A bathroom cabinet packed with all your favourite perfumes: it’s a dream come true. We hate to bust your dreams. A cabinet filled with different perfume bottles is not the best idea in the world if you want to smell amazing. Perfume, just like any other makeup product, does expire. Even the smell of the most iconic fragrances goes off after a while! But how do you know when you need to toss out your perfume? Find out how long perfume in general lasts and how to extend the shelf-life of your signature scent.
Does perfume expire?
You’ve found your signature scent and you’re happy with the perfume that suits you. It’s like angels singing when you come across an amazing promotion: your favourite fragrance is on sale! It’s hard to resist the temptation of treating yourself to two -or three- bottles, but please try. You can do it. :) Perfume, like any other makeup product, has an expiry date. It won’t grow a thick layer of mold, but once your fragrance is past its date, it is better for you -and the people around you- to get rid of it. But how do you know if your perfume is past its due date? We share three easy ways that always work.
Key signs to tell if your fragrance has gone off
The best way to check if your fragrance has gone off is to spray it on a piece of paper to see if you detect any off-note. You can simply tell if your perfume has expired by checking the key signs.
Key sign 1: Smell
Does your perfume smell different? If you no longer like the scent, if the perfume smells more strongly of alcohol or the smell has become spicier, it’s time to toss it away.
Key sign 2: Looks
The liquid is turning darker or is taking on a milky appearance.
Key sign 3: Label
Perfume manufacturers print an expiration date on the packaging on the bottom of the perfume. This can be a PAO (Period After Opening) number. Check if you see the symbol of a jar with an open lid. Above the lid it says 12M. This means the perfume will be good for 12 months after opening.
These fragrances tend to expire the fastest:
- Clean and alcohol-free fragrances, like Eau Fraîche and Colognes
- Oil-based fragrances
- Perfumes with patchouli or citrus notes
How long can perfume last if unopened?
An unopened bottle of perfume can last for years, depending on the composition and on how it is stored. There’s no golden rule, each fragrance has a different lifespan.
How to store perfume? 4 tips to extend the shelf life of your fragrance
You can keep your favourite fragrance for years, as long as you take care of it. Taking care of your perfume is essential to preserving its longevity. Direct sunlight, heat and temperature changes affect the shelf life of your perfume. Here are 4 tips to store perfume.
#1 Keep perfume away from (sun)light
Light is one of your fragrance worst enemies. Light makes the composition of your perfume unstable.
#2 Keep perfume away from heat
Your perfume is definitely not a fan of heat. It’s best to keep your fragrance below 15 degrees or 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping your perfume in the bathroom is not the best place!
#3 Store perfume in a closed cupboard
Lingerie boxes and vanities are perfect for storing your perfume! Another idea is to keep your perfume in its original box in your bedroom.
#4 Store perfume in the fridge
As odd as it may sound, your fridge is the perfect place to store your perfume.
Perfume outlet! Find your signature scent for less
