Ever opened a perfume bottle you've had for years and thought, Hmm, this doesn't smell the same? Maybe the scent had faded, or it started to smell a little funky. If so, your perfume might be over the hill.

Yes, perfumes and colognes do expire after some time. But don't worry - there are simple ways to check if it's expired and even better tips to make your favorite fragrances last even longer.

Let's get everything out in the open.

So… Does Perfume Really Expire?

Yes, they do! Perfume never lasts forever. Depending on what it contains and how you store it, a bottle can last from one year to over a decade. The average perfume lasts about 3 to 5 years.

Some perfumes, particularly ones with rich base notes (such as amber, vanilla, or patchouli), mature well, similar to wine. These will last longer and smell just as nice, if not nicer, with age.

Perfumes with lighter, fresher notes, such as flowers or citrus, are less long-lasting. They are also more heat-sensitive, light-sensitive, and air-sensitive, which can cause them to fade or alter more quickly.

Also Read: How to Tell If a Perfume Is Expired

How to Know If Your Perfume Has Expired

Don't know if your fragrance is still wearable? These three easy methods will let you know:

1. Smell It

Your fragrance is your first warning sign. If now it has a vinegar, metal, or sour smell, the time has come to bid farewell. Also, if the smell is very different from what you are used to, that too is a warning sign.

2. Inspect the Colour

Perfume tans with age as well, especially when exposed to light or air. If the colour has changed vastly—i.e., from colourless to amber—then it may very likely be oxidised and less fruity.

3. Look for Expiry Date or Batch Code

Some perfume packaging or boxes will feature a "PAO" logo (Period After Opening), which may say "24M" for 24 months, or so. Others just bear a batch number. If you're not certain, of course, you can always use your eyes and nose instead.

What Happens If You Use Expired Perfume?

Nine out of ten times, nothing spectacular occurs - but the fragrance most likely won't be the same. But every so often, a spoiled perfume will burn your skin or cause a rash, especially if you have sensitive skin. If it doesn't smell quite right, it's not worth the gamble.

How to Store Perfume So It Lasts Longer

Want to be able to smell your perfume sweetly for years? Here's how:

Keep it cold and dark: A cupboard, drawer, or closet is best.

Store it in a cool, dark place: Sunlight and heat destroy the scent.

Avoid leaving it in the bathroom: Humidity is not perfume's friend.

Close it up tightly: The more air that is out of the bottle, the less long-lasting it will be.

Use the original bottle: Moving it to a new bottle can make it vulnerable to air and cut its shelf life short.

Also Read: Eternal Perfume: Answering Your Essential Fragrance Questions

When to Replace Your Perfume

If your perfume is two or three years old, take a quick whiff and color test. If it still smells great and appears normal, you're probably good to go. But if it smells noticeably different frequently, or just doesn't make you feel amazing any longer, it might be time to pamper yourself and pick up a new bottle. 

Perfume is intimate. If something doesn't make you happy anymore or makes you feel good about yourself, you don't need to wait for it to "officially expire" before you can release it.