Blog

I recently came across the most beautiful story, which inspired this piece. A young woman shared that she planned to buy her favorite perfume and set it aside for her child, so they could always have her scent to remember her by.

Perfume is deeply tied to memory, and the idea of preserving a fragrance for decades is both romantic and practical. But storing perfume for 20 years or more isn’t as simple as putting it away and hoping for the best. With the right care, a scent can remain true to its original beauty and, in time, even become a vintage treasure.

When Does a Perfume Become Vintage?

While there’s no single official definition, many collectors consider a scent to be vintage once it’s at least 20–25 years old, particularly if it’s no longer produced in its original formula or packaging. Rarity also plays a role; discontinued or reformulated fragrances can become collectible in far less time if they capture a beloved, irreplaceable scent profile. Bottles that remain in their original packaging, with seals intact, hold the highest value for both emotional and collector purposes.

Some perfumes, especially from heritage brands, can become highly sought after in as little as 10 years if they represent a “pre-reformulation” era. In our MAIR brand, such bottles exist as well and become coveted among fragrance collectors and enthusiasts.

How to Store Perfume for 20+ Years

Perfume is a delicate balance of aromatic compounds, alcohol, and stabilizers. These can degrade over time if exposed to light, heat, or air. To keep your scent as close to its original form as possible, follow this to a T and in 20 years come back and thank us:

1. Store in a Cool, Dark Place

• Light and heat are the biggest enemies of perfume.

• Ideal storage is around 55–65°F (13–18°C) with minimal temperature fluctuations.

• Avoid bathrooms, as humidity can also affect the fragrance.

2. Keep It in Its Original Box

• Boxes protect against UV light and provide an extra barrier against temperature shifts.

3. Minimize Air Exposure

• If possible, store perfume unopened.

• If opened, ensure the cap is tightly sealed after every use to slow oxidation.

4. Avoid Shaking the Bottle

• Shaking introduces air bubbles that can accelerate breakdown.

5. Consider an Airtight Secondary Container

• For serious long-term preservation, some collectors use sealed bags or cases with silica gel packs to control moisture.

6. Glass vs. Plastic Bottles

• Glass is more stable over decades than plastic, which can degrade and affect the scent.

Why Preserving a Scent Matters

A scent can instantly transport someone to a specific time, place, or person. Passing down a perfume is more than giving a bottle it’s gifting a memory, a piece of history, and a personal signature that can live on for generations.

With careful storage, that memory can last decades, allowing your fragrance to become a time capsule of your life.