The Ultimate Guide To Testing Fragrances Like A Pro

Testing fragrances can be a daunting task, especially with the myriad of scents available and the various rights and wrongs and dos and don'ts to consider. However, the process is relatively simple and can be made effective and easy with the right approach. Here are some tips to help you test fragrances like an expert:

- Start with Blotters: Use paper blotters or strips to test multiple fragrances initially. These absorbent, porous papers allow perfumes to be absorbed quickly, giving you a sense of the scent. Spray two to three quick sprays in a downward motion into a cloud, and pass the blotter through it. Wait a few seconds for the alcohol to evaporate, then bring the blotter close to your nose without touching it, and inhale gently. This step helps you shortlist fragrances for further testing on your skin.

- Test on Skin: After shortlisting, it's important to test fragrances on your skin, as they will interact with your unique body chemistry. Apply the fragrance directly to pulse points like your wrists, behind your ears, or the inner elbow. Avoid rubbing your wrists together, as it can break down the fragrance and alter its scent. Instead, let the scent settle naturally. Give it some time, and then smell the fragrance again to understand how it develops and interacts with your body.

- Take Your Time: Don't rush the process. A fragrance you love in the store may not be the same one you love at home. Allow the perfume to play with your body's natural chemistry. Take a break, go for a walk, or browse other shops to let the fragrance develop. Come back and smell the fragrance again after 15-30 minutes to understand how it evolves over time.

- Mind Your Senses: Avoid olfactory overload by not wearing other fragrances when testing new ones. Limit the number of fragrances you test at once, as your sense of smell can handle only a few scents before it gets confused. If needed, use olfactory palate cleansers like coffee beans or simply smell your clean skin to reset your sense of smell.

- Sample at Home: To truly test a fragrance, consider taking samples home and wearing them for a few days. This way, you can experience the complete fragrance cycle and understand how it fits into your lifestyle. Evaluate the top, middle, and base notes, as well as the concentration and longevity of the perfume.

Remember, testing fragrances is a personal journey. Enjoy the process, trust your instincts, and have fun exploring the world of scents to find the one that perfectly encapsulates your essence.

Testing on paper blotters

To test a fragrance on a paper blotter, spray two or three quick sprays in a downward motion into a cloud. Pass the blotter through the cloud and let it absorb the scent. Then, wave the scented strip under your nose, being careful not to touch it. Keep the blotter at least an inch or two away from your nose. Close your eyes and inhale.

When testing fragrances, it is important to remember that the nose quickly adjusts to a new scent. As such, it is recommended to take breaks between testing different fragrances. Additionally, it is best to test fragrances in a clean and tranquil environment, free from distracting scents.

Paper blotters are a useful tool for testing a wide range of fragrances, as you are not limited by the number of cards. However, fragrances are designed to react with the heat of the skin, so blotters will only reveal a glimpse of a fragrance's character. The way a fragrance reacts to a blotter may be different from how it reacts to your skin.

Testing on skin

Testing fragrances on your skin is the best way to determine whether a scent is right for you. While paper blotters are a good starting point, the fragrance will smell and feel different when it's on your skin.

When testing on the skin, it's best to try no more than two fragrances at a time—one on each arm. This will prevent your nose from becoming overwhelmed. The back of the hand is a good option, as it's easy to smell, but if you want to test on your pulse points, the wrists are a classic choice.

When applying the fragrance, hold the bottle about 20 cm away from your skin and spritz. Two sprays should be enough. Then, drop your hand to your side and wait at least 30 seconds for the scent to settle. Once it's started to dry, bring your hand up and inhale, keeping your skin at least an inch or two away from your nose. Avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this will cause the scent to evaporate more quickly and may alter the fragrance.

After testing, it's a good idea to go for a walk outside. This will allow you to experience the scent as it interacts with your body's natural chemistry and to see how it develops over time. You may find that a fragrance you didn't like on paper becomes more appealing when you experience it on your skin.

How to avoid olfactory fatigue

Olfactory fatigue, also known as olfactory adaptation or nose blindness, is a temporary condition in which you lose the ability to distinguish a particular odour or scent. This happens when you are exposed to certain scents for a prolonged period, and your nose gets tired and loses sensitivity to that particular odour.

• Limit exposure time and take breaks: When testing fragrances, especially in a store, limit the time you spend to around 10-12 fragrances or around 10-15 minutes. Your nose can get overwhelmed and tired, so take breaks in between. If you are testing multiple fragrances, try not to do them all at once.
• Get some fresh air: Take a short break and go outdoors to get some fresh air. This will help clear your nose and reset your olfactory receptors.
• Cleanse your olfactory palate: Instead of using coffee beans, which may not be effective and can tire your nose out, try sniffing your own unscented skin, such as your sleeve or arm. This can help reset your sense of smell between fragrances.
• Narrow down your options: Instead of testing numerous fragrances at once, start by testing a few on paper blotters or strips. Eliminate the ones you don't like, and then move on to testing a smaller number of fragrances on your skin.
• Spray on skin: While testing on paper strips is a good starting point, fragrances interact with your unique body chemistry. Apply the fragrance directly to your skin, on pulse points like your wrists, the back of your hand, behind your ears, or the inner elbow. This will give you a true sense of how the fragrance will smell on you.
• Avoid rubbing: Avoid rubbing your wrists together after application, as this can break down the fragrance and alter its scent. Instead, let the scent settle and unfold naturally on your skin.
• Test over time: A fragrance will change over time, and you will smell the "dry down" after some time. Test the fragrance on your skin and then go about your day. Take note of how it dries down and wears until it fades away.
• Avoid wearing other fragrances: When testing new fragrances, avoid wearing any other scented products, including deodorant or antiperspirant. This will ensure that your sense of smell isn't hindered and that you can accurately assess the new fragrances.

