19. Clear the previous fragrance before testing another one This is something that can throw off a fragrance test without you even realizing it. If you already have another fragrance on your skin and then spray something new over the same area, you’re no longer really testing the new fragrance by itself; you’re testing a blend of both. For me, if I want to judge something properly, I want to start with a clean area of skin. That way I know the opening, the development, and the drydown I’m smelling are actually coming from the fragrance I’m testing. This matters even more if the fragrance you were wearing earlier was strong, sweet, woody, musky, or long-lasting. Even when you think it’s gone, there can still be enough left on the skin to change the way the next fragrance smells. If I’m testing several fragrances, I’d rather use a different clean area, wash the previous fragrance off first, or simply wait until later instead of spraying one directly over another. For me, the point is simple: if you want to know what a fragrance really smells like, give it a clean canvas.

- Ard Al Walsama: Carnival After Hours - $16.99 (Similar to 9PM Night Out) - Rayhaan Vantage - $33.50 (An alternative to Amouage Decisions) - Rayhann Nocturno Elixir - $33.50 (An alternative to Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif)