A group of different perfume bottles arranged together, representing the process of choosing a fragrance

Olfactory fatigue is the temporary reduction in your nose’s sensitivity to a smell after repeated or prolonged exposure, and the quickest way to reset it is to smell something completely neutral, clean skin, your own forearm, or fresh air, rather than another perfume.

Why coffee beans are recommended, and whether they actually work

Coffee beans are commonly offered at perfume counters as a “palate cleanser” for your nose, and there’s a reasonable logic to it, coffee’s strong, distinct smell gives your nose something entirely different to process, which can help interrupt fatigue from a run of similar florals or woody scents. That said, some fragrance experts argue plain fresh air, or simply smelling the inside of your own elbow, works just as well without introducing a strong new smell of its own into the mix.

Practical ways to reset

  • Step outside for a minute of fresh air between fragrances
  • Smell your own skin or clothing, which your nose already knows and largely ignores
  • Space out serious testing over more than one visit rather than trying to do it all at once

Our guide to choosing a perfume and complete guide to perfume cover testing technique in more depth.