Yes, genuinely, especially if you use a matching or unscented moisturiser underneath your perfume, since well-hydrated skin holds fragrance more evenly and for longer than dry skin does.

Why this works

Perfume evaporates faster from dry skin because there’s nothing to slow the fragrance oils down as they sit on the surface. A layer of lotion gives those oils something to bind to, effectively slowing evaporation and extending wear. This is the whole logic behind matching body lotion and perfume sets, layering the same scent in lotion, shower gel and spray form to build a stronger, longer-lasting effect rather than relying on the spray alone.

Getting the balance right

Using a heavily scented lotion from a completely different fragrance underneath your perfume can muddy things rather than help, so unscented or genuinely matching products work best. Apply the lotion, let it absorb for a minute or two, then spray your perfume over the top rather than straight after. Our perfume layering guide and longevity guide both cover this, along with the complete guide to perfume.