It was a bit hard for me to understand the appeal of clean perfumes. It still sometimes is, I mean, why spend money on a perfume that smells like soap, or just smells “clean”?
But then I began to understand.
Clean scents are more about comfort, ease, and feeling fresh. Sometimes you’d want to smell like a pair of fresh sheets or a crisp cotton shirt, and that’s okay. While I will always remain a warm, heavy, and decadent fragrance kind of girl, there are some days when I want to tone it down.
So yes, maybe I didn’t always get the hype. However, I now understand why people opt for clean scents. Sometimes, smelling like soap is precisely what your soul needs. Stronger scents can cause headaches and be overwhelming after a long day of work or a poor night’s sleep.
On days when you’re overwhelmed and just want to feel like a squeaky clean slate yourself, follow these steps and thank me later.
1. Start with a Clean Canvas
Starting with a clean base is crucial for your “clean” scent to last. Hop in the shower or have a relaxing bath. Opt for a mild, lightly scented soap (or a non-scented option) or body wash. Reach for creamy and subtle floral notes, such as chamomile or lavender, for a calming effect.
Avoid anything overly sweet, spicy, or gourmand that could clash with your clean fragrance. Incorporate a gentle body scrub 1-2 times a week to slough away dead skin cells, not only making your skin feel smoother but also helping your fragrance adhere better and last longer. Finally, gently pat your skin with a soft towel, leaving a bit of moisture for better fragrance absorption.
2. Banish the BO
Even the most beautiful fragrance can’t mask underlying body odor. Choose an unscented or lightly scented deodorant or antiperspirant. If you’re prone to sweating, an antiperspirant is your best bet.
Apply your deodorant or antiperspirant to clean, dry underarms, reapplying if needed throughout the day, especially in hot weather. If you’re switching to a natural deodorant, consider doing an underarm detox with a clay mask to help your body adjust and eliminate toxins. Keep in mind that your diet also affects your natural BO.
3. Selecting the Perfect Fragrance
The key to smelling squeaky clean is choosing a fragrance that smells clean itself. Clean fragrances are described as soapy, fresh, airy, powdery, cotton-like/linen-like, or skin-like. Look for notes of citrus (lemon, grapefruit, bergamot), aldehydes, musk, white flowers (jasmine, lily of the valley), or aquatic.
Always try a fragrance before purchasing. Scents can smell different on different people due to individual body chemistry and other reasons.
4. Less is More
Clean scents are meant to be subtle and refreshing, not overpowering. Over-application can defeat the purpose and even become irritating. Apply your fragrance to pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, behind the ears, inside the elbows, and behind the knees. These areas generate heat, which helps to diffuse the scent.
Alternatively, lightly mist your fragrance into the air and walk through it, or gently spray it onto your outfit. Bear in mind that fabrics hold scents well, so a light spritz goes a long way. Just be careful not to stain your clothes.
5. Adding Depth to Your Cleanliness
While a single clean fragrance can be beautiful on its own, layering can add depth and make the scent last longer.
Start by using a lightly scented lotion or body oil with similar notes to your fragrance, and then pair it with other light, airy, or fresh scents. For example, combine a citrus fragrance with a light floral or aquatic scent, adding a hint of sea salt. Remember to keep it simple. Avoid layering too many scents. That would defeat the purpose.
6. Stay Fresh Throughout the Day
The day is long, and it’s not always convenient to take a shower midday (which is always a good idea). Keep a travel-sized or mini fragrance or deodorant wipes in your bag for a quick refresh.
Another tip is to drink plenty of water, which helps keep your skin hydrated, which can reduce body odor. Choosing breathable fabrics like cotton or linen also helps by allowing your skin to breathe and preventing sweat buildup.
Keep in mind that what smells clean can differ from one person to the next. The point here is to build a routine that will feel good for you and not overwhelm your senses. And when you feel like going all out with your fragrance, go ahead and do you.
Find clean, loud, luxurious, affordable, and many more fragrances at Your Fragrance Destination, V Perfumes, at the best prices in the UAE and the Gulf region.
