The Truth about Fragrances Companies Don't Want You to Know

You're browsing the perfume counter, looking for your signature scent - the one you've been wearing for years. But suddenly, you can't find it.

The sales associate informs you that it's been discontinued. Discontinued? How can they discontinue your perfect perfume?

This happens more often than you'd think in the fragrance world. There are many reasons a fragrance gets the ax, some you'd expect and some you probably wouldn't.

Why are Fragrances Discontinued?

It usually boils down to sales and money (doesn't everything?). Perfume is a luxury item with slim profit margins. If a fragrance isn't selling well after a few years, most companies don't see the value in continuing to produce it. They need to make room for new launches and fragrances they think will sell better. It's a tough perfume-eat-perfume world.

Speaking of new launches, companies are constantly pushing out new fragrances, even if they already have a crowded portfolio. They want the next hot thing, the new big seller. Again, this means making space by cutting underperformers. Even classics and cult favorites aren't safe - companies will cut an older perfume even if it has a loyal but small following in order to chase the next potential blockbuster scent.

Sometimes it relates to ingredient availability or regulations. Fine fragrances use pricier, higher quality ingredients, and shortages can happen. Certain ingredients also fall in and out of favor in the perfume world or become restricted. Replacing a key ingredient often changes the smell too much, so the perfume gets shelved.

Licensing issues are another culprit when a fashion brand or celebrity perfume gets pulled. The licensing deal ends, and continuing the scent essentially promotes a competitor.

Where to Store Fragrances?

You've built up quite the perfume wardrobe, but you need to make sure your precious scents are stored properly so they stay fresh and vibrant. Follow these top tips for ideal fragrance storage:

Keep them cool - temperature is perfume's number one enemy. Store your fragrances in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight, which can cause the top notes to deteriorate. The fridge is ideal, but a bathroom cabinet or dresser drawer works too.

No humidity - moisture can damage the juice and packaging. Make sure fragrances are stored in a dry spot. Add some desiccants to draw out any moisture.

Upright only - store perfume bottles upright so the juice stays in contact with the atomizer. Storing on its side can cause issues.

Away from direct light - sunlight and bright light can also degrade perfume. Keep them in dark places like drawers or boxes.

Original boxes are best - if you have them, keep fragrances in their boxes for extra protection. It blocks light and insulates from temperature changes.

Don't crowd - give fragrances space and don't overpack shelves. Crowding can cause accidental spills or breaks which leads to...

Clean up spills! - Perfume can eat away at surfaces if left. Wipe up any leaks or spills immediately.

Inspect often - check bottles every so often for leaks, clouding, separation, etc. It's easier to fix issues if caught early.

Control humidity - use desiccants or humidity control packs near your fragrances to absorb moisture.

With ideal storage conditions, your precious perfumes will stay fresh and fabulous for many years to come!

Why Are Some Fragrances So Expensive?

That beautiful crystal perfume bottle catches your eye from across the department store counter, so you pick it up to check out the price - $250?! For 3 ounces?! You quickly put it down thinking no perfume could possibly be worth that much money. Or could it?

It turns out there are quite a few reasons some fragrances come with staggering price tags, whether you're a believer or not.

The ingredients make up a significant chunk of the cost. Fine fragrances use natural ingredients like flowers, oils, resins and animal extracts, and many of these are very expensive and rare. Natural sandalwood, oud, ambergris, roses - a little goes a long way, but it adds up.

The other major supply cost is the actual fragrance itself. Developing a perfume from start to finish takes years and tons of expertise. Top "nose" perfumers who design fragrances earn six figures. Other supporting staff, testing, modifying...it's an expensive, labor-intensive process.

Exclusive luxury brands always come with higher price tags and perceived prestige. And people will pay for it. For luxury houses, perfume is more about image and experience than just smell. This allows them to charge ultra-premium prices.

The bottle and packaging inevitably influence the retail price too. Fancy cut-glass, embellishments, quality materials - they make the perfume feel luxurious and special but aren't cheap.

Lastly, when you buy from a big designer name, you're also paying for marketing and endorsements. Big brands pay top celebrities millions to represent their scents.

Why Should I Wear Fragrances?

It’s actually more than just a good scent for you.

First, fragrance taps into memories and emotions unlike any other sense. Your brain has a huge connection to smell, so a good perfume can instantly evoke positive feelings, nostalgia, and boost your mood.

Scent is also strongly tied to attraction and romance. You want to smell delightful when making a good first impression or going on a hot date. Everyone finds certain scents irresistible. Why not up your odds?

Fragrance allows you to express your personal style and identity too. Your signature scent reflects your unique personality. What says more about you than how you choose to smell?

Importantly, fragrance makes you more approachable and memorable. People associate scents with the wearer. A good perfume leaves an olfactory memory and impression of you.

But perhaps the best reason? Wearing fragrance simply feels good. Who doesn't love smelling amazing? Find a scent that makes you smile and rock it proudly. You deserve to feel confident and fabulous.

Some Cheap Fragrances For Teens

You're a teen on a budget, but you still want to smell delightful. Designer fragrances with $100 price tags just aren't happening.

The good news is there are plenty of cheaper fragrances that still smell great and are perfect for school days or weekend fun. Here are some to check out:

Body mists - Brands like Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, and House of Monac example have tons of youthful, fruity and floral mists for under $20.

Celebrity fragrances - Stars like Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, and Jason Derulo have perfumes at discount and drugstores for around $20-40. You're guaranteed crowd-pleasing scents.

Rimmel London - Don't sleep on this super affordable drugstore brand. Their Celestial Magic and Wonder'luxe scents smell way more expensive than $10.

So...? - Walmart's fragrance line has fresh, clean scents like Lemon Drop Martini and Crushed Violet for less than $10.

Pacific Ocean - You'll find this at Target for just $7, with beachy scents like Coconut Lime Breeze perfect for teens.

Body Fantasies - Another bargain brand usually under $10. First Love and Cotton Candy are playful faves.

Just a heads up - cheaper fragrances don't last as long, so you'll need to reapply. But that just means you get to spritz more! You can smell amazing on a budget.