Katrina Rosales
Choosing a perfume can be a challenging task, especially with the wide variety of fragrances available in the market. Testing perfume samples is a great way to explore and find a scent that suits you. Perfume samples can be obtained from department stores, beauty shops, or online. When testing a new fragrance, it is important to go through a progression of experiencing the scent. Paper blotters are usually the first step in testing perfumes, followed by testing on the skin. It is also recommended to take your time and test the perfume over a few days to understand how it fits into your lifestyle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to get samples | Department stores, beauty specialty shops like Sephora, online, subscription boxes, fragrance houses, beauty product newsletters, magazines, eBay, Poshmark, Etsy, Lucky Scent, Fragrances Line, Fragrance Net, Facebook Fragrance Marketplace, Mercari, Saks 5th Ave, Sephora, The Perfumed Court, Surrender to Chance, Tigerlilly Perfumery, manufacturers, etc. |
| How to test | Use paper blotters/strips, wait for alcohol to evaporate, smell from a distance without touching nose, test on skin (wrist or back of hand), wait 15-30 minutes, evaluate top, middle and base notes, test concentration, test earlier in the day, avoid wearing other fragrances, use olfactory palate cleansers (e.g. coffee beans), test at home |
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What You'll Learn
Testing perfume on paper blotters
Paper blotters are the thin strips of absorbent, porous paper usually placed near fragrance display bottles. They are used to test perfumes, fragrance oils, and essential oils. Paper blotters are the first step in the process of testing perfumes. They allow perfumes to be absorbed quickly, enabling you to experience the scent.
To use a paper blotter, spray two or three quick sprays in a downward motion into a cloud. Pass the blotter through the cloud and let the perfume absorb. Wave the scented strip under your nose, being careful not to touch it. Blotters should be kept at least an inch or two away. Close your eyes and inhale.
It is important to note that paper blotters are not the same as testing perfumes on your skin. Perfumes react differently on paper blotters than on the skin. The warmth, flora, and natural oils of your skin will transform the scent of the perfume. Therefore, it is recommended to test perfumes on your skin after testing them on paper blotters.
When testing perfumes on paper blotters, it is important to do so in a clean and tranquil environment. Avoid rooms with distracting scents, such as chemical smells or food odours. Additionally, refrain from wearing other fragrances when testing new perfumes, as this can hinder your ability to experience the new scent accurately. It is also recommended to limit testing to a maximum of three fragrances on blotters in a day, as your sense of smell can only handle a limited number of scents before becoming confused.
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Testing perfume on your skin
When testing perfumes on your skin, it's best to start with two or three fragrances on blotters to narrow down your favourites. Then, you can move on to testing your selected fragrances on your skin. To test perfumes on your skin, you can spray or dab them onto your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, or the back of your hands. Spray or dab the perfume in a downward motion, and wait at least 30 seconds for the scent to settle before inhaling. Avoid rubbing the perfume into your skin, as this can alter the scent's composition and cause contamination. Instead, let it dry naturally.
When testing perfumes on your skin, it's important to take your time and allow the fragrance to develop. The scent will change over time as it interacts with your body chemistry, so it's worth sniffing your wrist or hand after 15-30 minutes to observe how the fragrance has evolved. You can also test perfumes earlier in the day, as our sense of smell is usually sharper in the morning.
To avoid confusion and nasal fatigue, it's recommended to test no more than three fragrances on your skin per day. You should also avoid wearing other fragrances or strongly scented products, such as deodorant, when testing perfumes, as they can interfere with your ability to experience new scents. Additionally, it's best to avoid testing perfumes after eating strongly flavoured foods, as this can also impact your sense of smell.
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How to get free perfume samples
There are several ways to get your hands on free perfume samples, both online and in-store. Here are some tips to help you get started:
In-store
The most classic way to get free perfume samples is to visit a brick-and-mortar store. Many perfume stores offer free samples when you purchase a full bottle. You can also request a free sample without making a purchase, especially if you're a returning customer or show genuine interest in a particular fragrance. Salespeople are more likely to provide free samples during shopping seasons like Christmas. It's a good idea to ask for their business card and contact them when you plan to buy a fragrance, helping them reach their sales targets and increasing your chances of getting free samples.
Online stores
Some online stores offer free perfume samples when you sign up for their newsletters or place an order. You can also sign up for beauty product newsletters to stay informed about new product launches and giveaways, which often include deluxe fragrance samples. Websites like Scent Split and MicroPerfumes offer a wide selection of decanted vials for purchase, and you can even buy individual samples from luxe lines like Le Labo.
Social media and targeted ads
Following brands and department stores like Macy's and Gucci on social media can lead to targeted ads that offer free perfume samples. These ads may pop up on your feed, and stores like Macy's and Bloomingdale's are known to send 5-6 samples.
