Heidi Norton
Perfume testing strips, also known as fragrance blotters, are used to sample a scent and get a more accurate sense of its complete fragrance. The strips are made of a specific type of absorbent paper, such as blotting paper or watercolour paper, which can hold and release the perfume effectively. To use a testing strip, you should first write the name of the fragrance on one end and then dip the other end into the bottle. After allowing the strip to dry for a few seconds, you can wave it gently in front of your nose to smell the scent. This method allows you to experience the full range of a fragrance, including its nuances and subtleties, rather than just the top notes you would get from sniffing the bottle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To sample a scent and experience the full range of a fragrance |
| Materials | Watercolour paper, blotting paper, unscented Kleenex, artist's paper |
| Dimensions | 5 inches x 0.5 inches (127 mm x 12.7 mm) |
| Quantity | 100 pieces |
| Packaging | Clear plastic bag with sticky seal |
| Usage | Dip one end into a perfume sample, allow absorption, wave the strip to release the scent, sniff gently |
| Storage | Store in a clean, dry place, in a resealable plastic bag or small box |
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What You'll Learn
Why use perfume testing strips
There are several reasons why perfume testing strips are useful when sampling a scent. Firstly, they allow you to experience the full range of your fragrance. When you stick your nose into a bottle of perfume, you get mainly the top notes, which are the most prominent but also the shortest-lived. Using a blotter strip enables you to appreciate the more subtle aspects of the fragrance, such as its nuances, subtleties, and possible adulteration. This is because exposing the perfume to air for evaporation on the strip will enable you to more accurately evaluate the oil's complete aromatic profile.
Perfume testing strips are also a more hygienic way to sample a scent. When you use a strip, the end that is dipped into the perfume will be safely up in the air when you put it back down, keeping your table clean.
Additionally, perfume testing strips can be useful if you want to preview how certain fragrances will combine. You can do this by fanning multiple blotters in front of your nose at the same time.
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Choosing the right paper
When choosing the right paper for perfume testing, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, the paper should be absorbent to allow the fragrance to soak into it and prevent it from staining or running off. This is why blotting or absorbent paper is often recommended. Artist's watercolour paper, which has a rougher texture to absorb the fragrance, is a good option and can be cut into strips or cards. Alternatively, coffee filters, which are also absorbent, can be cut into strips.
Another important consideration is the thickness of the paper. A thicker paper, such as cardstock or cardboard, will be more durable and may be better at holding the fragrance. However, thinner papers such as facial tissue or toilet paper can also be used and offer the benefit of a larger surface area than a strip. It is also recommended to use uncoated paper to avoid any interference with the fragrance, as coated papers may contain remnants of bleach or dye that can affect the scent.
The weight of the paper is another factor to consider. A heavier paper, such as a cheap sketch pad or greeting card stock, can provide a good balance between thickness and absorbency. It is also important to ensure that the paper is odourless and minimally processed to avoid any interference with the fragrance.
Finally, the size and shape of the paper strips are important. The strips should be long enough to dip into fragrance bottles and narrow enough to fit into small sample openings. A standard size of 5 inches by 0.5 inches is commonly recommended, but you can also cut the paper to your desired size.
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Preparing the strips
To prepare the strips, first decide on the width and length of your strips and use a pencil and a ruler to mark out the dimensions on your chosen paper. Cut the paper into strips along the marks you've made using scissors or a cutter. If you want to personalise the strips, you can stamp or print your logo at one end of each strip. This step is optional but can add a professional touch if you're planning to share your strips with others or use them in a professional setting.
Store your perfume test strips in a clean, dry place to keep them free from contaminants and moisture. You can use a resealable plastic bag or a small box to organise and protect the strips.
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Applying the perfume
The next step is to apply the perfume to the strip. You can do this by dipping one end of the strip into the perfume bottle or sample, or by applying a drop of the fragrance directly onto the end of the strip. If you are dipping the strip, bend the end first, to avoid getting fragrance oil on your work surface. Only dip the strip to the first line, or for a stronger scent, to the second line.
After applying the perfume, you should allow the strip to dry for around 10 seconds before smelling. Then, hold the strip about an inch away from your nose and gently wave it in front of you to release the scent. Avoid touching the absorbent part of the strip, as the oils and dirt on your fingers can alter the scent.
If you want to test how two fragrances would smell when blended, use two strips. Dip both to the first line and hold them together while evaluating the scents. For a 50/50 mix, use an equal number of strips for each fragrance.
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Evaluating the scent
Firstly, it is important to test the perfume in an area where no other odours can interfere with the fragrance. Before dipping the strip into the perfume, write the name of the fragrance on one end of the strip. This is particularly useful if you are testing multiple fragrances and want to identify them later. Then, bend the tip of the strip, this will prevent the fragrance from getting onto your work surface when you put the strip down.
Dip the bent end of the strip into the bottle, making sure the fragrance reaches the first line on the strip. If you are testing how two fragrances would smell when blended, use two strips and dip them to the first line. Hold them together while evaluating the scents. To represent a particular scent more strongly, dip that fragrance up to the second line.
Let the strip dry for a few seconds before smelling. Hold the strip about an inch away from your nose and gently sniff to evaluate the scent. You can also gently wave the strip in the air to release the scent. This will give you an accurate sense of the fragrance.
Perfume testing strips are an excellent way to evaluate a scent's quality, nuances, subtleties, possible adulteration, and lasting power. They provide a neutral medium for smelling and evaluating the aromatic compounds, offering a truer and more complete impression of the fragrance.
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Frequently asked questions
Testing strips are usually made from absorbent blotting paper, which is designed to absorb and hold liquids. Watercolour paper is also a popular choice due to its ability to absorb liquids.
First, write the name of the fragrance on one end of the blotter. Bend the other end and dip it into the bottle. Fan the blotter in front of your nose, being careful not to touch the absorbent part with your fingers.
Using a testing strip allows you to experience the full range of your fragrance, rather than just the top notes, which are the most prominent but shortest-lived.
Store your perfume testing strips in a clean, dry place, free from contaminants and moisture. You can use a resealable plastic bag or a small box to organise and protect the strips.
