Testing Colognes: Best Places To Sample Fragrances

Finding the right cologne can be a challenge, especially with so many options on the market. Fragrances smell different on everyone, so sampling is the best way to determine if a cologne is right for you. Testing colognes can be done in-store at department stores and beauty specialty shops, or at home with samples ordered online. Department stores like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale's are generally generous with samples, while beauty shops like Sephora and Ulta will pour samples upon request. Online, samples can be purchased from sites like TheAromi, Scentbird, and Luckyscent, or from brands' websites, which often offer sampler packs.

Department stores

The more high-end the department store, the more liberal they tend to be with their samples. However, part of this depends on your skill in chatting with the sales assistant and whether they think you will buy something. Be courteous, ask questions, and show genuine interest. Remember that they are working on commission, so make it worth their while to help you. Also, be aware that they may not have samples for older or less popular fragrances.

If you want to test multiple colognes at once, you can bring your own fragrance sampler vials to a department store and spray the colognes directly into them. This way, you can try several colognes and have enough to test each for a couple of days.

Beauty specialty stores

At beauty specialty stores, you can ask for sample vials of colognes to be made for you. At Sephora, for example, you can take up to three bottles to a sales agent, who will then decant a 1ml sample for you. You can also ask for samples when making other purchases.

These stores also carry an excellent stock of lesser-known fragrances, so if you're looking for something beyond the typical department store offerings, this is a good place to start.

The staff at beauty specialty stores are usually very knowledgeable and can help you navigate the wide range of colognes available. They can also offer recommendations and shopping advice.

If you're looking to test colognes, beauty specialty stores are a great option, offering a wide selection, helpful staff, and the ability to create sample vials to take home and try out.

Online

Testing colognes online is a great way to try out a variety of fragrances without having to leave your home. Here are some detailed instructions on how to test colognes online:

You can purchase cologne samples from online retailers such as Amazon, which offers a wide range of designer cologne sampler sets with multiple fragrances to choose from. This option allows you to test different colognes at your own pace and convenience.

Subscription Services

There are also subscription services like Scentbird, Luxury Scent Box, and Scent Bird, which, for a monthly fee, will send you a selection of fragrance samples to try. These services offer a curated selection of colognes, allowing you to discover new scents and find your favourites.

Brand Websites

If there's a particular brand you're interested in, it's worth checking their website. Many brands offer sampler packs or discovery sets, which include small vials of their fragrances. This is a great way to test a range of scents from a specific brand without committing to a full-sized bottle.

Free Samples

Some online retailers, such as Sephora and Ulta, offer free samples with purchases. While these samples are usually for new product launches, it's an easy way to try out new fragrances without any additional cost.

Reputable Websites

When searching for cologne samples online, it's important to be cautious. Websites like FragranceX.com offer affordable samples from top brands, but be aware that finding truly free samples may require some patience and legwork.

Sample Services

Finally, some websites, like TheAromi.com, offer individual samples of best-selling men's colognes. This allows you to purchase samples of specific fragrances you're interested in, rather than committing to a full bottle.

Testing colognes online gives you the opportunity to explore different scents and discover what works best for you. By utilising online retailers, subscription services, brand websites, free samples, reputable websites, and sample services, you can find your signature scent without leaving the comfort of your home.

Subscription services

Scentbird

Scentbird is one of the most well-known cologne subscription services. It offers a large variety of fragrances, including niche and designer brands. For $15-$17 per month, you'll receive an 8-mL (0.27-oz) bottle with an atomizer case, containing a 30-day supply of your chosen scent. Scentbird also provides detailed scent descriptions and categorizations, making it easy to find fragrances that suit your taste.

Scent Box

Scent Box offers an extensive selection of over 575 designer fragrances, with more than 850 available on its premium plan. For $17 per month, you'll receive a 30-day supply of fragrance in a travel-size atomizer. Scent Box also offers a rewards program where you can earn "Scent Bucks" to redeem on future purchases.

Luxury Scent Box

Luxury Scent Box (LUXSB) offers a large variety of over 550 designer and niche brands, including exclusive brands only available through their subscription. For $10 for the first month and $16 per month after that, you'll receive a larger-sized sample of 9 mL (0.30 oz) in a protective fragrance case. This subscription is perfect for those who want to test luxury and designer colognes.

Olfactif

Olfactif is perfect for those who want to try unique, niche fragrances from around the world. For $20 per month, you'll receive a curated collection of three 2-mL spray vials of premium fragrances. Olfactif also offers exclusive discounts on full bottles and à la carte samples.

Debonair Scent

Debonair Scent is an expert-curated box that selects fragrances based on your scent profile. For $15 per month, you'll receive three 3-mL bottles of cologne, with about 15 sprays in each bottle. Debonair Scent also includes a $15 shop credit with each box that can be used to purchase full-sized bottles.

ScentMagic

ScentMagic is a popular cologne subscription service with over 10,000 subscribers. For $15 per month, you'll receive a 30-day supply of your selected perfume in an 8-mL spritz bottle. ScentMagic offers over 500 fragrances, including luxury brands such as Glossier, Tom Ford, Cartier, Versace, Gucci, and Prada.

Perfume.com

Perfume.com offers a Fragrance of the Month program that sends you a 0.27-oz fragrance atomizer for $15 per month. With over 500 brands and premium fragrances to choose from, you're sure to find a scent you love. Perfume.com also allows you to browse scents before subscribing, making it easy to find the right fragrance for you.

Scent Trunk

Scent Trunk offers a personalized box of niche and indie cologne samplers. After completing a short "Scent Survey," the experts at Scent Trunk will curate a box of fragrances that suit your tastes. Scent Trunk also provides education on the science behind scents and designer fragrances, helping you understand why you love or dislike certain scents.

Retailers

When it comes to testing colognes, there are several retailers you can turn to. Here is a detailed guide to help you find the best places to test colognes:

Department Stores:

High-end department stores like Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Nordstrom are great places to start. These stores often have generous fragrance counters where you can request samples or test different colognes. The availability of older and less popular fragrances might be limited, but you can usually find a wide range of options to try. It's a good idea to engage with the sales assistants and build a rapport, as they can provide valuable insights and recommendations.

Specialty Beauty Stores:

Stores like Sephora and Ulta are excellent for testing colognes. They carry a wide range of men's colognes, including lesser-known fragrances. The staff at these stores are usually knowledgeable and can assist you in finding the right scent. Sephora, in particular, allows you to take up to three free samples per visit, giving you the opportunity to try the colognes at home.

Online Retailers:

If you prefer to shop from the comfort of your home, there are online retailers that offer cologne samples. Websites like TheAromi.com provide a selection of best-selling men's cologne samples at reasonable prices. FragranceX.com also offers a dedicated cologne samples page, where you can find top scents from various brands. Additionally, subscription services like Scentbird and Luxury Scent Box allow you to explore different colognes each month by sending you a generous vial of your chosen scent.

Discount Retailers:

Stores like Walmart, Target, and Kohl's often have open bottles of colognes available for testing. While the variety may not be as extensive as specialty stores, you can still get an idea of different fragrances. Some people even bring their own sampler vials to fill with their favourite scents, allowing for a more personalised testing experience.

Frequently asked questions