Long-lasting perfumes: what makes them last, and eight built on strong bases
Why some perfumes last and others fade, and eight with heavy bases of amber, oud, vanilla and resin.
How long a perfume lasts depends on its notes, its strength and your skin. We have not timed these perfumes, so we do not promise hours. What we can say is which ones are built on the heavy base notes that tend to stay.
What makes a perfume last
- Heavy base notes: amber, oud, labdanum, patchouli, vanilla, resins and tobacco are heavy molecules that evaporate slowly. Citrus is light and fades first.
- Strength: an extrait or an eau de parfum has more oil than an eau de toilette.
- Your skin: moisturised skin holds scent longer than dry skin.
- Where you spray: pulse points, and clothes or hair when the label allows it.
Eight with strong bases
| Perfume | Main notes | Season | 3 ml |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oud for GreatnessInitio | Saffron, Nutmeg, Lavender, Patchouli, Musk | Winter | EGP 710 |
| Supremacy IncenseAfnan | Bergamot, Herbal Notes, Oregano, Oud, Leather, Patchouli | Winter | EGP 155 |
| Amber EmpireFrench Avenue | Oriental Notes, Vanilla Pod, Liquor, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood, Musk | Winter | EGP 175 |
| Musamam Black IntenseLattafa | Lavender, Nutmeg, Sage, Cocoa Pulse, Tonka Bean, Maple | Winter | EGP 155 |
| Teriaq intenseLattafa | Saffron, Bergamot, Amber, Tonka Bean, Benzoin | Winter | EGP 160 |
| NaxosXerjoff | Lavender, Bergamot, Lemon, Tobacco Leaf, Vanilla, Tonka Bean | Winter | EGP 380 |
| Alexandria IIXerjoff | Rosewood, Lavender, Cinnamon, Oud, Sandalwood, Amber | Winter | EGP 620 |
| Seasons DriftRiiffs | Lemon Zest, Grapefruit, Pink Pepper, Sandalwood, Labdanum, Amber | Winter | EGP 160 |
- Oud for Greatness Oud in the heart, with patchouli and musk in the base.
- Supremacy Incense Oud, leather, patchouli and smoke in the base, under amber and labdanum.
- Amber Empire Tonka, sandalwood, musk and labdanum in the base, under amber and cedarwood.
- Musamam Black Intense Cocoa, tonka, maple, patchouli and ambrofix in the base.
- Teriaq intense Amber, tonka and benzoin in the base, under plum liquor and cinnamon.
- Naxos Tobacco leaf, vanilla and tonka in the base, under honey and cinnamon.
- Alexandria II Oud, sandalwood, amber, vanilla and musk in the base.
- Seasons Drift Sandalwood, labdanum, amber and resin in the base, under citrus and pink pepper.
The only way to know how long a perfume lasts on you is to wear it. A 3 ml decant is the cheapest way to find out.
