If you walk away from this blog only have read this post, then just know that your neighbors will thank you. Smelling good not only makes us feel good but can be pleasant or even down-right alluring to those around you. And before you think all it takes is a shower and deodorant, just know that we are about to level up your aromatic game.
The Basics
Because this is a blog about making self-care accessible, we will start at the beginning. Shower regularly. Even if you feel depressed, tired sick...a warm shower can work wonders. Even if it is the only thing you manage to do...pull yourself out of the bed long enough to get under that shower.
If this tweet is to be believed...the Vikings and all their showered glory were too sexy for European women so the power of a shower cannot be denied!
Great! You are freshly showered! Now what? Use deodorant. If you are using anti-perspirant (the difference being that antiperspirant actually block your ability to sweat), then use these at night since they work best when your body has had a chance to absorb them overnight.
Leveling Up
If you have done the previous basic steps and are ready to ascend to the next level, then read on! The next step is finding your signature scent. This does not have to be complicated with notes of some perfume or expensive designer fragrance. If you find a scent you like, you can buy the scent version of body wash, lotion, body scrub etc. The same family of scents will blend together in a cohesive symphony and last longer. Personally, I like Riddle Oil for its light and unique scents and their line of lotion and oil allows me to layer the scent. Bath & Body Works as well as Victoria's Secret make bath products within signature lines so you can select your favorite. Dossier/ALT/Oil Perfumery all claim that they offer designer scents at discount prices. I have only used Dossier but have found that there is such a thing as too many perfumes so I have not tried out the other companies.
If you find a perfume that you like, applying them strategically will help make the scent last longer. Gone are the days of spraying a cloud of body mist and walking through it. The goal is an elegant, subtle aroma that doesn't leave a wake of smell after you walk out of a room. Apply perfume to your inner wrists, neck, back of your knees and throat...these points are warmer than the rest of your skin and this heat will allow the fragrance to envelope you longer.
Make sure your skin is moisturized. This seems like a no brainer but moisturized skin means that the fragrance will not be absorbed into the skin. Personally, I like to apply a little bit of vaseline or a thicker lotion where I will apply the perfume. This holds onto the fragrance and lets it linger just a bit longer.
MEGA-Maxx
Ah..so you are intrigued...what ELSE could you possibly do to smell amazing? The following steps include some ideas that I have not quite introduced and some that I am working on at the moment. Let me know if you have tried any of these and what works for you!
Removing odors from your closet. You know how you come home from a long trip and you immediately notice that your home smells different? Well, that smell is what it smells like to everyone else. Your nose literally gets accustomed to frequent smells so it can easily pick out new smells to alert you to possibly new dangers. I like to run an UV-C lamp in my closet since we still get the smells of nearby apartments wafting into our place. Just note...UV-C light is dangerous and you should NOT be in the same room or look at the light when it is on.
Now that the smell is gone, we can add new smells! Essential oil diffusers, cedar planks and solid perfume bars are all ways that you can dissipate a slight fragrance onto your clothes. Diptyque makes scented solid ovals that can be hung and fill your closet with a delicious aroma.
At $60 this is a bit too pricey for me but I have read that other people swear by it!
While the Diptyque oval was too much to justify, I was intrigued in the Tyler Laundry Detergent which people claimed lead to more compliments than any perfume ever. As someone who appreciates good-smelling detergent but refuses to use fabric softeners, I bit the bullet and decided to try their Glamorous wash. Not gonna lie...it is strong and I had to dilute it with a little bit of Woolite but it does have a beautiful, soft aroma that lingers and I found myself washing my blankets and linens with it too. Personally, I don't think it is worth the price but it is a nice experience to level up the fragrance game.
Make your hair smell good. If you are wearing your hair down, consider spray a bit on your hairbrush so that when your hair moves, it activates the smell. Just be careful as most perfumes have alcohol which can be drying to your hair. You can also get hair oils with fragrance, I like Gisou's Hair Oil scent and you can also get hair perfume! Aussie makes a cheaper version that you can get at Target but higher-end options can also be found at Byredo, Jo Malone and Carolina Herrera.
My favorite part of smelling good is how every so often, I catch a whiff of my own aroma and how happy it makes me feel. Self-care is more about how you feel...everyone else is secondary!
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