Choosing A Cologne Without Smelling It: A Guide

Sampling a cologne is a great way to test if a fragrance is right for you. Fragrances smell different on everyone, so it's worth trying before you buy to avoid disappointment. There are many ways to get your hands on cologne samples, from visiting beauty stores and department stores to ordering online. Beauty stores like Sephora and Ulta often provide free samples, and department stores like Nordstrom, Macy's and Bloomingdales are known for their generous handouts. You can also find samples in magazines, subscription boxes, or as part of a purchase bundle. If you're willing to pay a small fee, there are websites like The Aromi and Scentbird that offer discounted samples and subscription services.

Visit a beauty store

Visiting a beauty store is the best way to get free cologne samples. Cosmetic retailers like Ulta and Sephora often have a large stock of men's cologne, sometimes with free samples. It's worth noting that you're more likely to get a sample at Sephora than at Ulta, and the number is usually limited to three, though this may vary from store to store.

If you'd rather not risk rejection, you can order online, and Sephora will offer two free samples with any purchase. You can also subscribe to Ulta's newsletter, which provides frequent opportunities to get free men's cologne samples.

It can be intimidating to visit a beauty store, but you'll quickly find that the people who work there are nonjudgmental and full of knowledge. They may even help you discover your next signature scent. Be courteous, ask questions, and don't be greedy. Remember, they're working on commission, so make it worth their while to help you.

Additionally, be aware that stores may not have samples for everything. These are usually provided by brands when they launch a new fragrance, so if you're looking for an older, less popular fragrance, you might have trouble finding it.

Department stores

• Visit the cologne counter at a department store and request a fragrance sample. Department stores like Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Nordstrom are known for being generous with fragrance samples. You can also ask the sales clerk for an older fragrance, although these are usually newly launched scents.
• Be courteous and build a rapport with the sales assistant. Remember that they are working on commission, so show genuine interest and that you are likely to make a purchase. This will increase your chances of getting a sample.
• Bring your own empty sample vials to the store and ask the sales assistant to fill them up for you. This may not be allowed at all stores, but it is worth asking.
• Request samples at the register when making any purchase at a department store. It is common practice for department stores to provide free samples with a purchase.
• Look out for newly launched perfumes online, as some perfume companies will give away free samples during a new product launch.
• Join mailing lists of department stores and fragrance manufacturers to stay updated on any special offers or new product launches that may include free samples.
• Take advantage of online perfume sample businesses and perfume outlets, which deal exclusively in the sale of samples.

Official websites

When it comes to sampling a cologne you haven't smelt before, official brand websites can be a great place to start. Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can utilize these resources to make an informed decision about a new fragrance:

Step 1: Visit the Brand Website: Begin by navigating to the official website of the cologne brand you're interested in. Most reputable fragrance companies will have detailed websites providing information about their products.

Step 2: Explore the Fragrance Section: Once on the website, locate the fragrance or cologne section. Here, you should be able to find a dedicated page for each of their offerings. Look for the particular cologne you're interested in sampling.

Step 3: Read the Fragrance Notes and Description: Official websites usually provide a detailed breakdown of the fragrance notes and a description of the cologne. Pay close attention to these, as they will give you an idea of the scent's character. Fragrance notes are typically divided into top, middle, and base notes, indicating the order in which they are perceived and the evolution of the scent over time. The description might highlight whether the cologne is fresh, woody, spicy, citrusy, or oriental, helping you understand the overall aroma.

Step 4: Check out the Customer Reviews: Many brand websites now include customer reviews, which can offer valuable insights into how the cologne performs and how others perceive the scent. Look for reviews that mention the longevity of the cologne (how long it lasts on the skin), the sillage (how well it leaves a trail), and the overall impression it gives. Reviews can also give you an idea of whether the cologne is versatile enough for different seasons, occasions, and personal styles.

Step 5: Sample the Cologne: Some official websites offer samples or discovery sets for purchase, allowing you to try multiple fragrances from their range. This is a great way to experience the cologne firsthand before committing to a full bottle. If samples aren't available for purchase, you may consider contacting the brand's customer support to inquire about obtaining a sample. Sometimes, they may provide small vials or strips officially scented.

