Perfume can be an expensive purchase, and it is also often a delicate one.

he oils and alcohols in perfume can easily break down, causing the perfume's scent to change or disappear.

Larger bottles or perfume, which take longer to use up, are even more susceptible to the effects of poor storage.

Fortunately, it is easy to store perfume correctly, preserving its scent for a long time.

1. Do Keep Perfume Bottles Away From Direct Light

Well-designed perfume bottles made from glass are tempting to display out in the open; however, sunlight will quickly degrade the quality of perfume.

Some perfume, packaged in dark or opaque bottles, can be left out, and some bathrooms may be dark enough to keep the perfume in good condition, but it is often not worth the risk.

Generally, the darker the location, the better a perfume will keep.

2. Don't Expose Perfume Bottles to Heat

Heat, like light, will break down the chemical bonds that give a perfume its scent.

Direct heat is not only bad for perfume, but it can warp or melt plastic bottles, and even lower heat over the long term will break down perfume.

It is crucial to keep the bottles away from any heat vents or radiators.


3. Do Store Perfume at a Consistent Temperature

It may seem like a good idea to store perfume in a refrigerator, where it is safe from all heat and light.

However, this method can be just as bad for perfume: The constant temperature fluctuations from removing the perfume from the fridge to use it and then replacing it will destroy the perfume.

While a cool environment is best, anything that is significantly colder than room temperature will put stress on the perfume.

4. Do Keep Perfume Away from Humidity

Most people store perfume in the bathroom, where it is used most often.

Unfortunately, excessive humidity can break down perfume.

In fact, even makeup stored in a humid bathroom will also break down more quickly.

Bathroom storage is acceptable only if there is a cabinet or corner of the space that is safe from steam.

When in doubt, find a space in a dry room, like the bedroom, to store perfume and makeup.

5. Don't Open and Close Perfume Excessively

Because perfume can be affected by air, humidity, and temperature changes, it should be kept sealed in its protective bottle as much as possible.

Some manufacturers even use designs for bottles that cannot be opened at all and can only be sprayed.

Use the atomizer spray for a perfume as much as possible, to avoid opening and closing the bottle a lot and exposing the perfume inside to more environmental dangers.

6. Don't Shake Perfume Bottles

It is a myth that perfume must be shaken before an application to ensure that the ingredients are properly mixed.

In fact, the opposite is true: Perfumes are designed to remain evenly mixed if they are stored properly.

Shaking perfume not only incorporates air throughout the perfume, accelerating its breakdown, but it can also lead to breakage of the delicate glass bottles.

Keep the perfume ritual simple.

7. Do Use Applicators as Little as Possible

Perfumes that are not sprayed or misted are applied with a roller ball or by dabbing an applicator wand to the skin.

These types of applications can actually introduce small amounts of dirts and oils back into the perfume bottle.

While many women prefer the precision of using an applicator, using a spray is better for the perfume.

Women who feel strongly about direct application can find disposable applicator wands, which will not introduce new oils into the perfume after each use.

Women can also wash off the applicator after each use, to keep it clean and free from contaminants.

8. Don't Store Fragile Bottles on High Shelves

Perfume manufacturers spend a lot of time designing the perfect bottle for each perfume.

Often, perfume bottles are small works of art in themselves, and many women love to display these bottles prominently.

Not only is this bad because it exposes the bottle to light, but it can also lead to more spills and breaks.

Because perfume bottles are small and light, they are easily knocked over. Bottles that do not break will be jarred, which can affect the perfume as well.

9. Do Use Linen Closets or Decorative Boxes

Linen closets are a great place to store perfume.

They are dark, free from excessive humidity, and they keep the bottles protected from bumps and falls.

Unfortunately, not all women have the space in a linen closet, and a high-use closet can lead to more chances for an accident to happen.

Decorative boxes are another good way to store perfume.

The boxes protect the bottle from any environmental factors and may be easily moved and stored.

10. Do Buy a Travel Container

If possible, purchase a small bottle of the perfume to carry.

If a perfume is not sold in small travel bottles, buy an empty bottle or, better yet, use a clean sample atomizer.

Spray or pour a small amount of the perfume into this bottle.

Since this bottle will be subject to movement by necessity, setting aside a portion of perfume for this will keep the rest of the original bottle of perfume safe at home.

Women who like to reapply perfume throughout the day should definitely consider a special small bottle of perfume to take with them.