When people talk about how "strong" a perfume is, they usually mean three different things: longevity, projection and sillage. Here is what each one means.
Longevity: How Long It Lasts
Longevity is how long you can smell the fragrance on your skin, from a couple of hours to a full day. Heavy base notes such as oud, amber, vanilla and musk usually last longest.
Projection: How Far It Reaches
Projection is how far the scent travels from your body, close to the skin or across the room. A strong projector is noticed as you walk in.
Sillage: The Trail You Leave
Sillage (pronounced "see-yazh", French for "wake") is the scent trail left behind after you have passed by. A perfume with big sillage lingers in a room after you leave.
Why They Are Different
A perfume can last all day but stay close to the skin (long longevity, low projection), or burst out strongly for an hour and then fade (high projection, shorter longevity). Attars, for example, usually have soft projection but excellent longevity, which is why they are popular for prayer and the office.
Which Should You Choose?
- Office and prayer: moderate projection, so you do not overwhelm others. Try MUSE or a WHITE MUSK attar.
- Weddings and evenings: stronger projection and sillage. Try DARK MOMENT or OLYMPUS.
- Long days: high longevity. Try AFTER DARK or SILVER OUD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I smell my perfume, but others can?
This is nose blindness: your nose gets used to the scent. Others usually still notice it, so avoid over-applying.
How can I improve longevity?
See our tips to make perfume last longer.