Step 6: Explore the Brand's Fragrance Family: If you like the cologne you sampled and are interested in exploring similar offerings, many brand websites will categorize their fragrances into fragrance families or collections. This can help you discover other scents in the same vein that you may also enjoy.

Remember, official websites provide curated content and detailed information directly from the source, ensuring you have the most accurate and up-to-date knowledge about their products. They often showcase the full range of a brand's fragrances, enabling you to make informed comparisons and choices.

Magazines

While it may not be the most reliable method, as samples vary from magazine to magazine and are not guaranteed, it is definitely worth exploring. Rather than subscribing to multiple magazines, take a trip to your local newsagent or drugstore and browse through the options available. You may find that certain magazines, such as Vogue, Allure, and Cosmopolitan, include more samples than others. These free cologne samples are often hidden behind a flap, so keep your eyes open!

If you're looking for a more consistent source of cologne samples, consider other methods such as visiting beauty stores or department stores, taking advantage of online options, or subscribing to fragrance-specific or general grooming subscription boxes. However, if you're open to exploring a variety of fragrances through magazine samples, this can be a fun and convenient way to discover new scents.

Subscription boxes

Scentbird

Scentbird is a pioneer in the cologne subscription box space, having launched in 2013. It offers a large variety of fragrances, including niche and designer brands, with detailed scent descriptions. You can choose a starting scent from the bestsellers collection and unlock the full catalog after your first month. Each month, you will receive an 8-millilitre bottle of your choice, dressed in a free atomizer case. If you don't choose a scent for the month, you will receive the company-chosen scent of the month. Scentbird also offers discounts on full-size bottles for members.

Scent Box

Scent Box is perfect for those who like to change their fragrances regularly. It offers over 850 designer fragrances, including premium and platinum plans that grant access to additional extra-fancy brands. You can set up your scent calendar and receive a 30-day supply of fragrance: 0.27 ounces or 8 millilitres, equivalent to four sprays per day. Scent Box also includes a fun-coloured atomizer case with every box and offers a rewards program with redeemable "Scent Bucks" for future purchases.

ScentMagic

ScentMagic has over 10,000 subscribers and offers a choice of over 500 designer fragrances, including luxury brands such as Glossier, Tom Ford, Cartier, Versace, Gucci, and Prada. You can log in each month to choose a fragrance or select 12 fragrances for the year. By default, ScentMagic also chooses a masculine and feminine scent of the month, which you will receive if you forget to choose.

Perfume.com

Perfume.com offers a budget-friendly option to try designer fragrances without breaking the bank. It offers over 500 brands and premium fragrances from companies such as Givenchy, Guerlain, Dior, and Versace. For your first month, you will pay $7.47, and $14.95 per month after that for a 0.27-ounce fragrance of your choice, along with a fresh travel atomizer in each delivery. You can browse the fragrances available before subscribing and build out a queue of perfumes you'd like to receive.

Debonair Scent

Debonair Scent is an expert-curated box. After subscribing, you will complete a scent profile, which helps the company's experts identify colognes that fit your preferences. They will choose three colognes from hundreds of designer and niche brands each month, giving you an opportunity to discover new companies and find your signature scent. You will receive three 3-millilitre bottles of cologne, or 45 sprays for the month. The box costs $15 per month, and you will also earn a $15 shop credit to purchase full-sized bottles.

Olfactif

Olfactif is perfect for the fragrance aficionado who wants to try unique, niche scents from around the world. For $20 per month, you will receive a curated collection of three 2-millilitre spray vials of premium fragrances, along with exclusive discounts on full bottles and à la carte samples. Olfactif also offers a rewards program where you can redeem scent points for coupons.

LUXSB — Luxury Scent Box

LUXSB offers a large variety of over 550 designer and niche brands, including exclusive brands only available through the subscription. You will receive a larger sample size of 9 millilitres or 30 ounces, approximately 150 sprays or five sprays per day for the month. The subscription costs $15.95 per month, with shipping included, and your first order will include a protective fragrance case for your glass vial.

Frequently asked questions