Perfume-Scented Papers: What Are They?

what are perfume smelling papers called

Perfume-smelling papers are called blotters, tapers, smelling strips, or mouillettes. They are used to test and evaluate perfume products. Blotters are produced in different lengths, shapes, and colors depending on preferences and marketing goals. The French company Papier d’Arménie produces perfumed papers by hand in a six-month-long process. The papers are used for scenting everything from old books to lingerie drawers to cat-litter boxes. Commodity Fragrances (US) also produces artisanal fragrances called Paper Personal, Paper+, and Paper Bold.

Characteristics Values
Common Name Scent Strips
Other Names Blotters, Tapers, Mouillettes, Touches, Touche à sentir
Weight 200-300 g
Colors Various
Shapes Various
Use Case Testing and evaluating perfume products
Company Scentis
Country France
Founder Jean-Paul Malerba
Brand Papier d’Arménie
Ingredients Benzoin resin, Alcohol, Fragrance
Burning Flameless

shunscent

Testing perfume on 'blotters'

Testing perfume on blotters is a great way to try out new fragrances. Blotters, also known as scent strips, are commonly used to test perfumes and are usually freely available at perfume stores. They are typically made from absorbent, porous paper, allowing perfumes to be absorbed quickly so that you can experience the fragrance.

When testing perfumes on blotters, it is important to follow certain steps to get the most accurate results. Firstly, ensure that you are in a clean and tranquil environment, free from distracting scents that can interfere with your sense of smell. Avoid wearing other fragrances, as they may hinder your ability to perceive the new scent accurately.

To use a blotter, hold it in a downward motion and spray the perfume two to three times into a cloud. Gently wave the blotter in the cloud to absorb the fragrance without touching it. Hold the scented strip an inch or two away from your nose, close your eyes, and inhale.

It is recommended to limit yourself to testing no more than three fragrances on blotters in a day. Our sense of smell can get overwhelmed and confused beyond that. If you are evaluating multiple fragrances, use olfactory palate cleansers like coffee beans between scents to reset your sense of smell. Alternatively, you can smell your clean skin as a natural reset.

While testing on blotters is a great first step, keep in mind that the way a fragrance reacts to the paper may differ from how it interacts with your skin. The heat and natural oils of your skin can cause the perfume to evolve and smell differently. Therefore, after testing on blotters, you can narrow down your favourites and try them directly on your skin to make a more informed decision.

shunscent

French 'mouillettes'

French mouillettes, pronounced "moo-yet", are strips of paper used for testing perfumes. The word "mouillette" means slender blotters or lamellas of absorbent paper. In French, the noun is feminine: une mouillette, la mouillette, but the plural form, des mouillettes, is more commonly used as you don't usually have just one.

French mouillettes are used by dipping them into different solutions and sniffing them at regular intervals to determine what should be added or removed to achieve the desired fragrance. This process is essential for perfumers to create their artistic vision of a scent.

In addition to their use in perfumery, mouillettes also refer to "little soldiers" or fingers of toasted bread that are dunked into soft-boiled eggs. This classic French breakfast dish is a comforting and fun food, bringing back childhood memories.

Preparing mouillettes for eggs involves toasting the bread lightly, buttering it, and then cutting it into fingers on a wooden chopping board to prevent breakage. The eggs are boiled separately, and the mouillettes are then dipped into the soft yolk, creating a delightful breakfast experience.

shunscent

'Wet & See' blotters

Wet & See blotters are a novel olfactory marketing technique that involves the user. The message appears when the perfume is sprayed onto the medium. Scentis is a company that specializes in manufacturing Wet & See blotters, and their expertise in the field is recognized by major brands.

The Wet & See blotters are an innovative way to engage users with your product and pique their interest. By spraying perfume onto the blotters, a message appears, creating a fun and interactive experience. This unique communication method can be an effective tool for promoting your brand and leaving a lasting impression on potential customers.

