Store perfume in a cool, dark, dry place, away from sunlight and heat, with the cap tightly closed. Heat, light and air are the three things that break perfume down fastest, and the UAE has plenty of all three. A bedroom drawer or wardrobe is ideal; a car, a sunny shelf or a steamy bathroom is not.
7 tips to protect your perfume
- Never leave perfume in the car. Summer temperatures inside a parked car can damage fragrance quickly.
- Keep it out of sunlight. UV light breaks down fragrance molecules.
- Avoid the bathroom. Heat and humidity from showers speed up ageing.
- Keep it in its box. The box is extra protection from light.
- Close the cap tightly. Air exposure oxidises perfume.
- Keep a stable temperature. Air-conditioned rooms are fine; avoid big temperature swings.
- Carry a small decant for your bag instead of the full bottle.
How to tell if perfume has gone off
- The top notes smell sour, sharp or like vinegar.
- The colour has darkened noticeably.
- The scent fades much faster than it used to.
Well-stored perfume usually stays good for several years. Extrait de Parfum, with its higher concentration and rich base notes, tends to age gracefully.
Frequently asked questions
Does heat ruin perfume?
Yes, prolonged heat speeds up chemical changes that alter the scent. Keep perfume away from cars, windows and bathrooms.
Should I keep perfume in the fridge?
It isn’t necessary. A cool, dark wardrobe is enough, and moving bottles in and out of the fridge causes temperature swings.
How long does perfume last once opened?
Usually 3–5 years or more if stored well. Rich scents with oud, amber and vanilla often last longest.
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