Best sample kits?
I've loved fragrance for a long time, but I'm still new and enjoying sampling new houses. I've recently bought the Zoologist sampler, Frederic Malle The Essential Collection for women, and a lot of scents and samplers from TPC (less impressed by the Guerlain intro sampler than I thought I'd be, loved the beginner almond sampler). Where else should I look to develop my nose?
Edit: Thanks y'all. I've definitely added sample sets to my purchase list that won't break the bank (any more than I already am, haha) and found several to add to my wish lists too.
A few individuals suggested sampling by note, which is ideal honestly, but mostly more expensive than sampling by house. If anyone has good leads on inexpensive/moderately priced sample sets by note let me know!!
Olympic Orchids! They have free US shipping too. They have pick-your-own and at least one pre-made scents of the season last I checked.
I'm not too sure about sets, but consider going note-by-note instead of brand-by-brand. Anyway, besides whatever's already been mentioned, look up Profvmvm Roma, Serge Lutens, Tom Ford, Penhaligon's, and Nishane.
I agree. Honestly the few times I've done sets by note it has been much more educational than doing sets by brand. The thing is it's generally much cheaper to do it by brand (OK, not for Frederic Malle) since they have a vested interest in offering them at a discount to encourage potential buyers. Another poster recommended the Bon Parfumeur sampler, are you familiar with that?
This, if they end up with 10 vetivers, 10 chypres and 10 fougeres it won't do anything for their sense of smell.
On reflection you're absolutely right, it's just cheaper to do it by brand as far as I can tell.
I second État Libre d'Orange, Imaginary Authors, there’s also the full sets of January Scent Project and Pierre Guillaume. The best one to develop your nose would probably be the complete sampler of Bon Parfumeur.
What do you think about single note samples and isolated aromachemical samples from places like the Perfumer's Apprentice? I looked up Bon Parfumeur and I'm intrigued.
If we're talking best in terms of value, then I'd say Memo, Atelier, Tauer, MFK, Ghallager, Kerosene, and Olympic Orchids.
Atelier IS a great value, just ordered. Thank you!!
This would definitely be a splurge :) How would you compare this to the Chanel Les Exclusifs discovery set? That's another on my "treat myself" list.
I go to Lucky Scent and search for a note I like, such as almond or linden. Then I read their reviews for the perfumes with that note. If one piques my interest, I will check out reviews on Fragrantica. If I'm still interested, I order a sample which can be between $3 - $5 USD.
I've been doing similar with The Perfumed Court but it looks like Luckyscent is cheaper, thanks for the lead!
I think both of these I'll have to get. I'm resisting the temptation to buy all of these suggestions at one time :)
Dude no fucking kidding. Thanks for the suggestion though, it seems like everyone loves those two.
It seems like these two are well-loved, I have to put these on my wish list. Thanks!
29.4k
Fragrant Subscribers
266
Online
Women's, Men's and Shared Fragrance. A place to discuss all the smells! .
1,416 subscribers
2,515 subscribers
51,421 subscribers
70,424 subscribers
5,230 subscribers
2,614 subscribers
r/fragrance is a global, open community to connect, discuss, share knowledge, experience and love of perfumes and fragrance. Whether you know a lot or a little, want to learn, are a long time user, new user, perfumer, non-commercial blogger, or reviewer -- you are welcome.
Subscribers are multi-national, multi-cultural, multi-gender, multi-ethnic, multilingual and range in age from millenials to boomers.
r/fragrance may cause a growing preoccupation with fragrance, accord obsessions, and compulsive spraying and huffing. If you experience the following -- deconstructing notes, seeing colors, hearing music, visions, emptying wallets, growing bottle collections, boxes full of samples, fragrance withdrawal; and are obsessed with smelling everything -- you're in the right place!
Be respectful, have a sense of humor, don't take it personally, don't assume, and don't cause needless drama.
Funny, serious, truthful, controversial discussions, conflicting opinions, heated discussions, and salty banter are okay. Malicious content, flames, and personal attacks are not.
Content that is informative, thought-provoking, newsworthy, creative, educational, a story, a gain, sensual, adult, profane, occasionally erotic,sexual or NSFW in nature is okay. Porn and politics are not.
Personal flair is your fragrance tagline, a fun way to tell us who you are in the fragrance world. It can include your blog link, if it is non-commercial.
New here? There are several ways to get started. Read the rules, post your Scent of the Day (SOTD), post a recommendation request in the sticky thread are just a few.