when trying something new that I'm unsure of I usually put it a bit above the wrist on my forearm where the skin is a little less sensitive, just in case. I use the wand and just put a little on when trying something new. I often wrap my fingers in my shirt when I open one of those little imps because the smell tends to get on my fingers if I don't.

When I wear something I know I like I dab a bit on the back of my neck then a bit on one wrist and then wipe one wrist against the other :)

I think the time period varies on the person and the scent, especially since some scents really don't have a lot of staying power and others change a lot depending on how long you wear them...and of course depends on who is wearing it etc.