Macy's Cologne Refill: Can You Get A Top-Up?

Does Macy's offer a cologne bottle refill service? This question has been on many people's minds since a tweet went viral in December 2023, claiming that Macy's would refill any empty cologne or perfume bottle for just $27. However, the reality is a little more nuanced. Macy's does offer refill options, but these are limited to select brands and the cost varies depending on the scent and brand. Macy's will physically refill Mugler Angel and Alien scents in-store, and customers can purchase refill cartridges for various other brands to refill their bottles at home.

Macy's refillable cologne options

Macy's offers refill options for select brands, and the cost varies depending on the brand and bottle size. While Macy's does not refill all perfume or cologne bottles, they do have specific refillable options and brands that offer refills.

For the Mugler Angel and Alien scents, Macy's offers a physical refill service in-store. Customers who purchase a full-price bottle can return for a refill at a discounted rate. The price for this service ranges from $25 to $35 per bottle.

For other brands, customers can purchase refill bottles at a cheaper price than buying a new bottle of perfume or cologne. These refill bottles have a special lid that allows you to fill your empty fragrance bottle. Some of the brands that offer refill bottles include Ralph Lauren, Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent, Prada, Giorgio Armani, Dior Sauvage, and Burberry. The prices for these refill products start at $18 for a 0.33-ounce Lafco New York refill and can go up to $1,260 for a 16.9-ounce Creed Aventus refill.

Additionally, some brands offer gift sets that include a refillable bottle and a refill pouch, allowing customers to purchase a larger quantity of their favourite fragrance at a potentially discounted price.

It is important to note that not all Macy's stores carry the same refillable options, so it is recommended to call ahead or check online to confirm the availability of specific refills.

Refilling cologne at home

Refilling a cologne bottle at home is a great way to save money and reduce waste. While some department stores, like Macy's, offer refill options for select brands, it's often more cost-effective and convenient to refill your cologne bottle yourself. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Gather Your Supplies:

Before you begin, make sure you have the following supplies ready:

• An empty bottle to transfer the cologne into.
• Clean tissue or a thin cloth.
• A pair of scissors.
• A small funnel or a syringe (optional).

Refilling Your Cologne Bottle:

• Remove the cap and sprayer: Gently remove the plastic or metal cap from your cologne bottle. Then, hold the cylindrical sprayer and gently pull it straight up to expose the nozzle underneath. If it's difficult to remove, wrap the sprayer in a paper towel and use a pair of pliers for a better grip.
• Remove the base of the sprayer: Determine whether your cologne bottle has a plastic or metal seal. If it's plastic, use scissors to slide under the base and carefully tear it away from the glass bottle. If it's still attached, use pliers to gently wiggle and pull the base away from the bottle. For metal bases, use pliers to loosen the base by wiggling it left and right. Be careful not to break the glass bottle.
• Clean the bottle neck: Fine pieces of glass may break off during the process, especially with metal base bottles. Use a tissue to gently wipe the neck of the bottle to avoid any glass shards falling into your cologne.
• Transfer the cologne: You can now transfer the cologne into your new bottle. Use a funnel or a syringe to avoid spills and waste.
• Seal the bottle: If your original bottle remained intact, seal it back up by reapplying the base to the neck of the bottle. If that's not possible, you can reapply the sprayer directly onto the neck.

Additional Tips:

• Always be gentle and patient during the process to avoid damaging your cologne bottle or spilling its contents.
• If you're transferring cologne into a travel bottle, leave some space at the top to easily replace the sprayer and prevent leaks.
• Clean your travel bottle with water before refilling to remove any old fragrance residue.
• When applying cologne, hold the bottle 4-6 inches away from your body and spray near your neck and wrists.

Macy's cologne refill prices

Macy's offers refill options for select fragrances, with prices varying by brand. The cost of a refill depends on the scent and the bottle size.

Macy's offers discounted refills for Mugler Angel and Alien scents. Customers can bring their empty bottles to the store and have them refilled at a reduced price. The exact discount is not mentioned, but one source mentions that the refill service typically costs between $25 and $35 per bottle.

