Katrina Rosales
Visiting a perfume counter can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you are particular about your preferences. However, it is an excellent opportunity to discover new fragrances and find your signature scent. To make the most of your visit, it is recommended to be organised and structured in your approach. Test a few fragrances, take notes, and then take a break to reset your palate. You can also request fragrance samples at perfume counters in department stores like Nordstrom and Sephora. Building a rapport with the sales staff can be beneficial, as they may be able to provide insights, guidance, and samples of other fragrances that could interest you.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fragrances to test | 4 |
| Where to test fragrances | Wrists, inside of elbows, throat |
| How to test fragrances | Spray on paper strips or directly on skin |
| How to choose fragrances | Wander around with candidate strips, then pick |
| How to get free samples | Build a rapport with the sales clerk |
| How to keep track of fragrances | Fragrance journaling, spreadsheets, Pinterest board |
| How to avoid feeling self-conscious | Ignore weird looks, be friendly, chat with the staff |
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Ask for samples
When visiting a perfume counter, it is perfectly acceptable to ask for samples. In fact, it is recommended to sample a perfume before committing to a large bottle, as perfume can be very expensive.
Some perfume stores will have tester bottles accessible to the public, and it is fine to test these on your skin or on a tester strip. If the perfume bottles are kept behind the counter, ask a sales assistant if you can try some on a tester strip or on your skin. If you like the scent, you can then ask for a sample to take away with you. It is common for stores to provide small vials of perfume for customers to take away, so they can see how the scent develops on their skin over time.
If the store does not have any samples of the perfume you want to try, you could ask if they would fill an empty vial for you. Some stores are happy to do this, but others are not, so it is always worth asking.
You can also request free samples directly from the perfume manufacturer. Some companies will send samples to customers who email them, particularly if they express an interest in the brand and an intention to purchase a full-size product. It is also worth checking freebie websites, where you can discover new products and request samples.
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Test on skin
Testing perfume on your skin is an essential step in the fragrance selection process. It is important to remember that the warmth of your skin, its flora, chemistry, and natural oils will react with the perfume to create a scent that is unique to you.
Firstly, make sure your skin is clean and warm. The fragrance will react more readily with open pores, so it is best to test perfume after a shower. Wrists are the most common spot for fragrance testing, as they are naturally warm from the veins underneath. You can also spray the perfume on the back of your hand, but it will take longer to diffuse. Avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this can break down the fragrance and alter its true scent.
When spraying, hold the bottle a few inches away from your skin and spritz once or twice. Then, let your hand drop to your side and wait at least 20 seconds for the scent to settle. After it has started to dry, bring your wrist to your nose and inhale. Avoid touching your nose to your skin, keeping it at least an inch or two away.
The fragrance will develop over time, so it is recommended to do something else after testing, like browsing the shop or going for a walk, and then sniffing your wrist again after 15-30 minutes to see how the scent has changed. You may find that a perfume you disliked on a blotter transforms completely when it interacts with your skin chemistry.
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Test on paper
Testing perfume on paper is a great way to narrow down your selection before testing on your skin. Paper blotters, or mouillettes, are typically available in perfumeries or on display near fragrance bottles. These are made from absorbent, porous paper that allows perfumes to be absorbed quickly.
To test, hold the paper strip around 10-15cm away from the perfume nozzle and spray once or twice in a downward motion. Avoid soaking the strip, as one or two sprays should be enough. Allow the alcohol to evaporate for a few seconds, then bring the strip under your nose, being careful not to touch it, and inhale. You can also bend the fragrant side of the paper upwards to prevent it from touching any surfaces.
It's important to note that the scent of the perfume will develop over time, so you may want to smell the strip every hour to experience the complete fragrance cycle. If you are testing multiple fragrances, keep the strips away from each other to avoid mixing the scents. Additionally, try not to test more than three fragrances on paper in one day, as your sense of smell can become confused.
While testing on paper is a good starting point, it's worth noting that the true test of a perfume is how it reacts with your skin's natural chemistry. Therefore, it's recommended to test the perfume on your skin after testing on paper to get the full picture of the scent.
