Exploring Colognes: Best Places To Sample Scents

Trying out colognes before buying them is a great way to find your signature scent. Sampling colognes can be done in-store at department stores such as Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom, or at beauty specialty shops like Sephora and Ulta. Online, you can purchase samples from sites like Amazon, Luckyscent, and TheAromi, or subscribe to monthly services like Scentbird, which offer a variety of colognes to try at a low cost.

Department stores

Finding the Right Department Store

Firstly, look for a department store that has a dedicated fragrance or cologne counter. This will ensure that they have a good selection of colognes to choose from. Some popular department stores that are known for their fragrance counters include Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Nordstrom. These stores usually carry a variety of designer and niche fragrances, so you're likely to find a range of options to try.

Sampling Colognes at the Store

When you visit the department store, don't be afraid to ask for help from the sales clerks. They are there to assist you and can provide valuable information about the different colognes. Let them know what you're looking for, whether it's a particular scent profile or a specific brand. They can guide you towards colognes that match your preferences.

Remember that your body chemistry affects how a cologne smells on you, so don't be shy about requesting samples to try at home. You can ask for fragrance samples at the cologne counter, and while these are often new launches, building a rapport with the sales clerk might get you samples of other fragrances as well. You can also ask about their policies on samples, as some stores may have specific guidelines or limits on the number of samples provided.

Building a Relationship with the Staff

Consider building a relationship with the staff at the department store, especially if you plan on making repeat visits. This can enhance your experience and make it easier to get samples or recommendations. The sales clerks may be more inclined to offer you samples or help you discover new fragrances that align with your taste.

Exploring Other Options within the Store

In addition to the cologne counter, some department stores have fragrance boutiques or shops within them. These smaller boutiques may offer a more curated selection of fragrances, but they can be overwhelming if you're just starting your fragrance journey. However, if you already have an idea of what you're looking for, these boutiques can provide a more specialised experience.

Beauty specialty shops

In addition to beauty specialty shops, you can also try department stores like Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Nordstrom. These stores have a wide selection of colognes and perfumes, and you can request a sample to try at home.

Online

Trying out colognes online can be tricky, but there are some tried-and-true methods to ensure you end up with a scent you love.

Sample Services

A great way to try out colognes is to use a sample service. Many sites sell tiny sample vials for a few dollars each, so you can wear a scent for a week or so with little risk. Some brands, like Diptyque, now include a sample vial with your purchase, so you can try before committing to a full-size bottle. If the brand you're interested in doesn't offer samples, try sites like Luckyscent, FragranceNet, and Scent Split, which offer a wide range of samples from niche to high-end fragrances.

Fragrance Subscriptions

If you're happy to spend a small amount to receive different small-volume vials at regular intervals, fragrance subscription services are a great option. Luxury Scent Box and Scentbird are popular choices, allowing you to try a variety of colognes without committing to a full-size bottle.

When buying cologne online, it's essential to choose reputable retailers to ensure the authenticity of the product. Some recommended online retailers for cologne include:

• Jomashop: A grey market watch dealer that also carries thousands of men's fragrances, including top-shelf and niche brands.
• Nordstrom: A mass-market retailer offering a range of designer brands, with the option to request a sample vial before purchasing.
• Scentbird: A subscription service that sends you a vial of fragrance to try each month, based on your scent preferences.
• FragranceNet: One of the biggest perfume retailers, offering heavily discounted fragrances (up to 80% off retail).
• FragranceX: A competitor of FragranceNet, offering similar discounts and frequent additional promotions.
• Perfume.com: An online retailer offering up to 80% off retail prices, with easy filtering options to find your desired scent.
• Amazon: While it may not be the first choice for cologne, Amazon offers a wide selection, and purchasing directly from Amazon or through Prime shipping reduces the risk of counterfeits.

Tips for Buying Online

When buying cologne online, it's important to know what you're looking for. Understanding fragrance categorization and different "fragrance families" can help you choose a scent suitable for the occasion and your personal preferences. It's also a good idea to start with smaller "full-size" versions of fragrances to ensure you like the scent and that it suits your skin before committing to a larger bottle.

