The dry-down is the stage after a fragrance’s initial impression has settled. It is one reason a scent you enjoy immediately may feel different after a little time.
Give a sample room to change
Smell a test strip when first sprayed and return to it later. If you decide to test on skin, apply a small amount according to the product directions and notice how the scent develops for you.
Describe what you notice
Instead of looking for every listed note, use your own words: clean, soft, woody, sweet or comforting. Different people perceive the same perfume differently. Keep the sample if you enjoy both the opening and its later character.
Keep notes across the day
Write down your first impression and return to the scent later. There is no fixed timetable that applies to every composition. The comparison helps you decide whether you like the fragrance beyond its opening.