Buying a full bottle of perfume is an expensive way to discover that you hate a fragrance.
Perfume reviews can help you narrow down the possibilities, but however beautifully someone describes a fragrance, there’s no substitute for smelling it yourself.
This is why I’m a big fan of perfume samples and decants. If you’re interested in experimenting with fragrance, particularly niche or expensive perfumes, buying a small amount gives you the chance to actually wear something before committing to a full bottle.
Because smelling a perfume once in a shop isn’t necessarily enough either. You need to live with it. See how it develops on your skin. Work out whether you still like it three hours later. And, perhaps most importantly, decide whether you actually want to smell like it.
But where do you buy perfume samples in the UK?
There are now plenty of websites selling perfume samples and decants, from tiny 1ml samples to 10ml decants, as well as official discovery sets from individual fragrance houses.
I’ve rounded up some of the best places to buy perfume samples and decants in the UK, including what each one is best for, the types of fragrances they stock, the sample sizes available and what to know before you order.
Where to Buy Perfume Samples in the UK
There are quite a few options for buying perfume samples in the UK, but not all of them offer everything you might want. Some specialise in niche fragrances, others have huge ranges of designer perfumes, some offer tiny samples while others provide travel sized decants.
Small Aromas
- Best for: Niche fragrances and people who want to try smaller amounts before committing to a full bottle.
- Sample sizes: Various sizes, depending on the fragrance.
- Price range: Varies by fragrance and sample size.
- Official sample or decant: Decants from full-size fragrances.
- UK shipping: UK-based, with delivery available across the UK.
What I like: Small Aromas has a wide selection of fragrances, particularly if you're looking beyond the usual department-store perfumes. It feels like a small, specialist business rather than a huge fragrance marketplace, which is appealing if you enjoy discovering something a little different.
Worth knowing: The range and sample sizes vary between fragrances, so it's worth checking the individual product listing before ordering. The company has also received plenty of positive customer feedback for its packaging and delivery.
Fragrance Samples UK
- Best for: A huge selection of designer and niche fragrances.
- Sample sizes: 1ml, 2ml, 3ml, 5ml and 10ml.
- Price range: From around £3.80, depending on the fragrance and size.
- Official sample or decant: Decants taken from full-size fragrances.
- UK shipping: UK-based, with delivery within the UK.
What I like: If you're looking for a lot of choice, this is one of the first places I'd look. There are hundreds of fragrances across designer, niche and luxury brands, and having five different sample sizes makes it easy to order exactly the amount you need.
Worth knowing: Fragrance Samples UK is a good choice if you want to order a variety of samples in different sizes. Rather than buying one or two fragrances, you can browse by brand and put together your own perfume selection to experiment with.
Perfumista
- Best for: Niche and designer fragrances, particularly if you want lots of size options.
- Sample sizes: 1ml, 2ml, 3ml, 4ml, 5ml and 9ml.
- Price range: From around £3.49, depending on the fragrance.
- Official sample or decant: Decants.Decants.
- UK shipping: UK-based.
What I like: The sheer number of sample sizes is what makes Perfumista particularly useful. You can start with a tiny 1ml sample if you're simply curious about a fragrance, or go up to 9ml if you already suspect you're going to want to wear it regularly.
Worth knowing: The 9ml option is a good choice if you're already familiar with a brand or specific perfume, and want a travel sized option. It's enough perfume to properly live with a fragrance for a while without committing to the full-size bottle.
Tiny Fragrances
- Best for: Niche and unusual fragrances.
- Sample sizes: 1ml, 2ml and 3ml.
- Price range: From around £4.50, but varies by fragrance and size.
- Official sample or decant: Decants.
- UK shipping: Free UK shipping.
What I like: Tiny Fragrances is focused specifically on small samples, with an emphasis on niche and unusual scents. It's a good option if you've moved beyond the fragrances you can easily find in department stores and want to start exploring more independent or unusual perfume houses.
Worth knowing: The samples are deliberately small—you're buying them to test rather than as a cheaper alternative to a full bottle. The 1ml, 2ml and 3ml options make it particularly easy to order several fragrances without spending a fortune.
Visionary Fragrances
- Best for: A huge range of designer, niche and discontinued fragrances.
- Sample sizes: 1ml, 2ml, 5ml and 10ml.
- Price range: Starting as low as £1.50, but varies considerably by fragrance and size.
- Official sample or decant: Decants taken from original bottles.
- UK shipping: £2.75, or free on orders over £60. Orders are usually dispatched the next working day.
What I like: Visionary has one of the broadest selections I've found, including designer, niche and discontinued fragrances. I also like the range of sizes: 1ml is useful for initial testing, while 5ml and 10ml give you enough perfume to properly test a fragrance.
