A perfume may be pleasant on a testing strip and seem different once worn. How you test it matters just as much as the list of notes when you are looking for a new fragrance.
1. Start with a single olfactory family
Before testing several references, choose a direction that matches what you are looking for: fresh and aromatic, floral, fruity, vanilla and gourmand, musky, woody, or amber. This makes the comparison easier to understand.
2. Use the testing strip for a first selection
The testing strip allows you to discover several fragrances without applying them all to your skin. Note the name of each reference and your initial impressions. Avoid spraying too many times if your sense of smell starts to become saturated.
3. Apply to skin only for the finalists
Once your selection has been narrowed down, test the chosen perfumes on separate, clean areas. The final result depends notably on the skin, temperature, environment, and the composition itself.
4. Let the fragrance evolve
Do not make your decision based solely on the first few minutes. A perfume evolves: some facets are more noticeable at the start, while others may appear later. This evolution is one of the reasons why two perfumes sharing notes can produce different impressions.
5. Note how you feel
- The olfactory family that stands out the most.
- The notes or facets that you enjoy.
- The level of intensity that suits you.
- The context in which you imagine wearing the perfume.
- Your impression after evolution, rather than just your first reaction.
6. Compare under the same conditions
If you are comparing two references, try to keep conditions similar: comparable quantity, distinct areas, and identical environment. A comparison is more useful when it is based on identical criteria.
What if you are looking for an everyday perfume?
Think first about your own use. An everyday perfume can be chosen for its profile, comfort, and the context in which you wish to wear it. There is no universal fragrance that suits everyone.
To learn more, check out our guide to your first Arabic perfume and our article on perfumes that share the same notes.
Mistakes to avoid
- Testing too many references in a single session.
- Choosing solely based on the name or packaging.
- Confusing perceived intensity with longevity.
- Rubbing the areas after application.
- Comparing perfumes under completely different conditions.
FAQ
Should you always test a perfume on the skin?
For an important purchase, skin testing provides additional information to the testing strip. If you have sensitive or irritated skin, follow the manufacturer's precautions and avoid applying it to the affected area.
Why does a perfume seem to change after a few minutes?
The different facets of a composition are not perceived the same way throughout its evolution. The environment and the skin can also alter the perception.
How many perfumes can you test at once?
There is no universal number. As soon as the fragrances become difficult to distinguish, take a break rather than continuing to test.
Key takeaways
Testing an Arabic perfume effectively consists of gradually narrowing down your selection: testing strips to discover, skin to confirm, and then observing the evolution. A simple method allows you to compare fragrances without being guided solely by the stated notes or the first few minutes.
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