The one storage mistake you need to avoid to ensure your signature scents last
While most of us love a signature scent or fragrance wardrobe, there's one crucial thing you need to be aware of when it comes to storing them...
![Two glass bottles of perfume pictured against a house-plant backdrop, with daylight streaming through/ in a pastel pink template](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BS6ikHReY7KBjN4w98CYPa-415-80.jpg)
While few things give us more pleasure than admiring our perfume collection front and centre on a dressing table, exposing these delicate blends to certain environments can outweigh any aesthetic benefit.
Though the best long-lasting perfumes are touted for their impressive staying power, they too can fall prey to certain scent-related faux pas – from rubbing your wrists together post-spritz to storing them in your bathroom. But there's another potential slip-up you may be making as far as storage is concerned, which brings us to the age-old question: should perfume be kept in the dark?
We've put this very question to the fragrance experts, quizzing them on whether you can store your signatures in well-lit areas – and, if not, where you should keep scents like the best perfumes for women instead.
Should perfume be kept in the dark?
So, should you keep your favourite solar perfumes and floral fragrances where the light of day can't reach them? According to Emma South, Fragrance and Lifestyle Expert at Jo Malone London: "It is best to store fragrance away from direct light and heat sources as these can degrade the composition, so away from windows and radiators is preferable."
South adds that, "Once open, air can begin to oxidise the fragrance but alcohol inhibits this process and atomised bottles also limit the exposure to air. If you have a much-loved limited-edition fragrance that cannot be replaced, I always recommend keeping it in a cool, dark cupboard."
Though recommended, you of course don't have to keep your go-to scents locked away. The key point to take away is avoiding heat and direct light exposure. "Experts say that you can store your perfume in the fridge because keeping it at a steady cool temperature preserves its components, however, I personally don't," says Floral Street founder Michelle Feeney. "I just keep mine out of sunlight and away from heat and it lasts a long time! Places like drawers and cupboards tend to stay dark and cool, which is best for your fragrance."
Where should your store perfume?
As mentioned, direct light and heat are real saboteurs of a perfume's longevity, so experts suggest keeping your favourites tucked away in a drawer or cupboard. That said, if you have a place where you can proudly display your fragrances that doesn't get any direct sunlight and isn't near a heat source, that's okay, too.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Our 3 timeless perfume picks
In case you're in the market for a few new and vetted scents to add to your collection, we've rounded up three of our beauty team's favourites...
RRP: from £245 for 70ml | Notes: Jasmine, saffron, amberwood, fir resin, cedar
A chic blend of florals and warm woods with a pinch of spiciness, this scent is a great signature scent – in fact, it's our Digital Beauty Editor Aleesha Badkar's go-to.
RRP: £153 for 75ml | Notes: Musk, iris, ambrette, pink peppercorn
Fleur de Peau is one of Digital Beauty Writer Naomi Jamieson's all-time favourites for its soft and musky impression. It's powdery and floral, with hypnotising hints of pink pepper.
RRP: £55 for 30ml | Notes: Mandarin, basil, amberwood
A true classic, this perfume from Jo Malone is green and fresh, with bursts of tangy mandarin, blended with warm amberwood. It's perfect for everyday wear and is ranked highly on our list of best perfumes.
Naomi is a Digital Beauty Writer from woman&home, where she covers everything from skincare to fragrance but specialises, particularly, in makeup and nail trends. Through her work, Naomi gets to share her trend expertise and share her own shopping recommendations and product reviews. Previously, she worked as a Lifestyle News Writer for My Imperfect Life magazine, where she used her savvy for TikTok to bring readers the latest beauty buzzwords, fashion movements and must-have products.
Before that, Naomi split her time between both GoodTo and My Imperfect Life, whilst training for her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ, for which she earned a Distinction. Interestingly though, Naomi actually has a background in design, having studied illustration at Plymouth University but leapt into the media world in 2020, after always having a passion for writing. Now, when she isn’t reporting on the best perfumes and latest beauty releases, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee, drawing and probably online shopping...
-
This has to be one of Cate Blanchett's boldest red carpet looks yet, but her sleek wide leg trousers are surprisingly wearable
We can't get enough of her statement top and chic, versatile bottoms that are perfect for autumn
By Amelia Yeomans Published
-
Nigella Lawson just revealed her entire hair styling stash - with the most relatable 'before' photo
Want to know how Nigella achieves her bouncy, glossy and volumised locks? Look no further than her haircare must-haves...
By Sennen Prickett Published