How to Test Perfumes Before Buying

Buying a perfume is more than just picking a fragrance you like—it’s about finding a scent that suits your personality, lasts long, and makes you feel confident. Since perfume can smell different on your skin than it does in the bottle, it’s crucial to test it properly before committing to a purchase. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to test perfumes before buying:

1. Don’t Rush the Process

When testing perfumes, take your time. A fragrance can change as it interacts with your skin, so it’s important not to make a decision after just a quick sniff. Perfumes typically have three stages:

• Top notes: The initial burst of fragrance you smell when you first spray the perfume. These are often light and fresh, but they fade quickly.
• Heart notes: These develop after the top notes dissipate. They form the “body” of the perfume and usually last longer than the top notes.
• Base notes: These are the underlying scents that become prominent after the perfume has settled on your skin. They linger the longest and can last for hours or even days.

Testing a perfume through all of these stages will help you get the full experience.

2. Spray the Perfume on a Testing Strip

Most perfume stores provide testers on paper strips or blotters. This is a good way to start your testing process, especially if you want to avoid overwhelming your senses with too many scents at once. Spray the perfume on a strip, wait a few seconds for the alcohol to evaporate, and smell it.

• Why Test on Paper First: This will give you an initial sense of the fragrance without it being influenced by your body chemistry.
• Don’t Test Too Many at Once: Smelling too many perfumes in a short period can overwhelm your senses. It’s best to test only 2-3 perfumes at a time to avoid confusion.

3. Test the Perfume on Your Skin

Once you’ve found a few scents you like from the testing strips, it’s time to try them on your skin. Perfume reacts with your body chemistry, which is why it might smell different on you than it does on the blotter.

• Spray on Pulse Points: Apply the perfume to your wrist, inner elbow, or behind your ears—places where your body temperature is higher. These areas help diffuse the scent and make it more prominent.
• Avoid Rubbing: After spraying, don’t rub your wrists together. This can crush the fragrance’s top notes and alter the overall scent. Let the perfume settle naturally.

4. Wait for the Fragrance to Develop

After applying perfume to your skin, wait for it to develop and evolve. The scent will change over time, so give it at least 30 minutes to an hour to see how it wears. You may notice that certain notes (like florals or citrus) become more prominent as others fade.

• Don’t Make a Decision Too Quickly: Perfumes can sometimes smell different in the bottle than on your skin, so it’s essential to wait for the fragrance to fully develop.
• Test at Different Times of Day: If possible, test perfumes at different times of day when your body temperature may vary. This will give you a sense of how the fragrance wears in various conditions.

5. Evaluate Longevity

While testing perfumes, take note of how long the scent lasts on your skin. Perfume can last anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on its composition and your skin type.

• Stay Flexible: Some perfumes last longer on oilier skin, while others may fade quicker on drier skin. Keep this in mind while testing.
• Sillage: Sillage refers to how far a scent lingers in the air as you move. Pay attention to how noticeable the scent is as you go about your day.

6. Check for Allergies or Irritation

Before making a purchase, ensure that you’re not allergic or sensitive to the perfume’s ingredients. Spray a small amount on your skin and wait for 30 minutes to see if there are any reactions like redness, itching, or irritation.

• Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin, be cautious and opt for perfumes with fewer artificial ingredients or choose perfumes that are hypoallergenic.
• Patch Test: If you’re unsure about how a perfume will interact with your skin, perform a patch test on a small area before committing to wearing it.

7. Get a Second Opinion

Fragrance is very personal, and what smells good to one person may not necessarily smell good to another. Don’t hesitate to ask for the opinion of someone you trust—whether it’s a friend, family member, or a store associate.

• Feedback from Others: Ask them how the fragrance smells on you, if they find it appealing, or if it suits your personality and lifestyle.
• Consider Your Own Preferences: Think about the type of scents you usually wear. If you’re drawn to floral perfumes, for example, you may not want to invest in a heavy woody fragrance without fully considering it first.

8. Don’t Forget the Price and Packaging

While the scent is the most important factor, don’t overlook the price and packaging. Luxury perfumes can be expensive, and it’s essential to decide if the fragrance offers value for money based on its quality and longevity.

• Sample Sizes: Some perfume brands offer sample sizes or travel editions, allowing you to test out a fragrance before purchasing a full-sized bottle.
• Packaging: While it’s not the most important factor, beautiful packaging can enhance your overall experience with a fragrance. If you enjoy aesthetics, choose a perfume that appeals to both your senses and your eye.

9. Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, the best way to test a perfume is to trust your own instincts. Choose a fragrance that makes you feel good, confident, and happy. Don’t be swayed by trends or what other people tell you—it’s all about how the fragrance resonates with you personally.

Conclusion

Testing perfumes before buying is an essential step in finding the perfect scent. By taking your time, testing on both paper and skin, and considering how the fragrance evolves over time, you’ll be able to choose a perfume that suits your unique preferences. Don’t rush the process—finding the right fragrance is a journey that will reward you with a scent that truly represents who you are.