Antonio Mcgowan
Sampling fragrances is an art. With so many options available, from traditional boxed colognes to small-batch clean fragrances, it can be overwhelming to find the right scent for you. The key is to take your time and trust your nose. When testing a new fragrance, it's important to go through a progression of experiencing the scent so that you can make an informed decision. This includes trying the fragrance on paper blotters, on your skin, and wearing it for a few days to see how it works with your body chemistry. It's also a good idea to avoid wearing other fragrances or strong deodorants when testing, as they can interfere with your test.
How to Sample Fragrances
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to find samples | Department stores, perfumeries, duty-free shops, online, subscription boxes, beauty counters, and beauty subscription boxes |
| How to test | Use blotters/paper strips, then test on skin |
| Number of fragrances | Test no more than 3 fragrances in one sitting to avoid nasal fatigue |
| Time taken | Take your time, test the fragrance over a few days |
| Other factors | Avoid wearing other fragrances or deodorants when testing, do not test after eating strong-smelling foods |
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What You'll Learn
Sampling fragrances in-store
Ask for Samples
Don't be shy to ask for samples at the fragrance counter. Beauty specialty shops like Sephora and Nordstrom are known for being generous with samples, so take advantage of this. You can request a sample vial to take home and test, which allows you to experience the fragrance over an extended period. This is especially useful if you're considering purchasing a deluxe-sized scent or during a scent event.
Sample on Skin
While testing on paper strips is a common practice, keep in mind that fragrances behave differently on skin. If possible, sample the fragrance on your skin, as this will give you a more accurate idea of how it will smell on you. Spray it on your wrists or the back of your hands, and wait to see how the scent develops over time.
Limit the Number of Fragrances
When sampling in-store, it's best to limit yourself to testing only a few fragrances at a time. Your nose can become fatigued if you smell too many different scents, making it difficult to distinguish between them. Focus on a small selection of fragrances that interest you, and take your time with each one.
Take Notes
As you sample different fragrances, take notes on your experience. Make note of the fragrance name, where you sprayed it on your skin, and your initial impressions. This will help you remember the details of each fragrance, especially if you plan to test multiple scents during your visit.
Walk Around
After applying a fragrance to your skin, walk around the store or mall and observe how the scent develops. Pay attention to how it changes over time and how it interacts with your body chemistry. If you like how the fragrance evolves, consider purchasing a sample or a full bottle.
Return for a More Thorough Test
Don't feel pressured to make a purchase during your first visit. Instead, take your time and return to the store to test your planned purchase again. Test the fragrance as you would wear it, using the same number of sprays on your pulse points, to ensure it's the right choice for you.
Remember, sampling fragrances in-store is a process of discovery. Take your time, explore different options, and trust your senses to find the perfect fragrance that suits your unique taste and style.
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Sampling fragrances at home
In-Store Sampling
Before you start testing fragrances at home, it's a good idea to visit a department store or perfumery to get an initial sense of different scents. However, these environments can be overwhelming due to the presence of competing fragrances. To make the most of your in-store experience:
- Avoid wearing your own fragrance or strong deodorant, as these can interfere with the test.
- Opt for paper blotters or strips instead of spraying directly on your skin. This prevents contamination and allows you to test multiple fragrances without confusing your sense of smell.
- Limit yourself to testing no more than three fragrances in one session.
- Take breaks between testing different scents to reset your sense of smell. You can smell your own skin or use olfactory palate cleansers like coffee beans.
- If you find a fragrance you like, ask for a small sample to take home. Many stores provide free samples to help you make an informed decision.
At-Home Sampling
Once you've gathered some samples, you can begin testing them at home:
- Start with the paper strips provided with the samples. Spray each strip once or twice, wait a few seconds for the alcohol to evaporate, then bring the strip close to your nose and inhale gently.
- Evaluate the perfume's top, middle, and base notes. The scent will evolve over time, so you may find that your opinion changes as it dries down.
- Consider the concentration of the perfume, as this determines its longevity on the skin. Eau de Cologne, for example, will not last as long as Eau de Parfum.
- When you find a fragrance you like on paper strips, it's time to test it on your skin. Spray your wrist or the back of your hand with the perfume, then wait at least 30 seconds for it to settle.
- Avoid touching your nose directly to your skin; keep a small distance between them.
- Go about your day and pay attention to how the fragrance interacts with your body chemistry. The scent will deepen and change over time.
- Take notes on your reactions to each perfume to help you make a decision.
- If possible, wear one fragrance at a time for a few days to fully experience its evolution and how it fits into your lifestyle.
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Using blotters
Blotters, also known as scent strips or mouillettes in French, are used by perfumers and consumers to test a fragrance without applying it to the skin. The smell of a fragrance on a blotter may differ slightly from how it smells on your skin, but the key notes are usually preserved. Blotters are usually around 4 inches long, but can be longer or shorter depending on the specific use case. For example, Edmond Roudnitska used blotters that were 7 inches long. Blotters are often narrower on one end to facilitate dunking into slender bottles and to minimize liquid consumption.