Worth knowing: Everything is decanted to order rather than sitting in sample bottles waiting to be sold. Visionary says its fragrances are sourced from registered retailers or directly from fragrance brands and decanted from the original bottles.
Decanted UK
- Best for: Designer, luxury and niche fragrances in larger decant sizes.
- Sample sizes: 3ml, 5ml and 10ml.
- Price range: From around £8–£12 for some fragrances, with prices varying by fragrance and size.
- Official sample or decant: Decants.
- UK shipping: Tracked UK delivery; free on orders over £30.
What I like: Decanted is particularly good if you don't necessarily want a tiny 1ml sample. Its smallest size is 3ml, which gives you considerably more opportunity to test out a fragrance properly. The 5ml and 10ml options are useful if you're essentially looking for a travel-size version of a fragrance rather than just a one-off test.
Worth knowing: These are independently decanted fragrances, not official samples from the perfume brands. Decanted says its fragrances are sourced from genuine full-size bottles and transferred into unbranded glass atomisers.
Smell to Impress
- Best for: Exploring niche and luxury fragrances without buying full bottles.
- Sample sizes: Varies by fragrance.
- Price range: From around £8.99, depending on the fragrance and size.
- Official sample or decant: Both official samples and decants, depending on the fragrance.
- UK shipping: UK delivery available.
What I like: Smell to Impress has a substantial selection and is particularly useful if you're interested in trying more expensive or niche fragrances. I also like that the site clearly distinguishes between official samples and decants, so you know what you're buying.
Worth knowing: Don't assume that a bottle pictured on the website is the bottle your sample will arrive in. With a decant, you're paying for a portion of the fragrance transferred into a smaller bottle, not miniature branded packaging.
Bloom Perfumery
- Best for: Niche perfume discovery sets and people who want a more curated way to explore fragrance.
- Sample sizes: Generally 1ml and 10ml.
- Price range: From around £4, depending on the perfume.
- Official sample or decant: Official samples.
- UK shipping: Sample-only orders are £3 via Royal Mail, with free shipping on sample-only orders over £30.
What I like: Bloom is different from the decant websites above. Rather than searching for one particular perfume and ordering a tiny portion of it, you can use Bloom to discover niche fragrance houses and curated collections. Its discovery sets are particularly good if you don't know exactly what you're looking for yet.
Worth knowing: Bloom is a particularly good option for discovery rather than simply finding a cheap sample of a perfume you've already heard about. It also offers sample subscriptions, which are another nice way to explore fragrance without committing to full bottles.
The Perfume Apothecary
- Best for: Niche, indie and unusual fragrances, particularly if you want to discover smaller or harder-to-find perfume houses.
- Sample sizes: 1ml, 2ml and 5ml, with some listings also available in 10ml.
- Price range: From around £2.25, with more unusual and niche fragrances generally costing more.
- Official sample or decant: Decants of genuine fragrances from full-size bottles.
- UK shipping: UK-only; free shipping on orders over £30.
What I like: The Perfume Apothecary is one of the best places to shop for niche, indie and hard-to-find experimental perfumes. It’s also one of the few sample websites where I’ve found fragrances I’ve been wanting to try for years but couldn’t find elsewhere. The selection leans towards more unusual, experimental scents, so read the descriptions carefully!
Worth knowing: These are decanted rather than official samples. The Perfume Apothecary says its fragrances are genuine and sourced from legally purchased full-size bottles, then decanted into UV-sterilised glass atomisers.
Perfume Samples vs Decants: What's the Difference?
If you're new to buying perfume samples online, the terminology can be a little confusing. A perfume sample, decant and discovery set aren't quite the same thing.
Official perfume samples
An official perfume sample is produced by the fragrance brand itself, usually in a small branded vial or atomiser. These are often given away with purchases or sold as part of a discovery set.
Perfume decants
A perfume decant is fragrance taken from a full-size bottle and transferred into a smaller atomiser by a third-party retailer. They aren't official samples, but they can be a much more affordable way to try a fragrance, particularly expensive or hard-to-find perfumes.
Discovery sets
A perfume discovery set is a collection of samples, usually from the same fragrance house. Some retailers also create curated sets featuring several different brands.
Are perfume decants genuine?
A decant isn't automatically fake because it doesn't come in the original packaging. The important thing is where the seller sourced the fragrance and how transparent they are about what you're buying.
When buying perfume decants online, look for:
- Clear information about where the fragrances are sourced
- A clear distinction between official samples and decants
- The exact sample sizes being stated
- Information about the type of atomiser used
- Independent customer reviews
- Clear UK company and contact details
- Transparent delivery and returns information
Most importantly, a reputable seller should never make a third-party decant sound like an official sample from the perfume house. Check that the website is clear about whether you're buying an official sample or a decant. If they're vague about where the fragrance comes from or try to make a decant sound like an official sample, I'd steer clear.
How Big a Perfume Sample Should You Buy?
