Sample Before You Splurge — Vol. 02
- Hilary Burke
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Curating Your Collection
Discovery sets are one of my favorite ways to explore fragrance. They allow you to experience a house’s point of view, notice recurring themes, and take your time before committing to a full bottle.
This round of Sample Before You Splurge features a curated mix of niche, heritage, and luxury perfume houses — each offering something distinctly different. Some impressed me immediately, others grew on me over time, and a few reminded me why sampling matters.
Below are my honest impressions, favorites, and whether each set earned a place on my wish list or if I hit the "add to cart" button.
BON PARFUMEUR
Mini Extracts Discovery Set
10 mini extracts | $95 ($20 redeemable toward a full-size purchase)
The Scoop:
A luxurious exploration of French-made fragrances, with scents ranging from bright citrus to deep woods and everything in between. I loved the inclusion of scent strips and the mini bottles themselves — charming, giftable, and thoughtfully designed. This set feels generous and well-curated, making it a beautiful option for fragrance lovers or gifting.
My Favorites:
Bois Narcotique — woody, spicy, addictive
After Homework — vodka, tobacco, juniper
Myrrh Shadow — warm, spicy, amber
✔ Full Bottle Worthy (x3)
Longevity: Moderate to Long
Projection: Soft to Moderate bubble
CELINE
Discovery Set
12 x 2ml | $60
The Scoop:
This entire collection felt like a powdery exploration of Haute Parfumerie perfection. Elegant, restrained, and quintessentially Parisian. Each perfume flows seamlessly into the next, sharing a clean, light sophistication throughout the collection.
My Favorites:
ZouZou
Bois Dormant
These feel like sisters — Bois Dormant for daytime, and her sexier, older sibling ZouZou for night.
✔ Full Bottle Worthy (x2)
Longevity: Moderate
Projection: Skin scent to soft bubble
Discovery Set
5 x 2ml | $30
The Scoop:
A fun, niche fragrance house showcasing a diverse palette of natural and synthetic compositions — from gourmand to floral. I gravitate toward perfumes with more staying power, but even so, the quality of the formulations here is undeniable.
My Favorite:
Milky No Way — whipped cream, tonka, with a black pepper surprise
✔ Wish List Worthy
Longevity: Soft to Moderate
Projection: Skin scent
INITIO
Initiation Discovery Coffret
10 x 1.5ml | $75 ($75 redeemable toward a full-size purchase)
The Scoop:
I may catch heat for this, but I wasn’t impressed by this collection. Out of the ten fragrances, only two resonated with me — not because they were exceptional, but because they aligned with scent profiles I already enjoy.
Given the price of the full bottles (50ml / $290 and 90ml / $430), I wanted to be wowed.
I’m absolutely open to exploring more from this house and welcome recommendations.
My Favorite:
Absolute Aphrodisiac — sensual, creamy, slightly animalic
✔ Wish List Worthy
Longevity: Long
Projection: Moderate bubble
MOLTON BROWN
EDP Discovery Set
10 x 0.05 fl. oz. | $37
The Scoop:
All the iconic EDPs in “try me” size. This collection reminded me not to judge a fragrance by its name or notes alone. I nearly skipped Tobacco Absolute — and I’m so glad I didn’t. What a beauty.
This set offers interesting profiles throughout, with something for nearly everyone.
My Favorite:
Tobacco Absolute — spicy, warm, aromatic with gentle sweetness
✔ Full Bottle Worthy
Longevity: Long
Projection: Noticeable bubble
ORMAIE
La Collection Discovery Set
10 x 2ml | $75 ($55 redeemable toward a full-size purchase)
The Scoop:
Complex, sophisticated, and a collection that truly grew on me over time. If you appreciate perfume as art, this set is for you. The profiles range from woody to floral to citrus, with ingredients that feel intentionally and carefully curated.
This is a fragrance house for seasoned perfume wearers — novices need not apply.
My Favorite:
L’Ivrée Bleue — sensual vanilla with rum and orris
✔ Wish List Worthy
Longevity: Long
Projection: Moderate bubble
PENHALIGON’S
10 x 1.5ml | $50
The Scoop:
Described as “a veritable library of nasal erudition,” and that description holds true. This set offers incredible diversity — from the floriental Empressa, to the boozy warmth of The Tragedy of Lord George, to the clean crispness of Juniper Sling.
The entire collection feels old-fashioned, very English, and endlessly sophisticated.
My Favorite:
The Coveted Duchess Rose — mandarin and rose, bottled summer sweetness
✔ Full Bottle Worthy
Longevity: Moderate
Projection: Soft to Moderate bubble
Final Thoughts
Sampling before committing has saved me from impulse buys — and helped me fall deeply in love with perfumes I might’ve otherwise overlooked. Discovery sets aren’t just practical; they’re part of the experience.
If you’ve tried any of these, I’d love to know your favorites. And if you’re sampling something new, tell me what’s on your radar.