Antonio Mcgowan
Choosing a fragrance that suits you can be challenging, with so many options available. Testing fragrances is an art, and there are many ways to go about it. You can visit a department store and ask for samples, or try testers in-store. Beauty subscription boxes are also a great way to try new fragrances without committing to a full-size purchase. If you're looking for a more cost-effective option, websites like Scent Split and MicroPerfumes offer decanted vials at a lower price. For those who are new to fragrances, it's best to start by testing them out in-store and making note of the ones you like to identify the notes that appeal to you.
Characteristics of trying different fragrances
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Testing methods | Paper blotters, in-store testers, samples, discovery kits, subscription boxes, fragrance reviews, YouTube videos |
| Skin application | Spray on the wrist, walk into a fragrance cloud, layer with complementary scents, apply after a shower or bath, layer over body lotion or oil |
| Other considerations | Avoid rubbing into skin, do not test immediately after eating garlic or heavily spiced food, do not wear strong deodorant or other fragrances when sampling |
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What You'll Learn
Testing fragrances in-store
Before heading to the fragrance section, avoid wearing any perfume or cologne, as the lingering scent can interfere with your ability to accurately assess new fragrances. When testing, avoid applying fragrances directly to your wrists, as this has proven ineffective due to the impact of soap and water on the natural evolution of scents. Instead, use the provided paper strips or blotters, which are designed to absorb and retain the fragrance swiftly. Spray each strip once or twice, wait for the alcohol to evaporate, and then gently sniff to experience the top, heart, and base notes of the perfume.
Some people prefer to spray their selected fragrances on their skin, specifically their wrists and arms, to observe how the perfume interacts with their body chemistry throughout their shopping experience. This approach can provide valuable insights into how the fragrance develops and changes over time. However, it is important to be mindful of nasal fatigue, which can cloud your impression of the samples. To mitigate this, take your time between testing different scents, and refrain from overdoing the process.
To make the most of your in-store fragrance testing experience, consider building a relationship with the staff, especially if you plan on returning for further exploration. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations tailored to your preferences. Additionally, some stores offer samples that you can take home and wear for a few days, allowing you to experience the complete fragrance cycle and make informed decisions about purchasing a full-sized bottle.
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Using paper blotters
Paper 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 differs slightly from how it would smell on the skin, but the key moments are usually preserved.
Blotter strips enable easy comparison between different fragrances, helping you discern subtle differences and preferences. If you're trying to decide between two similar fragrances, blotters can help you hone your vision and get exactly what you're looking for. They can also be used to create unique blends, compare similar scents, and train your nose.
To use a blotter, hold it about an inch away from the fragrance and spray the scent onto the paper. Alternatively, dip the end of the strip into the oil or put 2-3 drops on it and let it sit for a few seconds before holding the strip on the dry end and taking a short whiff. If you're testing two similar fragrances, keep a third blotter handy that has been dipped in a very different and strong aroma material. Take whiffs of this third blotter between the other two to help your nose ""forget" the first scent and resensitize it for the second.
When choosing a blotter, note that different types of paper can affect the way the fragrance smells. Thinner paper does not hold the smell for long, so you can smell the different phases of the perfume much faster. For this reason, blotters in stores are made of thicker paper so that the perfume lasts longer on them. Blotters are also wider or cut in different shapes for ease of application.
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Getting samples online
There are many ways to get fragrance samples online. Some online stores offer free samples when you sign up for their newsletters. You can also sign up to write reviews, answer product surveys, and participate in focus groups with companies like Influenster, Pinchme, and Tryspree. These samples are given in exchange for your feedback, so they are not entirely free, but they can help you build a collection of fragrances. You can also purchase samples online with free shipping from websites like Scent Split and MicroPerfumes, which offer a wide selection of decanted vials for purchase.
If you're looking for a specific brand, it's worth signing up for that brand's newsletter, as they may offer free samples when they launch a new fragrance. You can also follow fragrance blogs, which can be a good source of information about where to buy samples of niche fragrances. Some websites that offer samples of fragrances include The Perfumed Court, Surrender to Chance, Tigerlily Perfumery, Facebook Fragrance Marketplace, Mercari, Saks 5th Ave, and Sephora. Additionally, websites like Fragrances Line offer an extensive collection of niche, high-end, and hard-to-find fragrances, and provide hand-decanted samples of these perfumes.
