Finding Old Fragrances: A Guide To Rediscovering Vintage Colognes

Finding an old cologne can be a difficult task, especially if you don't know its name. However, there are several methods to help you in your search. One way is to use online resources such as checkfresh.com, which allows you to check the age of products from various brands by entering the batch number found on the packaging. Another method is to search for the cologne based on the colour of its bottle, as certain websites have a perfume search feature that allows you to do so. Additionally, you can try to recall specific details about the cologne, such as its brand, shape, or place of purchase, and use those to search for it online. Forums and communities dedicated to fragrances, such as Basenotes.net, can also be a great help when trying to identify a specific cologne. Lastly, if you're unable to find the cologne itself, you might be able to find its value in the vintage perfume market, as collectors are often interested in pre-2000 recognisable brands.

Check the batch number on the box or bottle

When it comes to finding an old cologne, checking the batch number on the box or bottle is a crucial step. This number is typically a short set of numbers and letters, often located on the bottom or back of the packaging or the bottle itself. By using a tool such as CheckFresh.com or CheckCosmetic.net, you can input this batch number to potentially uncover the production date of your cologne. This is because batch numbers are used by manufacturers to identify the production batch and track the product.

However, it's important to note that not all brands are available on these websites, and the accuracy of the information may vary. Additionally, some brands reuse batch numbers every few years, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact production date. Nevertheless, these tools can provide valuable insights into the age of your cologne.

To locate the batch number, carefully inspect the bottom, sides, or back of the outer packaging box. If the outer packaging is missing, check the bottle itself, including the bottom and any attached labels. The batch number might be printed near the product seal or hidden under the label. In some cases, you may find the batch number prefixed with "LOT" or followed by other abbreviations that indicate specific information, such as manufacturing date or expiration date.

If you're having trouble identifying the batch number due to wear or other reasons, try using a magnifying glass or the zoom function on your phone for a closer look. Additionally, viewing the code under different lighting conditions can sometimes reveal faintly printed codes more clearly.

While these tools can help estimate the age of your cologne, it's worth noting that fragrance longevity varies depending on storage conditions and the specific ingredients used. Proper storage, such as keeping the cologne in a cool, dark place away from direct light and heat, can help extend its shelf life.

Search by colour

Colour is an important factor when it comes to cologne. It can attract or repel a potential buyer even before they know the perfume. The colour of the bottle and the cologne itself are inseparable parts of the product.

If you are looking for an old cologne, searching by colour can be an effective strategy. The colour of the bottle and the cologne can give you clues about the scent and help you narrow down your search.

For example, if you are looking for a cologne with a green scent, you might try to find a bottle with green colouring. The original Ralph Lauren Polo cologne, for instance, comes in a classic green bottle. Other colognes that are known for their green scent include Essential by Lacoste and Vintage Black by Kenneth Cole.

You can also try searching for colognes by entering specific colour terms into a search engine. This can be a fun way to explore different colognes and discover new scents. For instance, if you search for "cologne in a black bottle", you might come across colognes with a classy or vintage vibe, such as Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani, Aventus by Creed, or Bvlgari Man In Black.

So, if you're on the hunt for an old cologne, don't underestimate the power of colour! It can be a helpful tool in your search, guiding you towards the scent you're seeking.

Look for discontinued or rare fragrances

If your favourite cologne has been discontinued, there is a chance you may never find another bottle. However, there are a few things you can try to improve your chances of finding a rare fragrance.

First, check whether the cologne is actually discontinued. Websites such as Basenotes will mark fragrances as discontinued on their fragrance pages. If it isn't marked as discontinued, it may still be in production. You can also get in touch with the fragrance manufacturer directly to ask if it is still manufactured in your country and where it can be obtained. Fragrances are often discontinued in one country but widely available in another.

If your cologne has been discontinued, try contacting the manufacturer to find out why. In 99% of cases, this will be because not enough people purchased the cologne to justify continued production. However, it may also be because the fragrance was a limited edition, or because it contains ingredients that are no longer able to be used. If this is the case, the manufacturer may be able to suggest a similar fragrance that they still produce.

