shopping mall venue with a decorated christmas tree

The Art of Sampling Perfumes at Macy's or Nordstrom: Why Patience Pays Off!

It can be very exciting shopping in person, trying on clothing and sampling products, especially during the Holidays! Everyone needs a break from the screens and visiting a shopping mall for some retail therapy can be quite calming. If you step foot into a department store like Macy's or Nordstrom, it's more than likely you'll be asked to sample a new perfume or cologne!

We have a few things you'll want to keep in mind, though, before handing over your card and pulling the trigger in store.

1. The Importance of Scent Evolution

First and foremost, it's essential to understand that perfumes evolve on your skin over time. What may initially seem appealing at first spritz can transform significantly after a few hours. This phenomenon, known as the 'dry down,' is crucial in determining whether a fragrance truly resonates with your personal chemistry and style. The top notes, which are the first to hit your nose, give way to the heart and base notes, which linger longer and form the core character of the perfume. By allowing the scent to linger on your skin for a few hours, you can get a true sense of how it smells on you throughout its entire evolution. 

You may or may not like the perfume after a few hours.

2. Exploring Longer-Lasting Alternatives

Secondly, the world of fragrances is vast and varied. When you find a scent you like, there's a good chance that there's another similar fragrance out there that not only smells alike but also may last longer. Longevity is a key factor in perfume selection, as some scents tend to fade faster than others. By taking the time to explore, you might discover a fragrance that not only matches your scent preferences but also offers a more enduring aromatic experience.

A classic example is Davidoff's Cool Water and Creed's Green Irish Tweed. Both may smell somewhat similar on the skin at the start, but Green Irish Tweed is far superior after the hours go by.

3. The Advantage of Online Deals

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly for the savvy shopper, is the price factor. In today's digital age, online shopping offers a plethora of deals that physical stores often can't match.

For instance, Fragrance Familia is renowned for offering perfumes and colognes at a staggering 30% discount compared to prices at department stores like Macy's or Nordstrom. Shipping remains free too! This significant price difference can make a substantial impact, especially when investing in high-quality fragrances. By taking the time to check online prices, you can make a more cost-effective decision without compromising on the quality or authenticity of the perfume.

We recommend sampling the perfumes at the department stores and letting it linger on your skin for several hours. If you still enjoy what you sniff, buy the full bottle from us! We also offer free cologne and perfume samples with your order!

branded fragrance familia envelope with three decant cologne samples



While it may feel good in the moment to make an impulse purchase at the department store, Fragrance Familia wants you to take your dollar farther! You can easily buy multiple bottles of fragrances with us for the same cost as one at the department stores.

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