How to keep your fragrance in good condition for years

Heat, light and humidity

High heat, temperature swings and direct light speed up changes in a fragrance’s ingredients, while humidity is bad for the bottle and its box. That’s why the bathroom, despite being so common, is one of the worst places to keep a fragrance: it combines heat, humidity and constant swings between the two.

The ideal place

A cool, dark, dry place, such as a bedroom drawer or a closed cupboard. It’s best to keep the fragrance in its original box, which protects it from light, and to close the cap firmly after each use. What matters is that the temperature stays as constant as possible; steadiness matters more than extreme cold.

Don’t leave it by a window

A fragrance shelf beside the window may look lovely, but sunlight changes the colour and scent over a few weeks. If you want to display your bottles, choose a spot away from direct light.

Don’t leave it in the car

Especially in summer, when the temperature inside a car can climb very high and harm a fragrance in a short time.

When travelling

If you want to take your fragrance with you, carry it in a small, tightly sealed travel atomiser and keep it in your bag, away from any source of heat. Never leave it in the boot of a car in the sun.

How do you know a fragrance has changed?

Watch for these signs:

• The colour has darkened.
• A sharp or sour smell that wasn’t there before.
• A clear difference in the opening, meaning the first thing you smell after the spray.
• Cloudiness or sediment in the liquid.

How long does a fragrance last?

A fragrance often stays good for between three and five years or more, depending on its formula and how it’s stored. The less it’s exposed to air, light and heat, the longer it lasts. If you’re not sure, try a spray on your wrist and compare it with what you remember.

Should I keep it in the fridge?

It isn’t necessary. What a fragrance needs is a place with a steady temperature, away from light, and an interior cupboard provides that in most homes.

After opening

Air also changes a fragrance over time, so always close the cap and don’t leave the atomiser exposed. Avoid decanting between bottles unnecessarily, since every transfer exposes the fragrance to air. It also helps to wipe the nozzle with a soft cloth from time to time.

When you have several fragrances

If you collect more than one, keep them in a dark box or drawer, and keep them upright. You can also write the purchase date on the box so you know which is the oldest and use it first.

Read next: where to apply fragrance and how to make it last longer