Stepping Into a Perfume Store: Tips on Navigating the Fragrance Jungle
Written by Sima Keijzers-Puodziute, Fragrance Expert & Digital Creator, www.howtoscentit.com
Stepping into a perfume store can be an enchanting experience, with shelves lined with beautifully crafted bottles and an overwhelming array of scents to choose from. However, it's easy to find yourself lost in a fragrant labyrinth, unsure of where to begin. In this article, I'd like to share some personal tips to help you easily find your way in the fascinating world of fragrances.
Associative photo / Kristina Kybartaite-Damule
Tip #1 - Limit Your Selection to Four
When navigating a perfume store, restrain yourself from testing more than four fragrances at a time. Exceeding this number can lead to sensory overload, causing the scents to become entangled and difficult to distinguish from one another. To make the most of your testing experience, consider applying two fragrances on your wrists and two on your inner elbows. Alternatively, if you prefer using blotter strips, ensure that you write down the name of each fragrance to avoid confusion.
Tip #2 - Approach Sales Personnel Advice with Caution
It's crucial to be mindful of the influence of salespeople, particularly in larger department stores. Keep in mind that sales personnel often receive rewards and bonuses for promoting specific perfumes or brands. While their advice can be helpful, approach it with a degree of scepticism and rely on your own preferences and instincts when making your final perfume selection.
Tip #3 - Take Your Time
I rarely buy perfume at the first sniff (even if I really like it). I first check how it performs on my skin and I go back to the store a few times more before I buy it. Perfumes can evolve and interact differently with your skin's chemistry, and your preferences may change over time. Taking the time to revisit a perfume and see how it performs on your skin before making a decision is a great way to ensure that you find a fragrance that truly resonates with you. It also allows you to explore a variety of options, increasing the likelihood of discovering a scent that you love the most. I also often buy or ask for a tester/travel-size bottle before I commit to a full one.
Tip #4 - Skip the Coffee Beans: Use Your Clean Skin
Contrary to the common advice of smelling coffee beans to reset your olfactory senses, a more effective way is to simply smell your own clean skin. Your skin's natural scent can serve as an excellent reset button for your nose after testing various fragrances. It allows you to experience a clean and neutral baseline aroma, ensuring that you evaluate each perfume accurately during your selection process.
Tip #5 - Test, Test, Test!
When I dare, I ask for a sample from the salesperson. However, mostly I buy a sample of the perfume I like (mostly online). After I wore it a few times and I am convinced I liked it, I'll buy a full bottle.
In the enchanting world of perfume shopping, mastering the art of selecting the perfect fragrance is a journey on its own. By following the tips I've shared and, most importantly, trusting your own instincts, you can navigate the perfume store with confidence and purpose. Remember, discovering your signature scent is a personal experience, and it's perfectly okay to take your time and explore before making your final choice.