How to test multiple fragrances

Testing multiple fragrances can be an overwhelming task, but there are ways to make the process easier. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to test multiple fragrances effectively:

Step 1: Start with Blotters

The first step in testing multiple fragrances is to use paper blotters or strips. These are usually provided near fragrance display bottles. Spray the fragrance onto the blotter, allowing it to absorb, and then wave the blotter under your nose to smell. It is important to hold the blotter a few inches away from your nose and avoid touching it to your nose. This initial testing will help you shortlist the fragrances you want to try on your skin.

When testing multiple fragrances on blotters, it is important to keep the number of sprays consistent across each blotter to accurately test the concentration. Additionally, make sure to only test a few fragrances at a time to avoid overwhelming your sense of smell.

Step 2: Test on Skin

Once you have shortlisted your fragrances using the blotters, it's time to try them on your skin. Choose one or two fragrances to test at a time and apply them to your pulse points, such as your wrists, the back of your hand, or the inner elbow. Avoid rubbing the fragrance into your skin, as this can alter its scent. Instead, let it settle and unfold naturally.

It is important to give each fragrance enough time to interact with your unique body chemistry. The scent will change over time as you experience the different notes of the fragrance. Take a sniff every 15-30 minutes to observe how the fragrance develops and deepens.

Step 3: Take Your Time

When testing multiple fragrances, it is important to take your time. Try not to test more than two fragrances on your skin at once, and give each fragrance ample time to interact with your skin. You may find that a fragrance you loved in the store is not as appealing at home, or vice versa.

It is also recommended to test fragrances earlier in the day, as our sense of smell is usually sharper in the morning. Additionally, avoid wearing other fragrances or strongly scented products when testing, as they can interfere with your ability to accurately assess the new fragrances.

Step 4: Avoid Coffee Beans

Contrary to popular belief, sniffing coffee beans between fragrances will not reset your sense of smell. Instead, it is recommended to take a short break between testing different scents. You can also try smelling your own clean skin or clothing to give your nose a "reset".

Step 5: Sample at Home

While testing fragrances in a store can give you an initial impression, the best way to truly test a fragrance is to sample it at home. Request or purchase samples of your favourite fragrances from the store and take them home to test over a few days. This will allow you to experience the complete fragrance cycle and understand how it fits into your lifestyle.

When sampling at home, pay attention to the top, middle, and base notes of the fragrance, as well as its longevity. Take notes on your reactions to each perfume to help you make an informed decision.

By following these steps, you can effectively test multiple fragrances and find the one that perfectly suits your taste and personality.

How to test for longevity

Testing for longevity is an important part of understanding a fragrance's performance. Longevity refers to the duration for which a fragrance remains detectable on the skin. Here are some ways to test for longevity:

• Apply the fragrance to your skin: Spray or dab the fragrance on your wrist, the back of your hand, neck, or pulse points. Avoid applying it too close to your nose, as this can cause olfactory fatigue.
• Monitor the fragrance over time: Take note of how the fragrance develops and changes over time. Pay attention to how long it lasts and how the scent evolves. You can do this by smelling it every hour or at regular intervals.
• Compare with others: Ask people around you if they can still smell the fragrance on you after a certain period. Their feedback can help you understand the projection and sillage of the fragrance.
• Consider the concentration: Fragrances with higher concentrations of aromatic compounds, such as perfume oils or extrait de parfum, typically have better longevity than lighter formulations like eau de toilette or eau de cologne.
• Account for body chemistry: Your unique body chemistry can influence the longevity of a fragrance. Factors such as skin pH, temperature, and moisture levels can affect how long a fragrance lasts on your skin.
• Evaluate the ingredients: Certain fragrance ingredients have better staying power than others. For example, base notes like woods, resins, and musks tend to last longer on the skin than more volatile top and heart notes.
• Test on different areas of the skin: Apply the fragrance to different parts of your body, such as the wrist, neck, and chest. This will help you understand how the fragrance performs on different skin types and areas with varying temperatures.
• Layer with other products: Try layering the fragrance with complementary products, such as matching body lotions or shower gels. This can enhance the longevity of the fragrance by creating a more dimensional scent experience.
• Take note of the fragrance's performance in different environments: Pay attention to how the fragrance performs in different rooms, with different temperatures, and humidity levels. These factors can impact the projection and longevity of the scent.

Frequently asked questions