How to test a fragrance before buying
The first spray on a paper strip tells you very little. Here is how to judge a fragrance properly before spending money.
A fragrance changes over several hours, and it smells different on every person. That makes buying a bottle after one quick sniff a risky move. Here is a better way.
Use skin, not just paper
A paper blotter is useful for narrowing down, but it only shows you the fragrance, not how it behaves on your skin. Once you have a favourite or two, spray on your skin and see how it develops.
Do not test too many at once
Your nose gets overloaded quickly. Try no more than three or four at a time, and take a break between them. Smelling the inside of your elbow or a neutral scent is sometimes suggested as a reset, though the benefit is modest, so fresh air is probably as good.
Wait for the whole story
Fragrances have top, heart and base notes. The first few minutes are the opening, which is designed to catch your attention. The part you will live with is what remains after an hour or two. Wear it out of the shop, and judge it after a few hours. See fragrance notes explained.
Try samples and decants
Many retailers sell small samples or discovery sets. Wearing a sample for a few days, through different weather and moods, is the best way to know if you will love a full bottle for years.
Questions to ask yourself
- Do I still like it after three hours?
- Would I wear this on a normal day, not just a special one?
- Does it fit something missing from my collection?
In Layer
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