Katrina Rosales
Testing fragrances is a very personal process, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed when trying out new scents. It's important to take your time and not test too many fragrances at once. The best way to test a new fragrance is to use a blotter or paper strip, which can be found near fragrance display bottles. Spray the strip a few times, and then wave it under your nose to smell, without touching the strip. If you like the scent, the next step is to test it on your skin, as fragrances smell different on different people. Spray the perfume on your wrist or the back of your hand, and wait at least 20-30 seconds before smelling it again. You can then continue to smell your wrist throughout the day to see how the fragrance changes and develops.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fragrances tested at once | 3 maximum |
| Time of day | Morning |
| Use of other fragrances | Avoid |
| Skin testing | Necessary |
| Coffee beans | Use to reset sense of smell |
| Sleeve/skin | Sniff for reset |
| Strips | Hold away from body |
| Strips | Don't soak |
| Strips | Bend fragrant side upward |
| Strips | Smell every hour |
| Strips | Store in purse/handbag |
| Skin | Spray on pulse points |
| Skin | Avoid rubbing wrists |
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What You'll Learn
Testing fragrances on blotters
Firstly, ensure you are working in a clean environment, free from distracting scents. This includes avoiding strong scents like perfume, cologne, chemical smells, and food odours. When testing, it is recommended to limit yourself to no more than three fragrances, as your sense of smell can become overwhelmed.
Prepare your blotters by dipping them in the fragrance. Only a small amount is needed—about 1/8" is sufficient. Mark all your test blotters with the fragrance name, time, and date. If testing multiple fragrances, consider developing a simple coding system to easily identify each scent. Thicker, grainier cards are preferable as they tend to be more absorbent, providing richer and more accurate results.
When smelling the blotters, hold them about an inch from your nose and mouth. Take small, controlled whiffs and focus on the aromas you perceive. Take notes on each fragrance, describing the scent in your own words. This analytical approach will help you identify the different notes and nuances in each fragrance.
If you are evaluating similar fragrances, use a third blotter dipped in a strong, contrasting aroma. This will help reset your sense of smell between tests. It is also important to be mindful of nasal fatigue, where your smell receptors become less sensitive over time. Take breaks between tests and return to the same fragrances later to observe how your perception may have changed.
While blotters are a useful tool, it is important to recognise that fragrances are designed to react with the skin's heat and natural oils. Thus, after initial testing on blotters, it is recommended to move on to skin testing to observe how the fragrance evolves and deepens over time.
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Testing fragrances on skin
Testing fragrances on the skin is an important step in the perfume-buying process. While blotters or paper strips are a good starting point, it is always recommended to test fragrances on the skin to see how they interact with your body's natural chemistry.
To test a fragrance on your skin, start by choosing the fragrance you want to test. Spray either your wrist or the back of your hand with two spritzes in a downward motion. 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 without touching your nose to your skin. Keep the hand at least an inch or two away from your nose.
After testing, it is recommended to take some time to do something else, like browsing the shop or going for a walk, 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. You can then periodically take a sniff of your wrist or hand to see how the fragrance has developed over time.
It is important to note that your sense of smell can only handle a limited number of scents before it gets confused. Therefore, it is recommended to test only a few fragrances on your skin per day. Additionally, avoid wearing other fragrances when testing something new, as this can hinder your ability to experience the new scent accurately.
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How to test multiple fragrances
Testing multiple fragrances can be a daunting task, but there are ways to make the process effective and easy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to test multiple fragrances:
Step 1: Blotter Testing
The first step is to use paper blotters (strips of paper placed near fragrance display bottles) to shortlist fragrances. This step helps you narrow down the fragrances you want to try on your skin. Write the name of the fragrance with a pen or pencil on the unscented end of the blotter, so you know which is which. Bring the blotter close to your nose and smell, moving it to and from your nose for short bursts of scent. Avoid rubbing the blotter, as this can alter the scent. If you are testing multiple fragrances, keep the strips away from each other to avoid mixing the smells.
Step 2: Testing on Skin
Once you have shortlisted a few fragrances, it's time to test them on your skin. It is recommended to test no more than two fragrances on your skin at a time, one on each arm, to avoid overwhelming your nose. Spray the fragrance on your pulse points, such as your wrists or the back of your hands, as these areas are naturally warm and help the fragrance develop over time. Avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this will warm up the scent and cause it to evaporate quicker.
Step 3: Evaluate the Fragrance
After spraying the fragrance on your skin, wait at least 30 seconds for the scent to settle. Then, bring your hand up and inhale, keeping your nose at least an inch or two away from your skin. Evaluate the fragrance over time, as it will change and develop as it interacts with your body's natural chemistry.
