Choosing The Right Cologne: A Guide To In-Store Testing

When testing colognes in stores, it's important to remember that you're there to find a scent that you feel comfortable with, not one that will please someone else. To get the full experience of a fragrance, it's recommended to go through a progression of experiencing the scent so that you can make an informed decision. Start by spraying a blotter strip or your wrist, wait for the scent to settle, then take a sniff. Avoid wearing other fragrances when testing, and limit the number of scents you test at one time so as not to overload your sense of smell.

Start with blotters: Spray a cloud of cologne and pass a blotter through it

When testing colognes, it's best to start with blotters, also known as scent strips or mouillettes in French. Blotters are strips of absorbent, porous paper that allow perfumes to be absorbed quickly so that you can get a sense of how the fragrance smells. They are usually about 4 inches (10 cm) long, but can sometimes be longer, about 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) long and 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide.

To use a blotter, start by spraying the cologne two or three times in a downward motion into a cloud. Then, pass the blotter through the cloud and let it absorb the fragrance. Be sure to focus on the pointed end of the strip, as this is narrower and easier to dunk into the bottle. Wave the scented strip under your nose, being careful not to touch it, and inhale. Blotters should be kept at least an inch or two away from your nose.

If you like the scent, you can preserve the smell on the blotter by putting it in a sealable bag to protect it from foreign odours. You can also press it with a slightly warm iron to refresh the aroma. If you plan to test multiple colognes, it's important to store used blotters separately from unused ones to prevent cross-contamination, which may alter your test results.

While blotters are a great way to get an initial sense of a cologne's scent, it's important to keep in mind that the smell may differ slightly when applied to the skin, as fragrances are designed to react with the skin's heat. Therefore, it's recommended to test colognes on your skin after trying them on blotters to get a true sense of how they smell.

Try on skin: Spray on your wrist, wait 30 seconds, then smell

Testing cologne on your skin is usually the next step after trying a few on blotters. This step will help you get a better sense of the cologne and see how it evolves. The heat and the skin's natural oils allow the cologne to go through its full life cycle to a much deeper extent.

When testing cologne on your skin, it's best to try it on your wrist or the back of your hand. Spray the cologne in a downward motion, and use two spritzes. Drop your hand to your side and wait at least 30 seconds for the scent to settle on your skin. It's important not to rub the cologne into your skin. Once it has started to dry, bring your wrist or hand up to your nose and inhale. Make sure to keep your skin at least an inch or two away from your nose.

After testing the cologne on your skin, it's a good idea to do something else for a while, such as browsing the shop, grabbing a coffee, or going for a walk. This will allow the cologne to interact with your body's natural chemistry. Over time, the fragrance will deepen as you experience each of the notes in its formulation. After 15-30 minutes (or longer), take a sniff of your wrist or hand to see how the cologne has developed.

It's also important to test colognes earlier in the day, as our sense of smell is usually sharpest in the morning. Additionally, make sure your hands are clean before testing, as the things we touch throughout the day can leave smells on our skin.

Take your time: Do something else for 15-30 minutes to see how the cologne develops

When testing colognes in-store, it's important to take your time and give the fragrance a chance to interact with your body's natural chemistry. After spraying the cologne on your skin, do something else for 15-30 minutes to allow the scent to develop. Browse the shop, grab a coffee, or go for a walk. Then, take a sniff of your wrist or the back of your hand to see how the cologne has evolved.

During this time, the fragrance will deepen as you experience each of the different notes in its formulation. The same cologne can smell very different on three people due to individual body chemistry. By taking your time, you can get a true reading of how the cologne works with your unique body chemistry. If you still love it after 15-30 minutes, it's a sign that it's the right choice for you.

It's also recommended to test colognes earlier in the day, as our sense of smell is typically sharpest in the morning. Additionally, avoid wearing other fragrances when testing new ones, as this can hinder your ability to accurately experience the new scent.

Mind your senses: Avoid wearing other fragrances when testing

When testing colognes in stores, it's important to mind your senses and avoid wearing other fragrances. This is because the lingering presence of another fragrance will adversely affect the results of your test.

Perfume stores are notoriously polluted with various fragrances, but these are usually kept at a safe distance thanks to air conditioning. However, if you're testing different fragrances while wearing another scent, it will interfere with your ability to accurately perceive the new fragrances. This is especially true when you undertake a skin test.

The purpose of testing colognes is to find one that resonates with your personal identity and complements your body's natural chemistry. By wearing another fragrance during the testing process, you hinder your ability to experience a new fragrance accurately and make an informed decision about whether it's right for you.

Therefore, it's recommended to avoid wearing any fragrances when testing new scents. This way, you can ensure that your sense of smell isn't overwhelmed and that you're getting a true reading of how the cologne works with your body chemistry.

Ask the clerk: What's your favourite scent here?

When you're shopping for fragrances, it's best to start with blotters—the strips of porous paper near fragrance display bottles. Spray two or three times in a downward motion into a cloud, pass the blotter through, and then wave it under your nose. This will give you a sense of how the fragrance smells without it interacting with your skin.

Once you've narrowed down your selection to one or a few fragrances, you can try them on your skin. Spray your wrist or the back of your hand twice, and wait at least 30 seconds for the scent to settle. After testing, do something else for 15-30 minutes to allow the fragrance to interact with your body's natural chemistry. Over time, the fragrance will deepen as you experience each of the levels of notes in its formulation.

If you're unsure where to start, you can always ask the clerk about their favourite scent. They may even be able to provide you with a sample to try at home. Department stores like Sephora, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdales are great places to sample fragrances without the pressure of pushy salespeople. Sephora, for example, allows you to take up to three bottles to a sales agent and ask for a sample. Building relationships with staff can also make the fragrance-shopping experience more enjoyable.

Now, let's say you've asked the clerk about their favourite scent. They might point you towards Tobacco Vanille, a popular choice among fragrance enthusiasts. Or perhaps they'll recommend something from Chanel or Dior, which can be found at Nordstrom. If you're feeling adventurous, you might ask about niche fragrances, which can be found at Saks.

Remember, when testing fragrances, it's best to try out only three scents at a time, and to start with lighter, more aqueous or musky scents. Avoid wearing other fragrances when testing new ones, and take your time between tests to give your nose a break. Happy scent hunting!

Frequently asked questions