Coty has introduced a digitally-enabled, touch-less fragrance testing device to be rolled out and displayed at beauty retailers within the next 12 months. Beta testing of the units begin in European retail stores this month, followed by a planned trial in Asia later this year.

Coty is parent to many fragrance brands including Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Gucci and Burberry.

The tester looks to give customers the ultimate control over fragrance discovery in-store, delivering a single droplet of liquid directly to an arm or a blotter, offering a less invasive testing experience. The tester also employs data that will allow retailers to optimize placement of the testers by ensuring beauty advisors are on the spot when needed.

Coty’s partner for the smart device is Êverie, a French start-up specializing in micro-dosing and diffusion technologies, which has been in development for more than a year.  The touch-less fragrance tester has been created to work for weeks without a battery recharge; it is designed to reduce perfume loss compared to traditional testers.

Claire Catherine-Mercier, Vice President Retail Experience, said, With the return of in-person shopping, the health and safety of our consumers are always at the forefront of our minds. Deploying a single drop of liquid to the skin with the same restitution as traditional testers, this new technology eliminates unnecessary waste and offers a safe, contact-free alternative for testing.”