Seamus Hammond
Testing perfume is a very personal process, akin to choosing a favourite shade of lipstick or the perfect outfit. It can be tempting to smell every bottle, but this can be overwhelming. It is important to take your time and go through a progression of experiencing the scent so that you can make an informed decision. The first step is usually to smell the perfume on paper blotters or stripes, which are made from absorbent, porous paper. However, this can alter the scent of the fragrance, so it is recommended to test perfumes on fabric or skin. When testing on the skin, it is important to spray the perfume on the wrist or back of the hand and allow it to settle and unfold naturally without rubbing, as this can break down the fragrance and alter its true scent. It is also suggested to test no more than three fragrances on blotters in a day and to take breaks in between to avoid overloading your sense of smell.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fragrances to test | Limit to 3-4 fragrances |
| Time spent in-store | Limit to 10-15 minutes |
| Testing medium | Paper blotters, natural fabric, skin |
| Testing on skin | Spray on wrist, forearm or back of the hand |
| Coffee beans | Do not reset the sense of smell, but help experience odour intensities at a consistent level |
| Time taken to choose a perfume | Take your time, do not rush |
| Spraying technique | Spray from a distance of 20 cm |
| Number of tries | 3 tries are ideal, maximum of 5 fragrances |
| Rubbing wrists | Avoid, as it can break down the fragrance and alter its true scent |
| Scent development | Allow the scent to settle and unfold naturally on your skin |
| Blind testing | Blind testing helps eliminate brand bias |
| Time of the day | Test scents earlier in the day when the sense of smell is sharpest |
| Nose touching | Avoid touching your nose with the smelling strip |
| Inhaling | Avoid inhaling too deeply, smell lightly until you perceive the first notes |
| Storing smelling strips | Store dry strips in separate pockets to experience the fragrance later in the day |
| Perfume consultation | Seek a consultation with a perfume expert |
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What You'll Learn
Test on paper blotters first
Paper blotters are thin strips of absorbent, porous paper designed to be used for testing perfumes, fragrance oils, and essential oils. They are usually the first step in testing a perfume. Blotters are used to sample a scent and give a more accurate representation of the smell and how it wafts.
To use a paper blotter, first, write the name of the fragrance on one end of the blotter. Then, bend the other end of the blotter about 2 inches in. This is so that when you put the blotter down, the end with fragrance on it will be safely up in the air and won't touch the surface. Next, spray two or three quick sprays of the perfume in a downward motion into a cloud. Pass the blotter through the cloud and let it absorb the scent. Now, 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. Take a moment to pause, close your eyes, and inhale.
When testing perfumes, it's important to keep in mind that your sense of smell can only handle about three scents well before it begins to get confused. Therefore, it's recommended to take a short break after testing three fragrances. It's also important to test perfumes in a clean environment, free from distracting scents such as other perfumes, colognes, chemical smells, food, or tobacco.
Additionally, when trying to evaluate two similar fragrances, keep a third blotter with a very different and strong aroma handy. Take whiffs of this third blotter between smelling the other two. This will help your nose "forget" the first aroma and resensitize it for the second one.
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Test on skin
Testing perfume on your skin is the best way to find a fragrance that works for you. Perfume skin chemistry is unique to every individual, so a scent that smells amazing on someone else might not smell the same on you. Your skin's natural oils, pH levels, and type can all affect how a fragrance develops over time.
When testing perfume on your skin, it's important to apply it to your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and behind your ears. These areas emit warmth, helping the fragrance to evolve and giving you a good idea of how the perfume will react with your skin chemistry throughout the day. Apply a small amount of perfume and wait a few minutes to ensure you don't have any allergic reactions, especially if it's a new fragrance. Avoid rubbing the applied areas together to preserve the integrity of the fragrance notes.
It's also a good idea to test perfumes on different parts of your body, as the scent may smell different depending on the area. For example, the perfume may smell different on your wrist than on the back of your hand. However, be careful not to spray too many different fragrances on your body at once, as they may contaminate each other.
When testing perfumes, it's recommended to take your time and do something else after spraying it on your skin. This allows 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. Come back and take a sniff after 15-30 minutes (or longer) to see how the fragrance has developed.
