Keep it in the fridge … and five other ways to make your perfume last longer

DECENT perfume isn’t cheap  so the last thing you want is for it to lose its scent before you get to the end of the bottle.

The oils and alcohols in perfume can break down over time, causing the fragrance to change or even disappear.

But you can stop you perfume losing its potency with a few simple tricks – which can make them last up to two years.

So if you want to keep wafting beautiful smells for longer, follow these handy hints.

Keep it in the fridge

Heat breaks down the chemical bonds that gives perfume its subtle scent. Keeping it at a cool, consistent temperature is the best way to make it go that little bit further.

Don’t store it in the bathroom

Most people keep their scents with their toiletries and that often means in the bathroom.

Unfortunately, baths and showers make for a humid atmosphere which can break down the particles quickly. A dressing table in the bedroom would be a better place to choose.

Keep away from sunlight

Direct light is the enemy of fragrance. It will degrade the quality of the perfume very quickly.

If you can keep it in a cupboard, away from light, it will last longer.

Don’t shake the bottle

It is a myth that perfumes need to be shaken to mix the ingredients. Perfumes are designed to remain evenly mixed if they are stored properly. Shaking it will lead to air entering the liquid which accelerates its breakdown.

Choose a spray bottle

Scents are affected by air and humidity so opening a bottle every day can speed up the breakdown.

Spray bottle which need no opening go some way to solving the issue, keeping the air and water particles out.