A perfume can smell quite different on one person compared to another. This is because a fragrance changes depending on the acidity of your skin, and how hydrated it is.  

For this reason, it’s really important to test perfume on your own skin rather than on a test-strip. A perfume sprayed on paper will not behave the same way or smell the same as a perfume sprayed onto a body. 

We offer 2ml samples of Floris fragrances so that you can try before you buy. You can also explore a range of fragrances with a Discovery Collection.  

Alternatively, you can visit the Floris shops at 89 Jermyn Street, London and at the Fairmont Windsor Park Hotel. The shops give you the perfect opportunity to test the Floris range on your skin type.  Our wonderful teams are always on hand to answer any questions and help you choose the right Floris fragrance for you. 

A perfume smells quite different over time, as the initial top notes give way to the heart and then the base notes. 

The top notes are usually citrussy, and they are the dominant scent when you first spray the fragrance. The heart notes reveal themselves after about 15 minutes, and they tend to be floral. The base notes come last, and they are usually woody. The base notes will stay on your skin for the longest period. 

There’s no point buying a perfume based on the scent of the initial spritz. Of course, it’s wonderful if you love that smell, but you need to give the perfume time to fully unveil. After an hour, you should have a good idea of how the fragrance smells on your skin. 

If you test too many perfumes in a row, it can become hard to distinguish one fragrance from another. Some shops will offer you a bowl of coffee beans to inhale as a palate cleanser for the nose.  

However, coffee beans have a very strong smell. Rather than giving your nose and your brain a break, you’re asking them to work too hard.  

Instead, we recommend smelling something neutral. This could be your own skin (if you’re not wearing perfume) or your clothes. This helps to reset your system. 

Similarly, we sometimes see customers who have been wearing the same Floris fragrance for years and then suddenly find they can’t smell it anymore.  

At that point we usually recommend that people take a break from their signature scent and try a different Floris fragrance for a bit. When those people come back to their original choice, they can then smell it and appreciate it again. 

We asked Caterina Catalani, one of the perfumers at Floris, what to look for when choosing a perfume to suit you.  

“The most important thing to consider when choosing a perfume is how it makes you feel,” she said.  

“My favourite Floris fragrance is Platinum 22. It’s my go-to. It’s strong, powerful and warm but to me, it’s a very comforting scent. 

“The reason why I love it is because it has orris. Orris root is one of the most prestigious ingredients in perfumery. It takes up to six years to extract and create it: three years in the ground, one or two years of drying out, then another year to distil and extract it. 

“There is also a black tea note, plus fruity freshness from blackcurrant and a warm, woody base. I find Platinum 22 very reassuring – I just really connect with the fragrance. 

“Whether you’re looking for a comforting scent or a different kind of feeling entirely, it’s always best to choose a fragrance you connect with.” 

Floris offers a wide range of fragrances to suit different tastes and occasions. Whether you prefer floral, citrus, woody or amber scents, browse the Floris website and order some samples to find a perfume that you’ll cherish.