Anisha Riggs
Testing fragrances is an important step in choosing a new perfume or cologne. It can be tempting to smell every bottle, but this can be overwhelming and your nose will quickly become tired. The best way to test fragrances is to use tester strips to find the ones you like, and then test them on your skin. Paper blotters or strips are usually freely available in perfumeries or department stores and are the first step in testing fragrances. You should spray the fragrance on the strip and then smell it. If you like it, hold on to the strip for 10 minutes and then smell it again. If you still like it, you can test it on your skin. It is recommended that you test no more than three or four fragrances on your skin at a time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fragrances to test | 3-4 initially, then narrow down to 2 |
| Where to test | Department stores, specialist shops, duty-free areas of an airport |
| Testing method | Paper strips/blotters, then skin |
| Skin application | Wrists, forearms, back of hand, behind ears, inner elbow |
| Number of sprays | 2-3 |
| Wait time | 30 seconds to 1 hour |
| Notes | Top, middle, base |
| Samples | Available for free or for a small fee |
| Time of day | Morning |
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What You'll Learn
Paper strips/blotters
Paper strips, or blotters, are commonly used to test fragrances. They are often available in shops and can be used to test a wide range of fragrances. Paper strips are a good way to get an initial idea of whether you like a fragrance or not, but the scent can change when it is applied to the skin.
Paper strips are designed to absorb and hold fragrances. They are usually made from absorbent paper materials, such as 17-point blotter paper or card-stock type paper. Some people also use coffee filters, cotton balls, or heavy parchment paper to test fragrances. The strips are typically narrow and can be dipped into fragrance oils or sprayed with perfumes. They can then be held a few inches from the nose to smell the fragrance. It is recommended to fan the strip in front of your nose, rather than placing it directly under your nostrils, to get a better sense of the scent.
Paper strips can be useful for testing multiple fragrances in a short period, as they are less likely to mix or change the scent profile than fragrances applied directly to the skin. They can also be useful for testing fragrances when making products such as candles or perfumes, or for sending fragrance samples to clients.
However, it is important to note that paper strips may not provide an accurate representation of how a fragrance will smell or wear on the skin. Fragrances can unfold and develop differently on skin due to individual skin chemistry. Therefore, it is recommended to follow up with a skin test to confirm if a fragrance will work for you.
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Skin tests
When skin testing a fragrance, it's important to only test one fragrance at a time. This is because fragrances will contaminate one another if sprayed in close proximity on your body. From a distance, you will only smell a confusing mass of perfume, and the scents will blend together badly up close.
To test a fragrance on your skin, spray the fragrance on your wrist or the back of your hand in a downward motion. Two spritzes should be enough. Then, drop your hand to your side and wait at least 30 seconds for the scent to settle on your skin. Once it has started to dry, bring your hand up and inhale. You can also test fragrances on the inside of your elbow or behind your ear. These areas are pulse points, and your unique body chemistry will interact with the scent, giving you a true idea of how the fragrance will smell on you.
It's important to take your time when testing a fragrance. Something you love in the store may not be what you love at home, so it's recommended to do something else after spraying the perfume, to allow the fragrance to play with your body's natural chemistry. Over time, the fragrance will deepen as you experience each of the levels of notes in its formulation. Take a sniff of your wrist or hand after 15-30 minutes to see how the fragrance has developed.
If you're testing multiple fragrances, it's a good idea to only test 3-4 scents at a time. Your sense of smell can only handle a few scents well before it begins to get confused. You can also use olfactory palate cleansers, such as coffee beans, to help reset your nose between fragrances. However, some people find that coffee beans are not effective and that fresh air or sniffing your own unscented skin is a better way to reset your sense of smell.
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Avoid wearing fragrances when testing
When testing fragrances, it is best to avoid wearing any other scents, including your favourite perfume or a strong deodorant. This is because other fragrances can interfere with the test, hindering your ability to experience a new fragrance.
