Perfumes, like fine clothes, must be stored properly

A perfume is made of delicate molecules. Light, heat and air slowly change them: the top notes are the first to fade, the color darkens, and the scent becomes flatter. However, with a little care, a bottle can stay beautiful for years.

Keep it away from light

Sunlight is the first enemy. A drawer, a wardrobe or its box is better, and it's not just beautiful: it protects it. Transparent bottles on the windowsill are beautiful to look at but terrible for perfume.

No temperature fluctuations

The bathroom is where we almost all keep it, and it's the worst place: steam, heat, cold. A bedroom or a wardrobe, at a constant temperature, is much better. There's no need to keep it in the refrigerator unless you live in a very hot place.

Keep air out

Always close the cap tightly. A spray bottle protects the perfume more than a pourable bottle because less air gets in. If you transfer it to a travel atomizer, do it a little at a time.

How to tell if a perfume has changed

A darker color is not always a problem: over time, some essences (vanilla, citrus, resins) naturally darken. The real sign is the scent: if the opening smells like vinegar or metal, or if the perfume has become flat, it has been exposed to too much heat or light.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a closed perfume last?

When stored properly, in the dark and in a cool place, a perfume remains stable for years. Those with a lot of citrus are more delicate; those with woods, resins and amber tend to last longer.

Can you keep perfume in the bathroom?

It's better not to: steam and temperature fluctuations will ruin it sooner. A bedroom or a wardrobe, away from light, is preferable.

Does perfume expire?

It doesn't have a real expiration date, but over time and with poor storage it can change. If the scent is sour or flat, the perfume has deteriorated.