Sometimes it is just the way that particular fragrance is made, sometimes it is your skin chemistry interacting with certain ingredients, sometimes it is the weather around you and sometimes it is your own nose that can’t smell it while everyone else around you is starting to look for windows.
If it is the fragrance - simply spritz more often. Carry the bottle or travel size in your bag and enjoy the feeling of those fresh first notes over and over again - which in most fragrances fade away after 10 to 20 minutes anyway.
If it is your skin chemistry - there is very little to be done, if I am being honest. A ph balancing moisturiser might help a little but if your skin is dry, you sweat easily and tend to be a little warmer than others, it is likely that your fragrance will run its course faster on your skin than others. Skin that has more fiber (AKA hair) or more natural oils can sometimes help fragrance molecules linger a bit longer. Of course, spritz more on clothes and also carry it along for repeated joy of fresh spritz.
If it’s the weather - a different type of fragrance might work better? Louder fragrances can sometimes last longer in humid weather or environments with more pollution, but fragrance performance can vary depending on temperature and the type of molecules used. But wouldn’t it be unfair to deprive your heart from the joy of lighter and gentler scents which may not last forever but have a special effect on your soul while they do? So of course, we do recommend carrying the bottle. (Yes, it is our favourite option - carry the bottle and spritz often. If you also like that, really no need to read rest of the article).
Seeking compliments - definitely opt for slightly louder fragrances and dress up accordingly. Trust me, your silk dress vs sweat pants have just as much to do with getting compliments and people approaching you.
Does the fragrance concentration matter?
Not always as much as people assume. It is often more about the type of molecules than the concentration of molecules. Higher concentration can sometimes help a fragrance last longer, but projection is influenced by how volatile the ingredients are and how easily they evaporate into the air. In some cases, with more concentration the fragrance may last longer but project a little less since it has less ethanol support to evaporate and diffuse the scent around you.
Does age of the fragrance matter?
Yes, in our personal experience it often seems to make a difference. Older bottles of Lost Wonderer do seem to project a bit more than freshly mixed batches and that appears to be the case with almost all our scents. While we are still waiting for confirmation regarding this theory from a qualified source, as far as personal observations go we do believe that fragrances can continue to evolve.
So hoard your bottles for a bit if you like. Few spritz for introducing some air for extra maceration can also be a good idea. Yes - maceration is part of the process at our end and we do follow it diligently, but that doesn’t mean that this process will end after bottling.
Anything else?
Well, one last point. We completely understand why people care about projection, lasting power and compliments but we do recommend getting at least some fragrances just for yourself. Something simply because it gives you joy, completes your mood, stirs something deep within you and reminds you of who you are at your core.
Happy smelling and spritzing.