take a shower. Very long-lasting." — Sephora customer
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.
Customer review: "I have several designer perfumes, and this one is my favorite. Smells expensive like rich girl chic. The scent lasts on me." — Sephora customer
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.
Customer review: "This perfume is one of my favorites ever. I'm on my second bottle. It is a warmer-smelling fragrance with a strong note of coffee, a vanilla base, and hints of florals. It's extremely enticing and I wear it whenever I'm going out on the town. It typically lasts 4 hours on dry skin, but well moisturized, this fragrance just keeps giving." — Ulta customer
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. It is divine, all day and all night.
Customer review: "I've read so much on this fragrance and I'm happy to report that everyone was right! It's a warm and diverse and luxurious floral scent." — Nordstrom customer
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.
Customer review: "This is quite literally summer in a bottle. I bought this without even smelling the sample and I just received it yesterday. The notes are fantastic. … This is my new favorite." — Nordstrom customer
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.
Customer review: "In terms of fragrance there is nothing better than the clean fresh smell of Neroli Portofino. This fragrance lasts all day. It's not overpowering but excellent for close encounters." — Nordstrom customer
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.
Customer review: "It has a very feminine and elegant scent—very long-lasting even after I washed my wrist (this was the area I tested it)." — Nordstrom customer
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.
Customer review: "I love the fragrance and so does everyone I come into contact with. … I gave a ton of referrals!!!!" — Amazon customer
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 one of Rihanna's known favorite scents, and we all know our favorite bad gal would not waste her time reapplying a short-lived scent.
Customer review: "Love Don't Be Shy is a beautiful scent! Worth Every Penny." — Saks Fifth Avenue customer
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.
Customer review: "I loved everything about this fragrance. Feminine, Beautiful, and Soft yet Powerful and Strong. Highly recommend." — Amazon customer
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.
Customer review: "One of my favs from heretic! Amazing floral. Love the vetiver!" — Credo customer
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.
Customer review: "It is moody, sensual, and a little bit mysterious. Perfect for nights out." — Henry Rose customer
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.
Customer review: "It smells fresh and light. Beautiful fragrance." — Amazon customer
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. With the tangy fruit notes, woods, and frankincense, you've got yourself a full-bodied, all-day kind of fragrance.
Customer review: "I am obsessed with this fragrance! I have a bit of a fragrance obsession going on and in the last 6 months, I've bought some very expensive perfumes. This one is THE BEST!! I want to wear it all the time! It is not like anything else you have ever smelled." — Nordstrom customer
Fragrance family: Warm, spicy
Key notes: Rhubarb, bergamot, black pepper, violet, black tea, tobacco leaves, incense, orris, white birch, tanned leather, smoked papyrus
Smoky and spicy with a hint of mystery, this scent is sure to leave a lasting impression no matter where you wear it. It's unlike anything you've ever smelled—and that's a good thing.
Customer review: "This is my first venture into the world of Boy Smells and I love it. It’s a sweet and smoky smell, quite heady, and it dries down to a really woody, strong fragrance. I find myself sniffing my wrist when I wear it." — Bloomingdale's customer
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.
Customer review: "As the name implies, a fabulous scent. I usually go with darker and heavier scents, but was looking for something a little lighter for the print and summer. This nails it! A nice scent with floral notes, but also darker undertones that don’t overpower." — Nordstrom customer
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.
Customer review: "A sweet, warm, and inviting scent sure to get a multitude of compliments. Everywhere I go, people are curious what I'm wearing." — Nordstrom customer
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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