How long does perfume "keep"?

JennRN · #1 12-11-2005, 10:45 AM

Ladies-
I think I've read that perfume loses it's smell, or expires-but I can't remember how long you can keep it for. I have a couple of almost full bottles of perfume that are about 2 years old, and while they still smell nice to me, I don't want to be wearing stinky perfume ( that someone else's nose may catch, who's not used to the scent).
Anyone know?

SissyC0109 · #2 12-11-2005, 11:08 AM

A quick google search showed a bunch of sites. Some said 1-2 years and others said 3-5. IMO it's more like 1-2 years. And you're supposed to keep it in a cool, dark place. This is all for eau de toilette. Pure perfume goes bad after about 1 year.

AOX81 · #3 12-11-2005, 03:03 PM

I have a bottle of Victoria's Secret perfume that I've had for 5+ years and it still smells like brand new.

Peaches-n-Cream · #4 12-11-2005, 03:11 PM

I have had perfume for longer than 2 years. Generally, I keep perfume in a drawer so maybe that's why it lasts for so long.

AchtungBaby80 · #5 12-11-2005, 05:59 PM

I was told by a French girl who worked in a perfume store that perfume usually can be expected to last about 3 years but to best preserve the original scent it needs to be kept away from sunlight if at all possible. After that, it gets a sort of alcohol-y smell.

Private I · #6 12-11-2005, 06:33 PM

Speaking as a perfume-aholic=) I've owned a couple dozen perfumes in my short lifetime and I've never had any go bad. One of my favorites-Fantasia by Fendi-I've had for about 7 years and it's still fine.

Granted it isn't in the sunlight. I guess that's the safest bet.

tunatartare · #7 12-11-2005, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Private I
Speaking as a perfume-aholic=) I've owned a couple dozen perfumes in my short lifetime and I've never had any go bad. One of my favorites-Fantasia by Fendi-I've had for about 7 years and it's still fine.

Granted it isn't in the sunlight. I guess that's the safest bet.

That's my favorite perfume too!!! I've also had my bottle for like 7 years and it still smells great.

33girl · #8 12-11-2005, 07:30 PM

I've had perfume and splash for 5+ years that is fine. Keep it in a cool dark place, keep it in the box (if it has one) and DON'T keep it in a steamy bathroom! Same for makeup (except the box part).

Most articles that tell you this or that cosmetic item only lasts for X number of years are only trying to get you to buy more, more often! It's all hogwash. The only reason you need to throw things out is if you get an infection or something.

KillarneyRose · #9 12-11-2005, 10:54 PM

Jenn, if you have the space to spare in your refrigerator I recommend keeping your fragrance in there because it will help to keep the scent from "turning"

6 years ago I worked the Christmas season at Crabtree & Evelyn and my sister used my employee discount to buy our entire inventory of a perfume that was about to be discontinued (Evelyn Rose, but it's back now).

Last time I checked, she had 15 bottled stored on their very own shelf in her refrigerator and I sincerely hope she doesn't get tired of it anytime soon.

AchtungBaby80 · #10 12-11-2005, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KillarneyRose
Jenn, if you have the space to spare in your refrigerator I recommend keeping your fragrance in there because it will help to keep the scent from "turning"

I'm definitely trying that one myself because I'm a perfume nut and I have so many it's hard to use them all up in a reasonable amount of time!