How the weather can affect your perfume

Lots of us tend to lean towards brighter, fresher perfumes in the summer, but did you know that this might not actually be the best type of scent to wear in warmer weather?

The weather and seasons can actually have a large influence how your perfume smells, and also how long it lasts. The Fragrance Shop‘s senior brand manager, Hollie Race, has broken down the science for us.

‘All aromatic molecules need an amount of heat to work,’ she explains. ‘The temperature of your skin and the air dramatically alter the rate at which the molecules evaporate and dissipate, and this then changes the way the perfume smells – to you, and others around you.’

This is why your favourite fragrance can sometimes smell different, from how intense it is to different notes lingering on your skin for longer. Below, Hollie explains how weather affects perfume, and which ones are best suited for which season.

‘Hot weather intensifies the fragrance notes and makes them bloom on the skin quicker,’ says Holly. ‘The more heat, the quicker the molecules of your fragrance heat up and the quicker they evaporate. Even though we may reach for brighter, citrus, fresh scents for summer, these molecules are lighter, so can evaporate even more rapidly in high temperatures. Go for an Eau De Parfum or an Intense version of your favourite fragrance as the concentration of fragrance oils is higher, thus lasting longer.’

‘Perfume is very sensitive to climates and in colder temperatures, the evaporation rate slows down, so top and heart notes last much longer and you might find that your scent doesn't project as much in the winter’ she explains. ‘This is because the perfume molecules move at a much slower pace in cool air.’

‘As well as this, our bodies change to be less hospitable. Our skin tends to become dryer in the cold which can make it difficult for scent to ‘stick’ as scent molecules are attracted to oils. Receptors in our nose instinctively bury themselves deeper in protection from the cold, which can mildly suppress our sense of smell. Go for an autumn/winter fragrance that has strong, musky, heavy base notes that will last and be noticed e.g. sandalwood, patchouli, leather, tonka bean, and cinnamon.’

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