Okay, let’s start with the basics. When we say beast mode, we’re talking about fragrances that hit the gym harder than your ex trying to get back in shape after the breakup. These perfumes are loud, bold, and unapologetic. You spray them once, and they announce themselves before you even enter the room. Think of them as the extroverted friend who makes every party their runway.
But here’s the tea: beast mode fragrances are setting some unrealistic standards out here.
The Pressure to Perform
Here’s where it gets tricky. Because of the beast mode hype, people are expecting every single fragrance to perform like a champion. And when a perfume doesn’t project to the moon or last for centuries, it gets labeled “weak” or “not worth it.”
Let’s remember that fragrance is art. Some scents are designed to hug your skin, not shout your arrival. Think of the difference between a soulful acoustic guitar performance and a full-blown stadium rock concert. Both are beautiful, but they hit differently depending on the vibe.
Now, there are some fragrance houses like Mancera and Montale that truly take the beast-mode crown. But have we lost the plot? Are our expectations for these scented alcohols beginning to be unrealistic? Let’s chat about the different factors that affect the longevity of a fragrance: notes, concentration, skin type, and application.
First, vocab check
Projection: The distance a scent radiates from the skin while standing still.
Sillage: The scent trail left behind when moving. For example, the scent trail left behind when leaving a room.
Skin Scent: This type of fragrance sits very close to the skin. Has little projection and no sillage.
Next, reality check
The average EDP projects about 2 hours, leaves a scent trail for another 2 hours, then settles into a skin scent. Realistically, the average perfume will not actively spread for an entire work shift. There are some people who get compliments in hour 7/8, but it’s somewhat uncommon. Also, beware of nose blindness - this means after prolonged exposure, you naturally become desensitized to your scent, while other’s may still get a whiff.
The Longevity Depends On:
Alcoholic vs. Non-Alcoholic: Scents without alcohol (perfume oils) tend to last longer than scents with alcohol. But because there is no alcohol, there is lower projection. Pro girly tip: I love layering perfume oils with EDPs to create the ultimate scent bubble.
Skin Chemistry: I hate to break it to you, but you and that perfume aren't compatible! Everyone’s skin is different so some scents can mesh well with you, while others don’t.
Weather: While you can wear any scents anytime you’d like, some perform better in the summer, while other perform better in the winter. Pro girly tip: look at fragrance notes and think of what season you’d enjoy them the most. Fruity/Florals perform best in warmer climates, while Woody Notes/Vanillas perform best in the cold.
You’ve read all of this, Now What? Check out these tips to get the most out of your fragrance.
Apply on a clean canvas: Expecting a fragrance to last without showering is like expecting to pass the bar without studying. It just won’t happen. In the shower, I love using a bar soap that’ll strip away dirt and oils. Dial, Dove and Fenty are my favorites. I follow up with a body wash, usually from Native. It can be scented, but definitely not a must-have. Lastly, I apply scented lotion and/or body oil. This routine creates the best clean canvas to apply my fragrances and make them last.
Season that meat: Your skin, that is. Don’t be afraid to put that sh*t on. The next time you put on your fragrance, spray until the spirit of Rihanna tells you to stop. You deserve to enjoy your perfume how you please!
Spray on the following places: 1. Pulse points (inner elbows, wrist, neck, chest, and behind the knees) 2. Clothes 3. Spray multiple times in the same place
Re-apply: There’s nothing wrong with re-applying. Decant your bottle and keep it with you on the go. You can find a ton on Amazon.
Perfume Pro Tip: Layer with an Ambroxan-based perfume. This base note provides amazing longevity to fragrance. Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume and Eccentric molecules are the most popular. These are mostly intended for layering with other fragrances. On their on they come off super minimalistic, or nothing at all.
The Final Spritz
Sis, let’s not let the beast mode hype steal the joy of discovery. Every scent has its time and place. So whether you’re into perfumes that scream or ones that whisper, wear what makes you feel like the main character. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Now tell me, what’s your go-to beast mode scent? Or are you more of a soft and subtle kind of girl? Let me know in the comments—I’m dying to hear your faves!
Spritz responsibly,
Your fragrance bestie 💋