Step 4: Take Breaks
When testing multiple fragrances, it is important to take breaks to avoid overwhelming your sense of smell. Go outside for some fresh air or smell your own clean skin to reset your olfactory palate.
Step 5: Repeat and Compare
Repeat the process for each fragrance you want to test, comparing them over time to see how they develop and interact with your skin.
Remember, testing fragrances is a personal journey, and it's important to trust your nose and choose a scent that you truly love. Enjoy the process of evaluating different fragrances and take your time to make an informed decision.
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Testing fragrances at home
Firstly, it is important to remember that choosing a scent is a personal preference. You may love a scent on someone else, but it may not be right for you. Similarly, a sales assistant may recommend a scent, but it may not be to your taste.
The first step is to source some samples. You can get these from department stores, perfumeries, or duty-free shops. You can then test these at home.
The next step is to use blotters or paper strips to test the fragrances. You should spritz the scent once or twice onto the strip, holding it around 10-15cm away from the paper. Do not soak the strip. If you are testing multiple fragrances, keep the strips away from each other to avoid mixing scents. Wait a few seconds for the alcohol to evaporate, and then bring the strip to your nose. Do not touch the strip to your nose, but sniff it in short bursts. You can then make notes on the different levels of notes in the scent's formulation.
If you like the scent, you can then try it on your skin. Spray the perfume on your wrist or the back of your hand, being careful not to touch the skin. Allow the scent to settle for at least 30 seconds, and then bring your hand close to your nose to smell it. You can then go about your day and periodically take a sniff to see how the fragrance is developing.
It is recommended to only test a few fragrances at a time, as your sense of smell can only handle a few scents before it gets confused. You should also avoid wearing other fragrances or strong deodorants when testing new scents.
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How to test an expensive fragrance
Testing an expensive fragrance is a careful process that requires time and attention. Here are some steps to follow when testing an expensive fragrance to ensure you find the right scent for you:
Start with Blotters or Tester Papers:
Before spraying any fragrance on your skin, it's best to start with paper blotters or tester strips. These are usually provided near fragrance display bottles. Spray the fragrance on the strip, holding it away from you to avoid getting it on your skin or clothing. Avoid soaking the strip; one or two sprays are enough. Wait a few seconds for the alcohol to evaporate, and then bring the strip close to your nose to inhale the scent without touching it.
Test Multiple Fragrances:
If you're testing multiple fragrances, it's important to keep the number limited to around three. This will help your sense of smell discern the differences between each scent effectively. Additionally, ensure that you keep the strips separate to avoid mixing the fragrances. You can fan the strips or use a "smelling strip holder" to evaluate the scents over time.
Evaluate the Fragrance:
Take your time to evaluate the fragrance on the strip. Enjoy the initial top notes and then wait for the fragrance to develop and reveal its heart and base notes. You can smell the strip every hour to experience the complete fragrance cycle. This will help you understand how the fragrance changes and interacts with your sense of smell.
Test on Your Skin:
Once you've narrowed down your choices, it's time to test the fragrances on your skin. Spray the fragrance on your wrist or the inside of your arm, being careful not to touch the perfume bottle to your skin. Drop your hand to your side and wait at least 30 seconds for the scent to settle. After it dries, bring your hand close to your nose and inhale.
Evaluate the Fragrance on Your Skin:
The fragrance will continue to develop over time as it interacts with your body chemistry. Take a walk, browse, or grab a coffee, and then smell your wrist or the inside of your arm after 15-30 minutes to observe how the fragrance has evolved. This will give you a better understanding of how the perfume works with your natural body chemistry.
Get Samples:
If you've found a fragrance that you like, don't hesitate to ask for a sample. Many stores are willing to provide free samples, allowing you to test the fragrance over a few days and make a more informed decision. This way, you can experience the complete fragrance cycle and see how it fits into your lifestyle.
Remember, choosing a fragrance is a personal journey. Take your time, trust your nose, and don't be afraid to explore different options before settling on the one that truly resonates with you.
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Frequently asked questions
Testing fragrances can be overwhelming, so it's important to take your time and not test too many at once. Start with paper blotters or scent strips to get an initial sense of the fragrance. If testing multiple fragrances, use two or three sprays on each strip and keep the strips separate to avoid mixing scents. Wait a few seconds for the alcohol to evaporate, then smell the strip without touching it directly. If you like the scent, test it on your skin.
Spray the fragrance on your wrist or the back of your hand, and let it dry naturally. Avoid rubbing your wrists as this can alter the scent. After 15-30 minutes, smell the fragrance again to see how it has developed and interacted with your body chemistry.
Choosing a fragrance is a personal decision. You may love a scent on first smell, but it's important to test it over time to see how it works with your body chemistry and fits into your lifestyle. Ask for samples and wear them for a few days, testing the scent at different times of the day.
