If I pictured my dream bedroom, it would include a large white French-inspired dressing table laden with dozens and dozens of perfume bottles. But, is this realistic? How long do perfumes actually last once opened?
The life expectancy of perfumes depends on a number of things – both storage and the fragrance family the scent belongs to. For example, perfumes in the citrus family last as little as six months whereas floral scents last for about a year and a half. As a rule of thumb, however, Michael Edwards states that perfumes generally last between six to 18 months.
Once you manage to pick your jaw of the table, read on. It’s not all bad news.
There are ways to extend the life of your fragrances. This includes storing your fragrances in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. No matter how pretty your Chanel looks with the light from your window pouring through the crystal, move it to the shade.
Secondly, if your scent preference chances depending on the season, store your perfume in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator. This will limit the essence fading in temperate changes.