How to Preserve the Scent of Your Favorite Perfume Through the Different Seasons
The seasons change us both physiologically and psychologically, philosophers and psychologists have long discussed human attitudes toward the times of year. Our perceptions differ as well: in summer we prefer ice cream and mojitos, while in winter we crave hot chocolate and apple pie.
Smell Through the Seasons
Smell and taste are closely tied to memory and association, a fact well known to perfumers, who use it to create increasingly emotional compositions. However, most perfumes contain alcohol, which is released more intensely when temperatures rise. That's why strong fragrances can become overwhelming and intrusive in the summer, while light, fresh scents may not perform as well in cold weather. Although in the depths of winter, it might actually be pleasant to catch a whiff of summer flowers...
For each note to fully unfold, it needs warmth to make it "bloom" on the skin. That's why, in hot weather, some heavier and sweeter scents can seem unpleasantly saccharine. Winter, on the other hand, causes the fragrance molecules to evaporate more slowly, so the top and heart notes linger longer, while the overall scent feels less intense. The cold, crisp air also alters how a fragrance projects. But when someone loves a particular scent, they naturally want to wear it all year round, since it's tied to their personality and mood.
Here's what you can do about it:
- - During the colder months, choose deeper, warmer and more intense fragrances with complex formulas, such as oriental scents, which don't fade as quickly.
- - Keep your skin hydrated so the fragrance can hold onto it better, because if your skin is dry, the scent will "fly off" quickly. You can apply an unscented moisturizing lotion to the areas where you spray perfume, and make sure those areas are protected from cold and wind.
- - Use an eau de parfum, which contains a higher concentration of fragrance oils than eau de toilette.
- - Don't overapply, even if you can't distinctly smell every note, since once you step from the cold street into a warm office, the fragrance will reveal itself.
