With totes and satchels pushed to the back of shelves, and smaller, snazzier bags taking
over, the “what’s in your bag” list gets shorter with each passing fashion season. Personally, I am no fan of these size-zero bags, but I must admit, they are handier, don't leave you with an aching shoulder, and encourage minimalism. I do wonder, though, where did the “bag dogs” go?
My bag is my world, and my world is getting smaller. Correspondingly, the number and size of the things I carry have reduced — a Kindle instead of paperbacks, no bulky wallets thanks to cards and UPI, a small hairbrush, a tinted lip balm to replace both lipstick and balm, and small tubes for sunscreen, sanitiser, and hand cream. But what about perfume? That is a must. I can have messy hair, skip sunscreen, or leave my lips bare, but I cannot risk not smelling nice.
So, how does one carry perfume in a purse-friendly way? Because the Indian weather
demands reapplication, you’ve got to carry one! Here’s the breakdown:
- Travel-size bottles – Pick travel-friendly versions (10-30 ml). They are handy, easy to carry and use, and don’t take up much space.
- Decant/Atomisers – This is a great option to make perfumes more portable. You can decant your perfume into smaller bottles or you can use an atomiser - one of the nicest modern inventions. Invest in an atomiser if your preferred perfume doesn’t come in a travel size. Also, atomisers are environment-friendly as they can be reused. Yay for a greener Earth!
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Discovery sets/Samples – I personally prefer discovery sizes over travel sizes. If a
friend likes my perfume, I can easily gift them one. -
Stand-at-ease – Always make sure the perfume bottle stands upright in your bag to
prevent breakage or spillage. Tuck it into a snug corner of the bag where it won’t
move around.
When travelling long distance, especially when flying, keep these tips in mind:
- Seal the bottle – Make sure the cap is screwed on tightly. Seal it with tape to prevent leakage. Additionally, put it in a zip-lock bag to prevent spillage if it leaks.
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Secure the bottle – To prevent breakage, wrap it in bubble wrap or soft clothing like
a towel. It will cushion against impact. Airplanes don’t have much space, even in
cabin, and luggage is always stuffed and squished like sardines in a can, so be
cautious. -
Cabin always – Avoid packing your perfumes in check-in baggage. The rapid
depressurisation or temperature shifts in the cargo hold can cause bottles to leak,
and airline staff are not known for being gentle with luggage. Always carry your
perfumes in cabin baggage, and ensure the bottle is no larger than 100 ml. -
Hack – If you're paranoid, like me, about leaks, spray the perfume while holding the
bottle upside down (preferably on yourself – why waste it, eh?) until no more comes
out. This creates an air buffer in the sprayer, and takes only one or two sprays.
Perfumes are precious and should be treated as such. If you have any hacks or tips of your
own, do share them in the comments. Sharing is caring, and we can all do with more!