It's important to note that your skin type can also impact how perfume wears. Oily skin tends to hold fragrance longer and can intensify certain notes, while dry skin may cause the scent to fade faster. Your skin's pH can also interact with the fragrance ingredients, making some perfumes smell sweeter, spicier, or more intense. If you have dry skin, consider moisturising before applying perfume, as hydrated skin holds scent better.
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Avoid rubbing your wrists
When testing a perfume, it is important to avoid rubbing your wrists together after application. This is because the friction from rubbing can break down the fragrance, altering its true scent. The heat produced from rubbing can also change the course of the scent, impacting the middle and top notes, as well as the dry-down, or the last and longest period of the fragrance's unfolding. For example, a floral fragrance may lose its crispness if heated.
Additionally, rubbing your wrists together can spread the perfume across both arms, preventing you from testing another fragrance on the same area. It is recommended to test one perfume at a time to fully appreciate each note and nuance. By avoiding rubbing your wrists, you can preserve the integrity of the fragrance and allow it to settle and unfold naturally on your skin.
When testing a perfume, it is generally advised to spray it on your wrist or the back of your hand. After spraying, allow the liquid to sink in without rubbing or touching the area. This gives the fragrance time to interact with your body's natural chemistry, and you can observe how the scent evolves over time.
It is worth noting that the pulse points on your body, such as your wrists, neck, and cleavage, emit heat that can help fragrance notes develop quicker. However, when testing perfumes, it is important to avoid rubbing these areas to maintain the integrity of the scent.
Overall, by avoiding rubbing your wrists after applying perfume, you can better evaluate the true essence and evolving notes of the fragrance.
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Take your time
When testing a perfume, it is important to take your time. The scent of a perfume will evolve over time, and you want to experience each of the levels of notes in its formulation.
Firstly, it is recommended to test perfumes on fabric, preferably a natural fabric, or on your skin. Testing on paper strips can change the scent of the fragrance. When testing on paper, spray two or three quick sprays in a downward motion into a cloud, and pass the scent strip through the cloud, letting it absorb. Wave the scented strip under your nose, being careful not to touch it.
When testing on the skin, it is best to test two fragrances at a time, spraying one on the inside of your left arm and one on the inside of your right arm. Then, leave the store and go about your day, taking note of how the scent develops over time. Your skin's natural oils and chemistry will react with the perfume, creating a scent that is unique to you.
It is also recommended to test perfumes earlier in the day, as our sense of smell usually peaks in the morning. Additionally, avoid wearing other fragrances when testing a new one, as this can hinder your ability to experience the new scent.
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Avoid wearing other fragrances
When testing a new fragrance, it is important to avoid wearing other scents. Your everyday perfume may hinder your ability to experience a new fragrance. Your sense of smell can only handle about three scents before it gets confused.
It is recommended to test no more than three fragrances on blotters in a day. If you are testing multiple fragrances, keep the strips away from each other to avoid tainting the smells. One or two sprays on the strip should be enough. If you bend the end of the strip upwards, you can place it on a table without the fragranced end touching the surface.
When testing on your skin, it is best to test one perfume at a time. Direct the spray towards your pulse points, such as your wrists, the back of your hands, behind your ears, or your inner elbow. Your unique body chemistry interacts with the scent, so it is important to give each perfume a chance to mingle with your skin.
It is also important to take your time when testing a new fragrance. The scent will develop over the course of the day, so you can periodically take a sniff to see how it is changing.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to test a perfume is to spray it on your skin and let it settle. Avoid rubbing your wrists as this can break down the fragrance and alter its scent. Instead, let the perfume dry naturally and periodically refer back to observe how the scent develops on your skin.
Testing perfume on paper strips (also known as blotters or smelling strips) is a good way to get an initial impression of a fragrance. Spray the strip and wave it under your nose, being careful not to touch your nose with the strip. However, the scent of the perfume may change when applied to the skin, so it is recommended to test on the skin as well.
It is recommended to test no more than 3 fragrances on blotters in one day, as your sense of smell can only handle a limited number of scents before it becomes confused. If testing on the skin, it is best to test only one fragrance at a time, as multiple fragrances can contaminate each other.
When testing fragrances on paper strips, it is important to wait a few minutes between testing different scents to avoid confusion. When testing on the skin, it is recommended to wait at least 15-30 minutes between fragrances to observe how the previous scent develops over time.
No, the quality of a perfume is not determined solely by its strength. Instead, it is about finding a fragrance that resonates with you, regardless of its intensity.
