Seamus Hammond
Choosing a perfume is an important decision, as your scent can become part of your identity. Testing perfume is a process that should be approached with curiosity and patience. It is a common misconception that coffee beans can reset your sense of smell between fragrances, but this is not true. Instead, take a break and get some fresh air or sniff your own unscented sleeve or skin. When testing, it is best to test one perfume at a time, and to test on fabric or skin rather than paper, as the scent will be more accurate. Paper strips can be used to shortlist fragrances, but the scent will change slightly when applied to the skin. When testing on the skin, apply to pulse points such as the wrists, behind the ears, or the inner elbow, and do not rub as this can destroy the perfume's balance. Give the perfume time to settle and evolve on your skin, and pay attention to how it dries down and wears over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time spent in the store smelling fragrances | 10-15 minutes |
| First step | Spray on a paper strip and smell |
| Second step | If you like the scent, hold on to the strip for 10 minutes, then smell again |
| Third step | Find 3-4 scents you like, then re-test those the next day |
| Fourth step | Spray one on the inside of your left arm and another on the inside of your right arm |
| Fifth step | Take note of which one you prefer, how it dries down, and how it wears until it is gone |
| Choosing a fragrance | Choose your olfactory identity, signature, and scented slogan |
| Testing | Take your time |
| Testing | Test on fabric or skin |
| Testing on skin | Spray on pulse points like wrists, behind ears, or the inner elbow |
| Number of fragrances tested | Limit to 3 at a time; the brain can't discern between more than 3 |
| Time of day to shop for perfume | Morning, when our sense of smell is at its peak |
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What You'll Learn
Test perfume on paper or fabric first
Testing perfume is an adventure in finding your olfactive identity. It is a process that should not be rushed, and one that requires an open mind.
When you first start testing perfumes, it is best to try them on paper or fabric first. This is a good way to get a first impression of a scent. Paper strips are commonly found next to tester bottles at fragrance counters. The paper is porous and will absorb the perfume, giving you an accurate reading of the fragrance. However, the scent of the perfume will change slightly on paper compared to skin. The alcohol with top notes can quickly saturate the smell, so it is best to test perfumes on fabric if possible. Cashmere, for example, retains fragrances well for up to three days.
When testing perfumes on paper or fabric, it is important to take your time. Limit the number of scents you test to three at one time, as the brain cannot discern between more than three. If you are testing several scents, use a pen to write the name of the fragrance on the unscented end of the paper strip or fabric, so you know which is which. Bring the strip to your nose and smell, moving it to and from your nose for short bursts of scent. If you want to take notes, jot down your thoughts in a notepad, or follow your instinct to identify what you like.
After you have tested perfumes on paper or fabric and found a few that you like, you can then move on to testing them on your skin.
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Test on skin, not air
Testing perfume on your skin is an essential step in the process of choosing a fragrance. While paper blotters or strips are a good way to get an initial impression of a scent, they do not allow the perfume to react with your skin's natural oils and chemistry. The warmth of your skin will cause the perfume to develop and change over time, and the scent on your skin may be quite different from the scent on paper.
When testing perfume on your skin, it is best to limit yourself to two fragrances to avoid contamination. The wrists are the most commonly chosen spot for fragrance testing, as they are rendered naturally warm by the veins underneath. You can also spray perfume on the back of your hands, but it will take longer to diffuse. Spray from a distance of about 20 cm, and do not rub your wrists together, as this can destroy the perfume's balance. After spraying, drop your hand to your side and wait at least 30 seconds for the scent to settle. Once it has started to dry, bring your hand up and inhale, keeping your nose at least an inch or two away from your skin.
Over time, the fragrance will deepen as you experience each of the levels of notes in its formulation. You can periodically take a sniff to observe how the scent changes and develops. It is recommended that you do something else after spraying, such as browsing the shop or going for a walk, to allow the fragrance to play with your body's natural chemistry. After 15-30 minutes, or longer, you can smell your wrist or hand again to see how the fragrance has evolved.
It is important to note that you should not test too many fragrances on your skin at once, as this can saturate your nose and affect your ability to distinguish between scents. It is also a good idea to avoid wearing other fragrances when testing something new, as this can hinder your ability to experience a new scent.
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Take your time
When it comes to testing perfume, it's important to take your time. This is not a rushed process, and you want to savour each note and nuance of the fragrance. It's a journey of exploration, so approach it with curiosity and patience.
Firstly, be mindful of the time spent in the store. Your nose can quickly become overwhelmed, and you won't get an accurate perception of the scent. Keep your testing session short and focused. If you're testing multiple fragrances, limit yourself to three at a time, as that's the maximum number your brain can effectively discern between.
