Perfume is one of the go-to gifts for anyone on any occasion. Most people have a perfume collection, and some have more than 20 bottles sitting on their vanity. With Christmas just a few days away, you may have to make room for more. As perfumes rarely have expiration dates printed on the bottles, how would you know when it's time to let one go? Considering that perfumes tend to be expensive, it's even harder to chuck it in the bin. But it does expire and according to perfumers, these are the ways to tell.

The Smell

Obviously, if your favorite perfume smells way differently from when you first opened it, it has already expired. Senior perfumer Clement Gavarry, who has worked on perfumes for Calvin Clein, Giorgio Armani, Tom Ford and Chloé, tells InStyle that every time you spray perfume, you allow air into the bottle and this causes the fragrance to oxidize. However, if you keep your perfume bottles away from sunlight and keep them in a cool place, they will last longer. If you keep it out in the open, like on your vanity that's by the window, Gavarry says that the shelf life will be shortened to about three to six months. In general, citrusy and fruity perfumes tend to oxidize faster. Woodsy and leathery scents last longer.

Also read: Jo Malone Partners with Zara to Release Budget-Friendly Fragrance Line

The Color

Gavarry advises to check the color of the perfume. If it looks significantly darker or if your formerly clear or white perfume already has a yellowish tint, then it means that the fragrance has already oxidized. Givaudan perfumer Jacques Huclier, who has worked with Gucci, Hugo Boss and Thierry Mugles does say that newer fragrances already have an extended shelf life thanks to UV filters and stabilizers which make perfume molecules less prone to oxidation. He also shares with InStyle that he had a chance to evaluate perfume from the '80s. The bottle has never been opened before and it still smelled brand new. So if you still have unopened bottle of perfume, make sure to store it in a cool and dark space to extend its shelf life.

How To Extend the Shelf Life of Opened Perfume

Firmenich senior perfumer Gabriela Chelariu, who has created scents for JLo, Gwen Stefani, Nest and Abercrombie and Fitch, advises to keep your perfumes away from heat and light. She adds that if you have space to spare, keep your favorite perfumes in the refrigerator. Just make sure to keep it away from food that easily absorb odor like milk and butter.

Perfumer Linda Sivrican of Capsule Parfums also tells Allure that when choosing perfume, keep in mind that heavy woody, spicy and vanilla notes improve with age while lighter notes such as floral and citrus scents evaporate more quickly.

Best of 2020

According to Esquire and Cosmopolitan, these are some of the best perfumes for men and women this year.

Armani Acqua Di Gio Profundo

Dior Homme

Hermès L'Ombre des Merveilles Eau de Parfum

Tom Ford Beau De Jour

Calvin Clein CK One Everyone (unisex)

Le Labo Baie 19 (unisex)

Chloé Signature Eau de Parfum

Coach Dreams Eau de Parfum

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Eau Fraîche Skinscent

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum

Related article: How To Smell Good Without Perfume If You're Allergic to Fragrance