Perfume

[Filbert]

How long does perfume actually last? I have a few bottles that I have had for over a year that were given to me as pressies. I don't wear perfume that often, tends to be just on special occassions.

Are they still safe to use? I ask especially as I have one that I was given 4 years ago but haven't dared try again recently just in case.

Silly question but I had to ask

[WendyS]

I have several bottles of perfume in drawers I've had for several years. I only use them occasionally and they still seem and smell perfectly OK.

I would assume they're probably perfectly safe to use as I suspect that the major ingredient is alcohol or some kind of spirit which just evaporates once it's sprayed or dabbed on.

[boobesque]

as a tip they will last a long while if you keep then in the box if possible and keep out of sunlight, in a drawer or cupboard like wendy, and as a rule if you are unsure spray a peice of tissue or card and if it smells rancid then obviously dont use!

[Piper-AK]

The spray ones last longer as the alcohol can't evaporate as easily. The ones with 'dabbers' don't last that long - easily oxidised etc, so under a year. I know you're meant to keep perfume in the fridge to make it last, but does anyone actually have room in their fridge to do this?