A few pounds spent on a sample can save the far larger cost of a full bottle you never wear.

A sample is a small quantity of a fragrance, often provided or sold specifically so you can properly test it on your own skin over time before committing to a full-size bottle. It’s the single best-value purchase you can make in fragrance, particularly for anything expensive or unfamiliar.

How to sample effectively

  • Apply to your usual pulse points, exactly as you would the full-size product, not just to a wrist quickly for a sniff.
  • Wear it for a full day if possible, ideally on a day without other strong competing scents.
  • Try more than one occasion — office, evening, warm and cool weather — before deciding.

Frequently asked questions

Should I sample before buying anything, or only expensive fragrances?

Sampling is worthwhile for any purchase where you’re unsure, though it matters most for higher-priced or unfamiliar scents.

Continue reading: How to Test Perfume Properly · How to Choose a Perfume (pillar)

Order a sample from our Perfume Oils before committing to a full bottle.