Anisha Riggs
Trying out different perfumes can be an overwhelming experience, especially with the vast array of fragrances available. The best way to test perfumes is to get samples and wear them for a few days. This allows you to experience the complete fragrance cycle and understand how it fits into your lifestyle. When testing perfumes, it is important to avoid spraying them near your mouth, nose, or ears, and to be cautious as perfumes should not come into contact with your eyes. Paper strips or blotters are a great way to initially test perfumes, allowing you to narrow down a few favourites before testing them on your skin. When testing on the skin, it is best to spray your wrist and let it dry naturally without rubbing it, as the fragrance will react with the warmth of your skin and its natural oils, creating a scent unique to you.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to find perfume samples | Department stores, specialist shops, duty-free areas of an airport, online |
| How to test perfumes | Using paper strips, on the skin, or via a monthly perfume subscription box |
| Tips for testing perfumes | Avoid rubbing your wrists together, don't test too many perfumes at once, take breaks between testing different perfumes, don't wear your own fragrance or strong deodorant when testing, don't test on skin if you can avoid it |
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What You'll Learn
Sample perfumes in-store
Sampling perfumes in-store is a great way to explore different scents and find your favourite without committing to a full-sized bottle. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your in-store perfume sampling experience:
Paper Strips
Start by spraying different perfumes on paper strips, also known as blotters or Mouillettes. These are typically available in the perfumery sections of department stores, specialist shops, or the duty-free areas of airports. Spray each perfume once at one end of the strip, and keep them apart to avoid mixing scents. Wait for the strips to dry, as the perfume needs time to develop its true scent, and then smell them. This method allows you to narrow down your choices without being overwhelmed by multiple fragrances on your skin.
Skin Testing
Once you've selected a few perfumes you like based on their initial scent, the next step is to try them on your skin. The warmth of your skin, its natural oils, and chemistry will react with the perfume, creating a unique scent. Spray the perfume on your wrists or arms, as these areas are easier to wash if you need to remove the scent. Avoid rubbing the perfume into your skin, as this can alter the scent, and instead, let it dry naturally.
Limiting Scents
To avoid scent fatigue and confusion, limit the number of perfumes you test at once. It is recommended to test no more than two or four fragrances at a time. This way, you can focus on each scent without mixing them up or experiencing olfactory fatigue.
Taking Samples Home
If you're not ready to make a purchase, you can ask for small samples to take home. This allows you to wear the perfume throughout the day and see how it develops on your skin. You can also purchase individual samples from some brands to try at home.
Store Environment
Keep in mind that the store environment can impact your scent perception. Department stores and perfumeries often have strong fragrances that can interfere with your sense of smell. Consider stepping outside the store after testing a perfume to get a clearer idea of the scent.
Sampling perfumes in-store is a fun and practical way to explore new fragrances. By following these tips, you can make informed choices and discover your signature scent without committing to a full bottle.
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Test on your skin
Testing perfumes on your skin is an essential step in finding your signature scent. It allows you to understand how the fragrance interacts with your unique body chemistry. When testing perfumes on your skin, it is recommended to start by spraying the perfume once or twice on your wrist or the back of your hand in a downward motion. Avoid rubbing your wrists together as it can break down the fragrance and alter its true scent. Instead, let the scent settle and unfold naturally. Drop your hand to your side and wait for at least 30 seconds for the scent to settle on your skin. Once it has started to dry, bring your hand close to your face and inhale, being careful to keep your hand at least an inch or two away from your nose.
It is important to note that your skin chemistry, body temperature, and the climate will influence how a perfume smells and projects. Therefore, it is recommended to test perfumes in a way that resembles how you would typically wear them. For example, spraying four times on your elbow may not provide an accurate idea of how the perfume will wear over time.
When testing perfumes, it is best to test one fragrance at a time to truly appreciate its notes and nuances. If you are testing multiple perfumes, it is suggested to wait for some time after spraying the first perfume, allowing it to interact with your body's natural chemistry. You can then browse the shop, grab a coffee, or go for a walk before smelling your wrist again to understand how the fragrance has developed.
Additionally, it is recommended to avoid wearing other fragrances when testing new ones. Your everyday perfume may hinder your ability to accurately perceive a new scent. If you are testing multiple perfumes, you can use olfactory palate cleansers like coffee beans to reset your sense of smell between fragrances. However, some sources suggest that coffee beans are ineffective, and it is more beneficial to get some fresh air, drink water, or smell your unscented skin.
Lastly, when testing perfumes on your skin, consider testing them on different pulse points, such as your wrists, behind your ears, or the inner elbow, as the heat from these areas can help the fragrance project better.
