My mother always kept her perfume on her vanity. She'd sit at the mirror in her silk robe - spray herself twice with signature scent - then gently dab it on her pulse points before doing her hair and makeup.
I loved watching her routine. But since I live in a small apartment without space for a vanity - I kept my perfume on a bathroom shelf instead.
When my mom visited, she told me storing perfume in the bathroom would ruin it. After asking friends, I realized I wasn't the only one keeping perfume in the bathroom. It's easy to grab for a quick spray before heading out - but was it really the wrong spot to store it?
So, where not to keep perfume…
For starters, avoid storing perfume on the bathroom counter. The humidity from baths or showers can break down delicate ingredients like – floral and citrus notes. Thereby making the scent smell strange or even changing its colour.
Ways to Keep Your Perfume Fragrance Intact
To keep perfume fresh as long as possible - store it in a dark, dry place. Tucking it away in a closet or keeping it in a dark box works best for preserving a new bottle.
But how long will a fragrance last? Perfumes can fade and lose their original scent over time. They may also change colour and start to smell off. If stored wrong, perfume can go bad within months. Here are 15 tips to help keep your perfume fresh.
Keep the Bottle Sealed Until First Use
Perfume stays fresh as long as it's sealed. Once you open it - oxygen gets inside and begins to weaken the scent. With more air and less fragrance in the bottle, the smell starts to fade. So remember, once you take that first spray, the countdown begins on how long the scent will last.
Keep Your Perfume in a Dark Place
Perfume bottles can be beautiful - but they shouldn't sit out on display. Sunlight and bright lights can break down the fragrance inside and may even damage plastic bottles. To keep your scent fresh - store it somewhere away from any artificial or natural light. This will help your perfume last longer.
Keep Your Perfume in a Dry Place
Humidity can damage perfume - causing chemical changes that alter its scent. This can be tricky if you live in a humid area. So be extra careful. If you have a room with a dehumidifier, it's the perfect spot to store your perfumes and prevent them from evaporating.
Don't Store Your Perfume in the Bathroom
Even though it's called - eau de toilette - perfume doesn't belong in the bathroom. Many people make the mistake of keeping it there, but bathrooms have high humidity and temperature changes that can ruin the scent. Instead, keep your perfume in a dry cupboard or closet outside the bathroom.
Store Your Perfume in Its Original Box
If you're unsure where to keep your perfume - just use the original box. It may seem simple, but the box is designed to protect the scent. Keeping your perfume in the box - especially in a dark cupboard or closet can help it last much longer.
Store Perfume on a Lower Shelf
It might seem obvious, but it's important to remember - keep your perfume on a lower shelf. Placing it on a high shelf increases the risk of it falling and spilling, which can make a room smell strong for days. Even if it doesn't break, the fall can damage the fragrance. So, store your perfume on a lower shelf to avoid accidents.
Keep the Bottle Closed When Not in Use
Oxygen can damage perfume. When you're rushing out the door, it's easy to forget things like your wallet or keys, but don't forget to put the cap back on your perfume. Leaving the bottle open - even for a few hours - can mess up the scent and make it evaporate faster.
Don't Shake the Perfume Bottle Too Much
It might seem like shaking the bottle could boost the scent, but it actually does the opposite. Shaking introduces air bubbles that can change the fragrance. Plus, perfumes have delicate chemical mixtures that can be easily damaged. Shaking the bottle could ruin the scent and make it less appealing.
Keep Your Perfume in Its Original Bottle
You've probably seen fancy perfume bottles at Grandma's house. But while they look nice, they're not great for the perfume inside. Decorative bottles may look good on display, but they can quickly ruin the scent. The original perfume bottles are designed to be airtight and have the right spray head to give you just the right amount of fragrance without letting air in.
Use Smaller Bottles When Traveling
Going on a business trip or to a wedding? You'll want your perfume to stay fresh while you travel. Instead of bringing the whole bottle, buy a smaller version to save money and avoid waste. Taking the cap off your perfume can start to ruin the scent - but with a travel-sized bottle - you won't have to worry about air getting in.
Keep Your Perfume at a Stable Temperature
Store your perfume in a cool place with a steady temperature. Avoid spots that get too cold or hot. The ideal temperature is around 60 degrees.
Check Your Perfume for Color Changes
This isn't just about storage, but it's a good habit to get into. If your perfume changes colour, it might mean something went wrong with how it was stored. Natural ingredients can darken over time, but the scent usually stays the same. However, synthetic perfumes shouldn't change colour or get oily. If they do, it could mean the fragrance is starting to lose its smell and won't last as long.
Store Your Perfume in an Airtight Container
For your most special perfumes from the parfumdreams, take extra care to keep them fresh. Store them in their original box, then place the bottle in an airtight bag - the more opaque, the better. Keeping it away from light and air will reduce oxidation, protecting your fragrance from damage and helping it stay fresh for longer.
Ship Perfume Safely in a Secure Box with Padding
When shipping perfume, make sure to use a strong box to protect the bottle. Since glass can break easily –
- Wrap the perfume bottle in bubble wrap,
- Tape it securely, and
- Use packing materials like newspaper or Styrofoam.
Place everything in a sealed cardboard box to keep it safe during transport.
Choose Long-Lasting Fragrances
Some perfumes last longer than others, no matter how you store them. Citrus, green and floral scents tend to fade faster, while perfumes with notes like oud last much longer.
Can You Store Perfumes in the Fridge?
There's some debate about this, but you can store certain fragrances in the fridge, depending on the type. Cold temperatures can affect a perfume's delicate chemicals, but cologne and eau de toilette are usually okay because they have a stronger formula.
Perfumes are delicate, with sensitive ingredients and fragile bottles, so they need careful storage. But don't worry! With the right care, even the priciest perfumes can stay fresh. Now, you can explore all the latest fragrance collections, knowing you can keep them smelling great for longer.
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