Heidi Norton
Making your own fragrance test strips is a cost-effective way to sample and test different perfumes. Test strips are used to get a true sense of a fragrance, as simply sniffing from a bottle will only give you the top notes, which are the most prominent but shortest-lived scents. Test strips are also useful for testing how fragrances would smell when blended. The choice of paper is important, as it affects how well the perfume is absorbed and released. Watercolour paper is a popular choice due to its ability to absorb and hold liquids. Other options include card stock, index cards, cotton fibre paper, and bleached paper coffee filters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Paper, pencil, ruler, scissors or cutter |
| Paper type | Watercolor paper, blotting paper, cotton fiber paper, card stock, index cards, coffee filter, A4 paper |
| Dimensions | 0.5 x 5" or custom |
| Preparation | Mark dimensions on paper, cut into strips, optional to stamp or print logo at one end |
| Usage | Dip into perfume or apply a drop of fragrance, allow to absorb, wave gently, sniff from a distance |
| Storage | Store in a clean, dry place, e.g. resealable plastic bag or small box |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right paper
When choosing the right paper for fragrance test strips, it is important to select a type of paper that is absorbent, odourless, and acid-free.
One option is to use a thick card stock paper, which is commonly used for fragrance testing in stores. Card stock is a good choice because it is durable and can hold fragrances for a good amount of time. You can find card stock paper at craft stores or online.
Another option is to use a bleached (white) paper coffee filter. The Chemex paper filter is a popular choice and can be cut into 10 or more strips. Bleached V60 filters can also be used, but they may require more cutting and preparation time.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, you can use cheap watercolour paper or uncoated cover paper, which can be cut into strips. Regular A4 paper can also be used, but it may not absorb fragrances as well and could cause them to run off or turn transparent.
When making your own fragrance test strips, it is important to avoid using paper with a strong smell, as this can interfere with the scent of the fragrance you are testing. It is also recommended to use a thicker paper, as thinner paper may not be as effective at absorbing and holding the fragrance.
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Cutting the strips
Once you have chosen your paper, gather your tools. You will need a pencil, a ruler, and scissors or a cutter. Start by using the pencil and ruler to mark out the dimensions on your paper. This step is important, especially if you plan to conduct comparative tests of different fragrances, as it ensures that all your strips are uniform.
After marking the dimensions, use your scissors or cutter to carefully cut the paper into strips along the marks you have made. Take your time with this step to ensure straight, clean cuts. If you want to add a professional or personalised touch to your strips, you can stamp or print your logo or design at one end of each strip. This is an optional step but can be useful if you plan to share your strips with others or use them in a professional context.
Finally, store your freshly cut perfume test strips in a clean, dry place to keep them free from contaminants and moisture. A resealable plastic bag or small box is ideal for organising and protecting the strips, ensuring they are ready for use whenever you need them.
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Testing multiple fragrances
Once you have selected your paper, use a pencil and a ruler to mark out uniform dimensions for your strips. This step is especially important if you are testing multiple fragrances, as it ensures consistency in your tests. After marking the paper, cut the strips using scissors or a cutter. If desired, you can add a professional touch by stamping or printing your logo at one end of each strip.
When testing multiple fragrances, it is essential to label the strips to avoid confusion. Use a pencil to label the non-absorbent end of the strip before dipping it into the perfume or applying a drop of the fragrance onto the tip. Allow the perfume to absorb briefly, then gently wave the strip in the air to release the scent. To get an accurate sense of the fragrance, sniff gently from a distance. Remember to handle the strips by the edges to prevent oils and dirt from your fingers from altering the scent.
Finally, store your perfume test strips properly to keep them free from contaminants and moisture. A resealable plastic bag or a small box can be used to organise and protect the strips. It is also recommended to refresh your stock of test strips every few months, as paper can absorb ambient odours over time, impacting the neutrality and effectiveness of the strips.
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Blending fragrances
When blending fragrances, it is important to understand the different fragrance notes. Fragrance notes refer to the layers of scent that make up a perfume or cologne. There are typically three types of fragrance notes: top notes, middle or heart notes, and base notes. Top notes are the lightest and most volatile, providing the initial impression of the fragrance. Middle or heart notes make up the majority of the fragrance and form the heart of the blend. Base notes are the deepest and richest, lasting the longest of all the notes.
To blend fragrances, you can use scent strips, also known as fragrance blotters or tester strips. These strips are made of absorbent paper, such as watercolour paper, blotting paper, or card stock. The choice of paper is important as it affects how well the perfume's fragrance is absorbed and released. You can make your own scent strips by cutting uniform strips of paper using a pencil, a ruler, and scissors.
Once you have your scent strips, you can start blending fragrances. Begin by dipping the strips into different perfume samples or applying a drop of fragrance onto each strip. If you are combining multiple fragrances, label the strips to avoid confusion. Allow the perfume to absorb briefly, then gently wave the strip in the air to release the scent. To test the combination, fan the strips in front of your nose and sniff gently from a distance to get an accurate sense of the blend.
When blending fragrances, you can play around with different ratios of scents to create unique blends. For example, a 50-50 blend uses equal amounts of two fragrances, while a 60-40 or 80-20 blend uses different amounts to create a stronger emphasis on one scent. You can also add additional layers of fragrance or accent notes to create more complex blends.
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Storing the strips
Storing your perfume test strips correctly is essential to ensure they remain effective. The strips should be stored in a clean, dry place, protected from contaminants and moisture. This will keep them free from odours and ensure their longevity.
To store your strips, you can use a small box or a resealable plastic bag. A plastic bag is a good option as it can be easily sealed and will protect the strips from any moisture in the environment. If using a box, ensure it is dry and airtight. You could also add a sachet of silica gel to the box to absorb any excess moisture.
Label your storage bag or box with the date and the type of paper used for the strips. This will help you keep track of when to refresh your stock. As paper can absorb ambient odours over time, it is recommended to replace your test strips every few months.
It is also important to consider the environment in which you are storing your strips. Avoid anywhere particularly humid, such as a bathroom, or anywhere particularly odorous, such as a kitchen or near strong cleaning products. A bedroom drawer or wardrobe could be a good option, or a shelf away from direct sunlight.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need paper, a pencil, a ruler, and scissors or a cutter.
Watercolor paper is a popular choice as it is designed to absorb and hold liquids. Blotting paper is another good option due to its high absorbency and neutral smell. Alternatively, you can use cheap watercolour paper, bleached white paper coffee filters, cotton fibre paper, card stock, or index cards.
First, write the name of the fragrance on one end of the strip. Dip the other end into the fragrance or apply a drop of the fragrance onto the tip of the strip. Allow the perfume to absorb, then wave the strip gently in the air to release the scent. Hold the strip 3-5 inches from your nose and take a short whiff.
