We've all been there before: trapped in a room or lift with a person who's applied a little too much perfume or aftershave. If you're that culprit, spare a thought for those around you. Although wearing your favourite fragrance is a real pleasure for you, over-spritzing can be a terrible nuisance to others.
The history of perfume dates back to ancient times when it was used for both medicinal and hygienic purposes. People didn't bathe very often in those days, and a good aroma was associated with good health and hygiene. Today we use fragrances for a different purpose - to reflect our identity.
Why less is more
A perfume is designed to blend with your natural body smell to create a unique scent that is your very own 'signature'. Although perfumes aren't toxic, over-application can trigger asthmatic attacks or allergic rhinitis in some people. Their eyes water and their noses run. Some can get headaches, migraines or nausea.
If you are going to wear perfume or aftershave, you need to learn how to apply it properly so as not to annoy others. Follow these fragrance etiquette tips.
Choose your scent with care. For the sake of others, choose a fragrance that is subtle rather than an in-your-face scent that's intense and musky.
A little dab will do. Please don't spray it all over your clothes, hair or bag. For perfume, you can either dab a little on your pulse points - behind the ear lobes, the upper sides of the wrists and the right and left sides of the neck - or spray one or two spritzes into the air and walk into it.