Katrina Rosales
Smelling good is about more than just perfume. It's about a combination of proper hygiene, thoughtful fragrance choices, and a healthy lifestyle. This includes everything from the food you eat to the clothes you wear. For example, eating garlic or onions can contribute to an unpleasant body odour, while wearing clean clothes made from breathable fabrics can help prevent the accumulation of sweat and bacteria. When it comes to perfume, it's important to find a scent that you like and that works for you. You can also try layering different scented products, such as body wash, lotion, and perfume, to create a long-lasting fragrance. And remember, when it comes to application, less is more – a few spritzes on your pulse points should be enough to last all day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hygiene | Shower daily, use antiperspirant or deodorant, wear clean clothes, and moisturize your skin |
| Fragrance choice | Opt for long-lasting perfumes or colognes, apply sparingly to pulse points, and layer with complementary scented products like body wash, lotion, oil, or hair perfume |
| Diet | Avoid consuming foods that can contribute to body odor, such as garlic, onions, spicy foods, and alcohol |
| Clothing | Choose breathable fabrics to prevent the accumulation of sweat and bacteria, and wash clothes regularly |
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What You'll Learn
Choose pulse points
Pulse points are areas on the body where arteries lie close to the skin's surface, emitting subtle warmth. This natural heat acts as a diffuser, helping the fragrance radiate slowly and evenly. The warmth intensifies the scent and allows it to evolve throughout the day, helping your scent last longer.
Wrists
The wrists are possibly the most well-known pulse point. They are effective at dispersing fragrance and are conveniently located for easy application. However, some people avoid applying perfume to their wrists because it doesn't seem to make much of a difference scent-wise, and the perfume can be easily wiped off since the skin is thinner.
Temples
The temples are located on the outer edges of each eye.
Side of the neck
The side of the neck is one of the more powerful pulse points due to the carotid artery that resides there. This pulse point is well-known and effective at dispersing fragrance. However, some people avoid applying perfume directly to the neck because the skin is delicate and sun-exposed, and it may be too strong of a scent when hugging or kissing someone.
Behind the ears
The area behind the ears, particularly the top of the ears, is ideal for intimate moments like dates or special occasions. This pulse point keeps the scent lingering around your face, and the warmth enhances diffusion. The skin behind the ears is also oilier than the lobes, and oil helps to hold onto perfume longer.
Inside of elbows
The inside of the elbows is often overlooked but is highly effective. This spot is great for reapplying perfume throughout the day, especially in cooler weather when other areas may be covered. The fold of the elbow captures heat, and every movement of your arms subtly releases the fragrance.
Behind the knees
While unconventional, the back of the knees is a great spot for fragrance, especially when wearing skirts or shorts. Heat rises, allowing the scent to lift subtly throughout the day. This pulse point is particularly effective during warmer months when the heat helps disperse the scent in a soft, upward motion.
Belly button
The belly button radiates a lot of heat, which is perfect for the fragrance to dissipate better. Spraying perfume in this area will create a unique scent trail.
Collarbones
Although not a pulse point, spraying perfume on the collarbones allows the aroma to waft upwards towards your nose, giving you waves of your favourite scent throughout the day.
Hair
Perfume tends to latch onto fibres, so spraying it on your hair can help it last longer.
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Layer with other scented products
Layering with other scented products
Layering perfumes is a great way to create a unique scent that's personalised to you. You can do this by combining complementary scents or even contrasting notes. The process involves applying one fragrance before the other, usually starting with the strongest blend.
Understanding fragrance notes
Perfumes consist of top, middle (or heart), and base notes. Top notes are the initial scents you pick up when you apply a fragrance, and they tend to be light and evaporate quickly. The middle note is the heart of the fragrance and is usually warmer and softer. The base note is what develops last and what stays with you for hours. When layering perfumes, it's important to consider these different notes and how they will interact with each other.
Tips for layering
- Start with two fragrances you enjoy and feel would complement each other well.
- If you're unsure, choose fragrances from the same line or the same fragrance family.
- Layer your perfume over scented shower gel and body lotion to create a good base and help your scent last longer.
- Ensure your skin is well-hydrated as perfume molecules cling to moisture, making the scent last longer.
- When layering, apply the strongest scent first, especially if you're using scents with equal fragrance oil percentages.
- Test small amounts of each fragrance to avoid overpowering the composition.
- Be intentional about where on the body you spray each scent. Areas with higher blood circulation, like your neck and wrist, will have a stronger effect.
Examples of fragrance combinations
- Vanilla, resins, and bergamot
- Rose and patchouli
- Herbs with citrus
- Floral scents with citrus or woody fragrances
- Jasmine or rose with fruity notes like ripe berries or mango
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Exfoliate and moisturise
Exfoliating and moisturising are key steps in making your perfume smell good and last longer.
Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells, creating a clean base for your fragrance. You can use a physical exfoliator, such as a mesh net, loofah, or dry brush, or a chemical exfoliator like an AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) product. Exfoliating is particularly important if you have dry skin, as dry skin doesn't hold fragrances as well as moisturised skin.
After exfoliating, it's important to moisturise. Well-moisturised skin helps retain fragrance and can make your perfume last longer. Opt for an unscented or lightly scented moisturiser to avoid clashing with your chosen fragrance. You can also use natural oils, such as almond oil, which is said to work well with fragrances containing amber, woods, and vanilla. If you want to get creative, you can even make your own scented lotion by mixing a small amount of perfume with an unscented moisturiser. However, be sure to test this on a small batch first, as some lotions may react with your perfume and alter the scent.
By exfoliating and moisturising regularly, you can ensure that your skin is ready to hold your chosen fragrance and help it to smell good for longer.
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Wear clean clothes
Wearing clean clothes is an important part of smelling good. Perfume sprayed directly onto clothing can damage the fibres by staining and discolouring them, so it's best to apply perfume to your skin. However, if you do spray perfume on your clothes, there are ways to remove the scent.
Firstly, it's important to air out your clothes after wearing them. When you get home from work, take off your clothes and hang them by an open window. This can help reduce any lingering odours.
If your clothes still smell of perfume, you can try a few different methods to remove the scent. One option is to use baking soda. Sprinkle some on the affected area, leave for 30 minutes, then shake off the excess powder. Alternatively, place the item in a sealed container with an open box or bowl of baking soda. The baking soda will absorb the odours.
Another option is to use vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then dab the solution onto the areas of the garment that smell of perfume. You can also soak the item in this solution for about 20 minutes, then wash it as normal. The vinegar will help to break down the fragrance compounds, making it easier to remove the scent during washing.
If you're in a hurry, vodka is a great way to remove odours from clothing. Simply pour some into a spray bottle and spritz the affected areas. There's no need to dilute it, and you can let the item air-dry.
Finally, lemon juice is an excellent natural deodoriser and stain remover. Squeeze lemon juice onto the affected areas and leave the garment in direct sunlight for a few hours. The combination of lemon juice and sunlight will help to eliminate the scent and brighten your clothes.
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Avoid strong-smelling foods
When it comes to smelling good, choosing the right perfume is only half the battle. The foods you eat can interfere with your perfume, causing an unpleasant smell or reducing the effectiveness of your fragrance. Here are some tips to avoid strong-smelling foods from interfering with your perfume:
Firstly, it's important to understand that strong-smelling foods such as garlic, onions, spicy dishes, and certain vegetables like broccoli can linger on your breath and skin. These foods contain pungent compounds that are released through your pores when you sweat, which can alter the scent of your perfume. The best way to avoid this is to minimise the consumption of such foods, especially before social occasions or when you plan to wear perfume.
Additionally, certain beverages can also affect your body odour. Alcohol, coffee, and strongly spiced teas can leave a lingering scent on your breath and affect your overall body odour. Opting for neutral or mild beverages like water, herbal teas, or fruit infusions can help maintain a neutral palate that won't interfere with your perfume.
Another strategy is to pair your perfume with complementary scented body products. Using a matching body lotion or body mist alongside your perfume can help enhance its scent and longevity. For example, if your perfume has floral notes, opting for a moisturising cream with similar floral fragrances can amplify the scent and create a harmonious fragrance profile. This can help ensure that your perfume remains the dominant scent, even if you've consumed strong-smelling foods.
It's also worth noting that the key to smelling good is often subtlety. Overpowering others with a strong perfume can be unpleasant, so it's best to use your fragrance sparingly. A light touch, such as a few spritzes on pulse points or a subtle application of scented body lotion, can be more appealing than dousing yourself in perfume. This approach also helps to avoid an overwhelming combination of food odours and perfume.
Finally, maintaining good hygiene is essential. Taking care of your personal hygiene by showering regularly, using deodorant, and wearing clean clothes can help ensure that any food odours don't linger on your body. A fresh canvas will allow your perfume to shine without the interference of strong-smelling foods.
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Frequently asked questions
Moisturised skin holds fragrances better, so moisturise with a light, non-greasy moisturiser after showering. Apply perfume to your pulse points, which include your neck, elbows, the insides of your wrists, and the backs of your knees. Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume, and instead, let it dry naturally.
Layer your perfume with a matching body lotion, scented body oil, or fragrance oil. You can also pair a scented body wash with a matching lotion, oil, and perfume.
Choose a perfume that makes you feel good and that you enjoy. Opt for long-lasting perfumes with high concentrations of fragrance, such as fragrance oils and solid perfumes.
Wear clean clothes made from breathable fabrics to prevent the accumulation of sweat and bacteria. Maintain proper hygiene by showering daily, using deodorant or antiperspirant, and moisturising your skin. Avoid consuming foods that can contribute to body odour, such as garlic, onions, and spicy foods.
