Hez Parfums Beginner's Guide to Perfumery 018 - Avoiding Smell Contamination

 

Testing perfumes is an art as much as it is a science. To truly experience the essence of a fragrance, it’s essential to avoid contamination from other smells. Here’s a guide on the best practices for testing perfumes and what professional perfumers do to ensure a clean olfactory slate.

 

 

 

Why Smell Contamination Matters

 

Our sense of smell is easily influenced by surrounding odors. Even subtle fragrances or strong food scents can interfere with your ability to fully appreciate a perfume. This is why it’s crucial to test fragrances in a neutral environment.

 

 

The Ideal Testing Environment

 

1. Dedicated Fragrance Counters

 

High-end fragrance stores are designed to offer an optimal testing experience. “In a fragrance boutique, we ensure the space is free from any competing smells,” says Marie Dupont, a senior perfumer at Eau de Luxe. “We use air purifiers and maintain a clean environment to let our perfumes shine.”

 

These stores often feature separate testing stations with unscented blotters and well-ventilated spaces, allowing customers to experience the fragrance without interference from other odors.

 

2. Clean and Well-Ventilated Spaces

 

If you're testing perfumes at home or elsewhere, aim for a clean, neutral area. Ensure good ventilation to disperse any lingering odors. A fresh, open space allows the fragrance to be appreciated in its purest form. “We recommend testing perfumes in a space with minimal external smells,” suggests Julia Lang, a fragrance expert. “This way, you can truly understand the composition and development of the fragrance.”

 

 

Techniques Perfumers Use to Avoid Contamination

 

1. Use of Unscented Testers

 

Professional perfumers and fragrance testers use unscented blotters or test strips to apply and evaluate fragrances. This ensures that the tester’s own scent profile doesn’t interfere with the perfume’s true aroma.

 

2. Frequent Air Purification

 

Perfumers often use air purifiers in testing environments to maintain a neutral scent profile. This helps to clear out any residual odors that could affect the test.

 

3. Limiting Strong Scents

 

In fragrance labs and boutiques, staff avoid wearing strong perfumes or using scented products on their hands or clothing. This practice helps prevent cross-contamination between different fragrances.

 

 

Practical Tips for Home Testing

 

- Clean Surfaces: Use clean, unscented paper or blotters to test your perfume.

- Avoid Strong Scents: Refrain from cooking or using strongly scented products like candles or lotions before testing.

- Allow for Airing: Let the perfume settle and dry before taking a sniff to ensure you’re smelling it in its pure form.

 

Conclusion

 

Testing a perfume in an environment free from competing odors is essential for a true assessment. Whether in a high-end store or your own home, following these practices helps ensure you experience the fragrance as intended. By understanding and applying these techniques, you can better appreciate the complexity and nuances of each scent, leading to more informed and satisfying perfume choices.