Testing Cologne Cards: A Beginner's Guide To Fragrance Sampling

Testing cologne can be a tricky process, but it's important to do it right to find a scent that suits you. The best way to start is by using a blotter, or paper card, to get a glimpse of the fragrance. Spray the card once or twice, then wave it under your nose to smell. You can also try bending the card so that the scented end doesn't touch any surfaces, and store your favourites to test again later. Once you've found a scent you like, the next step is to test it on your skin. Spray your wrist or the back of your hand, wait for it to dry, then bring your hand to your nose to inhale. It's important to test how the fragrance reacts with your body chemistry, as this can change the scent.

How to test a cologne card

Testing a cologne card, or paper blotter, is the first step in choosing a new fragrance. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to test a cologne card:

Step 1: Spray the Card

Spray the card with the fragrance in a downward motion. It is recommended to spray twice, but no more than three times, to avoid over-saturating the card.

Step 2: Wave the Card Under Your Nose

Without touching the card to your nose, wave the scented strip under your nose and inhale. Close your eyes to focus on the scent. This first impression is usually the fragrance's ''top notes'.

Step 3: Refer Back to the Card

The fragrance will change over time as you experience the 'heart' and 'base notes'. Refer back to the card periodically to test its life cycle and how the scent develops.

Step 4: Store the Card

If you like the fragrance, store the card in a safe place to refer back to later. You can also write the fragrance's name on the card to help you remember.

Step 5: Test on Skin

If you like the fragrance on the card, the next step is to test it on your skin, as fragrances are designed to react with the heat of the skin. Spray the fragrance on your wrist or the back of your hand and let it settle for at least 30 seconds. Inhale the scent, being careful not to touch your nose to your skin.

Step 6: Take Your Time

The fragrance will continue to develop as it interacts with your body's natural chemistry. Do something else for 15-30 minutes or more, then smell the fragrance again to see how it has evolved.

Additional Tips:

• Thick, matte paper is better for absorbing fragrances than glossy paper.
• Avoid touching the scented part of the card with your hands, as this will affect the purity of the scent.
• If testing multiple fragrances, write the names on the cards to keep them organised and prevent confusion.
• Store used blotters separately from unused cards to prevent cross-contamination.
• Test fragrances in the morning, as your sense of smell is usually sharper at this time.

How to test on skin

Testing cologne on your skin is an important step in choosing the right fragrance for you. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to test cologne on your skin:

Choose the Right Testing Spot:

Start by selecting the area where you want to spray the cologne. Common choices include the wrist, back of the hand, or forearm. Your pulse points, such as wrists, are ideal as they are naturally warmer due to the veins underneath. This warmth will help the fragrance develop and react with your skin's natural oils.

Spray the Cologne:

Hold the cologne bottle about 20 cm away from your skin and spray a small amount onto the chosen area. Avoid spraying too close or too far away, as this may affect the way the scent develops. Two spritzes should be enough.

Let it Dry Naturally:

After spraying, let the cologne dry on its own. Avoid rubbing your wrist or the area where you applied the cologne, as this can interfere with the fragrance and potentially alter its scent.

Inhale the Scent:

Without touching the wrist or chosen area to your nose, inhale the perfume. This is an important step to experience how the cologne smells on your skin. Keep your nose about an inch or two away from the skin to avoid saturating your sense of smell.

Wait and Observe:

Give the cologne time to develop on your skin. The fragrance will evolve and change over time, so it's important to be patient. Avoid washing or splashing water on the area during this time. You can also compare the scent to how it smelled on the paper blotter to observe how it has changed.

Test Multiple Fragrances:

If you're testing multiple colognes, it's best to limit yourself to testing three fragrances at a time. Our sense of smell can usually handle about three scents well before it starts to get confused. Test each cologne in a different area, such as both wrists and the back of your hand, to avoid contamination between fragrances.

Take Your Time:

Don't rush the process. Allow the cologne to interact with your skin's natural chemistry. Go about your day, and periodically refer back to the scent to observe how it develops and changes over time.

Avoid Other Fragrances:

During the testing period, stay away from other fragrances. This includes scented candles, lotions, or even strongly scented foods. These can interfere with your sense of smell and affect your ability to accurately assess the cologne.

Remember, the key to testing cologne on your skin is to take your time, observe how the scent develops, and trust your nose to find the fragrance that suits you best.

