Exploring Fragrances: Where To Sample The Best Colognes

There are many places to try cologne, both in-store and online. Department stores such as Nordstrom, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Sephora all offer fragrance samples. Beauty specialty shops like Sephora or Ulta will also provide a sample vial of men's cologne upon request. Online, you can purchase individual samples from sites like TheAromi.com or buy sample sets from Amazon or Scentbird.

Department stores

Some department stores known for their fragrance counters include Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Nordstrom. These stores carry a wide range of designer and niche fragrances, giving you a variety of options to choose from.

One advantage of visiting a department store is that you can browse and sample fragrances in person, allowing you to experience the scent firsthand and seek assistance from knowledgeable staff. Additionally, you can take your time to test different fragrances and find the one that suits your personality and preferences.

If you're looking for a fun weekend activity and want to explore a wide range of colognes, a trip to the fragrance counter at your local department store is definitely worth considering.

Online

If you're wondering how to buy cologne online, there are many ways to try before you buy. While it may seem like a bad idea to buy a cologne you haven't smelled, there are many ways to make an informed decision.

Samples

One way to try cologne online is to buy samples. Many sites sell small sample vials for a few dollars, so you can test a scent for a week or so with little risk. Sites like DS & Durga offer a "Greatest Hits" selection of their best sellers, as well as themed arrangements and custom sets. Other brands, like Diptyque, include a sample vial with your purchase, so you can try before committing to the full-size bottle.

Sites like Luckyscent, FragranceNet, and Scent Split offer a wide range of samples for a few dollars, from niche to high-end fragrances. You can also buy samples from The Aromi, which has a solid reputation and offers samples from a wide range of brands.

Fragrance Subscriptions

Scent subscription programs are a great way to try different colognes without committing to a full bottle. For a small monthly fee, you can receive different small-volume vials of cologne at regular intervals. Luxury Scent Box and Scentbird are two popular options, offering a range of legacy luxury colognes and lesser-known artisanal and clean beauty scents.

Department Stores

Department store websites, such as Nordstrom, often offer free shipping and returns, so you can shop with confidence and easily return a cologne if it doesn't suit you.

There are also dedicated online fragrance retailers, such as FragranceX and Perfume.com, which offer steep discounts of up to 80% on luxury and niche brands. These sites have a wide selection of perfumes and colognes, including discontinued fragrances that may be hard to find elsewhere.

Research

Before buying cologne online, it's a good idea to do some research. Understanding fragrance categorisation can help you figure out which specific ingredients or scent families you are most drawn to. There are 14 different fragrance families, each evoking certain moods, energies, or feelings. For example, you might want something light and floral or heavy and musky.

You can also browse online fragrance community sites, such as Fragrantica, Parfumo, and Base Notes, to read reviews and get recommendations from experts and other fragrance enthusiasts. Social media can also be a good source of reviews and recommendations.

Mini and Travel Sizes

If you're not ready to commit to a full-size bottle, many popular colognes come in mini or travel sizes, which are a great way to sample a fragrance at a discounted price.

Free Samples

Finally, there are several ways to get free cologne samples. Many beauty retailers and department stores will offer free samples in person if you request them. You can also often get free samples by reaching out to brands directly through their website, email, or social media. Some brands will include free samples with another purchase, so keep an eye out for these offers.

Beauty specialty stores

Sephora, in particular, is a great place to sample cologne. The staff don't work on commission, so they won't pressure you to buy certain brands. They also won't hover over you as you try the testers. You can take up to three bottles to a sales agent and ask for a sample, and they will decant a 1ml sample for you on the spot.

Ulta also has testers available for you to try.

Subscription services

Scentbird

Scentbird is one of the pioneers of cologne subscription boxes, having launched in 2013. They offer over 700 fragrances, including niche and designer brands, and provide detailed scent descriptions to help you choose the right cologne. The subscription costs $16.95 per month, with the option to try the first month for $8.47.

Scent Box

Scent Box offers a wide variety of fragrances, with over 850 designer colognes to choose from. They provide a fun, coloured atomizer case with each box and have a rewards program where you can earn "Scent Bucks" for future purchases. The subscription starts at $9.72 for the first month and $16.95 per month thereafter.

ScentMagic

ScentMagic has over 500 designer fragrances to choose from, including luxury brands such as Glossier, Tom Ford, Cartier, and Gucci. The subscription costs $14.95 per month, and you'll receive a 30-day supply of your chosen cologne in an 8-millilitre spritz bottle.

Perfume.com

Perfume.com offers a Fragrance of the Month program with over 500 brands and premium fragrances to choose from. For $15 per month, you'll receive a 0.27-ounce fragrance atomizer, and you have the option to browse the fragrances before subscribing.

Debonair Scent

Debonair Scent is a curated subscription box where fragrance experts choose three colognes from designer and niche brands based on your scent profile. The box costs $15 per month and includes free shipping and members-only offers and discounts.

Olfactif

Olfactif is perfect for those seeking unique, niche fragrances from around the world. For $20 per month, you'll receive three 2-millilitre spray vials of premium fragrances, along with exclusive discounts on full bottles and à la carte samples.

Luxury Scent Box (LUXSB)

LUXSB offers a large variety of over 550 designer and niche brands, including exclusive brands only available through their subscription. The subscription costs $15.95 per month, and you'll receive a larger-sized sample of 9 millilitres or 30 ounces.

These subscription services provide an excellent opportunity to explore new colognes and find your signature scent without breaking the bank.

Brand websites

Many brands have their own websites where you can purchase cologne directly from the source. This can be a great way to ensure that you're getting an authentic product and to take advantage of any deals or discounts that the brand may be offering. Some popular brand websites for purchasing cologne include:

• Jomashop: Jomashop is known for its wide selection of watches, but it also carries thousands of men's colognes from top-tier names like Dior, Armani, and Tom Ford, as well as niche favourites like Diptyque and Creed. They hold sales regularly, so it's worth checking the site if you're looking for a deal.
• Nordstrom: Nordstrom offers free shipping and free returns on colognes, so you can shop with confidence. They carry mostly designer brands, with some niche options as well. They also have physical stores, so you can head to your closest location to try out colognes in person or order online and pick up in-store.
• FragranceNet: FragranceNet is one of the biggest perfume retailers in the world, offering heavily discounted prices of up to 80% on designer brands like Versace and Calvin Klein. They've been in business since 1997 and have countless positive reviews across social media, making them a trusted source for cheap colognes.
• Sephora: Sephora offers an in-store and online fragrance shopping experience. They have a quiz to help you figure out what type of fragrance you might like and offer a variety of brands and sizes. You can return anything you don't like within 30 days as long as it's only gently used.
• Ulta: Ulta offers a wide range of cologne options, from under-$20 rollerballs to high-end fragrances. They have hundreds of customer reviews and a helpful list of pros and cons for every product. They also have a great loyalty program where you can receive discounts and rewards with every purchase.
• Neiman Marcus: Neiman Marcus is a luxury retailer known for its elegant, high-quality designer offerings, including fragrances from brands like Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Tom Ford, Jo Malone, Givenchy, and Hermès. They offer full-size bottles, travel-friendly rollerballs, gift sets, and even fragrance sample collections if you want to try out a few scents before committing.
• Bloomingdales: Bloomingdales has a wide selection of men's cologne, including popular favourites like Dior Sauvage, Bleu De Chanel, and Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille. They offer options to search for fragrances by price, type, and notes, making it easy to find your favourite.

Frequently asked questions