An alternative to a perfume discovery set
A discovery set is a lovely way to meet one house. If you want to compare scents from different houses, or wear one for longer than a few days, decants let you build your own set.
What a discovery set is
Many perfume houses sell a discovery set: a box of small vials covering part of their range, chosen by the house.
It is a good way to explore a house you already like. It helps less when you want to put one house’s scent next to another’s, which is how most of us actually shop.
Build your own set instead
With decants you choose each perfume on its own: a Creed next to a Byredo next to a Dior, if that is your shortlist.
Each one comes in the size you pick: 3ml for a first week, 10ml for weeks of wear.
Side by side
| Typical discovery set | Your own set of decants | |
|---|---|---|
| Houses | One house per set | Any house we carry |
| Who chooses the scents | The house | You |
| Size per scent | Small vials, one size for all | 3ml, 10ml or 30ml, per scent |
Discovery sets vary by house. This compares the typical format, not any one house’s set.
When a discovery set is the better choice
If you love one house and want to walk through its range, its own discovery set is hard to beat. If your shortlist crosses houses, or you want more than a few days with each scent, build your own.
Start with all houses or our niche perfumes.
Comparing shops that sell decants? See perfume decant shops in Europe, compared.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a discovery set and a decant?
A discovery set is a house’s own box of small vials. A decant is one perfume, filled from the original bottle into a size you choose.
Can I make my own perfume discovery set?
Yes. Add perfumes from our catalogue as 3ml or 10ml decants to one order, from as many houses as you like.
Which size should I pick for my own set?
3ml each to compare. Around a week of wear per scent is enough to know which one you keep reaching for.
10ML is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the perfume houses whose fragrances we sell.