I cannot be the only one that loves smelling good. I don’t know about you, but it fills me with confidence knowing I have a good scent going on. I’ve definitely missed my (irregular) public transport connects on account of not leaving the house until I’ve set my fragrance for the day. It doesn’t have to stop with showering and chewing gum: get into these ten tips that will leave you feeling so fresh and so clean.
- Wash your clothes
There’s always that one washing-powder and fabric conditioner combo that’s *chef’s kiss*. It’s a no-brainer, yes, but it’s worth remembering that clothing absorbs sweat, dead skin and other not-so-desirable debris throughout the day.
- Diet
As the old adage goes, what you put in is what you get out! Keeping adequately hydrated and eating a diet of fresh food will improve what’s coming out of your pores, and ultimately, how your skin reacts with perfume.
- Natural deodorant
Is there anything the humble lemon can’t do? Rubbing a slice of fresh lemon on your underarms acts as a deodorant (shout out to my grandma for this one). The citric acid in its juice kills bacteria, while the scent works to neutralise odour. We love chemical-free, natural alternatives!
- Moisturising
Slathering on a moisturiser before spritzing will help fragrances stick around longer. Mix a little of your chosen perfume into your moisturiser before working into your skin. This ensures a wide application of your perfume that’s sure to cover all bases.
- Test drive a variety of scents
Fragrances will react differently from one person to the next. If you’re patient, keep shopping around to find a blend that sits well with both your skin and nose. You will eventually know when you’ve found your Signature Scent™.
6. Specific spritzing
Work your way up the pulse points: knees, wrists, elbows, chest, neck and ears. Muscle memory will tell you to rub the scent into your wrists, but this actually disperses the fragrance quicker. Wear it well!
7. Hair
The ingredients in perfume can be drying for Afro/Caribbean hair textures. Mix an essential oil (such as lavender, rose or orange oil) with your preferred carrier oil (coconut or sweet almond) and you’re good to go.
- Your environment
Not everyday candles. Take your safe space to the next level by copping a room spray that you can spritz in the air and on your linen. Alternatively, you can let a diffuser or incense do its thing. Either way, your clothes will tell you all about it later.
- Top it up
Carry around a travel size dispenser and a packet of gum to refresh yourself when you see fit. For me, just after lunchtime and around 5pm works well.
- And finally, don’t over do it
Less really is more in this case. Not everyone on your commutes needs to know you dowsed yourself in expensive cologne this morning. We get it, you smell great!
