There is a common misconception that an expensive perfume must last longer, and this belief is particularly strong when it comes to traditional Indian attars. People often expect an attar to last all day and project so strongly that others can smell it from a distance, even when only a tiny drop is applied. But longevity and projection are two different things, and neither is a direct measure of quality. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Swapnil Pathak Sharma, founder of Zighrana, explains what affects a fragrance’s staying power.
It captures the earthy aroma of baked earth, evoking the smell of the first rain on dry soil. Its beauty lies in its subtle, earthy character. One cannot expect the fragrance of the earth to project like a powerful modern perfume. Its purpose is to evoke a memory, not overwhelm the senses. There are many inexpensive, synthetically composed attars that last for hours. Swapnil highlighted that in the case of Eau de parfum, longevity depends on the ingredients, formulation , and concentration of aromatic materials. Some perfumes last for hours, while others fade relatively quickly. A higher price does not guarantee longer wear. Ultimately, the price of a perfume reflects many things: the cost and rarity of its ingredients, the craftsmanship involved, the complexity of its composition, packaging, and brand positioning. Longevity is only one aspect of its performance.
Also read | How to find your signature scent without buying 10 different perfumes: A simple guide to finding what suits you According to Swapnil, the same applies to mitti attar.
