The other day, after getting my salary, I decided to treat myself to lunch at this chic cafe in Ikoyi, I had been eyeing for a while. You know, rewarding the person who works hard before the money starts disappearing on bills. I settled in, ready to enjoy my meal, when I witnessed the most dramatic exchange between two women at the next table. Their conversation was so intense, I had to pretend to read a novel—just to look occupied while eavesdropping. Let’s just say, I wouldn’t have noticed if I was holding the book upside down. Here’s what went down…
Antoinette: (bursts into the café, dropping her designer bag on the table dramatically) "Nifemi, you won’t believe what just happened!"
Nifemi: (sips her cappuccino calmly, looking intrigued) "This better be good, Antoinette. I was just about to ask for dessert."
Antoinette: (leans in, whispering dramatically) "It’s Lami. She’s hosting another one of her high-society brunches next weekend."
Nifemi: (raises an eyebrow, unimpressed) "And?"
Antoinette: (frustrated) "And?! You know that woman is always trying to outshine me, and the last time—oh, the last time—I sat next to her and by the time dessert came, my perfume was…gone! Completely vanished! Meanwhile, she’s wafting around like a garden of Eden. I was mortified! All that money on Chanel and by noon I smelled like…nothing!"
Nifemi: (gasps, leaning in with wide eyes) "No! Don’t tell me she pulled the old 'linger longer' trick again. That woman’s scent practically follows her home. You’re telling me you let her win?"
Antoinette: (throws her hands up in despair) "She won! I was defeated! I need to know her secret, Nifemi. I can’t be the girl who fades by noon again."
Nifemi: (sighs deeply, as if sharing a scandalous piece of information) "Alright, darling. But you didn’t hear this from me." (pauses for effect) "Lami’s secret isn’t just in the bottle. She’s got an entire ritual behind that long-lasting smell. It’s not just perfume—it’s science. It’s strategy."
Antoinette: (sits up straighter, eyes gleaming) "I knew it! What is it? Tell me everything!"
Nifemi: (smirks, lowering her voice like she’s sharing state secrets) "First, she makes sure her clothes are spotless. You can’t put luxury perfume on dirty fabric and expect it to perform. You’ll end up smelling like day-old laundry and a splash of Dior. She also dries everything out properly. No dampness, no lingering moisture—just fresh, clean clothes ready to hold onto that scent for dear life."
Antoinette: (nods furiously) "That makes sense. I have been lazy about airing out my dresses."
Nifemi: (shakes her head, as if that’s nothing) "Oh honey, that’s just the start. The key to smelling good all day? It begins in the shower. Not one of those soap-commercial, splash-and-go showers. No. Lami scrubs like she’s auditioning for a spa commercial."
Antoinette: (laughs nervously) "You mean she…scrubs? As in really scrubs?"
Nifemi: (dead serious) "Twice, my dear. Once with a cleansing soap, and then with a scented soap. She’s layering fragrances from the very start. That’s the real trick. By the time she’s out of the shower, she’s already two steps ahead of you in the scent game."
Antoinette: (jaw dropping) "Twice? She’s playing chess while we’re all playing checkers!"
Nifemi: (nodding, as if confirming a juicy rumour) "Exactly. Then she moisturises like it’s her job. And not with any old lotion. Scented, layered, matching her perfume. It’s all about creating a base for the fragrance to cling to. She doesn’t even think about spraying perfume until her skin is a glowing canvas."
Antoinette: (leans in, eagerly whispering) "Tell me more."
Nifemi: (grinning) "Well, the pièce de résistance? Musks and body oils. She swears by them. She applies musks to all her pulse points—the back of her neck, her wrists, even behind her knees. It’s like a secret weapon. And once she’s done that, *then* she sprays her perfume. But not just on her skin—on her clothes, too. By the time she’s finished, she’s practically a walking fragrance cloud."
Antoinette: (awed) "No wonder she always smells so good, like it follows her. I’ve been doing this all wrong!"
Nifemi: (leans back, satisfied with her gossip delivery) "Darling, Lami’s been playing the long game for years. You want to outshine her at the brunch? Follow these steps, and trust me—you’ll have them all wondering what your secret is."
After lots of research, I couldn’t resist giving these tips a try, and let me tell you, they truly make a difference. If you follow these steps, you’ll easily become the king or queen of "linger longer." Personally, I only needed to add a few new tricks since I was already familiar with the game. So, go ahead and try it out—you won’t be disappointed!
