Paper offers a relatively neutral way to smell several candidates. On skin, temperature, application amount and personal perception can change the balance you notice.

The blotter may reveal an opening clearly, while wearing the scent allows you to assess comfort and how it develops around your daily routine.

Use paper to narrow a shortlist, then try one candidate on an appropriate area of skin if the product directions allow. Never assume a sample on paper represents the complete experience.

Treat a fragrance guide as a useful starting point. The experience of a finished product, your own preferences and its label information remain more important than broad descriptions. XASIS currently presents its Signature Five as fragrance design concepts in development; final notes, formula details and availability are confirmed only for finished products.