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Build rapport with staff
Building a good rapport with perfume counter staff can be beneficial for both parties. It can lead to perks such as free samples and insider information on new and upcoming releases.
Be honest about your intentions
If you are only there to smell the perfumes and do not intend to buy, let the staff know. This can help ease the pressure of a potential sale and allow the staff member to relax and engage with you in a more casual manner.
Display your knowledge
If you are a perfume enthusiast, displaying your knowledge can be an effective way to build rapport with staff. This can spark interesting conversations and show the staff member that you are passionate about their products. They may be more inclined to share their own knowledge and insights with you, creating a meaningful connection.
Be a familiar face
Perfume counter staff often recognize regular customers, and this can lead to a mutual feeling of embarrassment. However, building a relationship with the staff can be advantageous. They may be more inclined to help you obtain samples or share information about new releases. If you give them repeat business, they may be more likely to assist you further or provide perks.
Practice effective communication
Effective communication is a key component of building rapport. This includes both verbal and non-verbal cues such as eye contact, posture, and tone of voice. Show genuine interest in the staff member, listen attentively, and avoid body language that may make you seem closed off, such as crossing your arms or fidgeting.
Ask questions and be respectful
Asking questions about the perfumes shows interest and respect for the staff member's knowledge. This can lead to insightful conversations and help build a positive relationship. Respect is a fundamental aspect of rapport, and it fosters open communication and a comfortable working environment.
Building rapport with perfume counter staff can enhance your experience and create a mutually beneficial relationship. By being honest, knowledgeable, respectful, and communicative, you can establish meaningful connections and potentially gain perks such as samples and insider information.
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Take notes
Taking notes is an excellent way to keep track of the perfumes you try and can help you make informed decisions when purchasing. Here are some tips on how to take notes effectively during your visit to a perfume counter:
Sample and Scent Journaling:
Keep a scent journal or a perfume diary to record your impressions. Note down the name of the perfume, the date you tested it, and your initial impressions of the scent. Describe the fragrance using your own words or the fragrance notes provided by the brand. Rate the perfumes on a scale, categorise them into favourites and those you dislike, and note any scents you want to revisit or purchase in a particular size.
Digital Note-Taking:
Use your phone or tablet to take notes. Create a document or spreadsheet to record your thoughts. Alternatively, use apps like Pinterest to pin fragrances and write your comments. Some websites like Parfumo allow you to mark perfumes as "tested" and take notes.
Traditional Note-Taking:
If you prefer pen and paper, bring your own pen to the perfume counter. You can use a notebook to jot down your impressions or create a spreadsheet to organise your thoughts.
Reset Your Palate:
It's easy to get overwhelmed by different scents when visiting a perfume counter. Take breaks between testing perfumes to reset your sense of smell. Go for a walk, get some fresh air, or have a meal to clear your palate before starting again.
Test Strips and Skin Application:
When testing perfumes, use paper test strips to evaluate the fragrances. Allow the alcohol to evaporate before smelling to avoid overwhelming your senses. You can also spray the perfume on different parts of your body to see how it interacts with your skin over time.
Remember, taking notes is a personal preference. You can choose to simply enjoy the experience or take a more structured approach. Do what feels comfortable and enjoyable for you.
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Frequently asked questions
It can be difficult to distinguish between multiple perfumes when testing them at a perfume counter. One approach is to first select a few fragrances that seem interesting, and then spray each one on a different part of your body. You can then go about your day and see how each fragrance evolves over time.
It is common to feel self-conscious when visiting a perfume counter, especially if you don't plan on buying anything. However, it's important to remember that the employees are there to assist you and are likely used to customers testing perfumes without making a purchase. Building a rapport with the staff can make the experience more enjoyable.
It can be helpful to take notes or keep a journal when testing perfumes. You can also use your phone to look up descriptions and perfume notes. Some people also find it useful to take walks in between store visits to reset their sense of smell.
Many perfume counters provide free samples, especially if you have a good relationship with the sales clerk. You can also ask for samples of specific perfumes, and remind the sales clerk that body chemistry can affect how a scent sits on your skin. Beauty specialty shops like Sephora and Ulta are known for providing samples of men's cologne.