Subscription services

Scentbird

Scentbird is one of the most well-known fragrance subscription services. For $15-$17 per month, you can take a quiz to develop your scent profile and find fragrances you want to try. Scentbird will then ship you a 30-day supply of your chosen scent to test out each month. They offer a wide range of brands and fragrances to choose from, including Prada, Acqua di Parma, and Arquiste.

Scent Box

Scent Box offers a huge selection of fragrances to choose from, with over 575 different designer fragrances available on their standard subscription plan and more than 850 on their premium plan. Their monthly subscription service costs $17 per month for one scent on the standard plan or $22-$30 on the premium and platinum plans. Each month, you'll receive a 30-day supply of a fragrance in a travel-size atomizer. You can also fill out a brief questionnaire to filter your results based on your fragrance preferences.

Perfume.com

Perfume.com's Fragrance of the Month program offers a budget-friendly option for trying out new fragrances. For just $15 per month, you'll receive a 0.27-ounce fragrance atomizer from a selection of over 500 brands. You can browse scents and add them to your queue, or let Perfume.com's scent experts curate a selection for you.

Scent Trunk

Scent Trunk is a unique fragrance subscription service that creates its own imaginative scents, working with independent perfumers and artists. Their Original Edition monthly subscription box costs $18 and provides you with a 5 mL travel atomizer of your choice. They also offer two other subscriptions, Supernatural Future and Botanical Machinist, for the same price. If you find a scent you like, you can purchase a larger bottle in a variety of sizes.

Olfactif

Olfactif is a great option for those who want to stand out from the crowd. They offer an expansive array of niche fragrances from independent perfumers, with more than 300 fragrances to choose from. For $22-$40 per month, you'll receive three deluxe-sized samples, along with stories and in-depth interviews from the artists behind each scent. Olfactif also offers discounts on the purchase of full-size bottles.

Debonair Scent

Debonair Scent is a straightforward fragrance subscription service geared towards those who want a low-effort way to find a new favorite scent. For $15 per month, you'll receive three 3 mL bottles of cologne that fit your scent profile, determined by a four-question survey. Debonair Scent also includes a $15 coupon in every box as an extra incentive.

In-person at fragrance counters

Trying colognes in person at fragrance counters is a great way to sample a variety of scents and find your signature fragrance. Here are some tips and suggestions for making the most of your in-person cologne-testing experience:

Department Stores

Department stores like Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Nordstrom are excellent places to start your fragrance journey. These stores usually have dedicated cologne counters with a wide range of options, from newly launched scents to classic favourites. Their sales clerks will be more than happy to provide you with samples, and you can take your time exploring the different fragrances on offer. Remember, your body chemistry affects how a scent sits on your skin, so don't be shy about asking for samples to try at home.

Beauty Specialty Stores

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, beauty specialty shops like Sephora or Ulta offer a vast array of colognes. Their knowledgeable staff will assist you in finding the right scent for you and provide samples upon request. Sephora, in particular, is known for its relaxed shopping experience, allowing you to browse and sample at your own pace without any pressure to purchase.

Building Relationships

While exploring colognes at fragrance counters, consider building relationships with the staff. They can be a wealth of knowledge and provide valuable insights to help you navigate the vast world of fragrances. They may also be able to offer you additional samples or alert you to new releases that align with your preferences.

Sampling Strategies

When testing colognes in person, it's important to remember that your sense of smell can become overwhelmed. Try not to test too many fragrances at once, as the scents can start to layer and blur. Instead, focus on a few options and, if possible, request samples to continue your testing at home. This will allow you to experience the cologne over multiple wearings and in various settings, giving you a true sense of how it interacts with your body chemistry.

Subscription Services

In addition to in-person sampling, you can also explore subscription services like Scentbird. These services offer a convenient way to discover new fragrances from the comfort of your home. For a low monthly fee, they send you generous samples of designer and niche colognes, helping you find your signature scent without the commitment of purchasing full-sized bottles.

In conclusion, fragrance counters offer a tactile and immersive experience for discovering your next favourite cologne. By visiting department stores, beauty specialty shops, and even taking advantage of subscription services, you can explore a diverse range of scents and find the one that suits your unique personality and leaves a lasting impression.

Frequently asked questions