What To Do With Magazine Perfume Samples
I have a serious problem with collecting magazine perfume samples. So bad that I subscribe to 10 different magazines just to get more samples.
This is just a sample of my sweet smelling obsession
While these samples aren't very practical in regards to their intended use (seriously why do they even call them samples? They're more like a specimen), they are quite practical for around the home which is why I continue to build my collection. Here are some of the ways I use my samples everyday.
Lay One Inside Of Your Purse After Washing
After hand washing the lining of your purse, fold up a sample (scent side out), and place it in one of the pockets. The scent will permiate through out your purse making it smell wonderful.
Make Your Own Hair Perfume
Using a small spray bottle, roll up your sample and stuff it in the bottle. Fill with 1 oz Water and .5 oz Vodka or Rubbing Alcohol. Shake twice a day (I keep mine near the sink so I remember to shake it) and after 4 days you should have a basically free designer hair perfume.
Throw Some In The Dryer With Your Laundry
When your laundry is 90% dry and there is 10 minutes left in the cycle, gently spray the sample with some water to dampen it. Throw the damp sample in the dryer and after the cycle is finished your laundry will have its own fragrance.
Be sure to keep an eye on your dryer as this might pose a fire hazard if the dryer is not well maintained (such as a college dorm or laundrymat dryer).
Put Some In Your Bathroom Waste Bin
Before you put a little plastic bag in your bathroom bin, throw a couple on the bottom. This works great to help cover up smells from sanitary napkins during that time of the month.
Make A Scented Bookmark
Cut a piece of cardboard 6". Wrap samples (scented side out) around the cardboard and secure with tape. Using a glue gun, glue a piece of yarn to the end of the carboard and wrap the yarn around the cardboard to the top, gluing in the middle then again at the top. Cut a hole in the top middle of the cardboard and tie a few strings through the hole as a pull. (I love the smell of books but sometimes I'll find one that was water damaged at some point).
Use Them As They Are Intended In A Pinch
On their own, the scent does not last long on your skin but if you rub some Petroleum Jelly or Unscented Lip Balm onto your wrists, then rub the sample over top of the jelly/balm it will last longer.
If you do happen to get some samples that are decent, such as the ones pictured, then keep them in your purse or travel bag for when you're out and about. Even in hot conditions these samples will keep their scent for months without drying out. The foil top and sealed edges keep the scent in longer than their paper only counterparts. Just cut around the sample and pop it into your purse.
Now you've got some ideas on what to do with those samples instead of just making your magazine smell nice! So get to collecting and let us know if you figure out anything else to do with them. Until next time amigas, adios!