Best Places to Buy Perfume Samples in the UK
Why Perfume Samples Are a Great Investment
Perfume is a personal experience; a scent that works for one person may not appeal to another. That’s why perfume sampling has become a huge trend. Perfume samples allow you to try a fragrance in small quantities, usually around 1.5-2ml, before deciding whether it’s right for you. This minimizes the risk of spending money on a full-sized bottle that you may not love. Moreover, perfume samples are often affordable, giving you access to high-end and luxury brands without the hefty price tag.
Sampling also gives you the flexibility to experiment with different types of scents, which is perfect if you like to switch up your fragrance for different occasions or seasons. From woody and musky scents to floral and citrus notes, perfume samples allow you to discover your personal fragrance preferences in a more affordable and sustainable way.
To help you navigate the world of fragrance sampling, here are the best places to buy perfume samples in the UK.
1. The Perfume Society
The Perfume Society is a hub for all things fragrance-related. They offer "Discovery Boxes" filled with perfume samples from both high-end and niche brands. Each box usually contains around 7-10 perfume samples, and there are often themed boxes to explore specific fragrance categories, such as floral, oriental, or gourmand scents. Additionally, The Perfume Society regularly collaborates with brands to offer exclusive samples that are not available anywhere else.
One of the benefits of ordering from The Perfume Society is that the boxes often come with extra goodies such as skincare samples or scented candles, adding to the overall experience. They also have a subscription service that allows you to receive boxes at regular intervals, so you can keep discovering new scents year-round.
Price range: £15-£25 per discovery box
Website: The Perfume Society
2. Bloom Perfumery London
Bloom Perfumery London is a destination for those who are looking for unique, niche fragrances. They carry a wide range of rare and artisanal perfume brands, and their sample program allows you to choose from hundreds of scents. Each sample vial is around 1.5ml, and you can buy them individually or in sets. Bloom also offers a curated sample service where you can describe your preferences, and they will choose a selection of samples for you.
In addition to offering sample sizes, Bloom Perfumery London provides an educational experience with detailed descriptions of each fragrance. This is helpful for fragrance lovers who want to dive deeper into understanding notes, accords, and the history behind each perfume.
Price range: £4-£6 per sample
Website: Bloom Perfumery London
3. Escentual
Escentual is a popular UK-based beauty retailer that offers an extensive range of designer and luxury perfume samples. Unlike niche perfume retailers, Escentual focuses more on mainstream brands such as Chanel, Dior, and Guerlain, but they also have some niche offerings. Their sample program allows you to select individual samples from well-known fragrance houses, making it an excellent choice for those who want to explore high-end designer perfumes.
One of the standout features of Escentual is their frequent sales and promotions, which can make buying samples even more affordable. They also have great customer service, offering detailed product descriptions and customer reviews, helping you make informed choices when selecting your samples.
Price range: £2-£6 per sample
Website: Escentual
4. Fragrance Direct
Fragrance Direct is another well-known UK retailer with a strong selection of perfume samples. While they predominantly offer full-sized perfumes at discounted prices, they also have a variety of samples from designer brands like Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, and Paco Rabanne. Fragrance Direct is a good option for those who are looking to sample designer fragrances at a low cost.
They offer a range of fragrance formats, including vials, miniature bottles, and tester sprays. Fragrance Direct is known for its competitive pricing and deals, so it’s worth checking regularly for special offers on perfume samples.
Price range: £1-£5 per sample
Website: Fragrance Direct
5. Feelunique
Feelunique is one of the largest online beauty retailers in the UK, and they have a vast selection of perfume samples from mainstream and niche brands. They offer a "Pick 'n' Mix" service, where you can choose up to five perfume samples for just £3.95. You’ll receive a voucher for the same amount that can be used toward future purchases, which makes this option even more appealing.
Feelunique is ideal for anyone who likes to try a broad range of beauty products, as their sample program isn’t limited to just perfumes; you can also pick makeup and skincare samples in the same order. Their website is user-friendly, with helpful product reviews and descriptions, making it easy to find fragrances that match your taste.
Price range: £3.95 for five samples
Website: Feelunique
6. Luckyscent
Luckyscent is a global perfume retailer that specializes in niche and artisanal fragrances. While they are based in the US, they ship to the UK, and their sample program is highly recommended for anyone seeking out hard-to-find fragrances. They have a wide selection of niche brands that you won’t find on most other UK websites, including By Kilian, Amouage, and Tauer Perfumes.
Samples are available in 0.7ml or 1ml vials, and you can order them individually. Their website is a treasure trove of information, with in-depth descriptions of each fragrance and reviews from other fragrance enthusiasts. Though shipping may take a bit longer than UK-based retailers, Luckyscent is a must-visit for any serious perfume collector looking to discover rare scents.
Price range: £3-£8 per sample
Website: Luckyscent
7. Notino
Notino is a major European beauty retailer that offers a variety of perfume samples, including designer, luxury, and niche fragrances. They have a dedicated section for perfume samples, allowing you to explore scents from brands like Tom Ford, Versace, and Jo Malone without the commitment of purchasing a full bottle.
Notino offers a wide selection of perfume formats, including sample vials and miniature bottles. Their prices are often discounted, and they run frequent promotions, making it a great place to shop for perfume samples on a budget. Shipping is fast within the UK, and their customer service is reliable, making the overall experience positive.
Price range: £2-£5 per sample
Website: Notino
8. Harvey Nichols
Harvey Nichols is a luxury department store in the UK that offers perfume samples from high-end and niche brands. While their sample selection is more limited compared to some of the online retailers, they carry brands such as Creed, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, and Le Labo. Harvey Nichols also offers "Discovery Sets" that feature a curated selection of perfumes, allowing you to try out multiple scents from a single brand.
Harvey Nichols is the place to go if you’re interested in luxury fragrances and want a more curated and high-end shopping experience. In-store, they may also offer free samples with purchases, so it's worth visiting one of their locations if you prefer to shop in person.
Price range: £3-£10 per sample
Website: Harvey Nichols
Conclusion
Finding the perfect fragrance can be a personal and delightful journey, and perfume samples are the perfect way to explore different scents without breaking the bank. From niche boutique stores like Bloom Perfumery to mainstream retailers like Escentual and Feelunique, the UK offers many options for perfume sampling. Each of these retailers offers something unique, whether you’re looking for rare and artisanal fragrances or more affordable designer options.
Whether you prefer to shop online or in-store, these retailers provide a convenient way to explore new perfumes, helping you find the fragrance that suits your style and preferences. Experimenting with samples is an affordable and enjoyable way to build a fragrance wardrobe that reflects your unique personality.
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