Travel size perfumes aren’t only great for travel or on busier days, they’re also great for trying out a fragrance before committing to a larger bottle. Here are some things to consider when picking out travel size perfumes as well as some tips on how to store them and get the most out of your purchase.
When choosing products you may notice a difference in pricing between certain categories of perfumes. The reason is that they vary in strength by their amount of pure essence. This also affects the lifespan of a fragrance.
Of all the scents, perfume is the most concentrated. It has a slightly oiler consistency than other fragrances since it contains 20 to 30% pure essence. This also means it lasts the longest, holding its scent for up to 24 hours. Eau de Parfum, on the other hand, contains 15 to 20% pure essence. It doesn’t last quite as long as concentrated perfume, but still has staying power for up to eight hours to keep you fresh and fragrant. Eau de Parfum can also be worn by both men and women.
Eau de Toilette has between 5 and 15% pure essence and will only last around three hours. Eau de Cologne is generally considered a more masculine scent and is a combination of 2 to 4% fragrance oil blended with water and alcohol.
When choosing a travel-size fragrance, consider the type of perfume and keep the quality in mind. It’s also important to have a look at the volume since some fragrances can seem significantly pricier, but when you take a closer look, you’ll notice you get twice as much product even though the bottle sizes look similar.
If you are looking for a perfume you can take with you through the airport, the maximum size you can take is a 3.4 fluid ounces. If you are taking it in your carry-on luggage, all your liquid items need to fit into a 32-ounce plastic bag. This is also a great way of preventing leaks due to air pressure changes. Ideally, you’ll want to take a travel size perfume that’s much smaller than 3.4 fluid ounces to help prevent it being confiscated. Travel sizes are usually between 0.17 and 0.33 fluid ounces, and smaller sizes can even fit into your pocket or purse.
While the perfume itself can last for three to five years if stored properly, you will most likely use up all your travel size perfume long before this. You can expect to get around 50 sprays per 0.17 fluid ounce, travel-size perfume bottle.
If you are purchasing a bigger bottle (which is generally more cost effective) and filling or refilling your own small, travel-size containers for a trip, make sure to store the perfume in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight to preserve its quality. Always remember to keep the stopper tightly on the bottle or the roller to prevent evaporation, too.
Travel perfume comes in rollerballs, spray bottles, and balms. Spray bottles are popular since they’re easy to apply. They usually come in glass bottles, which can accidentally break if they’re not handled with care. As an alternative, you can always take a small amount of perfume from a larger bottle and put it into a lightweight perfume atomizer when you’re traveling.
Rollerballs are also ideal for travel since they can be applied easily on your wrist or neck. Fragrance balms, or perfume balms, are heavily concentrated, giving them excellent staying power. They’re also lightweight and won’t leak since they’re in a solid balm form.
The biggest concern with carrying perfume in your handbag, purse, or backpack is that it will leak. And although your bag will at least smell great, this can be a very disappointing loss. When traveling in an airplane, changes in the air pressure pose an extra risk for leaks, so it’s important to make sure you seal your bottle properly. You can put tape around the lid’s edges to help ensure the lip doesn’t pop off, and you can place the tube in a Ziploc bag. If you’re concerned about a glass bottle breaking, wrap it in bubble wrap or even in a sock or face towel for a little extra cushioning.
This option from Dolce and Gabbana is a great choice for travel because of its sparkling and refreshing scent, making it a perfect pick-me-up after a long day. The spray bottle is small, but not too small, so it’s travel-friendly and can still last you an entire trip. This product also comes in a gift box that keeps it protected during shipping and while traveling. The citrusy scent has happy notes of granny smith apples, bluebells, hints of jasmine, white rose, and bamboo. This is a gorgeous fragrance that’s perfect for business or laying around at the beach. The great scent and the long-lasting size helped us pick this option as the best overall on this list.
This set of three mini perfumes from Clinique is designed to bring a whole lot of joy no matter where you are. This set includes “Happy”, “Happy In Bloom”, and “Happy Heart” all in 0.17 fluid ounce spray bottles, letting you choose a fragrance based on the occasion or your mood. “Happy” is a chic, multi-layered scent with floral and ruby grapefruit notes while “Happy in Bloom” is ideal for daytime with an upbeat floral fragrance. “Happy Heart” also features floral notes with added hints of blonde woods and mandarin. If you enjoy a lot of variety, this is the product for you.
This next option by Marc Jacobs comes in a rollerball design and blends a little sophistication with sunny and vibrant energy. The fragrance features top notes of grapefruit and raspberry that deepen into wild rose and musk. The whimsical fragrance ends with comforting notes of cedarwood and plum to round off this gorgeous, more feminine scent. If you prefer fragrances that are a little more uplifting, you should consider this product.
This refreshing fruity-floral scent from Coach boasts a splash of citrus with pink peppercorn and pineapple sorbet. Followed up with jasmine, gardenia, and rose tea, this fragrance reveals a fragrant bouquet and ends with some musky and patchouli notes. If you love floral, feminine, and free-spirited scents, this is just the one for you. And another great thing about this option, if you’re looking for a fragrance that can last all day and into the evening, this product is a great solution.
Our last option by Calvin Klein comes in a size that’s perfect for handbags and purses. The rollerball tube is well designed and helps prevent spills and leaking, and it’s easy to apply some fragrance exactly where you want it. The scent features notes of pomegranate blended with orchid and lotus blossom, and it deepens with liquid amber and mahogany wood for a sophisticated finish. If you’re looking for a pleasing fragrance that comes in a well-designed package, this one is a great choice.
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Perfume interacts differently on everyone's skin so this can vary from person to person. A good quality perfume should last between 12 to 24 hours.
A: An unopened bottle of perfume can last for well over a year. Lighter fragrances such as ones with delicate floral or citrus notes probably won’t last as long as bolder scents.
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Yes, storing perfume in the fridge is a good option, especially during summer. Sunlight, humidity, heat, and changes in temperature can all affect your perfume. Keeping it in the fridge is a great way to prolong its shelf life.
