Anisha Riggs
Choosing a perfume can be a very personal decision, and with so many options available, it can be challenging to pick the right one. Testing a perfume before buying it is essential to ensure that you like the scent and that it suits you. This is especially important when buying perfume online, as you cannot physically smell it before purchasing. Here are some tips to help you smell and test perfumes before committing to a full-sized bottle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fragrances to test | 3 is the recommended number. |
| Use of blotters | Paper blotters are usually the first step in testing perfume. |
| Olfactory palate cleansers | Coffee beans are provided in stores to reset your sense of smell. |
| Time taken | Take your time and allow the fragrance to interact with your body's natural chemistry. |
| Time of the day | Test scents earlier in the day, as the sense of smell usually peaks in the morning. |
| Wearing other fragrances | Avoid wearing other fragrances when testing a new one. |
| Online research | Understand the different fragrance families, read reviews, and opt for well-known brands. |
| Sample sizes | Consider buying a smaller bottle or a sample to test the fragrance. |
| Direct application | Apply the fragrance directly to your skin, on pulse points like wrists, behind your ears, or the inner elbow. |
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What You'll Learn
Start with blotters (paper strips)
When it comes to choosing a new perfume, it can be tempting to want to smell every bottle on offer. However, it's important to take a structured approach to avoid overwhelming your senses. The best place to start is with blotters—the paper strips usually provided near fragrance display bottles.
Firstly, avoid wearing any other fragrances when testing something new. Your everyday perfume or a strong deodorant can interfere with your ability to experience a new scent. It's also a good idea to avoid testing more than three fragrances on blotters in one day. Your sense of smell can generally only handle a few scents before it gets confused.
When testing, be sure not to touch the blotters to your nose. Even the slightest touch will leave a trace of perfume behind, and you'll find that all subsequent fragrances smell a little like the first one. Instead, waft the strip gently through the air and allow the scent to reach your nose.
If you're testing multiple perfumes, use olfactory palate cleansers between each one. Coffee aromas are often provided in perfumeries and can help to maintain a consistent level of odor intensity. If there aren't any coffee beans available, try sniffing your own clean skin for a "reset". Alternatively, you can step outside for some fresh air or take a sip of water.
Remember, the best way to test a perfume is by wearing it. So, if you find a scent you like on a blotter, the next step is to apply it directly to your skin and see how it interacts with your body chemistry.
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Avoid wearing fragrances when testing
When testing perfumes, it is best to avoid wearing any other fragrances or a strong deodorant. This is because other scents can interfere with the test, hindering your ability to experience a new fragrance.
To test perfumes, it is recommended to use paper blotters, or scent strips, as the first step. These are the strips of paper usually provided near fragrance display bottles. To use, spray two to 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 with your nose. Blotters should be kept at least an inch or two away from your nose.
After testing with blotters, you can test the perfume 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 is recommended to take some time after spraying the perfume on your skin to do something else, so that you can 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. Take a sniff of your wrist or the back of your hand after 15-30 minutes (or longer) to see how the fragrance has developed.
It is also important to note that the chemistry between the fragrance and your skin plays a pivotal role in creating a harmonious experience. Each person has a unique body chemistry that can influence how a fragrance develops and lingers on their skin. Factors such as pH levels, body temperature, and even hydration can significantly impact how a fragrance performs on your skin. Therefore, it is important to test fragrances on your own skin before making a final decision.
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Take your time and let the scent develop
When testing a perfume, it's important to take your time and let the scent develop on your skin. This will allow you to experience the different notes of the fragrance as it interacts with your body's natural chemistry.
After spraying the perfume on your wrist, it's a good idea to distract yourself by doing something else. This could mean browsing the shop, grabbing a coffee, or even going for a walk. This gives the perfume time to settle and develop its unique scent on your skin.
The fragrance will gradually unfold, revealing its heart and base notes over time. This process can take 15-30 minutes or longer, so be patient and allow the scent to fully evolve. You may find that a perfume that appealed to you initially becomes less appealing as it deepens, or vice versa.
Our sense of smell is typically sharpest in the morning, so it's recommended to test scents earlier in the day. This will ensure you're at your most perceptive when evaluating the perfume.
