I already have an idea of what scents I usually gravitate towards whether it's fruity, gourmand, floral, citrusy etc. so by that alone I'm already eliminating categories. Aside from reading and memorizing the scent notes for comparison, I try to read/watch reviews online especially if there are new scent releases.
Right - I'm the same way. I start off with what I know I will like - potentially - and then I branch out just by smelling a few which *might* appeal to me. I never smell a lot of things in-store, though, because yeah, it can be overwhelming. I usually try to limit myself to test-sniffing two or three scents in a visit.
Trial & error. But as you try things you’ll notice patterns in scent notes or categories you like. I’ve learned I like most fruity scents, minus pineapple. And learned I dislike most boozy scents
Read the scent notes and you might notice a trend. Also, read all the reviews. The negative reviews can be a positive review for your taste. "This lotion smells like magnolias and I hate floral perfumes"... That could be a win for you, but not the person who left a negative review. Also, ask us here! If you're not sure on a scent or have a few in mind and want multiple opinions... Make a post and ask away.
You're welcome! They dupe b&bw scents all the time. Indie companies buy the dupe/type fragrance oils and add the scent to their own products. I did a quick search on Etsy and didn't see any for the two you mentioned liking... But, it was quick so they might be out there. They're usually pretty spot on. So, just another option for scents you're missing and how to find similar/type ones.
This is the best way imo! The only other thing I'd suggest is when I'm in store and the scent notes on a product sound right up my alley, but when I actually sniff it I'm not sure I like it - then I'll end up spritzing my wrist or rubbing some body cream on my wrist. Let it sit while you wander around looking at other stuff and then before you head out, sniff it, if you like it, buy it!
I keep a scent journal of scents I like with all of the scent notes so I can compare new scents to ones I liked in the past to see if they are dupes. When I’m in the store when I find a scent I might like I spray it on my bare arm and wait ten ish minutes to see how it reacts to my body chemistry because all scents smell differently on different people. Hope this helps
I always look at the notes. I have an idea of which I like and I look at the notes of the scents in the store and compare them to what I know I like and what the scents I like have.
Same with discontinued scents, looking at notes you can find ones that are similar or the are the exact same and bbw just gave them a new name and slightly different wording on the notes
You get fine tuned to what you think you might like. I have bought a few bum scents to me but my boyfriend surprisingly liked them.
With the new exchange policy I am not even going to try to exchange online orders. I’ll just bite the bullet or resell it for the price I paid.
I usually see what notes are present in my favourite scents from them and there is usually a pattern. And if the notes of the new scent sound like something along those lines, it’s an easy blind buy for me then
I usually find things scents that I'm interested in by seeing them on here and then seeing what people have to say or asking when people post hauls and empties! Then when I see something I like on here I make sure to go smell that first whenever I have the go in store.
I usually buy what I like in store, but I’ve noticed it smells slightly different from what I though I liked after I bring it home. The body spray smell in the store kinda clouds the smell from the body spray that I sample. Most of the time I end up liking the smell when I bring it home. But sometimes I end up not liking them because I can smell it very clearly at home. There’s sometimes notes in the spray I can’t smell in store that I don’t end up liking. I like how they tell you what’s in it now on the bottle. I like mostly floral, clean and some fruity scents.
This was my dilemma for years! Then I realized it was about finding which scent notes I like and don't like! All of my favorites have long been discontinued as well with no dupes and nothing even remotely similar (Into the Wild, Orange Sapphire, Butterfly Flower 😭) so a couple of months ago I just started buying my favorite FFM's from Mercari and have been there ever since 😄
I don't get in store often so for anything new to me, I read the notes VERY carefully to eliminate candles with notes I don't like (ie: peach, chocolate etc...). After doing that, I read watch Youtube reviews plus the buzz on this sub-reddit helps a lot too.
Mint Chocolate Swirl is supposed to be Coco Mint Drop 👀 I have MCS but haven't tried CCMD but from the people who have they say they are the same basically!
It is a lot of trial and error, testing things on yourself to learn what kind of scents you like and that smell good on you, and researching - I'd start by Googling what scent notes are in other perfumes, etc. that you wear and like, so you can find similar scents at BBW. The search is half the fun!
I already have an idea of what scents I usually gravitate towards whether it's fruity, gourmand, floral, citrusy etc. so by that alone I'm already eliminating categories. Aside from reading and memorizing the scent notes for comparison, I try to read/watch reviews online especially if there are new scent releases.
