By Lisa Gache
Coco Channel once said, “A woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.” Not so sure about that…but when it comes to perfume how much is too much? Are you dabbler or douser? A few tips on proper perfume etiquette will ensure you are not regarded as the sister to Pepé Le Pew.”
Rule #1 – Find a scent that defines you. Some prefer a lighter scent for daytime and a heavier scent for evening. Others are true to one particular brand of perfume to the point where they are identified before they actually enter a room. Whatever scent or brand you choose, learn to apply perfume so that it reacts properly with your body.
Rule #2 – Do not overdo it. Wear enough perfume so those who pass you catch just a hint of the scent. We typically are unable to smell the perfume on ourselves in the same way that others smell us. Finding the right balance is the goal. You want to enhance your appeal rather than detract from it.
Rule #3– Be weary of people who may have an allergic reaction to your perfume. Err on the side of caution and use a lightly scented body lotion or eau de toilette rather than a perfume. Allow a few hours minimum before reapplying.
Rule #4 – Dousing each day just might make you a winner! An article in the Wall Street Journaldescribed how Michelle Roark, the 2009 U.S. freestyle skiing champion, used the aid of perfume to help her win races and eventually inspired her to create a perfume line called Confidence. Talk about the sweet smell of success!
Lisa is an etiquette expert and owner of Beverly Hills Manners.
I am one of the unlucky people that are allergic to almost all perfumes. Instant migraine. I can’t hug my friends without getting a headache. I hate being this way. Scent can be powerful. But please go lightly. I think you should only smell it when you lean very close to someone. Much more intimate.