It’s National Fragrance Day — here’s how to make perfume last (starring Phlur perfume)

Today is National Fragrance Day, and if you didn’t know, perfume is having a major comeback.

Okay, perfume never really went anywhere, but it’s undeniable that it’s become increasingly popular in the last few years. The internet (mainly #PerfumeTok) has made it easier than ever to discover new scents, and according to market reports, it’s the fastest growing category in beauty, currently valued at $53.04 billion.

Arguably, one of the brands at the heart of this fragrance renaissance is Phlur, popular with Gen Z and millennials, and the makers behind the infamous fragrance Missing Person.

“Fragrance has always been a part of people’s personal care routines, but the demand for fragrance really exploded over the last few years,” shares Chriselle Lim, co-founder and creative director of the niche brand. “I think consumers have more recently found an appreciation for the emotional aspect of fragrance, the memories they hold, and how a scent can completely shift your mood or confidence.”

As a perfume lover, I get this. You can tell so much about a person’s personality just by the scent they choose, and as we become more homogeneous in our aesthetics, body chemistry all but guarantees that fragrance remains an easy way to showcase individuality.

Known for its sustainable ingredients and modern scent profiles, Phlur is a favorite of those seeking unique chords, longevity and fragrances that can work together for a more cohesive perfume wardrobe.

“I love Phlur’s products because they last forever,” shares streaming reporter Angelia Tricarico. “And they’re so fun, with bold, fruity fragrances that are perfect for year-round wear.”

While spring is typically a time we think about overhauling our closets or redecorating our home, it’s also the perfect time to switch up your scent. And with it being National Fragrance Day, I can’t think of a better time to make that happen.

To help you out, I (along with Tricarico) have rounded up some of our favorite Phlur perfumes and mists, plus Lim gives us some tips for making a scent last longer, as well as the things to keep in mind when blind buying online.

Phlur Perfumes

Vanilla Skin

Amazon

One of the most searched vanilla fragrances on TikTok, Vanilla Skin is a must-try for anyone seeking a grown-up vanilla perfume. It’s warm, not too sweet and has a sheer drydown that makes it safe enough for work but inviting enough for special occasions. It’s currently one of my most-worn fragrances, and whether I’ve intended for it to or not, there are traces of it all over my home, from my sheets to the top of my cat’s head.

This dirty cap shows that I always spritz this on after applying makeup and heading out the door. Holly J Coley

Key Notes: Pink Pepper, Jasmine Petals, Cashmere Wood, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Agarwood | Layer with: Rose Whip

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Mood Ring

Amazon

“Mood Ring is a true standout, both in my collection and in general,” shares Tricarico. “The floral and fruity scent the brand describes as a “technicolor daydream” is deliciously sweet without being overpowering, and through there are notes of gummy candy, I promise you won’t be walking around smelling like a sour gummy worm. Instead, it’s a complex orange-forward fruity scent with floral notes dancing in the background.”

Angelia Tricarico

Key Notes: Pitaya Pulp, Sweet Orange, Fruit Gummies, Jasmine Sambac, Glazed Musks, Sheer Amber | Layer with: Strawberry Letter

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Strawberry Letter

Amazon

“Strawberry Letter is my signature summer scent,” Tricario shares. “It’s bright and fruity with notes of cassis leaves, strawberry gariguette, plum nectar, wild lily, red poppy, apple blossom, and a complex, woodsy, gourmand base that gives the fragrance a lot of depth.”

Angelia Tricarico

Key Notes: Strawberry Gariguette, Wild Lily, Red Poppy, Apple Blossom, Tonka Bean, Sugared Amber | Layers With: Cherry Stem

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Vanilla Smoke

Amazon

If you love a spicy perfume, Vanilla Smoke is for you. It’s rich, soft and has a strong projection that’s earned me compliments whenever I wear it. It’s so warm, I want to say it’s cozy, but it’s also so sexy, that when I spray it, I’m more likely to envision black lingerie than a cashmere blanket. It’s perfect for fall and winter, but will also be a summer favorite for those who crave intensity. Warm environments really seem to make this go to a whole new level!

