The Ultimate Guide To Testing Cologne

Testing cologne can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of fragrances available. It is important to remember that choosing a scent is a personal preference, much like choosing a favourite shade of lipstick or the perfect outfit. When testing cologne, it is best to start with blotters or paper strips, which are usually available at fragrance counters. Spray the cologne on the blotter and bring it close to your nose, without touching it, to inhale the scent. If you like the fragrance, the next step is to test how it smells on your skin. Spray the cologne on your wrist or the back of your hand and wait for it to settle before bringing it close to your nose to inhale. It is recommended to test no more than two or three fragrances at a time, as your sense of smell can only handle a few scents before it becomes confused or overwhelmed. Take your time between testing different colognes, and avoid wearing other fragrances when testing new ones.

Using blotters

Blotters, also known as scent strips or mouillettes in French, are used by perfumers to create fragrances and by consumers to test them without applying them to the skin. The smell of a scent on a blotter is slightly different from how it would smell on your skin, but the key moments are usually preserved.

Blotters are typically about 4 inches long (10 cm), but can be longer, up to 5 or 6 inches (13-15 cm) and 0.4 inches wide (1 cm). They are often narrower at one end to make it easier to dip them into a slender bottle and to minimise liquid consumption. Professional blotters are often creased in the middle and made of a dense absorbent paper.

There are no special requirements for the type of paper used, but it should be minimally processed and uncoated. Remnants of bleach or dye in the paper might negatively affect the fragrance. A typical density of 180 grams is good. You can buy blotters of many kinds, or printing houses can customise them to any shape, just like business cards. You can also make them yourself from thick filter or watercolour paper. If you plan to mix your own perfume composition, it is better to use a thinner paper because it does not hold the smell for long, allowing you to smell the different phases of the perfume much faster.

If you are using a liquid fragrance, dip the blotter into the vial. Blotters are often folded in half lengthwise to avoid paper bending when it is wet. If you are using a spray fragrance, spray the fragrance twice in a downward motion in front of you, creating a vapour cloud. Then, pass the blotter through the cloud and let it absorb. Wave the scented strip under your nose, being careful not to touch it, and inhale. Keep the blotter at least an inch or two away from your nose.

If you like the perfume and want to preserve the smell on the blotter, put it in a sealable bag to protect it from foreign odours. You can even press it with a slightly warm iron to refresh the aroma. Write the name of the fragrance, along with the date and time, on the blotter. If you put the perfumed blotter down on a table, slightly bend the end up to avoid soiling your work area.

When testing fragrances, it is important to do so in a clean, tranquil environment with fresh air. Avoid rooms with distracting scents, such as perfume, chemical smells, food or tobacco. Take your time when testing and be careful with your judgments. The nose quickly adjusts to new scents and can become overwhelmed with nasal fatigue over time. Take regular breaks from testing to allow your nose and brain to reset.

Testing on skin

Testing cologne on your skin is an essential step in the fragrance-choosing process. The warmth of your skin, its flora and chemistry, and its natural oils will react with the cologne to create a scent that is unique to you.

• Choose one or two colognes to test. It is best to limit yourself to testing no more than four fragrances at a time, as testing too many scents can confuse your sense of smell.
• Spray the cologne on your wrist or the back of your hand. These are ideal testing spots because they are easier to smell. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin to avoid over-application.
• Do not rub your wrist or hand after spraying. Let the cologne dry naturally. Rubbing can break the molecular bond in the fragrance, causing the scent to fade faster.
• Without touching your wrist or hand to your nose, inhale the cologne. Keep your nose at least an inch or two away from your skin.
• Allow the fragrance to develop over time. The scent will change as it goes through its scent stages and interacts with your body chemistry.
• Periodically smell the cologne to observe how it evolves. Try to avoid washing the testing area or splashing water on it during this time.
• If you are testing multiple colognes, make sure to wait a few minutes between each test to avoid confusing the scents.
• Take note of your reactions to each cologne. Record your impressions of the top, middle, and base notes.
• Re-apply the cologne if needed. Depending on the type of cologne, you may need to re-apply after a few hours, especially if you are going out in the evening.

Remember, the fragrance that you choose should complement your natural body chemistry and fit your lifestyle in terms of how long the scent lasts. It is also important to avoid over-application, as less is more when it comes to cologne. Start with a light application and ask for feedback from a close friend or family member if you are unsure.

