Choosing a fragrance is an art that requires attention and knowledge of some subtleties. Many people mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply apply perfume to a blotter or skin to understand its sound. However, it is worth considering that your perfumed cosmetics , such as body cream or lotion, can also affect the perception of perfume. These products can react with the aroma and distort its sound. In fact, proper testing helps to fully reveal the aroma and avoid buying perfume that will not suit you in the end. In this article, we will analyze all the steps of proper fragrance testing so that your choice is conscious and successful.
Preparing for fragrance testing
Before you head to the store, it’s a good idea to prepare. This will help avoid scent mixing and allow your nose to pick up on all the nuances of the scent. Here are a few steps to prepare:
● Avoid strong odors on the day of testing – do not apply perfume, scented creams or other intense products.
● Drink more water – it helps to sharpen your perception of aromas.
● Come to the store in the morning hours – the sense of smell is most sensitive in the first half of the day.
These simple tips will help you test fragrances as effectively as possible.
Choosing the Right Testing Location
The choice of store plays an important role in successful testing. A good perfume boutique or a large specialized store will provide more opportunities for a comfortable choice.
When choosing a store, pay attention to the following points:
● Availability of consultants – experienced specialists will help you choose a fragrance and suggest nuances.
● Having testers and blotters is a must-have tool for your initial acquaintance with fragrances.
● Quiet environment – avoid stores with strong cosmetic or other strong scents.
A suitable testing location will create comfortable conditions and will not distort the impression of the aroma.
Blotter testing
The first step in getting to know a fragrance is testing it on a blotter. This helps to evaluate the initial notes and overall sound of the perfume.
Here’s how to test on a blotter correctly:
● Apply the fragrance from a distance of 10-15 cm – do not allow the paper to become over-wet.
● Smell the blotter after a few seconds to help you catch the top notes.
● Let the blotter open up – after 15-20 minutes the aroma will change and you will feel the heart of the composition.
Blotters are convenient for the initial selection of fragrances, but do not give a complete idea of the durability and development on the skin.
Skin testing
To truly understand a fragrance, you need to test it on your skin. The skin interacts with the components of the perfume, revealing them in a unique way.
Here’s how to properly test a fragrance on your skin:
● Apply the fragrance to pulse points – wrists, elbows or behind the ears.
● Avoid rubbing , as this destroys the top notes and can distort the sound.
● Allow the scent to develop – it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to fully develop.
Skin testing allows you to understand how the fragrance will smell on you throughout the day.
Durability and sillage assessment
Longevity and sillage are important characteristics of a perfume that determine its quality and intensity. These parameters are best tested in a calm environment.
Here’s how to properly evaluate longevity and sillage:
● Evaluate the aroma after 4-6 hours – high-quality perfumes open up gradually and retain their notes for a long time.
● Ask those around you to evaluate the sillage – the smell may be perceived differently from the outside.
● Test it on different types of fabric – this will also help you understand how the fragrance will behave in real life.
This method allows you to get the most complete idea of the durability of the selected fragrance.
How not to get lost in choice
The variety of fragrances can be confusing, especially when testing a large number of compositions. To avoid confusion, follow a few simple tips:
● Limit yourself to 3-4 scents per visit – more will simply overload your sense of smell.
● Take breaks – a walk in the fresh air will help restore sensitivity.
● Use coffee beans – this technique helps to “zero out” the perception of smells.
By following these tips, you can keep your senses fresh and choose a scent that truly suits you.
Proper testing of fragrances allows you to reveal their true sound and choose the perfume that will harmoniously complement your image. Pay attention to preparation, skin testing and durability assessment – this will help you avoid disappointment and find your ideal fragrance.
Questions and Answers
It is better to limit yourself to 3-4 fragrances so as not to overload your sense of smell.
Rubbing destroys the top notes and can distort the perception of the scent.
Check its scent 4-6 hours after application, and also ask people around you to evaluate the sillage.