“Good manners and good cologne are what transform the man into a gentleman.”
Famously quoted by the legendary fashion designer Tom Ford, and we can’t stress it enough. A signature fragrance will not only add a touch of classiness to your outfit but help you make an impression that people won’t forget easily. Everyone is aware that testing perfumes is key to finding the right scent. However, mastering this art is where many modern men feel a bit lost. It may seem simple, but testing takes confidence, time, and trust in your nose and taste.
Don’t worry, our dear readers! We have jotted down some key pointers to hone your skills in testing men’s fragrance before buying the right one.
Learn How To Test Men’s Fragrance To Find The Best Match
Buying a perfume and not liking it after a few weeks is just the worst feeling. Good for you, just like most skills in life, testing men’s fragrance can be mastered through smart planning and practice. Here is a quick step-by-step guide that will take you through all the key points of this life-changing process:
Start With a Clean Base
Whether you are testing perfumes at home or at a store, keep your targeted areas clean and fragrance-free. This means, no fragrant deodorants, perfumes or lotions. Other scents and notes can create a muddled fragrance and make it difficult to judge the new perfume objectively.
Tip: Keep your skin moisturised with a non-fragrant lotion to allow better fragrance hold and dispersal.
Blotter Strips For The Win
A blotter strip or testing paper is a great way to test multiple fragrances without being overwhelmed. They are disposable and let you enjoy an easy testing process without being covered in powerful fragrances all day long.
- Make sure your strip is clean and dry.
- Spray once on the strip and gently swing it in the air.
- After a few seconds, smell the top notes of the perfumes.
While blotter strips are great, they aren’t ideal for patch testing. One can’t judge the chemical or allergic reactions of the men’s fragrance formula.
Apply to the Pulse Points
When testing on your skin, target the pulse points to unlock all notes and better spread. Spray a tiny amount on your inner wrists and let it spread evenly.
- Avoid rubbing your wrists as it can break the notes and won’t give you the ideal fragrance.
- Leave it for 10 – 15 minutes and let the notes develop naturally with your body warmth.
- The inner elbow is also a great area for testing.
- Leave the perfume for 24 hours or overnight to see its reaction to your skin chemistry.
Avoid Testing Multiple Perfumes at Once
We know you have a busy schedule but spraying 3 – 4 fragrances is just not it. Patience is a virtue, dear men! Take your time with one or two perfumes. Make sure to spray on different points that are a bit far from each other. One spray on the wrists and one on the elbow can be a good start.
Nose fatigue? Keep a small pouch of coffee beans on the go. Take a whiff of coffee beans and that will reset your olfactory senses.
Consider the Season and Occasion
What feels like a good fragrance often changes from season to season. Citrus and refreshing coastal notes are perfect for the summer season. With chilly evenings, rich and spicy notes are your go-to options. Test fragrances accordingly and you will find your signature perfume in no time.
Similarly, if you are searching for a scent for everyday use, subtle and refreshing notes are ideal. For nighttime parties or romantic date nights, wooden and floral notes suit the best.
Document Your Thoughts
Evaluate your thought process and jot down all your notes. The flavour profile and perfume strength are key to note down. Plus, learn how to evaluate the different scent stages:
| Stage | Description | Duration |
| Top Notes | These are the initial notes that burst within a few minutes of spraying. Often, citrus and herby notes pop out in this stage. | 5 – 15 Minutes |
| Heart Notes | This stage denotes the true character of the perfume. These notes are often floral and spices, which reflect the lingering essence of the perfume. | 20 – 60 Minutes |
| Base Notes | Get ready for the foundation and the most long-lasting notes of a perfume. Often woody and earthy, they have a subtle scent. | 2 – 6 Hours |
Key Takeaways
Be it the spicy touch of a winter men’s fragrance or the citrus blast of summer ones, testing a perfume is the key to all signature scents. Our quick guide will not only help you find the ideal perfume but also help you patch tests for any allergic reaction. Fellas! Next time you go on a perfume shopping spree, put our testing tips to good use.
