Is your perfume fading in the heat? Here’s my secret to staying fragrant all day long.

      As we gear up for our second heatwave of the year in London, it's clear that summer 2026 is set to be quite hot—and as someone who doesn't handle the heat well, I've had to tweak my usual beauty routines. My hair, which I typically leave loose, is now securely styled in an updo, I've been diligent with applying SPF, and as my legs emerge from hibernation, I'm turning to tinted serums for an instant glow. However, I've noticed that my favorite perfumes seem to fade faster than usual recently. Despite my strong preference for long-lasting fragrances, even the most robust scents haven't been sticking around as long as I would prefer in this heat.

      This is where fragrance primers come into play. Functioning much like a makeup primer, they are meant to establish an ideal base for your perfume—helping it adhere to the skin for a longer-lasting enjoyment of your preferred scent, be it floral or citrus. While some are specifically made for this purpose, there are also some clever alternatives (which you probably already have in your bathroom) that can enhance the longevity of your fragrance.

      What Is a Fragrance Primer?

      “A fragrance primer is simply a base layer applied before perfume to help improve its longevity and enhance how the scent develops on the skin,” explains Phway Su Aye, co-founder of Gabar. “Some primers are unscented, while others provide a subtle fragrance that complements and amplifies the perfume layered on top.” What distinguishes this category from other beauty products is that, while there are dedicated fragrance primers available, you can also utilize staples like lotions and oils in their place. “Well-moisturized skin tends to hold scent better, so an unscented moisturizer or body oil works wonderfully,” Su Aye notes. In fact, even a light layer of petroleum jelly (yes, the classic Vaseline) on pulse points has gained popularity among fragrance enthusiasts for its ability to create a more occlusive surface, slowing fragrance evaporation.

      Below, we've compiled a selection of the best products to prolong your perfume’s wear time—from dedicated fragrance primers to top hydrating body products.

      The Best Fragrance Primers

      1. **Chanel Gabrielle Chanel Fragrance Primer** (£108)

       If Gabrielle Chanel is your signature scent, then this fragrance primer is a natural addition to your routine—especially during the summer or for occasions when you want your perfume to last all day. Specifically formulated to be layered with the Gabrielle fragrance collection, it aims for longevity. This lightweight mist enhances moisture levels in the skin, hydrates, and provides a base for the perfume to adhere to. Alone, it offers a subtle floral scent, but when paired with Gabrielle, it elevates the perfume's intensity and longevity. For a truly luxurious option, this is the chicest choice on the list.

      2. **Rare Beauty Fragrance Layering Balm** (£18)

       Crafted to be worn as light scents on their own or layered with Rare Beauty’s Eau de Parfum, these fragrant balms melt into the skin, providing a smooth base that slows fragrance evaporation. Available in four scents—Amber Vanilla, Floral Peony Blossom, Fresh Bergamot, and Woody Oak—these balms offer a hint of fragrance alone, while also enhancing the complexity of any perfume worn over them. They’re compact and easy to apply to pulse points, presenting a unique alternative to traditional body lotions.

      3. **DedCool Milk Layering + Enhancer Eau De Parfum** (£71)

       Instead of serving as a classic primer, DedCool Milk acts as a fragrance enhancer meant to be worn under other perfumes. With soft notes of bergamot, white musk, and amber, it adds warmth and depth without overpowering layered fragrances. It’s especially effective beneath lighter florals and citrus scents that tend to dissipate quickly, giving them extra staying power.

      4. **D.S. & Durga I Don't Know What Eau de Parfum** (£155)

       Rich in notes that are typically supporting rather than dominant (think bergamot, iso e super, and ambrox), this lovely sheer and radiant scent is designed for layering. Rather than applying it first, it functions as an amplifier—sprayed over your favorite scent, it enhances depth, diffusion, and longevity, making your fragrance feel richer and more well-rounded.

      5. **Glossier You Solid Perfume** (£35)

       Solid perfumes tend to adhere to the skin better than alcohol-based sprays, making them an excellent base for layering. Glossier You comes in a wax-based formula that remains close to the skin, locking in scent and extending wear when paired with its matching spray or your signature fragrance. The nourishing balm base moisturizes pulse points, creating optimal conditions for fragrance longevity, and is compact enough for on-the-go touch-ups.

      6. **The Body Shop White Musk Body Lotion**

       A scented body lotion is one of the simplest ways to enhance fragrance longevity, and The Body