The process of using Wet & See blotters is straightforward. The blotters are designed to react to the application of perfume, revealing a hidden message. This interactive feature surprises users and encourages them to learn more about the product. The blotters are an excellent option for companies looking for unique ways to market their fragrances and engage potential customers.

Wet & See blotters offer a creative approach to fragrance marketing, providing an interactive and sensory experience for potential customers. By partnering with Scentis, companies can leverage their expertise to develop customized Wet & See blotters that effectively showcase their fragrances. This innovative marketing tool helps businesses stand out, attract attention, and create a memorable brand experience for their target audience.

shunscent

Papier d’Arménie scented strips

Papier d'Arménie scented strips are a type of Armenian paper, a variety of incense that has been produced for centuries. The paper is infused with essences, fragrances, or essential oils to achieve a perfuming or cleansing effect.

The history of Papier d'Arménie dates back to the 19th century when Auguste Ponsot travelled to Armenia and noticed the locals perfuming and disinfecting their homes by burning benzoin. He then imported this product to France, where it has been steadily produced in Montrouge since 1885.

To use Papier d'Arménie, a strip of scented paper is torn from the booklet, folded accordion-style, and placed on a heat-resistant surface. The strip is then lit and gently blown on, causing the paper to glow and release its scent. The fragrance is often described as vanilla-like and pleasant.

In addition to its use as an incense or perfume, Papier d'Arménie can also be used as an air freshener or candle. It can even be placed in drawers or closets without burning to gradually release its scent over time. The product is known for its unique method of freshening the air and creating a refreshing ambiance in the home.

Today, Papier d'Arménie is primarily sold as a form of incense or perfume, and it has become a beloved product for those who appreciate its complex scent and ecological origins.

shunscent

Commodity Fragrances' 'Paper'

Commodity Fragrances' Paper is an ode to the heartfelt act of writing a letter to a loved one. The fragrance is an artisanal blend of the finest ingredients, carefully crafted by highly trained perfumers or "Makers". The result is an innovative scent that captures the warmth and intimacy of putting feelings down on paper.

Paper is part of Commodity Fragrances' unique offering, where each scent is available in three different concentrations: Personal, Expressive, and Bold. This allows the wearer to choose how they want to experience and project their fragrance. The Personal concentration is subtle and intimate, designed to be noticed only by those closest to the wearer. The Expressive concentration strikes a balance between longevity and projection, making a statement without overwhelming any space. Finally, the Bold collection amplifies the scent, creating strong, statement fragrances that fill the room and grab attention.

The fragrance notes in Commodity's Paper include Iso E Super, Sandalwood, Amber, Woodsy notes, and Vetiver. The combination of these ingredients creates a unique scent that evokes the feeling of writing a letter. The Iso E Super delivers a warm, skin-like feel, while the Sandalwood adds a creamy, woody element. The Amber provides sweetness and depth, and the Vetiver adds a peppery, earthy touch. These elements combine to create a fragrance that is both memorable and intimate.

The inspiration behind Commodity's Paper fragrance is a beautiful testament to the power of scent in evoking emotions and memories. The perfumer, Donna Ramanauskas, drew upon the rich sensory experience of writing a letter, infusing the fragrance with the warmth and coziness of deep thought and heartfelt expression. The result is a scent that captures the essence of intimacy and the unique connection formed through the written word.

Frequently asked questions

Perfume-smelling papers are called blotters, tapers, smelling strips, or mouillettes.

Blotters are used to test and evaluate perfume products. They can be produced in different lengths, shapes, and colors depending on their intended use and marketing goals.

Papier d’Arménie is a French company that produces scented papers. They collaborated with perfumer Francis Kurkdjian to create the woody Arménie, which emits notes of myrrh, sage, lavender, and cedar. Another company is Carta Aromatica d’Eritrea, which produces paper strips that it credits to a pharmacist from Piacenza.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment