The Perfume Storage Mistake You Need To Stop Making, According To An Expert

Bvlgari Le Gemme Collection

To find the answer, we turned to an expert: Anne Serrano-McClain, who studied natural perfumery and aromatherapy before moving to Grasse, the famed perfume capital of France. There she embarked on an intensive study into the history, techniques, and practices of modern perfumery. Back in the States, she teamed up with her sister, Katie McClain, to launch MCMC Fragrances where they make small-batch fragrances. So she knows a thing or two about how to make perfume last and there’s one very common mistake that many people make when it comes to storing their favourite fragrance.

Where Not To Store Perfume
“You would not want to store perfume on a bathroom counter,” explains Serrano-McClain. “The humidity from the shower or bath will oxidize the more delicate ingredients, like citruses and florals, and making the scent smell off or change color or both.” 

How To Store Perfume
Even if you're not storing your perfume on the bathroom counter, you still may not be storing it in the best spot. Serrano-McClain recommends keeping perfume far from a hot, humid bathroom, but out on a vanity isn’t the perfect spot to keep, either.

“The ideal place for perfume is a dry, dark area,” says Serrano-McClain. “Some people go so far as to store their perfume in the fridge for longevity, but that’s not realistic for everyone. A closet or cabinet works just fine.”