Additionally, it's worth noting that certain actions can disrupt the development of a perfume's scent. For example, rubbing your wrists together can increase the surface area from which the perfume evaporates, causing it to dissipate faster. Allowing the fragrance to dry properly before dressing and avoiding rubbing it onto areas like the underarms can also help preserve the scent.
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Understand the different fragrance families
Understanding the different fragrance families is an essential step in choosing a perfume that suits your personal taste and style. Categorisation of fragrances into families is based on shared olfactory impressions, notes, accords, and the style of the fragrance. Notes refer to individual elements or ingredients such as orange, clove, jasmine, rose, cedarwood, or sandalwood. Accords are combinations of notes that create a chord, similar to music.
The fragrance families are then placed on the Fragrance Wheel, a circular diagram invented by scent expert Michael Edwards. The wheel illustrates the four main scent families and their corresponding subfamilies, with similar scent groups placed side by side. The four main fragrance families are:
- Woody: This family includes warm and opulent fragrances, mixing incense-like scents like sandalwood and patchouli with drier notes like cedar. Subfamilies include Woods, Mossy Woods, and Dry Woods.
- Floral: One of the most common families, floral scents are often associated with feminine fragrances, although they are also used in some men's perfumes. They usually smell like fresh-cut flowers or have a powdery note. Subfamilies include Fruity, Floral, Soft Floral, and Floral Oriental.
- Amber (previously known as Oriental): This family includes warm, sensual, and exotic fragrances with notes of herbs, spices, and dry powdery resins. Subfamilies include Floral Oriental, Soft Oriental, and Woody Oriental.
- Fresh: This family is defined by zingy, aromatic compositions backed with underlying woody notes. Fresh fragrances often comprise citrus, water, and green notes. Subfamilies include Aromatic, Citrus, Green, and Water.
Additionally, there are other fragrance families mentioned across various sources, including Fougère, Chypre, Gourmand, and Aquatic.
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Buy a sample size or discovery kit
Buying a sample size or discovery kit is a great way to test out a perfume before committing to a full-size bottle. These kits offer a range of fragrances for you to experiment with, allowing you to find your signature scent without having to invest in a large bottle. They are often packaged beautifully, making them an excellent gift option as well.
Perfume discovery kits usually contain multiple fragrances, with some having as many as four or six different scents. These can be mixed and matched to create a unique, customized fragrance experience. For example, the Kayali Vacation in a Bottle Mini Perfume Set contains four eau de toilettes that can be layered for a transportive effect. Similarly, the Henry Rose Eau de Parfum Discovery Sampler Set offers six genderless scents that can be layered to create a versatile fragrance wardrobe.
Discovery kits are a great way to sample fragrances from different brands and narrow down which brands and scent profiles resonate with you. For instance, the Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Le Labo perfume discovery sets feature universally flattering scents like Baccarat Rouge 540 and Santal 33, respectively. If you're looking for something more inventive, brands like Dries Van Noten, Juliette Has a Gun, and Kilian offer compelling fragrance options.
Sample sizes and discovery kits are also perfect for travel, as the miniature bottles are often TSA-approved. This allows you to bring your favourite fragrances with you on the go without worrying about lugging around large bottles. Additionally, some brands offer free samples with your purchase, allowing you to try the perfume before opening the full-size bottle. This ensures that you can return the product if it doesn't meet your expectations, providing a risk-free way to explore new perfumes.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to test a perfume is to wear it. Apply the fragrance directly to your skin, focusing on pulse points like your wrists, behind your ears, or your inner elbow. Your body's natural chemistry interacts with the scent, allowing you to experience each of the levels of notes in its formulation.
Your sense of smell can handle around 3 scents before it gets confused, so it's best to stop after smelling 3 different perfumes and take a break before testing more.
It's a good idea to use olfactory palate cleansers like coffee beans between fragrances. However, some sources suggest that fresh air, water, or sniffing your own unscented sleeve or skin is a more effective way to reset your sense of smell.
Firstly, understand the different fragrance families—fresh, floral, oriental, and woody—and identify which family you prefer. Then, do your research: read product descriptions carefully, paying attention to notes, colour, packaging, and the name of the perfume, which may give clues about the scent. Finally, consider buying a smaller bottle or sample to test before committing to a larger bottle.
