Perfume Miniatures

10 Basic Rules for Your Perfume Miniature Collection!

1. Your Family and Friends

Ask your family, friends, and colleagues if they have any bottles left in the bathroom drawer or stored elsewhere. From now on, when they receive a miniature at the perfume store, they will think of you.

2. Which Perfume Miniatures to Collect?

You can choose a theme or several themes according to your tastes and budget:

Major French brands: Guerlain, Dior, Nina Ricci
Bottles of specific color (e.g., blue)
Antique bottles: Mury, Coty, Cheramy
Bottles of celebrities: Movie stars, singers, etc.
Bottles from high-fashion brands: Cerruti, Gaultier, Mugler
Uniquely shaped bottles (animals, female bust, sphere, keychains, jewelry)

3. Garage Sales and Specialized Fairs

Garage sales and fairs should not be missed. You will quickly see that prices at fairs are much higher, so it is recommended to shop at garage sales in the first year to start your collection. You won't have difficulty forming a collection for a reasonable amount, and who knows, you might find some rare pieces. Attend at least one fair to see the difference. This way, you can admire new products, talk to sellers, and connect with other collectors. On the internet, you may find the missing piece for your collection and offers of the latest novelties that may take time to find second-hand.

4. Limited Budget

Like everything else, you should set limits. It should remain a hobby, even a passion, but not an obsession! Some pieces can cost up to several hundred dollars, so take it easy! In general, at garage sales, the price of a miniature without a box varies from 0.20 to 2 €, and 3 to 5 € with a box. In the beginning, target the cheaper, more classic ones like Miracle, Dune, Paris, Poison. For about 50 €, you can have about ten...

5. Valuation Books

A valuation book is essential. It will allow you to assess your collection and, most importantly, guide you in your buying process, helping you in negotiations. There's no need to buy a miniature for twice its value, or conversely, hesitate to buy a bottle for 1 € that's worth 20 €, etc...

6. Never Discard the Boxes

The value of the miniature is in the full bottle and its box: a miniature without a box can lose up to 50% of its value! Unfortunately, you won't always find the miniature with its box...

7. Never Open the Bottles

If you open the bottle, the fragrance will dissipate. So, it is essential not to open it to smell the perfume! Some bottles may be challenging to find full. Other miniatures may also lose their scent over time, despite your precautions...

8. Protect Them from Dust and Light

Miniatures don't like the sun because they can lose their original color. Protect them also from dust if you don't want to waste time cleaning them...

9. Display Them in a Showcase

Perfume miniatures are a prestigious collection. Their bottles deserve to be showcased in an illuminated display case (preferably) for a more pleasant presentation. You can add colored stones, pearls, etc...

10. Trade

When you find inexpensive miniatures that you already own, buy them anyway. Don't hesitate to make a reserve for trading or reselling. Remember to bring them to fairs and garage sales. You may have the opportunity to meet another enthusiast with whom you can make good deals. Participate in forums, online exchanges, check links from other bidders.