A simple guide
Declutter your perfume collection
Most collections grow faster than anyone can wear them. Here's a simple way to decide what stays on your shelf, and what to do with the bottles you don't wear.
How to decide which perfumes to keep
Give yourself half an hour and work through these six steps.
Take everything out
Line up every bottle where you can see it, including the ones hiding in drawers, bags and gift boxes.
Ask when you last wore it
If you can't remember wearing a perfume in the last six months, it's a good one to let go.
Do a fresh sniff test
Spray each one on a card or your wrist. Keep the ones you'd happily wear this week, not the ones you feel you should like.
Spot the lookalikes
If two or three perfumes smell alike, keep your favourite and let the others go to someone who'll love them.
Think about the seasons
A couple of fresh scents for Indian summers and a couple of richer ones for winter evenings and weddings cover most of the year.
Set aside the bottles to sell
Put them in one place with their boxes, so they're ready to photograph and list.
What to do with the bottles you don't wear
Sell them
List them on ScentLoop for free. Someone else gets to enjoy them, and you get money back towards your next favourite.
List a perfume freeGift them
A friend who has always complimented that scent will be thrilled to have it.
Finish them
If only a few sprays are left, wear it this week and enjoy the last of it.
Pricing a part-used bottle
Check what the same bottle costs new, then price yours below that and lower it further the more has been used.
The original box, a receipt or a visible batch code all help buyers trust the bottle. Our guide to selling your perfume has more pricing tips. For a step-by-step method, see our pricing guide.
Look after the perfumes you keep
- Store them somewhere cool and dark, away from sunlight.
- Keep the caps on so the scent doesn't fade.
- Avoid the bathroom: heat and humidity change through the day.
- Wear your favourites often. Perfume is meant to be enjoyed, not saved.
Common questions
How many perfumes should I keep?
There's no right number. Keep the ones you actually reach for. A handful you love is better than a full shelf you never use.
What's the easiest way to sell perfume I don't use?
List it on ScentLoop. Take 2 or 3 photos, add the brand, size, how much is left and your price, and buyers message you directly. It's free.
Can I sell a perfume that's half used?
Yes. Part-used bottles sell well when the listing is honest about how much is left. Price it to match the level in the bottle.
Does perfume go off?
Perfume can change over time, especially when it's kept in heat or sunlight. If it smells sour or very different from when it was new, it's past its best and shouldn't be sold as fresh.
How should I store the perfumes I keep?
Somewhere cool and dark with the caps on. A bedroom cupboard is better than a bathroom shelf, where heat and humidity change through the day.
Turn your extra bottles into cash
List a perfume you don't wear for free. Buyers message you directly.