Start with a small shortlist
Choose a few distinct directions rather than smelling every display. Label a blotter with the complete name and concentration so similar bottles do not get mixed up.
Return to the scent
Make a first-impression note, then smell again later. For a shortlisted perfume, follow its directions for a skin trial; a paper impression alone does not show your wearing experience.
Think about where you wear it
For shared workspaces, consider a lighter application and the people around you. For gifting, a discovery set can give the recipient room to choose. Scene suggestions are Garden's editorial prompts, not fixed rules.
Keep a trial record
Record the date, version, amount, opening, later impression and whether you would enjoy wearing it again. Revisit that note before buying a bigger size.