Antonio Mcgowan
When it comes to perfumes, the topic of resting is a complex one. Some people believe that perfumes need to rest after they are received in the mail, especially if they have undergone extreme temperature changes during transit. This mail shock can affect the scent temporarily, and letting the perfume rest for 24 to 48 hours can help it return to its intended fragrance. Additionally, the resting period can allow the top notes to evaporate, leading to the longer-lasting heart and base notes. On the other hand, some sources suggest that the idea of always needing to rest a perfume before use is a myth, as proper maceration is done by the perfumer before shipping. However, the resting period can be beneficial for natural blends, especially those with resinous or incense-heavy compositions, as they tend to benefit from longer resting periods. The decision to rest a perfume also depends on personal preference, as some perfumes, especially those with deep, dark, earthy, and resinous materials, can become more refined with age. Overall, the resting period for perfumes varies, with some sources recommending a day or two, while others suggest a week or even a month to truly experience the fragrance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of letting perfumes rest | To allow perfumes to recover from "mail shock" and temperature changes during transit |
| Maceration period | Up to several months, with three weeks being the average minimum |
| Resting time | A day or two for temperature recovery; 1-2 weeks or more for ageing and refinement |
| Factors affecting resting time | Composition, temperature, and light |
| Benefits of resting | Allows perfumes to bloom, stabilises the scent, and improves longevity |
| Storage conditions | Cool, dark, dry area, away from sunlight, heat, and flame |
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What You'll Learn
The ideal environment for storing perfumes
Perfumes are sensitive to their environment, and temperature and light can significantly affect their longevity. Therefore, the optimal environment for storing perfumes is a cool, dark, dry area, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and open flames. Basements, closets, or cabinets are often good choices for storage.
It is best to keep perfumes out of reach of children and pets and to store them in their original boxes or containers whenever possible. The boxes provide an extra layer of protection from light and can help keep the perfume cool.
For those who live in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations, it may be worth investing in a small refrigerator dedicated to storing perfumes. This is especially important for natural perfumes, which are more susceptible to temperature changes. Alternatively, a simple solution is to store perfumes in the door of your refrigerator, as this area typically maintains a stable temperature and is shielded from direct light.
In addition to temperature and light, perfumes should be protected from humidity and oxygen. Ensure that perfume bottles are tightly sealed when not in use, and consider using airtight storage containers for added protection.
By following these guidelines, you can create the ideal environment for storing your perfumes and ensure their longevity.
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How temperature changes impact perfumes
While a perfume does not always need to be rested to be experienced correctly, temperature changes can significantly impact a perfume's performance, longevity, sillage, and projection.
Firstly, temperature changes during transit can affect perfumes. When a perfume is hot, such as after being left in a mailbox or a hot car, its top notes become more volatile. Conversely, in cold conditions, the low base notes may not open up. Allowing the perfume to return to room temperature can help to resolve these issues.
Secondly, temperature changes throughout the year can also affect how a perfume smells and behaves. In hot weather, a perfume's evaporation rate increases, causing the top and middle notes to be more dominant and making the perfume appear more potent. Conversely, in colder temperatures, perfumes tend to stick closer to the skin, leading to a subtler scent projection.
Thirdly, temperature changes can affect the quality of a fragrance over time. Exposure to direct sunlight, even in winter, can alter a perfume's scent or reduce its potency as the heat causes the chemical bonds to break down more quickly. Therefore, it is best to store perfumes in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a cabinet or drawer, and preferably in their original boxes for extra protection.
Lastly, temperature changes can impact how a perfume interacts with the wearer's body. For example, in humid environments, the skin remains moist for longer, slowing the evaporation rate of the perfume and allowing the fragrance to linger for more extended periods. In contrast, in dry and hot conditions, the skin tends to be drier, causing the perfume to evaporate more quickly and potentially reducing its longevity. Applying perfume to the hair or clothes can help to slow down the release of the fragrance and avoid the issue of the scent interacting with sweat, which can cause the scent to change.
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The maceration period of perfumes
Perfumes typically undergo a maceration period lasting up to several months, with three weeks being the average minimum. This process is critical, as perfumes that are not properly macerated tend to be less stable, less potent, and lacking in nuance. The time required for maceration varies based on the materials used in the formula, including the number, type, and their interactions. For example, birch tar can take 4 to 6 months to settle in a fragrance, while a well-composed blend may only need a day or two of rest.
The resting period allows perfumes to stabilise and reveal their true scent, especially after undergoing extreme temperature changes during transit. High temperatures can cause the top notes to become more volatile, while cold conditions can prevent the base notes from opening up. Resting the perfume at room temperature allows the scent to bloom "the right way".