How to avoid nasal fatigue

Nasal fatigue, or olfactory fatigue, is a common issue when testing cologne or perfume. It occurs when your nasal receptors become less sensitive to specific scents, leading to the misconception that certain fragrances have dissipated. To avoid nasal fatigue when testing cologne, follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to reset your olfactory palate or sense of smell in between testing different fragrances. This can be done by smelling your own skin or elbow, as the inherent scent of your skin acts as a natural "cleanser" for your nose.

Secondly, limit the number of fragrances you test at one time. Your sense of smell can generally handle about three scents before it becomes confused or overwhelmed. Take breaks in between testing different fragrances, stepping outside for some fresh air, or eating a piece of mint or a lemon wedge to clear your nose.

Thirdly, avoid wearing any fragrances or strongly scented products when testing cologne. This includes scented lotions, deodorant, or candles. The lingering presence of these scents will interfere with your ability to accurately test new fragrances.

Additionally, it is recommended to test fragrances earlier in the day, as our sense of smell is typically sharpest in the morning. Our sense of smell is also more refined during warmer months due to the higher moisture content in the air.

Finally, when testing cologne on paper blotters or cards, ensure you are using high-quality, thick, absorbent paper. This will provide a richer and more accurate testing experience, as lower-quality paper may not absorb the fragrance properly.

By following these steps, you can help prevent nasal fatigue and accurately assess different cologne fragrances.

How to test multiple fragrances

Testing multiple fragrances can be an overwhelming experience, but there are ways to make the process more manageable. Here are some tips to help you test multiple fragrances effectively:

Start with Blotters:

Use paper blotters or strips to test the fragrances. These are usually provided near fragrance display bottles in stores. Blotters are made from absorbent, porous paper that allows perfumes to be absorbed quickly, giving you an initial impression of the scent. Spray two to three quick sprays in a downward motion, pass the blotter through the cloud, and wave it under your nose without touching it. Keep the blotter at least an inch or two away from your nose.

Narrow Down Your Choices:

After testing on blotters, choose a few fragrances that you want to test further. Testing too many fragrances at once can be overwhelming and may lead to "nasal fatigue." Limit yourself to testing no more than three fragrances at a time, as your sense of smell can only handle a few scents effectively before it becomes confused.

Try on Skin:

Once you've narrowed down your selection, it's time to test the fragrances on your skin. Spray the fragrance on your wrist or the back of your hand, being careful not to touch your nose to your skin. Wait at least 30 seconds for the scent to settle and dry slightly before inhaling. Your skin's warmth, flora, and natural oils will react with the perfume, creating a unique scent.

Take Your Time:

Don't rush the process. A fragrance that you love in the store may not be as appealing when you get home. Allow the fragrance to interact with your body's natural chemistry. Take a break after testing and go for a walk, browse in a different part of the store, or grab a coffee. Come back and smell the fragrance again after 15-30 minutes to see how it has developed on your skin.

Mind Your Senses:

Avoid wearing other fragrances when testing new ones. Your everyday perfume may interfere with your ability to experience a new scent fully. Use olfactory palate cleansers, such as coffee beans, to reset your sense of smell between fragrances. If coffee beans are not available, try smelling your own clean skin or clothing.

Test at Home:

If possible, take samples home to test in a familiar environment. This will allow you to experience the complete fragrance cycle and understand how it fits into your lifestyle. Test the fragrances over a few days and take notes on your reactions to each one. This will help you make a more informed decision about which fragrance is right for you.

How to test a cologne card like a perfumer

Testing a cologne card, or paper blotter, is the first step in testing a fragrance. Here is how to test a cologne card like a perfumer:

Preparing the Card

• Bend the end of the card upwards so that when you place it on a table, the fragranced end doesn't touch the surface.
• Hold the card away from you and spray the fragrance in a downward motion. Avoid spraying too much, and be consistent with the number of sprays.
• Handle the card by the unscented end.

Testing the Card

• Pass the card under your nose, being careful not to touch your nose with it.
• Inhale lightly until you perceive the first notes.
• Take the card away and sense the experience. These initial impressions are usually the 'top notes'.
• Return to the card to notice how the fragrance changes over time to bring out the 'heart' and 'back notes'.
• Store the cards you love in separate compartments to experience the fragrance later in the day.

Additional Tips

• Avoid touching the cards with your fingers, as the scent will adhere to your hands.
• Avoid sniffing too deeply, as this will fatigue your nose faster.
• Try not to inhale the fragrance directly after spraying, as the alcohol can skew your perception and quickly lead to nasal fatigue.
• Try to evaluate the perfume in an environment free from other odours.
• If you can, ask for a small sample to take home and test how the fragrance works with your body chemistry over time.

Frequently asked questions