How to Test a Perfume Properly Before You Buy It

Think you know how to test a perfume? Think again.

Walking into a perfume store and spraying five fragrances on your wrists isn't really a perfume test. Your nose gets overwhelmed, your skin changes the fragrance, and within minutes, everything can start smelling the same. 

Buying a perfume online can be even more difficult. A fragrance may sound perfect from its fragrance notes, perfume description or beautiful bottle, but how it actually smells on your skin is what matters.

So as a chemical engineer, trained perfumer, and owner of a perfume brand I look at fragrance a little differently. Perfume is chemistry, but choosing a perfume is also deeply personal.

So here are some of my top 5 unique perfume testing tips to help you understand a fragrance before you buy it, whether you're shopping for online or offline here are some unique tips from a perfumer and scientist that might help you find your signature scent. 

Whether you are looking for a luxury perfume, niche perfume, Indian perfume, long-lasting perfume, everyday fragrance or festive perfume, here is the right way to test a fragrance.

Tip 1: Try the “30–4–8” Test

Starting with my favourite way to test a perfume, test your perfume like a chemical experiment. After spraying on your skin, give your perfume a test of 30 minutes, 4 hours and 8 hours to understand it better. 

In the first 30 minutes, the opening has started to settle and the heart notes are becoming clearer. In 4 hours, you can understand much more about the perfume's character and dry-down. In 8 hours, you can evaluate what remains and get a better idea of its longevity and base notes.

You don't necessarily need to wear every perfume for eight hours, but if you're considering a full bottle, this is a much better test than deciding after one spray.

Tip 2: Stop Smelling Coffee Beans

Yes, really this is a myth that coffee beans are a supposed “palate cleanser” for your nose. But when you've tested too many perfumes, the better solution is much simpler:

Take a break. Get some fresh air. 

Your sense of smell can become fatigued after continuous exposure to different fragrances. So sometimes, the best way to reset your nose is simply to stop smelling perfume. If you really want to take a break without leaving a perfume store, smell your skin where there is no scent to reset the nose.

Tip 3. Don't Choose a Perfume From the Notes List

“I love jasmine” “I hate vanilla” “I want aqua”

These statements are useful but they're not enough. You see, a perfume isn't a list of ingredients, it's a well enginereed composition.

The same jasmine can feel fresh, creamy, green, indolic, powdery or warm depending on what surrounds it.

So instead of asking if you like the note, ask how it's composition makes you feel. That's a much better way to find your signature perfume.

Tip 4: Don't Judge Longevity in an Air-Conditioned Perfume Store

This is particularly important when buying perfume while travelling or in stores that are not in your native country. This is because fragrance can behave very differently depending on temperature and humidity.

A cool, air-conditioned perfume store isn't necessarily representative of how your perfume will perform outdoors. Imagine wearing the same perfume in a tropical country versus a mountain holiday, or in and office environment versus travelling by public transport. The climate you are in is part of the fragrant experience.

If possible, test your fragrance and experience it in the environment where you'll actually wear it.

Tip 5: Don't Fall in Love With the First Spray

The last, and most important tip you should know is that the first thing you smell isn't necessarily the perfume you'll be wearing.

When you spray a fragrance, the most volatile ingredients evaporate first. These create the top notes which are often citrus, fresh, aromatic or sparkling notes.

As those molecules evaporate, the fragrance changes. So give the perfume time to tell you its story. Never make a final decision in the first 30 seconds.

And remember to not rub your wrists together when testing perfume on your skin, as you will crush these very molecules altering the composition chemistry altogether.

Discover Perfume Differently With Scented Journeys

At Scented Journeys, we believe perfume should be experienced, not simply described.

Our Compassion Collection is a fragrant cartography of India, which takes you across four regions of India through fragrance. Experience the fragrant heritage of North, South, East and West India with our perfumes.

YAYIN: The mountain traveller, is an ode to North India
Saffron • Rose • Dark Woods

SANCHARI: The land wanderer, is an ode to South India
Tuberose • Clove • Vanilla

NAUTIKA: The ocean traveller, is an ode to West India
Lemon • Marine • Goan Chilli

VANCHAR: The forest traveller, is an ode to East India
Orange • Patchouli • Vetiver

Four fragrances. Four journeys. One India.

So the next time you're looking for a niche perfume in India, luxury Indian fragrance, perfume gift set or a unique signature scent, don't just read the notes. Come smell the journey and discover which part of India you want to carry with you.

Because perfume is chemistry.
But the right perfume? That's personal.

Wishing you Fragrant Footsteps,

Team Scented Journeys