Perfumes are a girl’s invisible accessory—but sometimes, they’re too subtle.
Spending a lot of money on perfume only to constantly reapply throughout the day because the scent dissipates too quickly, fades unevenly, or both can be frustrating. It almost feels like you are just wasting time and money.
The upside is, you don’t have to look for another perfume or buy multiple bottles to keep you smelling fresh all day! A few changes to your body care routine, from before to after your bath, and perfume will simply be the cherry on top of your scent.
Walk past your friends—and hey, your crush (wink, wink)—with a naturally good-smelling scent using these tips:
Say goodbye to the loofah
Loofahs are sponges, which means they are very porous. When people use a loofah to cleanse and exfoliate dead skin cells, these pores trap the dead skin cells and keep them there. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria, which can produce an unpleasant odor. Additionally, the loofah doesn’t dry out entirely because it’s hung in the shower, a wet environment, after use.
There are ways to prevent this and continue using your trusty old loofah. However, it won’t change the fact that it’s not the most sustainable. Soon enough, it will develop a musty odor, and you’ll have to replace it. Instead of loofahs, consider using silicone scrubbers, washcloths, or your hands. If you opt for washcloths, remember to use them once and then wash.
Pick one or two fragrances for your body care products
Scent doesn’t begin with perfumes; it begins with a shower or a bath. There is a vast selection of scents that you could choose from, like zesty citruses, soft florals, warm woods, or whimsical sweets, and that’s not even all of it. Just make sure that whatever you end up with, it’s a scent you genuinely like. It will be the scents for all your body care products to achieve a stronger result. Think about it: from your shampoo and conditioner to your deodorant, lotion, and even that laundry afterspray you use, every product can carry your favorite scent. It’s like creating a personal fragrance story that follows you throughout the day–one that the people you past by will never forget.
Wash your hair–thoroughly!
Those “lather, rinse, repeat” instructions on your shampoo bottle aren’t just for show—they really do make a difference! Giving your hair a thorough clean can leave it naturally smelling good every time you flip your head.
Dermatologists recommend focusing on cleaning your scalp first before moving on to the rest of your hair. Start by applying shampoo to your scalp to effectively remove dirt and oils. If you want an extra clean, don’t hesitate to shampoo twice. Rinse thoroughly, then condition only the strands and ends of your hair. Again, rinse as thoroughly as you did with the shampoo and check for any residue. Leftover conditioner can close up pores and leave you with body odor.
Wash your body with a soap bar
Now that you’re done with your hair, start washing your body. Use a soap bar in a scent you like, not a shower gel. Go for fragrance-free soap bars if necessary. After that, you can use a shower gel if you like. Using only shower gels isn’t sufficient because they are too mild to remove accumulated dirt. If you don’t want to buy a shower gel, simply soap up twice with your bar soap. When scrubbing or soaping, pay extra attention to areas with the most sweat glands, namely the armpits, groin, and butt.
Use glycolic acid toner after baths
Glycolic acid is excellent at blocking the buildup of bonds between dead skin cells, promoting new skin cells, and balancing the skin’s pH level to create an environment less conducive to bacterial growth. For these reasons, using glycolic acid can reduce the bacteria that contribute to body odor and keep your skin fresh. Apply it to sweat-prone areas of your body about two to three times a week—two is usually the sweet spot.
Use a deodorant or antiperspirant
Glycolic acid users often skip deodorant or antiperspirant after using glycolic acid. However, deodorants and antiperspirants are crucial for keeping your armpits fresh on the go.
To use one after glycolic acid, wait for it to dry first, then apply your usual deodorant or antiperspirant. In addition to applying after a bath, you can carry a travel-size deodorant with you for days when profuse sweating cannot be avoided. You might also want to carry individually wrapped wipes for a quick refresh. Alternatively, applying talc-free powder to areas where your skin rubs, like under your breasts or between your legs, can help prevent stickiness and keep you comfortable all day long.
Lock in moisture with body lotion
Body lotions create a thin, protective layer that locks in moisture and fragrance at the same time. This means that when you apply body lotion, you’re not just keeping your skin hydrated and silky smooth; you’re also extending the pleasure of that fresh, clean feeling for hours.
Don’t forget to use the scents that you picked out for yourself! A scent you personally adore, then combined with velvety skin and shower-fresh coolness, goes a long way in boosting your sense of confidence long after you’ve left your house.
Less words, more fresh laundry
Lastly, an often overlooked aspect of body care is your laundry routine. Regularly washing your clothes is a great start to staying fresh and clean, but you can go the extra mile to boost their fragrance in a few simple ways.
Spray your clothes with a fabric deodorizer or linen spray. If your clothes tend to get musty smells from your closet, consider hanging dried lavender or making sachets for your drawers. Alternatively, place cotton balls or tissue paper sprayed with your favorite scent in your drawers.
And that’s a clean sweep! With these small improvements to your routine, perfume won’t be a necessity in your daily life. Next time someone asks about your perfume, you can simply smile and reply, “Oh, it’s au naturel!”
