Katrina Rosales
There are many ways to use perfume testers. If you're at a store, it's best to start with blotters—spray a few quick sprays into a cloud and pass a scent strip through it. Wave the strip under your nose, being careful not to touch it. If you like the scent, you can then try it on your skin. Spray your wrist or the back of your hand and allow the fragrance to develop for 15-30 minutes. If you have a tester vial, you can dab a small amount on your wrist, or turn the vial upside down and gently tap the bottom to release a few drops. You can also transfer the liquid into a small atomizer and spray it on your skin.
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What You'll Learn
Using blotters
Blotters are strips of absorbent, porous paper that allow perfumes to be quickly absorbed so that you can get a sense of the fragrance. They are often found near fragrance display bottles and are used to sample a scent, rather than just sniffing the bottle, as the strips give a more accurate representation of the smell and how it wafts.
To use a blotter, start by spraying two or three quick sprays in a downward motion into a cloud. Pass the blotter through the cloud and let it absorb the scent. You can also dip the end of the strip into the perfume bottle or put 2-3 drops on it and let it sit for a few seconds. Label each blotter with the fragrance name and bend the tip of the strip to avoid getting oil on your work surface when you put it down. Hold the blotter about an inch or two away from your nose and take a sniff.
It's important to test fragrances in a clean environment where no other odors can interfere. Avoid wearing other fragrances when testing something new, as this can hinder your ability to experience a new scent. Your sense of smell can only handle about three scents well before it begins to get confused, so don't test out too many fragrances on blotters in one day. Take breaks between testing different fragrances and use olfactory palate cleansers like coffee beans to reset your nose.
When evaluating two similar fragrances, keep a third blotter handy that has been dipped in a very different and strong aroma. Take whiffs of this third blotter between smelling the others to help your nose "forget" the previous scent and resensitize it for the next one.
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Applying to skin
Applying perfume testers to the skin is a great way to test a scent. However, it is important to avoid wearing other fragrances when testing something new, as your everyday perfume could hinder your ability to experience a new fragrance.
There are several ways to apply a perfume tester directly to the skin. One method is to use the "dabbing" technique, where you tip the vial gently into your palm and empty about half of the liquid into your hand. You can then transfer it gently to your other hand so that both hands are covered in the perfume, and apply it to your neck and wrists. This method allows you to apply a larger amount of the perfume than simply dabbing with your finger, which some people find does not give an accurate idea of the scent.
Another method is to use a hollow plastic coffee stirrer or a cocktail straw. Cut the straw in half and dip it into the sample vial to draw up the liquid. Then, release the juice onto your wrist, neck, or wherever you would like to apply it. This method gives you more control than simply pouring or dabbing the perfume onto your skin.
If you want to apply just a small amount of the perfume to your skin, you can dip the "dipstick" applicator into the vial and wipe it onto your skin. Alternatively, you can hold the vial upside down and gently tap the bottom to release a couple of drops of the perfume onto your skin.
When testing a perfume on your skin, it is important to give the fragrance time to develop and play with your body's natural chemistry. Try to do something else after applying the perfume, and then take a sniff of your wrist or the back of your hand after 15-30 minutes to see how the scent has evolved.
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Using a dipstick
One user recommends holding a finger over the open tube top and turning the tube upside down to get the perfume onto their fingertip. They then apply it to their wrists, the back of their neck, and the sides of their neck. This process is repeated several times to ensure enough perfume is applied.
Another user suggests tapping the bottom of the bottle to release a couple of drops of perfume onto the skin. This method is said to make the perfume last a few hours and project like an atomizer shot.
It is worth noting that some people believe that rubbing perfume onto the skin can damage the fragrance, so this is something to be aware of when using a dipstick to apply perfume.
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Pouring into an atomizer
Pouring a perfume tester into an atomizer is a great way to use your favourite fragrances on the go. Atomizers are convenient, reusable, and reduce waste. They are also refillable, allowing you to take smaller doses of your fragrance with you instead of carrying large bottles.
- Remove the nozzle from your perfume bottle: Gently pull the sprayer straight up to expose the short, vertical nozzle underneath. The sprayer may be metal or plastic, and if you have trouble removing it, try wrapping it in a paper towel and using a pair of pliers to grip it.
- Prepare your atomizer: If you are using a metal travel atomizer, fit the bottom of it onto the perfume's nozzle. If your atomizer has a screw-on mechanism, simply remove the nozzle from the perfume bottle and replace it with the atomizer's nozzle.
- Pump or pour the perfume into the atomizer: If you are using a metal travel atomizer, press the travel bottle down gently once the nozzle is aligned. Keep lifting the bottle up and down to fill the atomizer. With a screw-on atomizer, you can pour the perfume directly into the atomizer, being careful not to overfill it.
- Seal the atomizer: Once your atomizer is filled, place the cap back on and twist it tightly to seal the perfume inside and prevent leaks.
Now you can enjoy your favourite fragrances on the go! Remember to handle your perfume and atomizer with care to avoid spills and waste.
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Creative uses for unwanted samples
There are many creative ways to use unwanted perfume testers or samples. Here are some ideas:
Give Them Away
You can give away unwanted perfume samples to friends or family members who may want to try them. You can also donate them to a local charity, thrift store, women's shelter, Goodwill, nursing home, or students. You can even include them as gifts for birthdays, Valentine's Day, or stocking stuffers. If you're selling something online, you can include a few samples with the item.
Create Your Own Fragrances
Perfume testers can be mixed and matched to create unique scents. You can also use them to make your own fragrance diffusers by mixing the perfume with distilled water in a 1:1 ratio and adding reed diffusers. Alternatively, you can spritz the perfume on items such as vacuum filters, tissue paper, business cards, or maps to add a subtle fragrance.
Freshen Up Your Space
Unwanted perfume samples can be used to freshen up your living space. Create a DIY room spray by adding a few drops of perfume to a small spray bottle filled with water. You can also use the perfume to create a DIY carpet refresher by mixing it with baking soda and sprinkling it on your carpet before vacuuming. Perfume samples can also be used to scent your linens, wardrobe, or laundry.
Personal Care
Perfume samples can be added to your bathtub to create a relaxing aromatherapy experience. You can also use them to make your own dry shampoo by adding fragrance to baby powder or cornstarch. If you're mailing a letter, you can spritz some perfume on it to add a subtle scent.
Decorations
Beautifully designed perfume bottles can be used as decorations for your home or office space. You can rinse and dry the bottles and use them as vases for fresh or dry flowers or fill them with pearls, crystals, or other decorative items.
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Frequently asked questions
If your perfume tester does not have an atomizer, you can apply it directly to your skin. You can do this by tipping the vial gently into your palm and applying it to your neck and wrists. You can also dip a "dipstick" into the tester and apply it to your skin.
To truly test a scent, you should use approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of the contents of a 1ml tester. Apply the perfume to your neck and wrists, which will give you a good feel for the scent, its projection, and persistence.
First, avoid wearing other fragrances when testing something new. Start by spraying the perfume on a paper blotter and inhaling the scent. If you like it, you can then spray it on your wrist or the back of your hand. After 15-30 minutes, take a sniff to see how the fragrance has developed.
You can use your perfume testers to scent your hair accessories, car, linens, and greeting cards. You can also add a few drops to unscented body lotion to create a scented body lotion.
