I've been testing out and collecting fragrances for 10 years now, and I wanted to share some of my insights:
- Websites like Fragrantica are helpful for learning about the notes, projection, longevity and other facets of a fragrance.
- Fragrances are really subjective. Reviews online can only tell you so much. The best way is to test them in person. Go to malls or downtown areas in major metros.
- I learned that "Notes" are a combination of different aromachemicals. Two fragrances can have the same note, but each note could be made completely differently and have completely different ratios of ingredients. (i.e. a lavendar note in one fragrance can be completely different than a lavendar note in another fragrance)
- I like to test fragrances on paper first, to see if I like the opening. And then the few fragrances I really like, I test on my skin to get a sense of what the drydown is like.
- I realized that I don't go through fragrances very quickly, and I personally don't need a full bottle of everything. At this point, most of my collection is samples and decants (from facebook groups or other fragrance community groups). For most fragrances, even 5-10 ml will last a really long time.