How to Smell Good All Day: The Ultimate Guide
1. Start with Fresh, Clean Clothes
It may seem obvious, but the foundation of smelling good starts with clean clothes. If you layer fragrance over unwashed clothes, you’ll only mask the odour temporarily before it comes back with a vengeance.
Ensure your laundry is fresh, and here’s a pro tip: Dry your clothes in direct sunlight when possible—it helps kill bacteria that can cause odour. If you're using a dryer, ensure the clothes are completely dry before storing them to prevent any mustiness.
2 . Master the Art of Showering
This is where your scent journey truly begins, and it's a crucial step. A quick rinse isn’t enough if you want to smell fresh all day. Take your time in the shower, making sure to cleanse thoroughly. Use a loofah or sponge to exfoliate and scrub your skin, especially in areas prone to sweat like your underarms, behind your ears, and the back of your neck.
For a two-step cleansing routine, start with an unscented or lightly scented soap to get rid of any grime, for me I use black soap first. Then, follow up with a scented body wash that complements your perfume. Think of it as the first layer in your fragrance story. For example, if you’re planning to wear a vanilla-scented perfume, a vanilla-scented body wash can help enhance the scent throughout the day, a good trick is I just use any body wash that smells good enough to eat, it goes well with any fragrance.
3. Deodorant is Essential
While perfumes are great, they’re not a substitute for deodorant. A good deodorant will keep you smelling fresh by neutralising odours and reducing sweat. Whether you prefer an antiperspirant, an aluminium-free formula, or even natural remedies like lime, the key is to find what works for you and your body chemistry. You can also use the Ordinary toner under your arms it works!
Trust us, your future self—and everyone around you—will thank you.
4. Moisturise Your Skin
Hydrated skin holds fragrance longer, so don’t skip this step! After showering, apply a moisturiser to lock in hydration. For an even more effective fragrance layer, use a scented lotion that pairs with your perfume. If you have sensitive skin, opt for an unscented or hypoallergenic lotion.
Why does this matter? Perfumes are essentially fragrance oils diluted with alcohol, and since alcohol evaporates, the oils need something to cling to. Well-moisturised skin provides that base, helping your perfume last longer and stay vibrant.
5. Body Oils and Musks: Your Secret Weapon
Now, here’s where you can really take things up a notch. If you want your scent to last all day, consider incorporating body oils or musks into your routine. In cooler climates, scented body oils work wonders—apply them lightly to your skin, focusing on areas that will be exposed. If you’re in a hotter, more humid climate (like Lagos), body musks are your best bet.
My personal favourite? A vanilla musk that I apply sparingly on pulse points like behind my ears, on my wrists, and even behind my knees. Not only does it give your skin a beautiful glow, but it also provides a creamy base for your perfume to adhere to.
When I introduced this the compliments that came in, I tell you that people will touch you and your fine fragrance will transfer to their hands (I’m talking from experience)
6. Apply Perfume the Right Way
Now it’s time for the star of the show—your perfume. To ensure it lasts all day, apply it to your pulse points where the skin is warm and can diffuse the fragrance better. These include behind your ears, on your wrists, the crook of your elbows, and even the back of your knees.
Don’t forget to spray on your clothes as well. Clothing holds scent longer than skin, so this will keep your fragrance lingering all day.
I tell you that when you try these steps even you will know the difference, you would get whiffs of yourself all day showing how pleasant you smell.
At Tega Milton, our perfumes are designed with longevity in mind. Whether you’re drawn to something sweet and fresh or prefer deep, mysterious scents, we’ve got a perfume that lasts up to 72 hours on clothes. Want to check out our collection? Click here to explore our fragrances!
7. Don’t Forget the Finishing Touch: Body Mist
For those final touches, a body mist or spray can give you that extra fragrance boost. You can reapply this throughout the day for a refreshing top-up, especially after a long meeting or a workout. Keep a small mist in your bag so you’re always prepared!
Wrapping it All Up
Smelling good all day takes more than just a few spritzes of perfume—it’s about creating a routine that starts from your laundry and shower habits all the way through to how you layer and apply your scents. By following these tips, not only will you keep smelling amazing throughout the day, but you’ll also make an impression that lingers long after you’ve left the room.
For perfumes that offer long-lasting wear and unforgettable scents, explore our Tega Milton collection today. Whether you’re into sweet and fruity, or bold and exotic, we have something for every fragrance lover.
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