HOW TO STORE PERFUME PROPERLY

Perfume is more delicate than it looks.

Those beautiful bottles may seem sturdy, but what’s inside is vulnerable — and how you store your fragrance makes a huge difference in how it smells, how long it lasts, and whether it goes bad too soon. If you'r elike me, you want to hold on to that precious juice for as long as you can since you spent your hard earned money for it right??

Here’s how to protect your perfume like the precious investment it is.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Perfume is made of a careful balance of oils, alcohol, and aroma molecules.
When exposed to heat, light, or air, those molecules start to change and break down. That’s when your perfume:

• Loses its strength

• Smells “off” or sour

• Changes color

• Develops a strange texture or sediment

Proper storage helps your fragrance stay fresh and perform the way the perfumer intended. I wish I had known this years ago, but I didn't so I wanted to let you know in case you don't.

5 Simple Rules for Storing Perfume

1. Keep it cool — but not cold.
Store perfume in a cool, dry place. Avoid anywhere with fluctuating temperatures (like near windows or heating vents). Room temperature is ideal — about 60–70°F.

2. Avoid direct sunlight.
Sunlight is one of the biggest enemies of fragrance. It breaks down the scent molecules and can change the formula. Store perfume in a drawer, cabinet, or box — especially if the bottle is clear.

3. Keep it in its box.
Yes, the original packaging isn’t just for aesthetics. The box helps protect from light and sudden temperature shifts. If you love the scent, store it boxed. This one is still hard for me because I want to look at my bottles.

4. Keep the cap on. Always.
Air exposure can cause oxidation — the process that dulls the scent and changes its profile. Make sure your cap is tight, and don’t leave perfume uncapped.

5. Don’t store it in the bathroom.
This one surprises people. The heat and humidity from showers and steam make bathrooms one of the worst places for your perfume. I have seen some people with perfumes in their bathrooms and it makes me cry a little inside.

Where to Store Instead

• A bedroom drawer

• A linen closet

• A dedicated fragrance tray (kept away from windows)

• A cool, dark shelf in your closet or vanity

How Long Does Perfume Last?

When properly stored:

• Eau de Parfum / Extrait: 3–5 years or more

• Eau de Toilette / Cologne: 2–3 years or more

You’ll know it’s time to let go when the scent changes noticeably or the color darkens significantly.

Final Thoughts

A beautiful fragrance is an experience — and it deserves to be preserved.
Storing your perfume the right way doesn’t take much, but it makes all the difference in how long your favorite scent stays magical.

Because great perfume should fade on you, not in the bottle.

Till next time. Spritz ya later,

Jackie