How can I extend the life of my perfume?

 It is only too natural to want to make your new, possibly very expensive, bottle of perfume last as long as possible. Instructions on how to do so however, are not always common knowledge. There are quite a few little tips and tricks that will greatly prolong the life of your favourite fragrance and keep you smelling like roses (if that’s your preference) for days on end. 

 

For starters, the job of perfume manufacturers does not stop at just fragrance and bottle design. They also have to ensure that they select the proper boxes and packaging for the fragrances as these ensure that the perfumes are not exposed to light and are able to maintain a constant temperature. From the second the box is opened, and the bottle is exposed to light, oxygen accumulates inside the bottle and the internal chemical composition starts to alter.  

 

As mentioned above, the three main triggers that can degrade perfume are heat, light and humidity. It is therefore recommended that they be kept in dark and cool areas. Most people tend to keep the pretty bottles on display on a vanity or windowsill that gets direct exposure to sunlight. Another rookie mistake is to place our favourite scents in the bathroom where they are easily accessible. The bathroom is not an ideal environment for them due to steam and humidity from hot showers and the fluctuations in temperature. This can cause the natural oils in the perfume to coagulate and the water and alcohol content to evaporate thereby leaving nothing but sediment in the bottle. 

 

Now that we know the worst places to keep perfumes, where should they be stored? For optimal preservation, perfume manufacturers and experts recommend storing them in the fridge. While this advice is somewhat unheard of, it does make sense if looked at scientifically because the fridge is dark and maintains a constant temperature. It is a great way to preserve the fragrance’s chemical components and avoid oxidation.  

 

Now that we’ve covered storage, what about expiry dates? Do perfumes have them? Perfume manufacturers and brands advise that all perfumes have a general life span of three to four years, depending on the amount of stabilizers and fragrance extenders that are in the composition. These ingredients are usually easy to find on the back of the box or online and can give you more information regarding longevity. Relatively speaking, however, age is just a number and the expiration date does not necessarily mean that you have to throw your favourite fragrance out. The basic way to determine if the perfume has gone bad is by simply observing it. If it looks clouded or has developed small particles, smells acidic or metallic or causes allergic reactions, it needs to go. Alternatively, if you feel that the fragrance no longer holds the same intensity and it has been opened for more than four years, that is another sign that it’s time for a replacement.  

 

Having covered storage and expiry, it is time to look at longevity in terms of usage. When it comes to perfume, less is definitely more. It is meant to be used sparingly and not doused all over your body and clothes. Perfume manufacturers and scent experts recommend lightly dabbing your scent on your body’s pulse points such as your wrists, neck, behind your ears and behind your knees. This gives the best impact and will make the fragrance linger throughout the day.