For many of us, the rituals of wearing perfume have largely remained the same: choose a scent (or several), mist the pulse points, dab a little on the wrist, and hope the fragrance carries through the day. There have always been hacks to make your perfume linger, but the market is now evolving toward a new category altogether: the fragrance primer. They’re meant to function the way primers do for foundation, but does that really translate into longer-lasting perfume?
Once limited to backstage tricks and industry insiders, fragrance primers have begun capturing mainstream attention. Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty launched four gender-neutral scent-boosting balms designed to be worn alone or layered with the brand’s debut eau de parfum. Gabrielle Chanel introduced its own Fragrance Primer, infused with ylang-ylang, jasmine, and orange blossom to amplify the floral signature of Gabrielle Chanel Eau de Parfum.
“A fragrance primer is a deliberately neutral, skin-compatible pre-treatment formulated to alter the skin surface so perfume molecules stay near the skin longer and evaporate more slowly,” explains Shehzad Mulla, perfumist and founder, Parfumerie Maison.
In the past, many relied on unscented lotions or petroleum jelly as DIY fixes. But primers offer a more sophisticated alternative: specialised bases designed to bond with fragrance molecules and hold them in place, often with subtle notes that enhance or complement the perfume layered on top.
“Regular lotions are primarily about skin feel and conditioning; they often contain fragrances, heavier oils, botanical actives and higher levels of occlusive or emollient ingredients that can compete with or mute delicate perfume notes. A primer is engineered to be neutral, fast-drying (or leave only an ultrathin film), and to use specific film-forming chemistry so it modifies perfume kinetics without competing aromatically. In short, lotions alter skin chemistry and smell; primers alter surface mechanics and residence time,” he explains.
The primer ensures the perfume’s full concentration is experienced as intended. Ultimately, its power lies in the chemistry behind it and the hydrated canvas it creates on the skin. “Primers increase longevity by improving how fragrance oils attach to skin. Hydrated and balanced skin helps perfume oils stay longer instead of being absorbed too quickly. They also create a thin, invisible layer that slows down evaporation so top, heart and base notes unfold gradually. This mechanism works beautifully with high-concentration perfumes,” explains Abhishek Chakraborty, who heads the communications for Oriflame, which has a fragrance line. This interplay with scent structure is a key reason many dedicated perfume lovers are flocking to primers.
The expansion of fragrance primers coincides with a wider shift: consumers increasingly see perfume as part of their wardrobe. A new scent for the office, another for nights out, a weekend comfort spritz, or a holiday mood—perfume enthusiasts now rotate fragrances. Yet many also seek consistency: they want their scents to last, and to feel like a deliberate part of their identity. And in that way, primers promise stability. But, indeed, certain perfumes respond better to primers than others. When the skin is well-hydrated and less reactive, the opening notes stay brighter for longer, and the deeper notes settle in more gradually and smoothly.
“This is especially relevant for perfumes with layered structures such as fruity openings or warm, gourmand bases. Or, if the perfume has bright citrus or floral openings, the primer is designed to preserve freshness. If the perfume carries intense floral and amber depth, the primer may focus on anchoring and long-lasting hold,” he explains further. “Primers show the strongest effect on fragrances with heavier or creamier base notes because these materials benefit from a stable surface.”
Selecting a fragrance primer is less about matching brands and more about understanding your own scents and skin. When choosing a primer, the most common mistakes are easy to avoid. Shehzad points out that many people use far too much primer, pair it with scented body creams, or expect it to salvage a perfume that isn’t right for them. “Many people also forget to test it with their intended scent, and some even apply it to clothes instead of skin.”
Fragrance primers signal a shift in perfume culture. Consumers are experimenting more with layering, curating perfume wardrobes, and seeking personalised scent rituals—and primers add a new level of intentionality to the way fragrance is worn. It’s clear this category is only just beginning to rise. Are they a revolutionary product? Perhaps not. But would perfume enthusiasts do anything to make their favourite scent last longer? Quite possibly, yes.
