Shopping guide: No tester? Here's how to buy the best perfume online

How to buy perfume: Fragrances are made up of top, middle, and base notes, and knowing what each note represents can help guide your decision (Image: Canva)

Buying perfume online can feel like a gamble. Without testers or the chance to smell the fragrance in person, how can you ensure you’re getting a scent that suits you? With online shopping trends on the rise and fragrance options expanding, many are now faced with the challenge of buying perfumes based on descriptions and reviews rather than direct experience. Nevertheless, you can still find your signature scent with the right approach.

Here's how to shop smarter for fragrance online:

Understand the fragrance: Perfumes fall into various fragrance families such as floral, oriental, woody, and citrus. Knowing your preferred family can help you narrow down options. If you love light, fresh scents, try floral or citrus fragrances. For something warmer and more intense, look into oriental or woody perfumes.

Also read | Perfume shopping made easy: How to decode those fancy notes everyone talks about

Read the notes: Fragrances are made up of top, middle, and base notes, and knowing what each note represents can help guide your decision. Top notes are the initial impression of the scent, middle notes are what you smell after a while, and base notes are the lingering scent. Pay attention to the notes listed in the description, if you love lavender, for example, look for perfumes with this as a top or middle note.

Check reviews and ratings: One of the benefits of shopping online is the ability to read customer reviews. Look for detailed feedback from people who have tried the perfume. Reviews can help you understand how the fragrance evolves over time, how long it lasts, and whether it’s suitable for certain occasions.

Explore fragrance sample sets: Many retailers offer fragrance sample sets that allow you to try a variety of perfumes before committing to a full-size bottle. This is a great way to experiment with different scents and find what works best for you without the risk of wasting money on something you don’t like.

Use scent-matching quizzes: Some perfume retailers provide scent-matching quizzes to help you discover new fragrances based on your preferences. These quizzes ask questions about the types of scents you enjoy and recommend options accordingly. While they aren’t foolproof, they can help you get started and narrow down your choices.

Also read | 7 tips to find the perfect perfume of your dreams

Stick to trusted brands: Buying from well-known perfume brands can give you a sense of security since they tend to offer consistent and reliable fragrances. Stick to brands you’re familiar with or those with a reputation for quality

Check return policies: Since perfumes are personal and subjective, it’s important to know the return policy before purchasing. Many online retailers allow returns or exchanges on unused perfumes, so make sure to check the fine print to avoid any surprises.

Be mindful of packaging: If you’re buying a perfume as a gift, or if you prefer a specific bottle design, make sure to check the packaging details. Perfume packaging can vary widely between brands, and some may look different online compared to real life.