Niche aromatic perfume samples

52 of the niche perfume samples are filed as aromatic. Here are 8 of them, each with the data that is on record for it. We do not rank them, because the same perfume wears differently on every skin.

The selection

Mind Games Blockade

Mind Games Blockade by Mind Games is an Extrait de Parfum with these recorded notes: Mango Skin, Pink Pepper, Tomato Leaf, Bergamot Capua, Lavender, Mango Flower and others. By family it is filed as leather, woody and aromatic. The listing names autumn, winter and spring as its season. Notice how close it stays to the skin and how much of it others pick up.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Amyris Homme

From Maison Francis Kurkdjian comes Maison Francis Kurkdjian Amyris Homme, an Eau de Toilette. On paper it lists Mandarin, Rosemary, Saffron, Amyris, Cedar, Tonka bean and Iris. Its family tags read fresh, aromatic and woody. Season on record: spring, summer and autumn. The opening is the loudest part and the shortest, so let it pass before deciding.

Le Labo Baie 19

From Le Labo comes Le Labo Baie 19, an Eau de Parfum. On paper it lists Juniper berry, Patchouli and Green leaves. It is tagged aromatic and fresh. Season on record: spring and autumn. Smell it right after applying and again later in the day, because the first minutes rarely tell the whole story.

Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin

Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin, a perfume from Jo Malone London, has Mandarin, Basil and Amberwood on record. Its family tags read citrus, fresh and aromatic. For season the tags say spring and summer. Clothes hold a scent differently from skin, which makes a scarf or sleeve a useful second test.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle Fluidity Silver

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle Fluidity Silver is an Eau de Parfum by Maison Francis Kurkdjian. The notes on record are Nutmeg, Vanilla, Juniper Berries, Amber woods, Coriander seeds and Musks. The scent families on record: woody, aromatic and spicy. Season on record: spring and autumn. Give it time to settle before you judge it.

Zoologist Penguin

Zoologist Penguin is an Extrait de Parfum by Zoologist. The notes on record are Antarctic Air, Ice Accord, Juniper Berry, Pink Pepper, Saffron, Ciste Absolute and others. By family it is filed as aquatic, fresh, leather and aromatic. It is listed for autumn and winter. Notes on a list are a map, and what you notice on your own skin is the territory.

Zoologist Harvest Mouse

From Zoologist comes Zoologist Harvest Mouse, an Extrait de Parfum. On paper it lists Bergamot, Cloves, Roman Chamomile, Orange Blossom, Davana, Hay Absolute and others. By family it is filed as gourmand, aromatic and amber. The listing names autumn and winter as its season. Write down what you notice after a few minutes and again after lunch, and you will see how it moves.

Penhaligon's Juniper Sling

Penhaligon's Juniper Sling by Penhaligon's is an Eau de Toilette with these recorded notes: Juniper berry, Black pepper and Vetiver. Its family tags read aromatic, fresh and spicy. Season on record: spring, summer and autumn. One wearing shows a mood, several wearings show the perfume.

Also in this selection: Sarah Baker Tartan Cask, Xerjoff XJ 1861 Naxos, Roja Parfums Manhattan, Essential Parfums Orange X Santal, Frederic Malle French Lover, Jo Milano Paris Game of Spades Wildcard, Les Eaux Primordiales Iris Palladium, Roja Parfums Isola Blu, Les Eaux Primordiales Cèdre Superfluide, Byredo Gypsy Water.

How to test them

Test it on skin and not only on paper. Leave other perfumes off that day, so nothing interferes. Note what you think each time, and read your notes back at the end of the week. Spray it on the inside of your wrist or elbow and do not rub.

Trying it as a sample first means your decision rests on wearing it, not on a description. A sample earns its place when you reach for it again without planning to. With 2, 5 or 10 ml in a glass spray vial you can find out how it behaves on your skin, at your own pace.

Where to go next

• Aromatic samples
• Niche samples
• all samples
• how we fill your sample
• all brands
• frequently asked questions
• how to use a sample vial
• what a decant is
• Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum and Extrait

Questions

How were these samples chosen?

By the tags and note lists on record for each perfume. Nothing was added from memory, the order is not a ranking, and perfumes without recorded notes are described without notes.

Are these samples made by the brands?

No. They are decants: FragranceGems fills each one from the original bottle into a glass spray vial and labels it. They are not official brand samples.

Why do some perfumes show no notes?

Because we only print notes we can trace to a source. Where no note list is on record, the page says so and leaves the judging to your own skin.