When you find a scent you're interested in, test it on paper strips or blotters first. This initial step will give you a general impression of the perfume. However, be aware that the scent may change slightly when it interacts with your skin, as your body chemistry comes into play. The perfume's unique evolution on your skin is an essential aspect of finding the right fragrance.
After shortlisting a few fragrances through the paper test, it's time to test them on your skin. Apply the fragrances to different pulse points, such as one on each wrist, behind the ears, or the inner elbow. Avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this can alter the perfume's balance. Let the scent settle and evolve on your skin. Go about your day, and take note of how the fragrance dries down and wears off.
Remember, choosing a perfume is like choosing your olfactory identity. It's a personal and intriguing process, so savour each step and take the time to discover the perfect scent for you.
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Test no more than 3 perfumes at once
When testing perfumes, it's important to remember that your nose can easily become overwhelmed. To avoid this, it's recommended to test no more than three perfumes at once. This is because the brain struggles to differentiate between more than three scents.
To get the most out of your testing experience, it's a good idea to approach it systematically. Start by shortlisting the perfumes you'd like to try. Pick out 3-4 scents that appeal to you and test them on paper strips. If you're using long blotters, bend the spritzed end to 90 degrees so that you can place the strip on a table without contaminating it. Bring the strip close to your nose and smell, moving it to and from your nose to get short bursts of scent.
If you like the smell of a perfume on a paper strip, keep the strip with you for 10 minutes or so, then smell it again after it's completely dry. If you still like it, make a note of the perfume and move on to the next one. Once you've tested all the scents, choose the two or three that you liked the most and test them on your skin. Apply the perfumes to different pulse points, such as one on the inside of your left arm and one on the inside of your right arm.
It's important to give each perfume time to settle and interact with your body chemistry. You can then take note of how each scent develops over time and how it wears until it's gone. This will give you a true reading of how the perfume works for you and will help you decide which one you prefer.
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Consult an expert
When it comes to testing perfume, seeking expert advice can be invaluable. Perfume consultants are knowledgeable about the vast array of fragrances available and can guide you in finding a scent that aligns with your preferences and natural chemistry. Here are some tips on how to consult an expert when testing perfume:
Firstly, look for a consultant who is well-versed in a diverse range of fragrances, including the classics. A talented consultant will ask you insightful questions to understand your likes and dislikes. They should aim to uncover the scents that hold special meaning for you and make you reminisce about positive experiences. An adept consultant will also be able to discern your desires and guide you towards fragrances that align with your tastes.
During your consultation, it is essential to avoid wearing any other fragrances to ensure an accurate testing experience. Begin by testing the perfume on paper blotters, which are commonly provided in perfumeries. These absorbent strips allow you to experience the scent without directly applying it to your skin. However, keep in mind that paper blotters can alter the scent slightly, so it is always a good idea to test the perfume on your skin or fabric for a true representation.
When testing on blotters, follow the proper technique. Spray two to three quick sprays of the perfume into the air in a downward motion, creating a cloud. Pass the blotter through the cloud, then wave it under your nose, maintaining a distance of about an inch or two. Avoid touching the blotter to your nose, as this can transfer perfume onto your skin, impacting subsequent tests.
After narrowing down your choices with the blotters, it's time to test the fragrances on your skin. Apply the perfume to your pulse points, such as your wrists, behind your earlobes, or the inner elbow. Wait a few minutes to let the scent meld with your unique body chemistry, revealing the heart and base notes. Avoid rubbing the applied areas, as this can disrupt the integrity of the fragrance.
Take your time with each fragrance, as your perception of it may change over time. Note how the scent evolves and how long it lasts. Consider your personal preference, emotional response, and the technical performance of the perfume. Remember, the perfect scent is not just about the initial impression but also how it complements your natural chemistry and suits your lifestyle throughout the day.
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Frequently asked questions
Testing multiple perfumes at once can be tricky, as you don't want to overwhelm your nose. It's recommended that you test no more than three perfumes at once, as the brain can't discern between more than three scents. If you're testing multiple perfumes, it's best to test them one at a time, giving each perfume your full attention. You should also take breaks in between testing and get some fresh air to reset your sense of smell.
The best way to test a single perfume is to apply it directly to your skin. Perfume reacts with your unique body chemistry, so it's important to see how the scent interacts with your skin. Apply the perfume to pulse points like your wrists, behind your ears, or your inner elbow. Then, wait at least 30 minutes before smelling the perfume again, as this will give you a true reading of how the perfume works with your body chemistry.
When testing perfumes in a store, it's important to take your time and not spend more than 10-15 minutes smelling fragrances. Your nose will quickly become overwhelmed, and you won't be able to accurately distinguish between different scents. Start by spraying the perfume on paper testing strips to get an initial impression. If you like the scent, hold on to the strip for 10 minutes, then smell it again after it's completely dry. If you still like it, you can then spray it on your skin to see how it reacts with your body chemistry.
