Full-Size vs Travel-Size which Perfume Size should you buy?

Photo by Valeria Boltneva

Choosing a perfume size can be overwhelming. Also, as much as you’d deny it, size does matter when buying your next scent bottle. For some, the bigger means better, and some would prefer to buy a smaller size so they can bring it anywhere they want.

This article will help you decide which perfume size you should buy that can benefit you in the long run.

Check out our guide below

Understanding the bottle sizes

First, you need to understand the perfume bottles’ sizes and the number of sprays each size can provide. For your reference, perfume sizes come in three measurements: fl oz (fluid ounce), and ml (millilitres).

Here’s a table of the most common sizes offered in perfume bottles.

The listed sizes above are just some of the standard sizes offered in perfume bottles. In some cases, particularly the luxury brands, they offer smaller and bigger sizes not specified above.

Now to further help you in narrowing down your options in buying your perfume bottle, we’ve listed some pointers that you should keep in mind. Here are some of them:

First-timers: Buy a smaller size first! 

When you visit perfume stores, salespersons can be very overwhelming. They will offer you multiple scents that might entice you to buy multiple bottles at once! So if this happens, we highly suggest you look for smaller bottles first. Sizes between 30mL to 50mL are the best entry sizes if it’ll be your first time using that perfume.

Why less than 100mL? There might be an instance that you’d love the scent while you’re at the store but won’t like it after a few days of sprays. So, it’s better to test out smaller sizes first than investing in an 80mL to 200mL bottle at a single try.

Take note of a perfume bottle’s storage life

Most people assume that perfumes last for a long time and it doesn’t expire. However, perfume bottles do have an expiration date. It may not be similar to how consumed goods expire but their quality does deteriorate over time.

Perfume bottles usually last between 3 to 5 years. And if they survived more than that, you can easily identify that it’s not as same as before due to its fragrance. In some cases, it may cause skin irritation and allergies. You must take note of how often you will use a certain perfume to help you decide on the perfect size. 

How often will you use it? 

Will you buy a bottle for your everyday use? Or is it for occasional use? If you’re fond of spritzing perfume daily, you can choose from 50mL to 100mL. However, if you’ll just use it on special occasions, it’s better to keep it small and choose from 40mL and below.

Buying smaller size perfumes also gives you a perk: you can bring them when you travel around as they are very compact and comes in small bottles. This makes them a safer option to hand-carry than the bigger size in glass bottles.

The Smaller, The Cheaper

Perfume prices may differ based on their size, type, and brand. As we all know, luxury brands such as Gucci or Dior can be sold for a few hundred dollars. However, other perfumes are priced cheaper, but if you’re looking for quality scents, luxurious brands will never fail you.

So if you’re just trying out an upscale scent for the first time, maybe it’s best to get its smallest size; it’ll save you a lot of money should the scent won’t be compatible with you as time passes. 

Final thoughts

Choosing your perfume bottle’s size can be pretty challenging depending on your purpose. For you to find the ideal size for you, you should familiarise yourself first with your routine when using perfumes.

We hope we were able to help!

Resources:

• Perfumefairy. (2021). A Handy Guide to Perfume Bottle Size. Bellatory. Retrieved May 27, 2022, from https://bellatory.com/fragrances/Perfume-Bottle-Size-Guide

• Shomo, M.A.M. (2021). An Overview of Perfume Bottle Sizes by Ounces & Milliliters. Fragrances Lover. Retrieved May 27, 2022, from https://fragranceslover.com/perfume-bottle-sizes/

• (n.d), Expiration date does perfume have a shelf life? Perfume.com. Retrieved May 28, 2022, from https://www.perfume.com/article-expiration_date_does_perfume_have_a_shelf_life

Start your perfume journey today!