When you first see a 1ml perfume sample, it looks like hardly anything at all. But when it comes to testing a fragrance, a surprisingly small amount can go a long way.
A 1ml sample contains roughly 14 sprays, which can be enough to test a fragrance throughout the week and see how it develops on your skin.
That’s why 1ml perfume samples are such a good way to experiment. Instead of spending £10, £20 or more on every fragrance you’re curious about, you can try several different perfumes for the same budget. And if you find one you love, you can always buy a larger decant or eventually the full-size bottle.
- 1ml perfume samples: A 1ml perfume sample is ideal if you want to try lots of different fragrances. Instead of spending a lot on a single perfume or several larger decants, you can spread that same budget across a whole selection of 1ml samples.
- 2ml perfume samples: For most people, 2ml is probably the sweet spot. It's enough to properly live with a fragrance for several days, while still being small and inexpensive enough to order a few at once.
- 5ml perfume decants: A 5ml perfume decant makes more sense once you've established that you like a fragrance and want to wear it for longer. It's enough for repeated wear over several weeks without committing to a full bottle.
- 10ml perfume decants: A 10ml perfume decant is closer to a travel size than a sample. It's a good option if you already know you like the fragrance but aren't ready to buy the full bottle—or if you'd simply rather have several smaller perfumes than one enormous bottle.
Why Buy Perfume Samples Instead of a Full Bottle?
There are lots of reasons to buy perfume samples, and not all of them are about finding your next signature scent.
For some people, perfume is simple: find a fragrance you love, buy the full-size bottle and wear it every day. For others, the fun is in the experimenting. Trying something completely different. Discovering a perfume house you've never heard of. Finding a strange combination of notes you wouldn't normally choose. Having a different fragrance for a summer afternoon, a night out, a rainy Sunday or a particular outfit.
That's what I love about sampling perfume. You can treat fragrance a little like a wardrobe. You don't have to find the one perfume any more than you need to own just one pair of shoes. You can have options.
And perfume can be an experience in its own right. It's as much about creativity and self-expression as what you wear. Some fragrances feel almost like wearable art, and buying perfume samples and decants gives you the chance to explore that without spending hundreds of pounds on full-size bottles.
And there's the practical side: a £3–£8 sample is a much smaller commitment than a £150 bottle you bought because TikTok told you it was amazing. You can wear it on your own skin, see how it develops over several hours and try it on different days before deciding whether you want to buy the full-size bottle.
How to Test a Perfume Sample Properly
Buying perfume samples is the fun part. Actually working out whether you like a fragrance takes a little more time.
I have a little routine I use when testing perfume samples, because a fragrance can smell completely different in the bottle, on a paper blotter and on your skin or clothes.
Start with the blotter
I like to have the perfume’s top, heart and base notes to hand before I start. First, smell the fragrance directly from the bottle, then spray it onto a paper blotter. Let it settle for a minute before smelling it again.
I pay attention to how the fragrance smells at first, then how those notes develop as it dries down. I do this with every perfume I’m sampling, but I try to limit myself to no more than five fragrances at a time. Any more than that and your nose can become overwhelmed and you risk going temporarily “nose blind”—where everything starts to smell the same.
Then test it on your skin
Once I'm familiar with how a perfume smells and how it develops as it dries down, I test each fragrance one at a time on my skin. I usually spray two or three sprays on my wrist, but slightly higher up so I don't wash it off every time I wash my hands.
Then I leave it alone and check in with the fragrance throughout the day. How does it develop? Which notes become more noticeable? How long does it last? How far can I smell it from my skin?
I make notes on the scent, longevity and sillage, as well as how I feel about wearing it. And I give each sample a full day of testing rather than trying to make a decision after one quick spray.
Most importantly, I don't just ask myself “Does this smell good?” I ask: “Do I want to smell like this?” Because a perfume can be objectively beautiful and still not be something you actually want to wear.
Where to Buy Official Perfume Discovery Sets
After sampling a few fragrances, you might realise you like a particular perfume house and want to try more of their perfumes. An official perfume discovery set is often the best place to start.
Unlike decants, these samples are produced and packaged by the fragrance brand itself, so you get a proper introduction to the collection rather than just a small amount of fragrance transferred into another bottle.
Many perfume houses sell their own discovery sets directly through their websites, usually containing several 1ml or 2ml samples. Some also offer the cost of the discovery set back as a discount when you go on to buy a full-size fragrance from the collection, making them a great way to try before you commit.
You can also find perfume discovery sets in the UK through specialist fragrance retailers such as Bloom Perfumery and The Perfume Society, as well as department stores including Selfridges and Harrods. These can be a good way to discover several fragrances from different perfume houses, without having to buy samples individually.
If you're looking for a specific fragrance, I'd check the perfume house first. But if you're more interested in discovering new perfumes, curated discovery sets are much more fun.
