The fragrance hack that’s not to be sniffed at

Alittle spritz of perfume, or a dab of aftershave before you set off for work is a great way to start your day. After all, what’s not to love when someone passes by, breathes in and exclaims: ‘Ooh, you smell nice!’ So long as they’re not the office equivalent of Hannibal Lecter, this can be a real confidence booster and nice beginning to a pleasant conversation.

It would be lovely if the whole day could continue in a similar fashion but, sadly, most fragrances wear off by lunchtime. Well, I may have found the answer… Vaseline. Or, petroleum jelly-based moisturiser if you favour an alternative brand. Either way, if you apply a small amount to your pulse points before spraying or dabbing your eau de cologne of choice, you will effectively slow down its rate of evaporation.

If you apply them regularly

Naturally, the hack first appeared on TikTok, with beauty bloggers quickly following suit. My interest was piqued because like you, if you’ve invested your hard-earned in nice things – especially during the Cost-of-Living Crisis – you want things to last for as long as possible. After all, quality perfumes can cost a small fortune, and if you apply them regularly, you’ll probably get the feeling that your money, like your fragrance, is vaporising into thin air.

Give your wrists a sniff

The theory goes that colognes don’t last very long on dry skin, and the alcohol in them dries it out even more. Don’t believe me? Try this: Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to one wrist but not the other, then spray you favourite fragrance on both. At the end of the day, discreetly give your wrists a sniff and I bet you’ll find that the moisturised one will definitely have a stronger scent.

Chaps, blasting yourself with Lynx Africa doesn’t count.