You can also buy individual samples from luxe lines like Le Labo, where 0.05 ounces of their iconic scents are $4-$6 each. If you're interested in discovering new fragrances regularly, you can subscribe to a fragrance-only subscription box, like Scentbox or Scentbird, which delivers monthly samples of on-trend perfumes. These subscription boxes are a fun and hassle-free way to explore new scents and often include coupon codes for future purchases.
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Walking through a fragrance cloud
To do this, simply spray the perfume in front of you in the air, creating a cloud of fragrance, and then walk through it. This technique is a fun way to start your morning and can make your routine more enjoyable. However, it is important to ensure that the fragrance is non-toxic and biodegradable, as traditional fragrances are pollutants that can be harmful if inhaled.
If you are sampling multiple fragrances, it is best to start with the lightest scent and progress to the boldest. This will prevent stronger fragrances from overpowering the lighter ones, giving you a fair chance to experience each scent. Paper blotters are a simple and common tool for testing fragrances. These are white pieces of card on which you can spray a fragrance to test it without applying it to your skin.
When choosing a perfume, it is essential to consider your skin type. If you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, consult a dermatologist before applying any fragrance as it is a common allergen. Fragrance adheres best to hydrated skin, so the best time to spritz is right after a shower or bath. You can also enhance the adhesion by layering perfume over moisturising products like body lotion or oil.
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Testing on skin
Testing a fragrance on your skin is the best way to get a full picture of the scent. It's important to remember that fragrances can \"turn\" or \"fade\" on the skin, so it's worth taking your time to try the fragrance for a whole day or night to see how it evolves.
When testing a fragrance on your skin, it's best to apply a small amount to a discreet area, such as your wrist, inner elbow, or neck. These areas emit heat, which helps the fragrance to develop and reveal its true character. Avoid rubbing the perfume into your skin, as this can cause the top notes to fade and evaporate. Instead, let the scent settle and dry naturally, and observe how it evolves over time. It's also a good idea to test different fragrances on alternate areas of the body, such as the hands, wrists, and arms, to avoid applying them in the same places each time. Washing your hands after testing and using a scentless hand cream can also help to rehydrate your skin.
It's worth noting that your skin's unique chemistry will influence how a fragrance smells on you. Factors such as skin type, pH levels, body temperature, and diet can all alter the way perfume notes develop and how long they last, making the same scent unique to each individual. For example, fragrances may become more subdued on acidic skin, while more alkaline skin can make a scent smell sharper. Therefore, it's essential to test perfumes on your skin before purchasing to ensure the fragrance complements your unique chemistry.
If you're testing multiple fragrances, it's best to avoid wearing any other scents, as their lingering presence can interfere with the results. Coffee beans have been proven to work as olfactory palate cleansers, neutralising most odours in the nostrils, although they are less effective with gourmand and oriental fragrances, which may contain similar notes.
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Frequently asked questions
You can get fragrance samples from beauty subscription boxes, such as Scentbox or Scentbird, or from websites like Scent Split and MicroPerfumes. You can also get them from your favourite department store, such as Nordstrom, or beauty specialty shops like Sephora.
Paper blotters are the simplest and most common tool for testing fragrances. Spray the fragrance on the white piece of card and test it. You can also test fragrances on your skin, but be aware that the warmth of your skin, your skin's flora or chemistry, and the skin's natural oils will react with the perfume to create a unique scent.
Avoid rubbing perfume into your skin. Instead, spray your wrist and let it dry naturally. You can also spritz your clothing with perfume, but be aware that the fabric will only catch some parts of the perfume, so it will be a different olfactory experience.
According to Melina Polly, CEO and co-founder of Henry Rose, "Fragrance binds to the oils in your skin, so applying it after your body lotion or oil creates a better surface for the scent molecules to bind to." Similarly, "Fragrance lasts longest when your skin is hydrated, making the best time to spritz right after your shower or bath."
Avoid letting a sales assistant spray perfume onto your wrist, as it will contaminate everything you try afterward. Instead, test fragrances on the back of your hand or lower arm, as these areas are easier to smell and less likely to contaminate each other.