Where to Get Free Perfume Samples in the UK
If you're looking for free perfume samples in the UK, they're unfortunately much harder to find than they used to be. There was a time when you could walk up to a perfume counter, ask to try a fragrance and leave with a few samples to try at home. These days, you're lucky if you even get a free sample with a purchase!
Your best options are to check directly with fragrance brands, look out for promotional campaigns or see whether beauty retailers are offering samples with online orders. Availability tends to be limited and, more often than not, you won't get to choose exactly what you want to try.
And while free is obviously nice, it isn't necessarily the best way to explore perfume. If you're trying to discover what you actually like, I'd rather spend £3 on a 1ml sample of a fragrance I'm genuinely curious about than collect a handful of random samples I'll never wear.
Sometimes paying a little for exactly what you want is the better deal.
Where Can You Try Perfume in Person in the UK?
If you'd rather smell a perfume before ordering a sample, there are still plenty of places where you can try fragrances in person. London is particularly good for this, with a mix of major department stores, specialist perfumeries and independent fragrance shops.
Selfridges and Harrods both have extensive fragrance departments, although they mostly stock luxury perfume brands. For something more specialist, Bloom Perfumery is a great place to explore independent and niche fragrances, while Jovoy London specialises in niche and luxury perfume.
It's also worth seeking out independent perfumeries in your area. Smaller specialist shops can be particularly good for discovering fragrance houses you might not come across in a department store.
And you don't necessarily have to buy anything while you're there. One of my favourite ways to shop for perfume is to smell a fragrance in person, then order a decant or sample to take home and properly test it. You get to discover what's out there without making an expensive impulse purchase—and you can see how the perfume actually smells on your skin before committing to a full bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Perfume Samples
Where is the best place to buy perfume samples in the UK?
It depends on what you’re looking for. For the widest choice, specialist decant websites are a good option, while individual perfume houses and retailers such as Bloom Perfumery are better for official discovery sets.
Where can I buy perfume decants in the UK?
There are several UK websites specialising in perfume decants, including The Perfume Apothecary, Visionary Fragrances, Decanted UK, Perfumista and Fragrance Samples UK. Look for retailers that clearly explain how their fragrances are sourced and whether samples are official or independently decanted.
Are perfume decants genuine?
A perfume decant can be genuine. It is fragrance taken from a genuine full-size bottle and transferred into a smaller atomiser. Always check how the retailer sources its fragrances and that it clearly states you are buying a decant.
What is the difference between a perfume sample and a decant?
An official perfume sample is produced by the fragrance brand, usually in branded packaging. A decant is taken from a full-size bottle and transferred into a smaller bottle by a third-party retailer.
How much perfume is in a 1ml sample?
A 1ml perfume sample contains roughly 14 sprays, although this varies slightly depending on the atomiser. That's enough to test a fragrance several times and potentially wear it throughout the week.
Is 2ml enough to test a perfume?
Yes. 2ml is a great perfume sample size and enough to wear a fragrance several times, see how it develops on your skin and decide whether you want to buy a larger decant or full-size bottle.
How long does a 5ml perfume decant last?
A 5ml perfume decant can provide several weeks of wear, depending on how many sprays you use and how often you wear it. It's a good option if you've already decided you like a fragrance and want to live with it for longer.
Can I buy niche perfume samples in the UK?
Yes. There are several UK retailers specialising in niche perfume samples, including decant websites and specialist perfumeries. These can be particularly useful for trying expensive, unusual or hard-to-find fragrances.
Can I buy designer perfume samples online?
Yes. Designer perfume samples are easy to find on perfume sample websites, from popular fragrances to older and harder-to-find releases. You can usually choose between different sample and decant sizes.
Where can I get free perfume samples in the UK?
Free perfume samples are harder to find than they used to be. Your best options are fragrance brands, beauty retailers and promotional campaigns, although samples are often offered with a purchase and availability varies.
Are perfume samples worth buying?
Absolutely. Perfume samples are one of the cheapest ways to experiment with fragrance and avoid expensive blind buys. Spending a few pounds on a sample is much less risky than buying a full-size bottle you end up not wearing.
Can I buy perfume samples before buying a full bottle?
Yes, that's one of the best reasons to buy a perfume sample. You can wear the fragrance on your skin, see how it develops and decide whether you actually want to buy the full-size bottle.
What is the best size perfume sample to buy?
For most people, 2ml is the sweet spot because it provides enough fragrance to test properly without costing too much. If you want to try lots of perfumes, 1ml samples are an inexpensive way to experiment.
Can you get discontinued perfume samples?
Yes. Some specialist decant retailers stock discontinued perfume samples, allowing you to try fragrances that are no longer available to buy as full-size bottles. Availability varies, so specialist decant websites are worth checking.