Anisha Riggs
There's more to perfume care than meets the eye. From application to storage, a few simple tweaks can make all the difference in preserving your favourite scent. For instance, did you know that rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume is considered very bad by award-winning perfumer Francis Kurkdjian? This is because the friction created by rubbing warms up the skin, producing natural enzymes that alter the course of the scent. Instead, lightly spritz both wrists and let the liquid sink in. Another tip is to avoid spraying perfume on clothing, as this may cause discolouration. When it comes to storage, perfume is sensitive to environmental changes, so it's best to keep it in its original box, in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
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What You'll Learn
Store perfume in a cool, dry, dark place, like a drawer or cupboard
Storing perfume is a delicate affair. It is important to remember that perfume is sensitive to environmental changes. Storing perfume in a cool, dry, dark place, such as a drawer or cupboard, is ideal. This is because light and heat can break down the chemical structure of perfume, causing it to lose its fragrance and potency. Direct sunlight can also cause discolouration, turning your sweet scent into a stinky, putrid aroma.
It is best to avoid windowsills or other areas exposed to sunlight. If you have a large collection, consider investing in a dedicated storage cabinet that maintains a consistent temperature and keeps your perfumes away from light and heat.
The original box that the perfume came in is also a great place to store it. This is because the boxes were made to hold the aromatic elixir within, and storing a bottle within the original box can drastically increase the life of a scent.
Additionally, avoid fluctuating humidity levels. Humidity affects a perfume's makeup and can cause unwanted chemical reactions to occur. This can be avoided by storing your perfumes in a room with a dehumidifier.
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Avoid exposing perfume to oxygen, which causes oxidation
Oxygen will cause perfume to break down and degrade over time. To avoid exposing perfume to oxygen, it is important to store it correctly.
Firstly, avoid decanting perfume into different bottles. As soon as perfume is released from its original, sealed bottle, it will be exposed to oxygen, which will begin to break down the compounds and reduce its impact.
Secondly, store perfume in a cool, dry, dark place. The ideal temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit. A dark cupboard or wardrobe is a good option, and you can even keep the perfume in its original box, as these are designed to protect the perfume inside. You could also store perfume in a wine cellar, or even the fridge, as long as you are careful not to disturb the chemical balance. The most important thing is to avoid storing perfume in humid environments, or anywhere that is exposed to sunlight, such as a shelf in the bathroom.
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Avoid rubbing wrists together after applying perfume
When it comes to perfume application, placement is key. While it may be tempting to spray your wrists and rub them together, this is not the best method for preserving the integrity of your fragrance.
The friction created by rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume can heat up the skin, producing natural enzymes that alter the course of the scent. This can cause the top and middle notes of your perfume to evaporate more quickly, impacting the dry-down, or the last and longest period of your fragrance's unfolding. For example, a floral fragrance may lose its crispness if heated.
To ensure your perfume lasts longer and smells the way it should, spritz both wrists lightly and allow the liquid to sink in without rubbing. This will preserve the fragrance's intended composition of top, middle, and base notes.
While some sources claim that rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume is not a big deal, others argue that it can spoil the light-molecule top notes of the fragrance. The heat and friction generated by rubbing can cause these top notes to dissipate more quickly, altering the scent's performance on your skin.
Instead of rubbing your wrists together, you can lightly tap or pat them together to distribute the perfume. This technique can help spread the liquid without generating as much heat and friction as rubbing.
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Clean perfume bottles and packaging regularly
To clean your perfume bottles, use a soft cloth and a mild detergent to gently wipe away any dirt or dust, restoring the bottle's luster. Be careful not to use too much water, as water damage will destroy a fragrance. Avoid shaking the bottle to prevent air bubbles and mixing oxygen into the liquid, which can negatively impact the fragrance. Instead, gently roll the bottle between your palms to mix the contents without introducing air.
Atomisers and spray nozzles should be cleaned periodically to prevent clogs and ensure proper fragrance dispersion. You can also maintain the integrity of the packaging by avoiding excessive exposure to moisture and rough handling. Store your perfumes in their original boxes, in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
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Avoid spraying perfume on clothing
While some people prefer to spray perfume on their clothes, there are several reasons why you should avoid doing so. Firstly, spraying perfume directly onto clothing can cause discolouration. This is because perfume is extremely sensitive to environmental changes, and the chemicals in the perfume may react with the fabric, causing it to change colour. To avoid this, it is recommended to test the perfume on a small, hidden area of the fabric first.
Another reason to avoid spraying perfume on clothing is that it can alter the scent of the fragrance. Perfume is meant to interact with your body chemistry, and when it is applied directly to the skin, it can evolve and develop quicker as your body emits heat. This allows you to experience the full range of fragrance notes, which can be disrupted if the perfume is sprayed on clothing.
Additionally, spraying perfume on clothing can result in a more concentrated application, leading to high amounts of perfume being soaked into the fabric. This can be unpleasant for both the wearer and those around them, as it may result in an overpowering scent. It can also be a waste of perfume, as a small amount goes a long way when applied directly to the skin.
Some people also believe that spraying perfume on the skin allows for a more consistent scent. When applied to clothing, the fragrance may interact with the fabric and change over time, whereas applying it to the skin ensures a more stable base for the perfume. This is especially true for natural fabrics like cotton or wool, which tend to hold scent better than synthetic fabrics.
Finally, spraying perfume on clothing can be impractical, as it may limit your ability to change your outfit. If you apply perfume directly to your skin, you have more flexibility to change clothes without worrying about reapplying your scent or having it clash with your new outfit.
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