Avoiding nasal fatigue

When testing cologne, it's important to be aware of nasal fatigue, or olfactory fatigue, which is when your nose gets used to a smell after continuous exposure and gradually stops recognizing the scent. This is a natural protective mechanism of our olfactory system to filter out familiar scents and stay alert for new odours, particularly those that could signal danger.

• Limit the number of scents you test at one time. It's recommended to test no more than three fragrances in a day, as your sense of smell can only handle a few scents well before it becomes confused.
• Take breaks between testing different fragrances. Give your nose a rest and do something else for a while to clear your nasal palate.
• Avoid wearing fragrances when testing new ones. The scent of the cologne you already have on can hinder your ability to experience a new fragrance accurately.
• Use olfactory palate cleansers. Coffee beans are commonly used to neutralise odours between fragrance tests. However, they may be less effective with gourmand and oriental fragrances, as these may contain similar notes to coffee. In this case, you can try smelling your own clean skin, wool clothes, or lemon instead.
• Test fragrances in the morning. Your sense of smell is usually sharper during the morning hours, so you'll be able to better assess the fragrances.
• Test fragrances earlier in the day. Our sense of smell typically peaks in the morning, so it's best to test fragrances earlier in the day to make an informed decision.
• Store used blotters separately. Keep the blotters you've already tested away from the unused ones to prevent cross-contamination, which may alter your test results.

Getting samples

Sampling cologne is a great way to find your signature scent without committing to a full-size bottle. Fragrances smell different on everyone, so sampling is the best way to test how a cologne interacts with your body's pheromones. Here are some ways to get your hands on cologne samples:

• Visit a Beauty Store: Cosmetic retailers like Sephora and Ulta often offer free cologne samples. You can request a salesperson to provide you with a sample of your desired cologne. Sephora allows you to add up to three free samples to your cart with any purchase.
• Department Stores: Department stores like Nordstrom, Saks, Macy's, and Bloomingdale's usually have fragrance counters where you can request cologne samples. Be genuine in your interaction and express your interest in finding a new scent.
• Official Websites and Social Media: Visit the official website of the cologne brand you're interested in. Sometimes, brands offer free samples on their websites. If not, reach out directly through their website, email, or social media channels like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
• Magazines: Flip through magazines at your local drugstore to find fragrance inserts. These inserts often include free cologne samples.
• Subscription Boxes: Subscription boxes like Scentbird and Scentbox offer a selection of different colognes each month, allowing you to discover new fragrances. They also often include coupon codes for discounted purchases.
• Online Retailers: Online retailers like Amazon offer a wide range of cologne samples for purchase. However, be cautious of counterfeit products sold by third-party resellers.
• The Aromi: This website offers discounted cologne samples from various brands. You can buy individual samples or subscribe to their monthly sample package, which includes a coupon for a full-size purchase.
• Request Samples with Purchases: Some brands offer free cologne samples with your purchase. For example, Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Jo Malone provide free samples with every purchase, and Mugler includes a mystery gift with orders over a certain amount.
• Write Reviews: Websites like HomeTesterClub send you sample products in exchange for honest reviews. You can propose to review upcoming colognes and potentially receive samples.
• Trade Contact Information: Many companies promote sponsored content on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. By filling out a simple sign-up form, you can often redeem freebies, including cologne samples.
• Newsletters: Sign up for newsletters from both brands and beauty publications. They often send exclusive offers, including free samples, coupon codes, or giveaways, to their mailing lists.

Choosing when to buy

Firstly, it is recommended that you test colognes in the morning, as our sense of smell is at its peak then. Testing fragrances in the warmer months is also a good idea, as the higher moisture content in the air refines our nasal receptors.

If you are testing multiple colognes, it is best to limit yourself to testing no more than three fragrances in a day. Our sense of smell can only handle about three scents well before it gets confused.

When testing colognes, it is also important to avoid wearing any fragrances yourself, as the lingering presence of another scent will adversely affect the results.

Once you have tested a few colognes and found one that you like, you don't have to buy it immediately. It is a good idea to take some time to think about it and test it again later in the day or the next day to see how it develops. You could also ask for a small sample to take home and test.

Finally, when you are ready to buy, ask the sales representative about any gift sets or special offers that may be available.

Frequently asked questions