Seamus Hammond
Decanting perfume is a popular practice among fragrance enthusiasts who want to carry their favourite scents while travelling. It involves transferring perfume from a larger bottle into smaller, travel-sized containers. This process makes it easier to carry different fragrances when travelling and also allows you to share or gift samples from your collection. There are various methods to decant perfume, such as using a syringe or atomiser, and different types of containers, like glass or plastic bottles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To carry a range of fragrances when travelling, without having to take full bottles |
| Benefits | Cost-effective, convenient, allows for sampling a wide range of perfumes, easy to gift or share |
| Tools | Glass or plastic bottles with tight-fitting caps, funnel, pipettes, atomizers, syringes, labels |
| Techniques | Spraying into a new bottle, using a syringe, using a funnel, atomizing (spraying into a separate vial) |
| Best container | Glass vials are better for preservation, but plastic is lightweight, cheap, and less prone to breakage |
| Container size | 1ml, 5ml, 10ml, 50ml, 100ml or smaller for travel |
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What You'll Learn
Using a syringe
Decanting perfume with a syringe is a meticulous method that allows for accurate measurements and control over the amount of fragrance being transferred. It is also a good way to preserve the state of the perfume as it minimises atomising.
To start, ensure that your syringe is clean and sterile to prevent cross-contamination and preserve the fragrance's integrity. You can use isopropyl alcohol to clean your syringe.
Next, you will need to widen the aperture of the syringe to fit it over the atomiser tube of the perfume bottle. You can do this by heating the end of the syringe or using a small tool like a prong of a fork. Fit the syringe's mouthpiece over the atomiser tube and slowly draw back the plunger to extract the perfume. Take care not to get air bubbles.
Once you have the desired amount of perfume in the syringe, carefully transfer it into your empty decant bottle. Repeat until you reach your desired volume.
Finally, reattach the sprayer head to your original bottle and cap and label your decant. Store your decanted perfume in a cool, dark, and dry place.
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Spraying into a new bottle
If you're looking to decant perfume for travel, one option is to spray it into a new bottle. This method is simple and effective, and it's a common practice in department stores like Nordstrom. However, it's important to note that spraying can increase the perfume's contact with air, which may affect its scent and preservation over time.
When choosing a new bottle, consider the material. Glass vials are generally recommended for better protection against light and air, ensuring the perfume's longevity. They are also reusable and eco-friendly. However, plastic bottles are lightweight, cheap, and less prone to breakage, making them a convenient option for travel. If you opt for plastic, look for opaque containers that block UV light to protect the perfume.
Before spraying, it's a good idea to have the right tools on hand. A funnel, preferably metal or glass, can help you direct the spray and minimise mess and spillage. You can also use a small tube attachment to minimise atomisation and preserve the perfume. To prevent leaks, have some plumbing or Teflon tape on hand to seal the bottle tightly.
When spraying, hold the nozzle of the original bottle close to the mouth of the new bottle and spray directly into it. Depending on the bottle, you may need to remove the cap or use a pump-to-fill mechanism. If your original bottle has a wide nozzle, you might need a decanting kit specifically designed for wide nozzles.
Finally, don't forget to label your new bottle. A simple label maker can be useful for creating legible, durable labels that won't be affected by the perfume's alcohol and oils. Include the perfume's name, brand, and any other relevant information.
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Glass vs. plastic bottles
When it comes to decanting perfume for travel, there are a few factors to consider when choosing between glass and plastic bottles.
Firstly, glass bottles are aesthetically pleasing and provide better protection against light and air, which can degrade the perfume over time. They are also reusable, making them a more environmentally friendly option. Glass bottles are generally preferred for larger decants (over 5ml) as they help preserve the perfume better. Amber or brown glass bottles are often used to store UV-sensitive materials. Glass bottles also have good stability and barrier properties, heat resistance, solvent resistance, and are non-toxic and tasteless.
On the other hand, plastic bottles are lightweight, inexpensive, and less prone to breakage, making them a practical choice for travel. They are easy to source and can be a good option for smaller decants or if the perfume will be used up quickly.
It is worth noting that some people believe that perfume evaporates faster in plastic bottles, but this is largely due to the seal between the bottle and the cap, rather than the material of the bottle itself. The type of plastic used can also affect evaporation rates, with some plastics being more gas-tight than others.
Ultimately, the decision between glass and plastic bottles depends on personal preference, the amount of perfume being decanted, and the intended usage. Glass bottles are ideal for long-term storage and preserving the perfume's quality, while plastic bottles are convenient and affordable for shorter trips or small amounts of perfume.
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Choosing the right size
For short trips or if you only plan to use a small amount of perfume, a smaller size is recommended. Sample sizes typically range from 1ml to 2ml and are perfect for trying out new fragrances or for a single application. For longer trips or if you intend to use the perfume more frequently, consider a travel-size bottle ranging from 5ml to 10ml. These sizes are convenient for having your favourite fragrances on the go without having to carry a full-sized bottle.
It is worth noting that the application method can also influence your size choice. If you prefer a spray application, choose a travel atomizer that typically comes in sizes like 2.5ml or 5ml. These atomizers are easy to use and allow for even distribution of the perfume. Alternatively, if you prefer a roll-on or dabbing application, you can opt for simple vials or bottles without atomizers in similar sizes.
Additionally, consider the material of the bottle when deciding on the size. Glass bottles provide better protection against light and air, preserving the perfume over time, while plastic bottles are lightweight, cheap, and less prone to breakage during travel. For longer trips or if you plan to carry the bottle in your pocket or handbag, plastic may be a more convenient option.
Remember, the key is to find a size that strikes a balance between functionality and portability. By selecting the right size, you can enjoy your favourite fragrances without the bulk of a full-sized bottle, making your travel experience more enjoyable and fragrant!
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Labelling the vials
There are a few ways to label the vials. One popular method is to use a simple label maker. This ensures legibility and the labels are more likely to survive if there are any leaks, as the alcohol and oils in the perfume can cause handwritten labels to disappear. Plastic labels tend to stay on better than paper ones, which can be stiff and peel off easily.
If you don't have access to a label maker, you can also use a sharpie pen to write directly on the vial. However, keep in mind that the ink may not withstand leaks as well as plastic labels.
When labelling the vials, be sure to include the name of the perfume, its brand, and any other relevant information such as the date of decanting or the notes of the fragrance.
Some people also like to decorate their vials with stickers, ribbons, or other embellishments to add a personal touch or to differentiate between different fragrances.
It's worth noting that some people choose to use clear glass vials so that they can see the volume of perfume inside, especially if they are selling the decants. In this case, you may want to use a label that doesn't cover the entire vial so that the contents remain visible.
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Frequently asked questions
Decanting perfume into smaller bottles makes it easier to carry your favourite scents when travelling. It also allows you to have a range of fragrances to choose from when you're on the go.
You will need a small funnel with a narrow spout, and a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting cap to prevent evaporation and leakage. You can also use pipettes or atomisers to transfer the perfume from the original bottle to the smaller container.
The best method for decanting perfume for travel is to use a syringe to extract the perfume and decant it into a separate vial. This minimises the perfume's contact with air, preserving its scent.