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Avoid nasal fatigue
When trying out new perfumes, it's important to be mindful of nasal fatigue. Nasal fatigue sets in after about three fragrances, and your ability to distinguish between scents diminishes significantly. To avoid this, there are a few steps you can take:
Firstly, start with paper blotters or scent strips. These are porous strips of paper that allow perfumes to be absorbed quickly, giving you a preliminary sense of the fragrance. Spray the strip a few times in a downward motion, creating a cloud for the strip to pass through. Hold the strip carefully under your nose, without touching it, and take a moment to inhale. This will give you an initial impression without overwhelming your senses.
Secondly, limit the number of fragrances you test at once. Your sense of smell can effectively handle about three scents before it starts to get confused. If you're testing multiple perfumes, take breaks in between to reset your olfactory palate. Use coffee beans as a natural cleanser, as the aroma of coffee helps maintain a consistent level of odor intensity. If coffee beans are not available, you can also smell your clean skin to recalibrate your sense of smell.
Additionally, when testing perfumes on your skin, be mindful of cross-contamination. Avoid spraying multiple fragrances on the same area, as they may mix and alter the scent. Instead, opt for different parts of your body, such as your wrists or the back of your hands. Allow the perfume to dry naturally without rubbing, and then bring your hand close to inhale the scent.
Finally, take your time between testing different perfumes. The fragrance will deepen and evolve as it interacts with your body's natural chemistry. Test the perfumes earlier in the day, as your sense of smell is usually sharper in the morning. This will give you a more accurate perception of the scent's progression.
By following these steps, you can effectively avoid nasal fatigue and make informed decisions when trying different perfumes.
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Use YouTube to find fragrances
YouTube is a great resource for discovering new fragrances and learning about perfumes. There are many fragrance enthusiasts on YouTube who share their expertise and passion for perfumes with their viewers. These creators provide in-depth reviews, tips, trends, and discussions about various fragrances.
There are a variety of YouTube channels dedicated to fragrances, ranging from individuals sharing their favourite perfumes to expert reviews and even family-owned fragrance companies. Some popular fragrance-focused YouTube channels include The Perfume Guy, who is great for learning about new releases; Joy Amin, whose reviews are considered genuine; and Aaron Terence Hughes, who approaches fragrance from a technical standpoint with entertaining and informative content.
If you're looking for more masculine fragrances, channels like The Cologne Podcast, Big Boss Fragrance Reviews, and Gents Scents are worth checking out. These channels offer honest reviews and discussions specifically tailored to male audiences.
On the other hand, channels like On The Scent with Suzy Nightingale, an award-winning perfume writer, provide a feminine perspective on fragrances. Additionally, channels such as Curly Scents and Frag-Mental offer a mix of fragrance and cologne reviews, lists, and tips for a broader perspective.
With so many fragrance enthusiasts on YouTube, you can easily explore and discover new perfumes, learn about application techniques, and find the perfect scent to match your preferences and personality.
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Subscribe to a perfume box
One of the best ways to try different perfumes is to subscribe to a perfume box. This way, you can receive a variety of fragrances delivered right to your door each month.
There are several perfume subscription boxes on the market, such as ScentBox, ScentBird, and Purpl Lux by FragranceNet.com, which offer a wide range of designer and niche fragrances to choose from. These services typically allow you to select your samples or provide curated suggestions based on your preferences.
For example, ScentBox offers three-tiered plans: Standard, Premium, and Platinum. The Standard plan provides access to 600+ perfumes from niche and designer brands, while the Premium and Platinum plans offer a larger selection of at least 850 perfumes, including more luxurious options. ScentBird, which was one of the first perfume subscription boxes, offers an 8 mL bottle of fragrance for $16.95 per month, with the option to upgrade to receive up to three bottles for $37 per month.
Purpl Lux by FragranceNet.com delivers samples of scents from luxury brands like Prada, Gucci, and Burberry, as well as fan favorites like Juicy Couture and Ariana Grande. Subscriptions start as low as $9.95 a month, including an 8 mL bottle and a free colorful atomizer case.
These subscription boxes provide an excellent opportunity to explore new fragrances and find your signature scent without committing to a full bottle. You can discover a variety of perfumes at a fraction of the cost and conveniently test them at your leisure.
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Frequently asked questions
You can try a variety of perfumes by purchasing sample fragrances or subscription boxes, or by visiting a department store and testing the perfumes in-store.
It's best to test perfumes on your skin, as the fragrance will react with the warmth of your skin, your skin's flora, and natural oils to create a scent unique to you. However, testing multiple perfumes this way can lead to scent contamination, so it's best to test a maximum of three fragrances at a time.
You can ask a sales representative to spray perfumes onto paper strips or cards, also known as blotters or Mouillettes. These are typically available for free in the perfumery sections of department stores.
Hold the strip away from you when spraying the perfume, and allow the alcohol to evaporate before bringing the strip up to your nose to smell. You can also ask for coffee beans to neutralise the smell of the perfume between samples.
You can purchase sample fragrances to test at home. It's recommended that you test no more than three fragrances at a time to avoid nasal fatigue. You can also purchase a subscription box, which will send you a variety of designer fragrances each month.
