Definition
Longevity is one of the two principal performance metrics for a perfume, alongside sillage. It is measured from first application to the point where the wearer can no longer perceive any olfactive impression on skin. Industry testing uses trained panels; community reviews rely on personal skin experience, which varies widely between individuals.
Longevity correlates positively with fragrance concentration (extrait > eau de parfum > eau de toilette > eau de cologne), presence of fixatives (musks, resins, ambers), skin moisture level, and application to pulse points.
Technical detail
The materials most responsible for longevity are the base note materials: macrocyclic musks, cedarwood derivatives, sandalwood, labdanum, benzoin, and synthetic ambers. Top notes by definition are the most volatile and contribute to opening impression, not longevity.
Niche perfumery communities on a specialist perfume site and un forum spécialisé rate longevity on scales ranging from "poor" (under 2 hours) to "very long lasting" (8+ hours). Light aquatics and hesperidic compositions consistently score lower than oriental and woody bases.