Anisha Riggs
If you're looking to sample perfumes, there are several places you can go. Department stores like Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Nordstrom's usually offer fragrance samples, though these are likely to be newly launched scents. Beauty specialty shops like Sephora and Ulta will also provide samples, and their staff will be on hand to assist you. If you're in New York City, you might want to check out Scentbar, or if you're in London or Paris, Selfridges and Printemps, respectively, are recommended.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Department stores | Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Nordstroms |
| Beauty specialty shops | Sephora, Ulta |
| Online | TheAromi.com, eBay |
| Perfume stores | Beverly Hills Perfumery, D'or Prestige, Parfums Raffy, Scent Bar, Selfridges, Printemps, Fragrantica |
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What You'll Learn
Department stores
Some popular department stores for perfume shopping include Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Nordstrom. These stores typically carry a range of designer brands, making it convenient to compare and test multiple perfumes in one location. The sales clerks at these counters can be a great resource, offering their expertise and advice on finding the perfect fragrance. However, some customers may prefer to explore at their own pace without feeling pressured by pushy salespeople.
One strategy to navigate this is to browse the perfume area while appearing occupied on your phone. This allows you to spray and test the perfumes you're interested in without feeling rushed. You can then walk away and let the perfume interact with your skin chemistry for a few hours. If you still like the scent after a couple of hours, you can consider making a purchase.
For those in NYC, Scentbar on Elizabeth Street is highly recommended for its impressive selection of perfumes within a small space. The staff are knowledgeable and professional, allowing customers to explore at their own pace without feeling pressured.
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Beauty specialty shops
One popular beauty specialty shop is Sephora. Sephora has a wide range of perfumes for customers to try, and they even offer free 1 ml samples upon request. Sephora stores are also known for their hands-off approach, allowing customers to browse and sample perfumes at their own pace without feeling pressured by sales associates.
Ulta is another excellent beauty specialty shop for perfume sampling. Ulta provides a variety of basic designer brand names for customers to test, including options for men. They offer little tester strips, allowing customers to spray and compare different fragrances. Ulta's staff is also known for giving customers space to explore the perfumes without feeling intimidated.
In addition to Sephora and Ulta, other beauty specialty shops may be available in your area, such as standalone perfume boutiques or fragrance bars, that offer unique and niche perfume-smelling experiences. These stores often have knowledgeable staff who are passionate about fragrances and can provide valuable insights and recommendations.
When visiting beauty specialty shops, it is important to remember that while sampling is encouraged, it is essential to respect the products and the store's policies. Some stores may have specific guidelines, such as requesting that customers use hand sanitizer before handling perfume bottles. By following the store's guidelines and being mindful of the staff and other customers, you can ensure a pleasant perfume-smelling experience.
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Perfume stores in NYC
New York City is home to a plethora of perfumeries, flagship stores, and fragrance boutiques. If you're looking to treat yourself to a new scent, here are some perfume stores to check out in NYC:
Scent Bar
A popular choice among fragrance enthusiasts, Scent Bar offers a range of perfumes and the opportunity to create your own custom fragrance. They have a dedicated store in Manhattan, making it a convenient option for those seeking a niche perfumery experience.
Aedes de Venustas
Located in the West Village, Aedes de Venustas is described as a "temple of beauty." The store is adorned with fresh flowers and scented candles, creating a luxurious atmosphere. Their unique selection of fragrances includes high-end and exclusive options.
Le Labo
Le Labo stands out with its industrial-chic setting, showcasing their fragrances in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Their perfumes are hand-blended around single ingredients, such as tuberose or orange blossom, resulting in complex and captivating scents. You can also find their fragrances in long-lasting perfume oils and innovative silicone-based gels.
Osswald
Osswald, located on Mulberry Street, is a family-run business with a rich history. They offer a fantastic selection of niche perfumes, including luxury brands such as Chabaud and MDCI. The store's ambiance and knowledgeable staff make it a top choice for perfume connoisseurs.
Olfactory NYC
Olfactory NYC provides a unique custom fragrance experience. You can choose from their nine core fragrances and then add various accords to create a scent that is truly yours. They also offer custom-scented body products, solid fragrances, and home diffusers to extend your fragrance experience beyond just perfume.
Department Stores
Large department stores such as Bloomingdales, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, and Nordstrom also offer a wide selection of perfumes. These stores carry various brands and can be convenient one-stop shops for those looking to explore different options without having to visit multiple specialty stores.
Whether you're seeking a custom fragrance, exclusive niche perfumes, or a convenient department store option, NYC has a plethora of choices to satisfy your olfactory desires.
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Perfume stores in Paris
Paris is synonymous with glitzy, big-name perfume houses, but the city also has a plethora of niche perfumeries. Many brands have flagship stores in Paris, where you can explore their full collections, and some small brands are hardly available abroad, so a trip to the French capital is the only way to access them.
One such store is Nose, a beauty concept store in the 2nd arrondissement. You can try any of the 500 perfumes and the staff will create an olfactive diagnosis for you, based on your preferences. They also provide a discovery kit with purchases over €295.
For iconic French designer brands, Guerlain on the Champs-Élysées is a must-visit. The prestigious perfume house has been synonymous with luxury and quality for almost two centuries and has created some of the most famous fragrances in history.
If you're looking for something a little more niche, check out L'Artisan Parfumeur, a Parisian institution since the early 1970s. Its small, discreet perfumeries offer a calm and modest shopping experience, with a range of fragrances from early works like Mure et Musc to newer creations like Champ de Baies.
Another famous niche perfume house is Serge Lutens, known for its unconventional and bold scents. You can discover the full range at their flagship store in the 1st arrondissement.
For something truly unique, head to the concept store Jovoy Paris in the Louvre district, which showcases little-known and new perfumes. Nearby, in the Galerie Vivienne, Binet-Papillon Parfums invites you to discover its Made in France fragrances in a boudoir-style setting.
Other notable mentions include the famous Fragonard Museum and flagship store in the 9th arrondissement, the Italian eau-de-cologne brand Acqua di Parma's first French boutique on Rue des Francs Bourgeois, and the Dover Street Market, which carries a lot of interesting contemporary brands.
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Online perfume communities
One notable example is the r/perfumes community on Reddit, which provides a space for fragrance enthusiasts to connect, share recommendations, and discuss their passion for perfumes. The community is described as welcoming and respectful, offering a monthly "Recommend Me a Perfume" open post for community participation.
Another platform, Fragrantica.com, hosts an online community alongside its magazine and perfume reviews. The website features articles on new fragrances, raw materials, and vintage perfumes, creating an informative space for perfume enthusiasts to explore and connect.
In addition to these dedicated online communities, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have also played a significant role in the rise of online perfume communities. Creators on these platforms have amassed substantial followings, leveraging their influence to promote certain brands and scents, as well as scrutinize the politics and values of fragrance companies.
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Frequently asked questions
Department stores like Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and Nordstroms have a wide range of perfumes to sample. Beauty specialty shops like Sephora and Ulta will also provide samples.
Yes, Scent Bar in NYC is a popular choice for perfume lovers. Other notable mentions in NYC are Osswalds, Mizensir, Elorea, and Aedes.
Selfridges in London and Printemps in Paris are excellent options with knowledgeable and professional staff.
