Perfume Smell Sampling
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Fragrance Development · Workflow Process

Perfume Smell Sampling

A six-step method for finding, comparing, and finalising a fragrance oil - from defining direction to testing performance in real conditions.

Thajmal Rayyan
Thajmal Rayyan Author & creator of this workflow Published August 2026 · 4 min read

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Section 01

The Six-Step Sampling Workflow

01

Define the fragrance direction

  • Inspired by a specific perfume
OR
  • Fragrance family (Fresh, Woody, Sweet, Floral, Oriental, Citrus, etc.)
02

Identify fragrance oil suppliers

  • Shortlist multiple suppliers for the same scent profile
03

Order physical oil samples

  • Get samples from different suppliers
04

Compare, evaluate and select oil

  • Smell accuracy
  • Opening notes
  • Heart notes
  • Base notes
  • Dry-down
  • Overall quality
05

Request 3–4 concentration mixes

25%30%40%50%
06

Test performance & finalise

  • Longevity
  • Projection
  • Performance in hot & humid weather
Section 02

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