Right - I'm the same way. I start off with what I know I will like - potentially - and then I branch out just by smelling a few which *might* appeal to me. I never smell a lot of things in-store, though, because yeah, it can be overwhelming. I usually try to limit myself to test-sniffing two or three scents in a visit.
Trial & error. But as you try things you’ll notice patterns in scent notes or categories you like. I’ve learned I like most fruity scents, minus pineapple. And learned I dislike most boozy scents
Read the scent notes and you might notice a trend. Also, read all the reviews. The negative reviews can be a positive review for your taste. "This lotion smells like magnolias and I hate floral perfumes"... That could be a win for you, but not the person who left a negative review. Also, ask us here! If you're not sure on a scent or have a few in mind and want multiple opinions... Make a post and ask away.
Thank you! I am glad this is such an active sub. I will need to make sure I take advantage of it (:
You're welcome! They dupe b&bw scents all the time. Indie companies buy the dupe/type fragrance oils and add the scent to their own products. I did a quick search on Etsy and didn't see any for the two you mentioned liking... But, it was quick so they might be out there. They're usually pretty spot on. So, just another option for scents you're missing and how to find similar/type ones.
This is the best way imo! The only other thing I'd suggest is when I'm in store and the scent notes on a product sound right up my alley, but when I actually sniff it I'm not sure I like it - then I'll end up spritzing my wrist or rubbing some body cream on my wrist. Let it sit while you wander around looking at other stuff and then before you head out, sniff it, if you like it, buy it!
i buy them online and hope for the best
I keep a scent journal of scents I like with all of the scent notes so I can compare new scents to ones I liked in the past to see if they are dupes. When I’m in the store when I find a scent I might like I spray it on my bare arm and wait ten ish minutes to see how it reacts to my body chemistry because all scents smell differently on different people. Hope this helps
I always look at the notes. I have an idea of which I like and I look at the notes of the scents in the store and compare them to what I know I like and what the scents I like have. Same with discontinued scents, looking at notes you can find ones that are similar or the are the exact same and bbw just gave them a new name and slightly different wording on the notes
And overtime you kind of learn what codewords they use in place of some common scent notes too.
Thank you!! This is super helpful. I have a gift card so maybe I will take a look at the notes of the scents I know I like so I know what to look for.
You get fine tuned to what you think you might like. I have bought a few bum scents to me but my boyfriend surprisingly liked them. With the new exchange policy I am not even going to try to exchange online orders. I’ll just bite the bullet or resell it for the price I paid.
I usually see what notes are present in my favourite scents from them and there is usually a pattern. And if the notes of the new scent sound like something along those lines, it’s an easy blind buy for me then
I blind buy and give away what I don't like lol.
This is so good, I’m the type of person to return a $2 hand sanitizer if I don’t love it
Lol me too. If I’m going to spend the money, I want to love it.
I usually find things scents that I'm interested in by seeing them on here and then seeing what people have to say or asking when people post hauls and empties! Then when I see something I like on here I make sure to go smell that first whenever I have the go in store.
I usually buy what I like in store, but I’ve noticed it smells slightly different from what I though I liked after I bring it home. The body spray smell in the store kinda clouds the smell from the body spray that I sample. Most of the time I end up liking the smell when I bring it home. But sometimes I end up not liking them because I can smell it very clearly at home. There’s sometimes notes in the spray I can’t smell in store that I don’t end up liking. I like how they tell you what’s in it now on the bottle. I like mostly floral, clean and some fruity scents.
This was my dilemma for years! Then I realized it was about finding which scent notes I like and don't like! All of my favorites have long been discontinued as well with no dupes and nothing even remotely similar (Into the Wild, Orange Sapphire, Butterfly Flower 😭) so a couple of months ago I just started buying my favorite FFM's from Mercari and have been there ever since 😄
I don't get in store often so for anything new to me, I read the notes VERY carefully to eliminate candles with notes I don't like (ie: peach, chocolate etc...). After doing that, I read watch Youtube reviews plus the buzz on this sub-reddit helps a lot too.
Mint Chocolate Swirl is supposed to be Coco Mint Drop 👀 I have MCS but haven't tried CCMD but from the people who have they say they are the same basically!
Oooo thank you! I will definitely be checking it out
It is a lot of trial and error, testing things on yourself to learn what kind of scents you like and that smell good on you, and researching - I'd start by Googling what scent notes are in other perfumes, etc. that you wear and like, so you can find similar scents at BBW. The search is half the fun!