Best way to sample fragrances

[Paintguru]

I'm curious as to how people go about exploring and trying all the possible fragrances available across the multitude of suppliers out there. I know some sample sets....do many of you use these to try out new scents? Do you just read reviews and grab a 2-4 oz bottle and hope for the best? I find myself browsing these supplier sites for much too long, even when I have plenty of FOs at home waiting to be used!!

 

[Genny]

I check out the supplier reviews, check out reviews on http://soapscentreview.obisoap.ca/ and then I usually buy the small (0.5 oz - 1 oz) bottles that the supplier carries to try it out for myself.
But if the fo gets a lot of bad reviews on the soapscentreview board or their own site, I usually skip it.

 

[Paintguru]

I don't see a registration for the review board site (and I'm kinda put off by the fact they don't accept web email accounts).

 

[Genny]

I don't see a registration for the review board site (and I'm kinda put off by the fact they don't accept web email accounts).

It's to prevent spammers. They used to get a lot of spammers.

But if you'd like to join, you can email Lilli & ask to join.
Her email addy is [email protected]

 

[Marilyna]

Chris,

I think I'm in the same boat as you! Very vexing!
I started soaping in 99, but have been out of it for the last 6 years, so I'm having to start over with my FO stash. I could order some of my tried and true, but gosh, I'm so sick of them!
I ordered some samples to try and have found a couple of great ones, but several bad ones, so that's discouraging.
I also tried the method you mentioned of looking for reviews and ordering some 4 ozers and hoping for the best.
One thing I did find was The Candle Source who has the 1 oz bottles for only $1.49, so that's not bad for testing. But I hate testing!!! If I'm going to make a batch, I want to make a big one!

 

[paillo]

i find myself in the quandary of ordering lots of 1-oz samples when they're on sale, and now having a bin full of small amounts that i either don't like or don't have enough to use for a decent-sized batch even if i blend

 

[lillybella]

Hi Paillo,
I sent you a message but your mailbox is full.
lily

 

[Body_Basics]

when i buy a oil i dont like i tend to sit and smell it for awhile then try to fine something in it i like. once i find the part of the oil i like i blend it with other oils that mask the parts i dont like and enhance the part of it i do like

 

[VanessaP]

I plan on making limited edition tarts with the 1oz samples that I don't plan on soaping with. I have quite a few of them LOL

 

[Trxflyer]

What's is a tart? Small sample size soaps? Got a pic or two?

 

[VanessaP]

What's is a tart? Small sample size soaps? Got a pic or two?

Oh, wax tarts

 

[Trxflyer]

Oh, wax tarts

Tarts are simply beeswax (or similar) that are color and scented just for aesthetic reasons to sit around the house to look & smell good? A candle with no wick?

 

[VanessaP]

Right - I use 100% soy wax for mine. I pour the wax into 6 cavity clamshells and any leftover goes into 2 oz condiment cups as samples/testers for my feedback team. Then just pop a piece or two of your chosen scent into a candle warmer or tart burner. There are warmers/burners that are electrical heating elements, a small light bulb does the heating, or even tea lights do the melting in versions. Its basically a small version of a wickless candle. They still get heated, just not with a direct flame to the wax & FO like a wicked candle does.

 

[Trxflyer]

Thanks for the lesson, I appreciate it!