You can also try checking independent perfume shops, department stores, chemists, beauty shops, and discount stores for your cologne. If you're searching online, try eBay and other internet auction sites, but be prepared to pay over the odds for rare or sought-after fragrances. If the fragrance has been discontinued for many years, be aware that its chemical composition may have changed over time, or the fragrance may have grown weaker.

If you're unable to find your discontinued cologne, there are companies that specialise in creating scents that smell nearly identical to discontinued fragrances. One such company is Scentmatchers, which offers a NO RETURN NEEDED INSTANT REFUND POLICY if you're unhappy with their recreation of your chosen scent. Another similar company is Fragrance Revival.

Find out the age of the cologne

Finding the age of a bottle of cologne can be tricky, but there are some methods to help narrow it down. Firstly, it is important to know when the cologne was first launched, as this can provide a rough estimate of the age of the bottle. Some colognes were produced for many years after their launch, while others were only sold for a very short time.

One way to determine the age of a cologne bottle is to look for any numbers or codes printed on the bottle or box. These could be batch codes, which indicate the date of manufacture. Websites like Checkfresh.com allow you to enter the batch code of your cologne to find out its production date. However, keep in mind that not all brands are present on these websites, and batch codes can also repeat every 10 years.

Another way to estimate the age of a cologne is to examine the style of the bottle, box, and labels. For example, Art Nouveau-style packaging was generally used from 1900 to 1920, while Art Deco was popular from the mid-1920s to the 1940s. Psychedelic designs were common in the late 1960s to early 1970s. Additionally, the presence of certain labels or markings can indicate the age of the cologne. For instance, if the label states "returning this bottle to the perfumer is a national duty," it likely dates back to 1940-1945 during World War II. Clear labels indicating contents were first used around the 1950s.

Other factors to consider include the type of glass or plastic used in the bottle, the style of the stopper or screw cap, and the presence of revenue stamps or warning labels. For instance, Bakelite screw caps were commonly used from the 1930s to 1950s, while gold-tone metal screw caps were introduced in the 1920s.

Additionally, the condition of the cologne itself can provide some clues about its age. Vintage cologne may start to darken and thicken due to evaporation, leaving behind a high concentration of essential oils and aroma chemicals.

Store the cologne correctly to extend its life

Storing your cologne correctly is essential to preserving its scent and quality. Here are some tips to ensure your cologne lasts longer:

• Keep it in a dark place: Sunlight and artificial light can break down the chemical structure of the cologne, altering its scent and causing it to sour. Store your cologne in a dark place, such as a closet or drawer, away from direct sunlight and artificial lighting.
• Store it in a cool, dry place: Humidity and water can cause chemical reactions that break down the structure of the cologne and alter its smell. Keep your cologne in a dry place with low humidity and avoid storing it in the bathroom, as the heat and humidity from showers can affect its quality.
• Maintain a consistent temperature: Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can negatively impact the cologne. Store it in an area with a consistent, moderate temperature, avoiding placing it near heat sources or in areas with significant temperature changes.
• Keep the bottle sealed: Oxygen is a perfume's worst enemy. Always keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use to prevent oxidation and evaporation.
• Avoid excessive shaking: Shaking the bottle can introduce unwanted air and oxidation into the cologne, ruining its delicate chemical bonds.
• Store it in the original bottle: Decorative bottles may be tempting, but they are not designed to be airtight and can cause the scent to sour. The original bottle is designed to be airtight and to disperse the perfect amount of scent.
• Use travel containers: When travelling, use smaller, travel-friendly containers to avoid the risk of losing or damaging your cologne.
• Store in airtight containers: For long-term storage, consider transferring your cologne to airtight containers to seal out air and minimise oxidation.
• Keep the bottle upright and secure: Store fragrance bottles upright to minimise the risk of leakage and always tighten the cap securely to prevent evaporation and potential spillage.
• Avoid contamination: Keep bottles clean and avoid direct contact with skin to prevent the introduction of oils, sweat, or bacteria into the bottle.

Frequently asked questions