Longevity, projection and sillage
Three ideas that explain how a fragrance behaves on skin and in the air.
Longevity
How long the fragrance stays perceptible on your skin. It depends on concentration, on the notes — woods and musks outlast citrus —, on your skin, and on the climate. In Kinshasa heat can shorten it: choose a higher concentration, or reapply during the day.
Projection
How far your fragrance is perceptible to others. Intimate projection stays close to the skin; strong projection carries a metre or more. Orientals and woods generally project more than light florals.
Sillage
The trail you leave as you move. A strong sillage is noticed; a discreet one stays personal.
Making it last
Moisturise before you apply: fragrance holds better on hydrated skin. Spray on pulse points, and avoid rubbing your wrists together, which breaks the fragrance's construction.