It is also recommended to avoid testing fragrances after eating a meal with strong-smelling foods, such as garlic or heavily spiced dishes. Strong scents from food can also interfere with your sense of smell and the fragrance you are testing.
To ensure an accurate test, it is important to give your nose a break in between testing different fragrances. Your nose can get tired or overwhelmed, especially when testing multiple fragrances, so it is a good idea to step outside for some fresh air or take a short break between tests.
Some people suggest using coffee beans or coffee aromas to reset your sense of smell between fragrances. However, others disagree with this method, stating that coffee beans will not reset your sense of smell. Instead, they suggest sniffing your own unscented sleeve or skin as a more effective way to neutralise your sense of smell between tests.
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Test no more than 3 fragrances a day
When it comes to testing fragrances, it's important to take your time and not overwhelm your senses. Fragrance testing is a journey of exploration and discovery, and you want to approach it with a curious and wise mindset.
Firstly, it's best to avoid wearing any other fragrances when testing new ones. Your everyday perfume or cologne might hinder your ability to fully experience a new scent. Paper blotters, or strips, are a great way to start. These are usually provided near fragrance display bottles in stores. Spray two or three quick sprays into a cloud and pass the blotters through, letting them absorb the scent. Hold the scented strip under your nose, being careful not to touch it, and take a moment to inhale. This is a good way to narrow down your options to a few fragrances you really like.
However, testing fragrances on paper strips can only give you a preliminary impression. To truly test a fragrance, you should try it on your skin, as your body's natural chemistry will interact with the scent. Spray the fragrance on your wrist, the back of your hand, or the inside of your elbow, and wait for at least 30 seconds for the scent to settle. Then, bring your hand up and inhale, or take a sniff after 15-30 minutes to see how the fragrance has developed over time.
Now, here's why you shouldn't test too many fragrances in a day: your sense of smell can only handle a limited number of scents before it gets confused or overwhelmed. While the exact number may vary for different individuals, many people find that testing more than 3 fragrances in a day becomes overwhelming. You might find that your nose goes "blind" after 3 or 4 fragrances, and you lose the ability to distinguish the individual components of each scent accurately.
So, when testing fragrances, it's best to take it slow and savour each one. Give each fragrance the attention it deserves and let it dance with your senses before moving on to the next. This way, you'll be able to make a well-informed decision about which scent truly resonates with you.
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Take your time
When it comes to testing fragrances, it's important to take your time and savour the experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your fragrance-testing journey:
Start with Blotters: Paper blotters, or scent strips, are a great way to begin exploring different perfumes. Spray two to three quick sprays into a cloud and wave the strip through it. Let the fragrance absorb, and then hold it under your nose to inhale. This allows you to get an initial impression of the scent without applying it directly to your skin.
Narrow Down Your Choices: After trying fragrances on blotters, it's time to select a few that you want to test further. Choose one or two fragrances that truly stand out to you and move on to the next step.
Try Them on Your Skin: Apply the fragrance directly to your skin, focusing on pulse points like your wrists, behind your ears, or your inner elbow. Your unique body chemistry will interact with the scent, giving you a true understanding of how it will smell on you. Be sure to spray in a downward motion and wait at least 30 seconds for the scent to settle before inhaling.
Cleanse Your Palate: Avoid testing too many fragrances at once, as it can overwhelm your sense of smell. If you're testing multiple fragrances, give your nose a break in between by sniffing your own unscented sleeve or skin, or step outside for a breath of fresh air. While it's a common practice to use coffee beans as a palate cleanser, they won't actually reset your sense of smell.
By following these steps and taking your time, you'll be able to truly appreciate each fragrance and make an informed decision about which one is perfect for you. Happy scent-testing!
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Frequently asked questions
You can test fragrances in department stores, specialist shops, or in the duty-free areas of an airport.
The best way to test fragrances is to use tester strips to find ones that you think you like, and then test them on your skin. Tester strips are typically made from absorbent, porous paper and can be found in-store.
It is recommended that you test no more than 3 fragrances on tester strips in a day. Your sense of smell can only handle a few scents well before it gets confused.
