Antonio Mcgowan
Storing perfume correctly is essential to prolonging its shelf life. Exposure to light, humidity, and extreme temperatures can cause fragrances to spoil, so it is best to keep them in their original box, in a cool, dark place, like a closet or drawer.
How to store and make perfume last longer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scent notes | Green, citrus, and floral perfumes tend to expire more quickly than other fragrances. Scents like oud, musky, woody, and vanilla notes tend to last longer. |
| Storage location | Avoid the bathroom and kitchen. Choose a dark place with a consistent temperature, such as a closet or hallway. |
| Light exposure | Keep away from direct light. |
| Oxygen exposure | Avoid transferring to decorative containers, as this exposes the perfume to oxygen and alters its composition. |
| Humidity | Avoid humid areas. |
| Temperature | Avoid very cold or hot temperatures. |
| Skin type | Hydrated skin helps the fragrance last longer. |
| Application method | Apply to pulse points for longer-lasting effects. |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid light and heat
Light and heat are two of the biggest enemies of perfume. To keep your fragrances in optimal condition, it is important to store them in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.
Sunlight and artificial light can damage both the perfume's liquid makeup and its bottle, especially if the bottle is made of plastic. Therefore, it is best to keep your fragrances in a dark place, such as a closet or a drawer. A hallway closet is a good option, as it is usually away from light and has a consistent temperature.
The kitchen and the bathroom are off-limits when it comes to storing perfume. The kitchen can get very hot during cooking, and the bathroom tends to warm up when someone showers or bathes. A closet in the living room or hallway is a much better choice.
If you have a wine cellar, this is another ideal place to store your fragrances, as it is naturally dark and has a consistent temperature.
In addition to choosing a suitable storage location, it is also important to keep your perfume in its original bottle. The original bottle is designed to protect the fragrance from light and heat, and transferring it to a decorative bottle can alter its chemical composition.
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Keep away from humidity
Keeping your perfume away from humidity is one of the most important factors in making it last longer. Humidity can affect a perfume's makeup and cause unwanted chemical reactions. Therefore, it is best to avoid storing your perfume in humid environments, such as the bathroom, which is often subject to extreme humidity and temperature fluctuations. Instead, opt for a storage space with consistent temperature and humidity levels, such as a closet or bedroom.
If you have access to a dehumidifier, consider storing your fragrances in a room equipped with one, as this will help keep the air dry and prevent any moisture-related damage to your perfumes. Additionally, avoid placing your perfume bottles near windows or drafty areas, as changes in temperature can negatively impact the quality of your fragrances.
While some people find success storing perfume in the refrigerator due to its consistent temperature, it is important to note that very cold temperatures can also damage perfumes. Therefore, if your refrigerator tends to freeze its contents, it is best to avoid storing your fragrances there.
In addition to controlling humidity, it is crucial to keep your perfume in its original bottle. Transferring it to decorative containers can alter its fragrance composition and expose it to excess oxygen, accelerating its deterioration.
By taking these precautions and maintaining a dry environment for your perfumes, you can effectively minimise the impact of humidity and extend the lifespan of your fragrances.
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Choose the right scent notes
When choosing a perfume, it's important to select the right scent notes to ensure longevity. The longevity of a perfume depends on several factors, including its concentration, the notes it contains, and individual body chemistry.
Firstly, it's worth noting that perfumes with higher concentrations, such as Eau de Parfum, tend to last longer, often up to 6-8 hours or more. On the other hand, fragrances with lower concentrations, like Eau de Toilette or body mists, may only last around 3-4 hours.
In terms of scent notes, base notes like musk, sweeter notes, and woody notes tend to linger for a more extended period. Woody notes include fragrances made from ingredients such as Tonka, Havana, Honey, and Cashmere Wood. These perfumes have heavier heart and base notes, which take longer to evaporate due to their heavier molecular weight and low level of volatility.
On the other hand, top notes, such as citrus and light florals, tend to evaporate more quickly. This is because they are lighter and more volatile, causing them to dissipate faster. Examples of these fresher, more volatile notes include Muguet and Peony, which will vanish faster than heavier florals like Tuberose, Jasmine, or Gardenia.
Additionally, factors like skin type and application method can also play a role in how long a perfume lasts on the skin. For instance, hydrated skin provides a better base for the fragrance to settle onto, allowing it to last longer. Applying perfume to pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears, can also help intensify the scent and boost its longevity.
Lastly, it's worth mentioning that the quality of the ingredients can impact a perfume's longevity. Fragrances crafted by master perfumers using carefully selected, high-quality ingredients are more likely to be blended with the expertise necessary to prolong their scent.
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Store in the original bottle
Keeping your perfume in its original bottle is a good idea for several reasons. Firstly, transferring your perfume to a different container can alter its fragrance. As soon as perfume is exposed to oxygen, its compounds begin to break down, reducing its impact.
Secondly, the original bottle is designed to protect the liquid from light. Sunlight can damage the bottle, and light can break down the scented liquid's makeup. Keep the perfume in its original bottle, and put it in a box to protect it from heat and light.
Thirdly, the original bottle is likely to be made of glass, which is non-porous and will not absorb the fragrance over time. Some decorative bottles are made of porous materials that can alter the scent.
Finally, the original bottle is likely to have a secure lid, which helps to prevent evaporation and spillage. Keeping the lid on is important for preventing the perfume from going bad.
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Apply to hydrated skin
To make your perfume last longer, it's important to apply it to hydrated skin. Skin that feels dry or dehydrated can affect the dry-down of your fragrance. Hydrated skin provides a nourished base for your perfume to settle into, whereas dry skin can disrupt the fragrance and reduce its longevity.
Before applying your perfume, ensure your skin is well-moisturised. You could try massaging a body cream or lotion into your pulse points to create a cushiony base for your scent. Pulse points are the warmest parts of your body, making them ideal for fragrance application. These include the nape of your neck, your wrists, the inside of your elbows, and the backs of your knees. Applying perfume to these areas will help intensify its scent and boost its staying power.
The type of perfume you use also plays a role in how long it lasts on your skin. Perfumes with higher concentrations, such as Eau de Parfum, tend to have a longer-lasting effect, often up to 6-8 hours or more. Fragrances with heavier base notes, like musk, sweet or woody notes, also linger longer. On the other hand, lighter fragrances like body mists and scented lotions have shorter longevity.
Additionally, avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume. This action can diminish the quality of your perfume notes and disrupt the overall fragrance profile. Instead, stick to the simple method of uncapping, spraying, and recapping your perfume bottle to preserve its original scent.
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Frequently asked questions
Store your perfume in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. A closet or drawer is a good option.
Keep your perfume in its original bottle and box. The box will protect the perfume from light and help keep the temperature consistent.
No, the bathroom is a poor place to store perfume due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Yes, you can store perfume in the refrigerator. However, some people believe that the cold temperature can affect the delicate chemical balance of the perfume.
Apply perfume to hydrated skin, as this provides a better base for the scent. Avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this can break down the chemicals in the perfume.