Holly J Coley

Key Notes: Bergamot, Pink Pepper, Cacao Blanc, Cashmere Vanilla, Incense, Peru Balsam, Amber | Layer With: Heavy Cream

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Golden Rule

Amazon

“Golden Rule looks expensive, thanks to its shining golden bottle, and it smells expensive, too,” says Tricarico. “Bold and luxurious, it’s not quite floral and not fully gourmand, but instead, the perfect balance of creamy, floral and fruity. It’s a true year-round fragrance that works just as well for everyday use as it does for a night out.”

Angelia Tricarico

Key Notes Mandarin Splash, Pink Pepper, Golden Pear, Jasmine Blossom, Coconut Milk, Sandalwood, Vanilla Cream | Layer with: Father Figure

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Missing Person

Amazon

This sheer floral sold out five hours after launching in 2022 and is still loved for its warmth, layerability and the way it seems to enhance one’s natural scent.

“Missing Person was an instant best-seller because it taps into that deeply emotional, nostalgic feeling of closeness to someone you love,” says Lim.

Key Notes: Skin Musk, Bergamot Nectar, Fresh Cyclamen, Orange Flower, Blonde Wood, White Musk | Layer with: Vanilla Skin

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Mrs. Smith

Amazon

“Despite its lower price point, [Phlur’s] body mists still pack a serious fragrance punch,” Tricarico shares. “Mrs. Smith is one of my favorites, and if you couldn’t figure it out by its bright green bottle and name alone, it has a strong top note of Granny Smith apples. The fruity apple and pear notes are contrasted and balanced out perfectly with a praline and musk nectar base.”

Angela Tricarico

Key Notes: Granny Smith Apple, Pear, Apple Blossom, Violet, Pink Praline, Musk Nectar | Layer with: Vanilla Blackberry

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Father Figure

Amazon

“Father Figure has become a cult favorite for its genderless, clean, crisp and green profile that’s perfect for everyday wear,” says Lim. Also described as aquatic, fans love how it develops on the skin, becoming more inviting the longer it’s worn.

Key Notes: Waterlily, Lush Fig, Jasmine Dew, Skin Musks, Patchouli Leaf, Sandalwood | Layer with: Rose Whip

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FAQ

What are some ways to prolong a perfume’s longevity?

“Layering helps a lot with scent longevity, so the more you layer different scents or formats, the longer your scent will last,” explains Lim. “I also recommend applying either a body lotion, body oil or a body butter before applying your fragrance.”

Many like to mix their scents to create a more unique fragrance. Is there a way to tell which scents will work well together?

“Layering is one of my favorite ways to make a fragrance feel more personal,” shares Lim. “As a start, you should look at layering scents that have complementary olfactive families or common notes, like vanilla or soft musks. You can also think about it in terms of balance by pairing something brighter with a warmer gourmand base to create a more multi-dimensional scent.

“We see our community experiment with layering all the time, and we encourage it through layering sets. One of my favorites, which has become a top seller for us, is the Vanilla & Cream duo, featuring Vanilla Skin body mist with Heavy Cream body mist. The vanilla, woods, and pepper in Vanilla Skin pair beautifully with the airy, bright, and fluffy notes in Heavy Cream. To take it up a notch, you can layer in different formats like a body oil, a body mist, and a deodorant, too. There’s no strict rulebook to layering, just have fun trying different combinations.”

There’s no strict rulebook to layering, just have fun trying different combinations.”

Chriselle Lim, co-founder and creative director at Phlur

What are some things people can consider when blind buying a perfume online?

“If you have a general understanding of which olfactive families you enjoy most, looking for scents within those categories is a good place to start,” shares Lim. “You can also pay attention to the exact scent notes; if you know you usually gravitate towards vanilla, woods, and peppery scents, then that gives you a good sense of whether a fragrance aligns with your taste. I also recommend looking into how a scent is described outside of the notes themselves. At Phlur, all of our scents are rooted in emotional storytelling, so you may also find a new scent based on how you want to feel.”

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