Subscription boxes
Subscription boxes are another way to explore new fragrances without committing to a full-size purchase. Services like Scentbox or Scentbird offer monthly deliveries of on-trend perfumes, along with coupon codes for future purchases.
Reviews and surveys
You can also sign up to write reviews, answer product surveys, or participate in focus groups with companies like Influenster, Pinchme, and Tryspree. While providing feedback, you'll have the opportunity to try different fragrances and build your collection.
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How to avoid nasal fatigue
When testing perfumes, nasal fatigue can set in after about three fragrances. This happens when your nasal receptors become less sensitive to specific scents, leading to the misconception that certain fragrances have dissipated. To avoid nasal fatigue, there are several things you can do:
Firstly, it is recommended to start with paper blotters. Blotters are made from absorbent, porous papers that allow perfumes to be absorbed quickly. Spray two or three quick sprays in a downward motion into a cloud, pass the scent strip through the cloud, and let it absorb. Wave the scented strip under your nose, being careful not to touch it to your nose. One or two sprays should be enough, and you should keep the strip at least an inch or two away. Take a moment to pause, close your eyes, and inhale lightly.
After trying fragrances on blotters, you can narrow down your options to one or two fragrances to try on your skin. Spray either your wrist or the back of your hand in a downward motion. Two spritzes should be enough. Drop your hand to your side and wait at least 30 seconds for the scent to settle on your skin. Once it has started to dry, bring your hand up and inhale.
It's important to take your time when testing perfumes. Something you love in the store may not be what you love at home, so it's a good idea to do something else after spraying the perfume on your wrist, allowing the fragrance to play with your body's natural chemistry. Over time, the fragrance will deepen as you experience each of the levels of notes in its formulation. Take a sniff of your wrist or the back of your hand after 15-30 minutes to see how the fragrance has developed.
To avoid nasal fatigue, it's recommended to test no more than three fragrances in a day. You can also use olfactory palate cleansers, such as coffee beans, between fragrances. Coffee aromas have been used by perfumeries to make it easier to experience odor intensities at a consistent level, so they're not dulled between fragrances. If there are no coffee beans on hand, you can also try smelling your own clean skin or the sleeve of your shirt to give yourself a "reset".
When spraying the perfume, make sure to avoid getting it on your hands, clothes, or the table underneath, as this will influence what you smell. It's also important to let the alcohol evaporate before inhaling, as the zingy fumes of alcohol can saturate and block your nose, leading to nasal fatigue.
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Evaluating the perfume pyramid
The perfume pyramid, or fragrance pyramid, is a way to understand the structure of a perfume. It is divided into three layers: head notes, heart notes, and base notes. The pyramid's shape represents the way a perfume is experienced as it develops.
The head notes are the first aromas identified when a perfume is applied. They tend to be lighter and fresher, with zesty citrus notes like bergamot and lime, or herbs like basil and peppermint. These notes have a short lifespan of five to fifteen minutes.
The heart notes emerge after the head notes. These are often soft florals, like rose or lavender, but can also include spices. The heart notes are the body of the fragrance and are refined, built up, and led towards the perfume's climax.
The base notes are the final layer of the perfume and reveal its unique character. These notes are usually rich and heavy, with woody, musky, or amber scents. They evaporate slowly and are used as a fixative, allowing the fragrance to linger on the skin.
When evaluating a perfume pyramid, it is important to experience all three layers. The top notes may be enticing, but the dry-down stage can be disappointing. Similarly, you may not like the opening notes but love the scent that develops later.
To experience the perfume pyramid, you can use paper blotters or strips to test the fragrance. Spray the perfume onto the strip and wave it under your nose, being careful not to touch it. Alternatively, you can spray the perfume onto your wrist or the back of your hand and wait at least 30 seconds for the scent to settle before inhaling. It is recommended to test no more than three fragrances in one day to avoid overwhelming your sense of smell.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to obtain perfume samples, both online and in-store. Many beauty stores like Sephora offer free fragrance samples with or without a purchase. You can also sign up for an account at Ulta and opt for mailings to receive free samples every month. If you don't mind buying samples, you can purchase them online from websites like Scent Split and MicroPerfumes.
It's recommended to test no more than three fragrances on paper blotters in one sitting, as your sense of smell can only handle about three scents well before it begins to get confused. If you're testing fragrances on your skin, it's best to test one fragrance at a time, waiting at least 30 seconds between each spritz to avoid overwhelming your senses.
When testing a perfume sample, it's important to experience the top, middle, and base notes. Start by spraying the perfume on a paper blotter and inhaling the scent. If you like how it smells on the blotter, you can then test it on your skin. Spray the perfume on your wrist or the back of your hand and wait at least 30 seconds for the scent to settle before inhaling. To get the full effect of the perfume, continue to smell your wrist throughout the day to understand how the fragrance changes over time.
