Scentmap is a new online tool that aims to "navigate shoppers through the often daunting process of choosing a fragrance". You select the name of a fragrance that you currently like, and Scentmap makes suggestions of other scents that might suit you. A "remote control" on the right column allows you to fine-tune the selections to fit your specifications (choices include fresh, warm, extroverted, intimate, new, rare, etc.).
The Scentmap site also allows you to keep a wishlist of the fragrances you're interested in, and in some cases, to link directly to a store that sells the fragrance.
Coming soon: a masculine version and a French version, plus discussion forums. (via press release)
First you have to choose a favorite brand but the menu is extremely limited. When I couldn't find the brand of my favorite, I tried Sarah Jessica Parker (in order to search Lovely). But the only choices for her were Covet and Covet Pure Bloom. Search Gucci and there are only two (!) choices of scent. Oh, but all of the Britney Spears scents are listed. Completely useless.
From the looks of things, it looks like they didn't test the database before releasing it to market? Perhaps they are still in development.
It is definitely not a complete list of scents. I assume they'll expand it as they continue to develop?
Test it in what way, E? I mean, I see there are scents missing, but is it not working in some other way?
I was surprised to see that the database included Malle's Outrageous!, but not Chanel Allure. Interesting choices.
Two types of testing, one would be end-user oriented like focus groups. On the technical side, the type of database they are using.
It looks like they are focused on mainstream frags. I wonder if they will eventually include niche scents? And also, what about a search by note catagory, did I miss that or is it not on the website?
When I used the scent map to research Wrappings, it brought up Happy & Pleasures, when I used the remote control wheel to focus on rare frags, it brought up Sunflowers and Youth Dew, which to me, aren't necessarily so rare? That's why I wondered if they are still in development phase and adding more daily?
Well, as in the case of the Sephora fragrance finder (and all the others of the kind), I find the automatic suggestions quite funny (but unfortunately useless).
They all want me to try Allure/Allure Sensuelle, that I cannot stand!
The idea behind is quite nice though. I hope one day it will eventually work, even if nothing can replace the excitement of digging and finding unexpeted treasures by myself.
I noticed the Outrageous too, and S-Perfume 100% Love. Other than that, not too many niche scents.
Guessing niche scent peeps don't want/need anything like this anyway though — their concerns are different. A search by note would be nice to have though!
They all tend to work off the fragrance family, and I find that generally useless too, but it's all the fragrance industry has to go on, unfortunately. And given the massive number of scents now on the market, I guess it's better than nothing.
I wonder if companies have to pay to be included? That would explain the limited choices. Kinda fun to play with, but Michael Edwards' Fragrances of the World is probably more useful for now.
I seriously doubt it — I think you'd see more small brands, fewer big brands if companies were paying to be included.
But yeah — in terms of ease of use, I think this beats FOTW, but in terms of coverage, FOTW is obviously far, far better.
I think I broke it. Or it really doesn't know what to do with someone wearing Bulgari Blv Notte (which I actually don't have – maybe it knew I was LYING!) lol
It was so limited the only thing that I could come up with was Hermes Eau des Merveilles or Osmanthe Yunnan – otherwise there was no Hiris listed. Masaki's only choise was mat chocolat, but I love Mintea! But if they expand it a little more, and add more options it would be a neat, little website.
HA — if you lie, it will never help you again. Or it will lie right back 😉
I looked for Hiris too!
Aside from the limited choice of scents, I couldn't get it to work at all. Maybe this is a beta version? I would love to try this if only it were more complete.
Robin, I checked this site and it actually *really* works! lol 😛 It actually managed to put a circle of favorites around my perfume of choice and when I tweaked the characteristics on the right a little even more favorites popped up. Unfortunately it is currently very limited, but if it grows to encompass more scents including niche, this could very well become a favorite playground 🙂
Well, that was kind of fun, but the choices were extremely limited, and some of the suggestions seemed wildly off base. About as accurate as my daily horoscope, I suppose, but not advice I'd want to use to buy perfume!
ridiculous–garanamals for scent morons? I chose 100% love by s perfumes and the fragrances they recommended are on my if hell freezes over list fragrance is an art and an experience not a multiple choice questionaire.
great post Robin
LOL, I selected 24, Faubourg and it only gave me Curious as an option. :~)
Still kinda fun, thanks Robin!
So, do perfumes pay to be on the list? That would explain some odd choices, as would “still in development.” Or, of course, I could once more be the wrong demographic. Which is also true.
I really don't know if it is a “beta version” — but would assume they're going to add more scents.
It would be fun if all the niche stuff was on there, but I won't hold my breath for that — would be enough if they'd just get the major mainstream scents on there.
Well, probably nobody here looks for fragrances by fragrance family, I'd guess! And if enough scents were on there, it'd be a useful reference tool.
All the same, the average perfume consumer doesn't have time for the art & experience part — still think something like this could be very useful. But the choices for 100% Love are really odd, other than the Stella McCartney.
LOL — that's a funny pair, isn't it?
Super fun anyway! I don't think it was 100% accurate for me but the scentmap did throw some that I do like and are similar in notes.
Glad you liked it!
And also a “contact us” or feedback portal as well.
There is a very tiny “contact” link at the very bottom of the page.
Hello, this is Celine from Scentmap.com. Thanks for all your comments, I am working hard to add as many fragrances as possible within Scentmap.com and you will see the result in the following weeks! I first added the major brands/perfumes but will also add niche perfumes.
Brands are paying nothing to be in scentmap.com! I would not expect brands to invest a $ on scentmap.com as we recommend other options to their classical scents 😉