Is it a mistake to store perfume in the bathroom? Experts respond to viral TikTok video

Katie Wright, PA Vogue and Beauty Editor

13 January, 2023 01:29

A TikTok video clip has gone viral just after an influencer highlighted a frequent error that fragrance followers may well be earning.

“It’s arrive to my focus that nobody on TikTok or Pinterest is aware of the appropriate way to store fragrance,” claims Emelia O’Toole aka Professor Perfume (tiktok.com/@professorperfume) in the put up that has racked up 5.2m views.

“If you keep your perfume in the rest room, when you shower, all of the steam, all of the consistent temperature fluctuations, are going to spoil your fragrance a good deal a lot quicker than if you retail outlet them properly.”

The put up has captivated far more than 484,000 likes, with many people complaining that their fragrance bottles are so quite (not to mention highly-priced) that they want to display them proudly, though some others are sceptical about O’Toole’s claim.

So, ought to we be adhering to her tips? Is it actually a undesirable plan to keep your beloved Chanel No5 or Dior Sauvage in the rest room?

“Yes, it is,” says Nicola Pozzani, inventive director of fragrance manufacturer The Merchant of Venice (themerchantofvenice.com).

“Heat and light are perfume’s worst enemies, for this reason preserve them absent from the toilet if you shower or bathe in it – and your lavatory window.”

The issue with warmth is that it impacts the prime notes of a perfume, the kinds that you scent for the to start with five to 15 minutes following spritzing.

“Top notes may expand sharper, far more sour, fewer common, or even undetectable with as well a great deal warmth exposure,” claims Steve Thompson, fragrance pro at The Fragrance Store (thefragranceshop.co.uk).

“Exposure to warm temperatures can also cause perfume to produce a musty smell.”

At the other close of the spectrum, chilly temperatures can effect the longevity, he describes: “If a perfume is retained also chilly for as well extensive, the scent does not challenge as much for as extensive, so you may possibly obtain yourself spraying you far more typically to retain up a long lasting scent.”

Moreover, the fluctuating temperatures regular of a bathroom, can cause challenges for eau de toilettes and parfums.

“If a fragrance is saved in a put exactly where the temperature alterations a large amount, this can cause the fragrance to sweat, with condensation finding into the fragrance and causing unwanted chemical reactions to happen,” Thompson continues. “This can consequence in your favorite scent being ruined.”

Some fragrances are far more inclined than some others, Pozzani claims: “You will most probable observe it on a citrus, light-weight fragrance, which might soon not scent as sparkling and zesty as you remembered. Citrus ingredients are the most fragile.”

So, what is the most effective way to retail store perfume if not in the rest room?

“You’re improved off storing them in a amazing dim put, these types of as a drawer away from immediate daylight, as this preserves your fragrance for lengthier,” states Thompson.

And you might want to pop them in the fridge at the height of summer months, he adds: “Whilst you really don’t have to go to this excessive to continue to keep your fragrances fresh, you can do it when your common place temperature is too higher.”

Specially if you are a supporter of mild, citrusy scents: “Storing these fragrances in the fridge can really extend their electric power by preserving them additional secure.”

People with large cologne collections should consider added care, Pozzani states: “If you have a so-named fragrance wardrobe, I’d unquestionably get a devoted fridge, the place you can preserve perfumes for for a longer period. Just really don’t retail store them with meals.”

As for searching just after your perfumes when travelling to extremely incredibly hot or chilly climates – must you decant the juice into a more compact bottle?

“That’s a quite great thought,” says Pozzani, “Or possibly just bring a warmer ambery, woody fragrance with you, as opposed to clean kinds which will leave your skin additional rapidly.”

Thompson agrees that moveable fragrance is very best: “I would recommend obtaining travel-pleasant atomisers. They are sturdy metal containers that maintain a fragrance secure in distinctive temperatures.”