In the face of the cost-of-living crisis, Australians are finding themselves in a pinch.

The crisis is affecting everyone, and it has led to some inventive, albeit sometimes questionable, cost-saving measures.

One such measure that has gained traction on social media is a tip designed to make expensive fragrances last longer.

The tip, which has gone viral with millions of views, involves melting Vaseline in boiling water, adding a few drops of your favourite perfume or cologne, and letting the mixture set in the fridge.

The result is a scented petroleum jelly that promises to extend the life of your fragrance with just a dab on your pulse points.

It sounds like a clever solution to savour every last drop of those pricey scents.

Before you dive into your toiletry cabinet, a scent expert sniffed out a red flag about potential risks.

Many scents last between three to four hours on average, prompting the need for respraying. Image Credit: Pexels/Cottonbro Studio

Scent Smith's owner, Ainslie Walker, warned that this DIY approach to solid perfume could be more dangerous than it's worth.

While Vaseline could act as a base for a solid perfume, the process of melting it down and mixing it with fragrance dilutes the scent.

Along with it are concerns about the safety of heating plastic containers and the potential for skin absorption of undesirable substances.

Social media users had mixed opinions regarding the trick, with some viewers questioning its necessity.

Other users suggested safer alternatives.

Applying a small amount of Vaseline or lotion to your skin before spritzing your perfume is a tried-and-true method that many have used for years.

This technique, known as layering, could help the fragrance last longer on the skin and is less risky than boiling Vaseline.

Some social media users also pointed out the potential toxicity of heating plastic and the absorption of petroleum products into the skin.

The process of boiling Vaseline, especially in a plastic container, could release harmful chemicals.

Additionally, there's the risk of burns from handling hot materials or splashes of boiling water.

Experts suggested a safer and more effective method: moisturising your skin before applying perfume.

This not only enhances the scent's longevity but also ensures that you're not exposing yourself to unnecessary risks.

When it comes to choosing a perfume for this method, quality matters.

The more concentrated the perfume, the longer-lasting and more pronounced the scent will be.

While higher concentration often means a higher price tag, it's worth investing in a good perfume if you're looking to make the most of it.

We understand the importance of saving money, but not at the cost of our health and safety.

There are plenty of safe and effective ways to enjoy your favourite fragrances without compromising your well-being.

Key Takeaways

• A viral social media tip suggested melting Vaseline in hot water and adding perfume to make a solid fragrance.
• A scent expert warned against the tip, highlighting potential dangers and questioning its effectiveness.
• Some users also raised health concerns about dissolving plastics and the toxicity of petroleum jelly being absorbed through the skin.
• The scent expert advised using a trick called layering instead to keep scents last longer without any health risks.

Have you tried the said perfume tip? Do you have tips for making scents last longer? Share your experiences in the comments below.

 

[BellaB18]

Where do these twits come up with these ideas.???? Someone gets out there on the internet and says do this or that and people believe it. Sad sad sad.
Kind regards to all Vicki

 

[Macarj]

My wife has never used perfume thank goodness I hate the smell of perfumes they are just too strong simple deodorant unperfumed is all you need

 

[June E]

I don’t waste my money on perfume. I can never smell it after a minute or so what’s the point