Katrina Rosales
The idea that perfumes need to rest after travelling is a common misconception. In reality, the only time a perfume needs to rest is if it has been exposed to extreme temperature changes during transit. In such cases, letting the fragrance return to room temperature before use is recommended. While some people suggest letting perfumes rest for a day or two, others believe that a few hours should be enough for the fragrance to settle. However, letting perfumes sit for extended periods can be beneficial if one wishes to age them for refinement, similar to ageing wine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of letting perfume rest | To allow perfumes to recover from extreme temperature changes during transit |
| Ideal resting time | A few hours to a few days, or even a week or two |
| Resting time for alcohol-based perfumes | No resting time required |
| Resting time for oil-based perfumes | A day or two |
| Maximum resting time | Up to six months |
| Optimal environment during resting | A cool, dark, and dry area |
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What You'll Learn
- Fragrances affected by temperature changes during travel only need a day of rest
- Some perfumes benefit from sitting for a bit after travel
- Alcohol-based perfumes don't need to rest
- Oils should be prioritised for testing if they use a carrier oil that can go bad quickly
- Aging perfumes is a personal preference
Fragrances affected by temperature changes during travel only need a day of rest
Allowing fragrances to rest after travelling is a good idea, especially if they have been subjected to temperature changes. However, it is important to note that the process of resting fragrances is more about refining them over time, similar to ageing wine, rather than being a necessity.
The optimal environment for resting fragrances is a cool, dark, and dry area. While a day or two of rest is usually enough for fragrances affected by temperature changes, some perfumes may benefit from a longer resting period. This longer resting period, ranging from a week to a few months, is more about allowing the fragrances to age and refine, which can enhance their scent over time.
It is worth noting that the resting period is not an indication of a perfume's quality. Well-composed fragrances should be enjoyable immediately and do not require prolonged resting. Ageing a fragrance is a matter of personal preference, as some perfumes, particularly those with deep, dark, earthy, and resinous materials, can develop more beautiful scents over time.
Overall, while fragrances affected by temperature changes during travel only need a day of rest, some enthusiasts choose to let their perfumes rest for longer periods to refine their scents, similar to ageing wine or liquor.
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Some perfumes benefit from sitting for a bit after travel
Some perfumes do benefit from sitting for a bit after travel. This is especially true for perfumes that have undergone extreme temperature changes during transit. Allowing the fragrance to return to room temperature can help improve its scent and longevity. While some perfumes may only need a day or two to rest, others might require a week or two to settle and smell as they should.
The length of time a perfume needs to rest also depends on its composition. Alcohol-based perfumes, for instance, typically do not require extended resting periods. However, some alcohol-based perfumes with spicy or smoky notes may benefit from resting for a week or two. On the other hand, perfume oils are more likely to require a resting period. This is because oils are more susceptible to temperature changes and can go bad faster, depending on the carrier oil.
Additionally, some people choose to let their perfumes age for refinement, similar to ageing wine or liquor. This process can enhance the depth and complexity of the fragrance. However, it is important to note that not everyone agrees with this practice, and some prefer to use their perfumes immediately. Ultimately, the decision to let a perfume rest after travel depends on personal preference and the specific characteristics of the fragrance.
The optimal environment for storing perfumes is a cool, dark, and dry area. Proper storage can help maintain the longevity of the fragrance and prevent it from spoiling. It is also recommended to space out the usage of perfumes by several weeks to avoid any possible anosmia, or loss of sensitivity to a particular scent.
While some perfumes may benefit from resting after travel, it is not a mandatory step. Well-composed blends should be ready to use upon receipt and will not require prolonged resting. However, for perfumes that have undergone extreme temperature changes or for those who prefer their fragrances aged, allowing the perfume to rest and settle can improve the overall scent and performance.
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Alcohol-based perfumes don't need to rest
It is a good idea to let perfumes rest after travelling, as this allows them to recover from any temperature changes during transit. However, this does not necessarily apply to alcohol-based perfumes, which do not need to rest or be aged like wine or liquor.
Alcohol-based perfumes are made by diluting a fragrance concentrate with ethanol, which acts as a solvent and helps the perfume disperse well on the skin and evaporate. Unlike perfume oils, which can go bad if not stored properly, alcohol-based perfumes are relatively stable and do not require the same resting period. This is because the alcohol used in these perfumes is typically cosmetics-grade ethanol, which is non-reactive and does not affect the scent of the perfume.
While it is recommended to let perfumes rest for a couple of days after receiving them in the mail, this is mainly due to potential temperature changes during transit. Alcohol-based perfumes may only need to cool off or warm up, and they should be ready to use. This is especially true for well-composed blends, which are less likely to be affected by shipping.
Additionally, alcohol-based perfumes do not need to be aged for refinement. While the scent of an alcohol-based perfume may change slightly over time, this is due to the natural aging process of the perfume interacting with your skin chemistry, not because the alcohol itself needs to age. Therefore, alcohol-based perfumes can be used right away, and any changes in scent over time are not due to the resting or aging of the alcohol.
