How Long Perfume Lasts
Perfumes can last for many years if they are stored properly. There is no exact rule saying that a perfume will go bad after 3 or 5 years. In fact, many fragrances can stay almost exactly the same for much longer than that, and most of them can even smell better as they age. Perfumes can also increase a lot in value as they get older, especially if they have been discontinued.
Storing It Properly
The biggest enemies of perfume are heat, direct sunlight, and constant temperature changes. If you keep your bottles in a cool, dark, and stable place, they will usually stay in good condition for a very long time. This is why keeping perfumes in places like bathrooms, near windows, or inside a hot car is not a good idea. You also do not need to keep perfumes in the refrigerator. A normal room temperature is usually enough as long as the place is not too hot and the bottles are protected from sunlight.
Signs of Change
Over time, some perfumes can become darker in color or smell slightly different. This does not always mean the perfume has gone bad. Ingredients such as vanilla, resins, and some natural materials can naturally change color as they age. If the smell becomes clearly sour, unpleasant, or completely different from what it used to be, then the perfume may have started to degrade.