Some perfumes, especially natural blends, benefit from longer resting periods. Resinous or incense-heavy perfumes, for instance, can evolve over time, and many perfumes grow more beautiful with age, particularly those with deep, dark, earthy, and resinous materials. Ageing a perfume is a matter of personal preference, as it can refine and improve the fragrance, much like ageing wine.
It is worth noting that the idea that a perfume always needs to be "rested" to be experienced correctly is a myth. Well-composed fragrances can be enjoyed as soon as they are received, without the need for prolonged resting. However, if a perfume has undergone temperature changes during shipping, it is recommended to let it rest for at least 24 to 48 hours to stabilise and reveal its true scent.
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The evolution of perfumes over time
Perfume-making is an ancient art that has evolved over thousands of years, blending science, craftsmanship, and artistry. The word "perfume" is derived from the Latin "per fumus", meaning "through smoke". The earliest known perfumer was a woman named Tapputi, a chemist from Babylonian Mesopotamia, who lived around 1200 BCE. She developed methods for scent extraction that laid the foundation for future perfume-making. The ancient Egyptians used perfumes in religious ceremonies and for mummification, with incense and myrrh being common ingredients. They also began trading raw materials for perfume. The Greeks and Romans further refined the art of perfumery, incorporating new ingredients and developing more advanced extraction methods such as distillation.
During the Sassanid period (224-651 CE), the Persians dominated the perfume trade, with Persian kings having their own "signature scents". Islamic cultures during this time made significant advancements in Middle Eastern perfumery, including developing the steam distillation process for perfume extraction and experimenting with new raw materials such as musk, amber, and rose.
The Renaissance marked another turning point, with Italy and France becoming the epicentres of perfume-making. Grasse, France, emerged as a key centre for the cultivation of aromatic plants. The 18th-century development of eau de cologne introduced lighter, citrus-based fragrances. The 19th century saw the introduction of synthetic ingredients, allowing for the creation of entirely new scents.
Today, modern perfumery continues to evolve with advanced methods, reflecting changing tastes, technologies, and cultural influences. The process of resting perfumes is also an important aspect of the art, with some fragrances benefiting from settling after extreme temperature changes during transit, and others being refined through aging, similar to wine. Overall, the evolution of perfumes over time showcases the ingenuity and creativity of humans throughout history.
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The difference between perfume oils and alcohol-based perfumes
While both alcohol-based perfumes and perfume oils have their own applications, there are some distinct differences between the two.
Alcohol-based perfumes are typically mixed with denatured alcohol or ethanol and are more mainstream, often found on the shelves of major department stores and sold under well-known brand names. They are recognised by the words "eau de" in the description. Alcohol has a high evaporation rate, which leads to a strong initial scent impact. This rapid evaporation helps distribute the fragrance's top notes into the air, creating an immediate and robust aroma. Alcohol-based perfumes are therefore popular for their immediate and wide-reaching scent impact, which is noticeable in social situations or larger spaces. However, the high evaporation rate of alcohol can also cause the fragrance to diminish quicker than oil-based perfumes. Additionally, alcohol-based perfumes can be harsh on the skin, causing drying, irritation, or allergic reactions, particularly for those with sensitive skin.
Perfume oils, on the other hand, are mixed with odourless and colourless carrier oils such as jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, or similar oils. They are not typically designed to be used in spray form due to their thicker consistency, which can clog spray nozzles. Perfume oils are generally applied directly to the skin and may come in roll-on or dab-on formats, allowing the warmth of the skin to release and diffuse the fragrance. The evaporation rate of oil is much slower than that of alcohol, so the scent's longevity is prolonged. Perfume oils also blend seamlessly with the body's natural oils, creating a refined and enduring scent that enhances rather than overpowers. They are a good option for those with sensitive skin as they do not contain alcohol or synthetic substances, providing a purer and more intense fragrance experience.
In terms of letting perfumes rest, this is typically done to allow the fragrance to settle after undergoing extreme temperature changes during transit. A day or so of rest is usually enough for the perfume to return to room temperature and settle down. However, some people choose to let their perfumes age for refinement, similar to ageing wine. Proper storage in a cool, dark, and dry area is crucial for the longevity of perfumes.
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Frequently asked questions
Perfumes may undergo extreme temperature changes during transit, which can temporarily affect their scent. Allowing perfumes to rest at room temperature for a day or two will enable them to settle.
Information online suggests letting your perfume rest for one to two weeks, or even a month. However, some people start using it within 24 hours and observe how it evolves with time.
Store-bought perfumes may also benefit from resting for a day or two if they underwent temperature changes during shipping. If you dislike the scent, letting it rest for a few weeks may improve it.
No, only perfumes that underwent extreme temperature changes during transit need to rest. However, some people believe that perfumes can improve with age, much like wine.
Store your perfumes in a cool, dark, dry area, away from sunlight, heat, and flame.