However, it is important to note that some people may still choose to let their alcohol-based perfumes rest for a short period to allow the fragrance to settle. This is a matter of personal preference, as some people may want to ensure the perfume is well-blended before use. Overall, alcohol-based perfumes are stable and do not require the same resting or aging process as other types of perfumes.
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Oils should be prioritised for testing if they use a carrier oil that can go bad quickly
When it comes to perfumes, it is generally recommended to let them rest after travelling, as this allows them to recover from any temperature changes or jostling during transit. While some sources suggest that a day or two is enough for a well-composed blend, others suggest waiting for a week or two, especially for alcohol-based perfumes. However, some people prefer to let their fragrances age for refinement, which can take weeks, months, or even years.
Now, regarding your specific concern about carrier oils in perfumes going bad quickly, here are some detailed instructions and considerations:
Firstly, it is important to understand that the shelf life of carrier oils varies depending on the type of oil and how it is stored. Some carrier oils, such as meadowfoam, jojoba, avocado, rose hip seed, walnut, safflower, soybean, grapeseed, and borage seed oil, are more prone to oxidation and can go rancid more quickly. This is due to their polyunsaturated composition and exposure to oxygen, heat, and sunlight. To prevent this, store carrier oils in a cool, dark place, preferably in a tightly sealed, small, dark bottle, and consider adding vitamin E as a preservative.
Secondly, when it comes to testing perfumes after travel, it is a good idea to prioritise those with carrier oils that have shorter shelf lives. This ensures that you can fully enjoy the fragrance before it potentially turns rancid. Test these perfumes after a day or two of rest, and if they smell, feel, and taste fine, you can start using them. However, if the carrier oil is known for having a longer shelf life, you have more flexibility in terms of testing and can follow your usual timeline.
Additionally, when purchasing perfumes with carrier oils, opt for trusted manufacturers that offer therapeutic-grade, cold-pressed, 100% pure, and additive- or preservative-free products. This will ensure that you are getting a quality product that is less likely to spoil quickly.
Lastly, proper storage is crucial in prolonging the shelf life of carrier oils. As mentioned earlier, store them in a cool, dark place, away from heat and sunlight. Using small, dark bottles with tight-fitting caps can help achieve this. If you want to further extend the shelf life, consider storing the carrier oils in the fridge, as the colder temperature and absence of sunlight can significantly slow down rancidity.
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Aging perfumes is a personal preference
Allowing perfumes to settle after travelling, or "ageing" them, is a matter of personal preference. While some people believe that perfumes need to be rested to be experienced correctly, others argue that this is a myth. Perfumes do not necessarily need to rest unless they have been subjected to extreme temperature changes during transit, in which case they should be allowed to return to room temperature. A day or two of rest is usually sufficient for these fragrances to settle. However, some perfumes may benefit from a longer resting period, ranging from a week to several months, as some scents may change and develop over time.
The process of ageing perfumes is similar to ageing wine or liquor. It involves letting the fragrances sit for weeks, months, or even years to allow them to refine and develop their scent. Some perfumes, especially those with deep, dark, earthy, and resinous materials, may become more beautiful with age. However, the decision to age perfumes is ultimately a personal choice, as some people may prefer to use their perfumes immediately without waiting for them to age.
The resting period for perfumes can vary depending on individual preferences and the type of perfume. Alcohol-based perfumes, for example, may not require as much resting time compared to oil-based perfumes. Oil-based perfumes, particularly those with certain carrier oils, may have a shorter shelf life and may be more susceptible to temperature changes during travel. Therefore, some people choose to let oil-based perfumes rest for a shorter period, such as a few days to a week, before using them.
Additionally, the brand of the perfume can also influence the resting period. Some brands may recommend letting their perfumes settle for a specific duration, while others may suggest that their perfumes are ready to be enjoyed immediately. Ultimately, the decision to rest a perfume and for how long depends on individual preferences and the characteristics of the perfume.
While ageing perfumes can be a personal preference, it is important to note that perfumes should be stored properly to maintain their quality. Perfumes should be kept in a cool, dark, and dry area to ensure their longevity. Spacing out the wearings of a perfume by several weeks can also help prevent anosmia, allowing you to fully appreciate the scent each time you use it.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you let your perfume sit for a day or two after travelling so that it can return to room temperature. This is especially important if the perfume has undergone extreme temperature changes during its journey.
Allowing your perfume to rest after exposure to temperature fluctuations can help it settle back down. Resting perfumes for an extended period is a matter of personal preference, as some perfumes become more refined with age, similar to wine.
No, alcohol-based perfumes do not typically require resting after travel. However, some people recommend resting perfumes for a few days to a week to allow them to settle and develop their intended scent.
Opinions vary on how long perfumes should rest, with some people resting them for a few days to a week and others waiting months or even years. However, resting perfumes for too long may impact their longevity, especially for perfume oils that have a "best by" timeframe.