When testing fragrances with blotters, it is important to create an optimal testing environment. This includes finding a clean, tranquil environment free from distracting scents, such as perfume, cologne, chemical smells, or food. It is also important to test fragrances in a room with sufficient fresh air.
To use a blotter, start by spraying or dipping the blotter with the fragrance. If you are using a spray bottle, spray the fragrance onto the wider part of the strip. If you are using a vial with liquid, dip the blotter into the liquid and then fold it in half lengthwise to avoid paper bending when it is wet. Hold the blotter about an inch from your nose and mouth and take a small whiff. Then, hold it away from your nose and ask yourself what you have just smelled. Take written notes on each fragrance you test. This will help you be more analytical and will be useful for reference later on.
It is important to note that your sense of smell can only handle a limited number of scents before it gets confused. Therefore, it is recommended to not test more than three fragrances on blotters in a given day. You can use olfactory palate cleansers, such as coffee beans or your own clean skin, to reset your sense of smell between fragrances.
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Testing on skin
Testing a fragrance on your skin is the best way to evaluate a perfume. The warmth of your skin, its flora, chemistry, and natural oils will react with the perfume to create a scent that is unique to you.
When testing a fragrance on your skin, it is important to remember that the perfume will go through its full olfactive life cycle. This means that you must still appreciate the scent towards the end of the day when only the base notes are present. To test a fragrance across one whole day, you should begin the experiment immediately after your morning shower. Make sure your skin is warm and clean as open pores react with the fragrance more readily. Direct the spray towards your pulse points, like your wrists, as they are rendered naturally warm by the veins underneath. You can also spray the fragrance on the back of your hands, but remember that the perfume will take longer to diffuse.
After spraying the perfume, allow it to dry naturally on your skin. Avoid rubbing your wrists together as this will increase the surface area from which the perfume can evaporate. Instead, bring your hand up and inhale the top notes, being careful not to touch your nose to your skin. Keep your hand at least an inch or two away. The fragrance will develop over the course of the day, and you can periodically take a sniff to note how it is changing.
If you are testing multiple fragrances, be sure to spray them on separate areas of your body to avoid contamination. You can also use a hollow plastic coffee stirrer or cocktail straw to dip into the sample vial and release the juice onto your wrist. This method allows for more control and a greater amount of fragrance than simply dabbing with your finger.
It is recommended to take your time when testing a fragrance on your skin. Something you may love in the store may not be what you love at home, so allow the fragrance to play with your body's natural chemistry. Take a sniff of the fragrance after 15-30 minutes (or longer!) to see how it has developed.
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Where to get samples
There are several ways to get your hands on fragrance samples, both in-store and online.
In-store
Department stores like Sephora, Nordstrom, Macy's, and Saks 5th Ave are great places to start. They often provide free samples, and some will even decant a bottle to make you a sample of your choice. Beauty specialty shops like Sephora will pour you a sample vial upon request, so don't be shy to ask. Fragrance specialty shops will also likely offer samples.
Online
Online perfume stores and outlets often include free samples with a purchase, although you usually can't choose which ones you get. Niche perfume boutiques, such as MicroPerfumes, Surrender to Chance, and Tigerlilly Perfumery, often sell sample vials of their scents through their online stores and may include freebies with your order. Some even have sample programs you can sign up for to receive their newest fragrances. Websites like Scent Split, ScentBox, Scentbird, and MicroPerfumes offer a wide selection of decanted vials for purchase.
Direct from the manufacturer
You can also request free samples directly from the perfume manufacturer. While this strategy doesn't always work, it's worth trying. Check the company's website for a physical address and send them a letter requesting samples.
Other options
You can sign up to write reviews or answer product surveys for companies like Influenster, Pinchme, and Tryspree, which will provide you with samples in exchange for your feedback. Signing up for beauty product newsletters will also keep you in the loop about giveaways and new product drops, which often come with deluxe fragrance samples. Lastly, glossy magazines often feature scented perfume ads, providing an easy way to discover new scents.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to sample fragrances is to use paper blotters or strips, which are usually provided near fragrance display bottles. Spray the fragrance onto the strip and let it absorb. Wave the strip under your nose, being careful not to touch it. This allows you to experience the top notes of the fragrance. If you like the scent, you can then try it on your skin to see how it reacts with your body chemistry.
It is recommended to sample no more than three fragrances at a time, as your sense of smell can only handle a few scents before it becomes confused or overwhelmed. Take breaks between sampling different fragrances to avoid nasal fatigue.
No, it is recommended to avoid wearing any other fragrances or strong deodorants when sampling new fragrances, as they may interfere with your sense of smell and impact your perception of the new scent.
Many beauty stores and fragrance brands offer free samples of new products. You can visit department stores or beauty specialty shops and ask for a small sample to take home and try. Some companies also offer free samples with online purchases or through reward programs. You can also order samples online from websites like Scent Split and MicroPerfumes.
If you've sampled a fragrance and don't like it, simply move on and try another one. Fragrance is a personal choice, and it's important to trust your nose and find a scent that you truly enjoy. Don't feel pressured to buy a fragrance just because of pushy sales tactics.