For other brands, customers can purchase refill bottles at a cheaper price than buying a new bottle of perfume or cologne. These refill bottles have a special lid that allows customers to refill their empty fragrances at home. The prices for these refill products range from $18 for a 0.33-ounce Lafco New York refill to $1,260 for a 16.9-ounce Creed Aventus refill.

For example, the Ralph Lauren Polo Blue Parfum Refill (5.1 oz.) is priced at $105, while the La Perla Signature Eau de Parfum Refill (3.4 oz.) is currently unavailable.

It is important to note that not all perfume bottles can be refilled at Macy's, and it is recommended to call ahead to confirm if your desired perfume or cologne is eligible for their refill program.

Other department stores that refill cologne

While Macy's does offer refill options for select fragrances, there are other department stores that offer similar services.

Sephora

Sephora, a cosmetics store, offers refill options for select fragrances. Customers can purchase refill bottles for their favourite fragrances at a discounted price. This means that you cannot bring in your empty bottle and get it refilled for a lower price, but you can buy a refill bottle at a lower price and fill it up yourself. Maison Margiela's "Replica" is one such fragrance that can be refilled at Sephora.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom is another department store that offers fragrance samples and has been recommended by many fragrance enthusiasts.

Lord & Taylor

Lord & Taylor is another option for purchasing fragrances, although their sample policy is a bit more restrictive, as they only offered one sample to a customer.

Dilliards

Dilliards is a department store that has been praised for its knowledgeable staff in the fragrance department. They offer open access to testers, but some customers have reported feeling less comfortable there than at other stores.

The Perfume Shop

The Perfume Shop in the UK offers a multi-brand refill station for Mugler, Armani, Prada, and YSL fragrances. They also offer a 15% discount and plant a tree for every bottle recycled in-store.

Neiman Marcus

Neiman Marcus is a department store that has been praised for its excellent customer service in the fragrance department. They offer complimentary water bottles and compliments to customers, creating a positive shopping experience.

Extending the life of cologne

While Macy's does not refill all perfume bottles, they do offer refill options on select brands, including Mugler Angel and Alien scents. For other brands, you can purchase a refill bottle at a discounted price.

Now, here are some tips to extend the life of your cologne:

Check the Concentration Level

Firstly, it's important to understand that there are different types of colognes, and their longevity depends on their concentration and purity levels. For example, perfumes have the highest concentration, ranging from 15 to 40 percent, ensuring the scent lasts for around eight hours. Knowing the concentration level of your cologne can help you manage your expectations and choose a scent that aligns with your desired longevity.

Apply Right After a Shower

Applying cologne right after a shower is ideal because your pores are still open, allowing your body to absorb the fragrance and lock in the aroma. Applying cologne when you're fully dressed can lead to stains on your fabric from the oils and alcohol in the cologne.

Moisturize Your Skin

Hydrating your skin before applying cologne is beneficial. The moisturiser provides a base for the cologne to adhere to, helping to lock in the scent. However, ensure that the scent of your moisturiser doesn't overpower your cologne. You can also apply petroleum jelly to your pulse points to create a barrier that prevents complete absorption, making the cologne last longer.

Harmonize Cologne with Other Scents

If you can't find a fragrance-free moisturiser, ensure that its scent blends well with your cologne. Some brands offer matching lotions, creams, or body washes to achieve a harmonious scent. It's also important to ensure that your aftershave doesn't compete with the aroma of your cologne and other grooming products.

Apply On Pulse Points

Applying cologne to pulse points on warm areas of your body, such as your chest, neck, lower jaw, forearms, inside of your elbows, and behind your knees, will help the fragrance last longer. The heat in these areas will keep the scent going throughout the day.

Discreetly Reapply When Necessary

If you need a boost of your scent during the day, consider reapplying a small amount of cologne discreetly. Avoid carrying the entire bottle, as it's inconvenient and may be upsetting to others, especially those with allergies. Instead, spray the cologne onto cotton swabs and place them in a plastic bag to retain moisture, making it easy to carry and reapply when needed.

Frequently asked questions