We’ve all been there before. We’re curious to try a new fragrance after smelling its gorgeous scent on our friend, or the SA at a counter sprays their latest perfume on a card, hands it to us and we breathe in its wonderful scent, or simply read about it online and think the notes of the scent were interesting and to our tastes. But the moment we spray it on our skin, we realize we made a mistake.
On us, the fragrance stinks. Really bad! We can’t really go around smelling that awful and water and soap aren’t enough to remove the horrible smell, so what’s a girl to do? Well, I’ve tried several things in the past and here’s what worked for me. Of course some fragrances are easier to remove than others so you might have to experiment with the following methods to find the one that works best for you.
1. Wipe it off with alcohol
Probably the most well-known method to remove fragrance but to be used with caution as alcohol can be drying and irritating to the skin. In addition, it doesn’t remove very strong scents well. Still, it’s worth a shot. Simply soak a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol (witch hazel or unflavoured wodka will do the trick too), place it on the point of your skin where you applied the fragrance and wipe off.
2. Deodorant and laundry detergent
Yes, you read that right. This is a tip I’ve picked up from Robin of Now Smell This and it works really well. First, take an unscented deodorant and apply it on your skin where your previously sprayed the perfume. Wait a few minutes and than wash it off with a fragrance-free heavy-duty laundry detergent like Tide Free.
3. Make a paste with baking soda
Another inexpensive way to get rid of fragrance is by creating a paste with baking soda and warm water. Remember to use equal parts of both ingredients (half a cup of each is usually enough). Once ready, rub the paste on your skin, wait about ten minutes and then rinse off with warm (not hot) water.
4. White vinegar and olive oil
Another DIY recipe with ingredients found in your kitchen. This time, mix white vinegar with olive oil, rub it on your skin and wait 10 minutes. Wash it off with warm water and then clean skin with soap and water.
Do you know of any other way to remove perfume from your skin?
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Good tips, I had no idea how you could remove perfume from skin!
Stavroula Plag´s last [type] ..Random Tip of the Day 08102010
Stavroula, thanks. I only learned it a couple of years ago by googling cos I was desperate to get rid of an awful-smelling scent. I don’t even remember the name though lol.
Wonderful tips! I should let my BF know about this. His cologne stays on for days with just one spray! HAHA.
Dee´s last [type] ..POM in Oct & Lash Curler From Koji
Dee, lol. That’s a powerful cologne! lol
LOL
I must admit, not one. xD
Marguerite´s last [type] ..Essence Metallics Trend Edition Accessories
Marguerite, lol. I only discovered those in the last couple of years.
Thanks for the tips! I’m sure that I’ll keep them in midn when I’m too confused and mistake a niffy perfume for men for a lovely scented perfume for ladies. That’s so embarrassing and I can’t forget the awful smell since then. *urgs*
Mylanqolia, I actually love using perfumes for men. They are woody and musky, just how I like them. It’s the overly-sweet floral women scents I can’t stand lol. Although I tried some men perfumes that smelled awful on me and these tips helped a lot! I hope they will help you too.
best method tried so far: hydrogen peroxide, the standard disinfecting kind (10% or 12%). it works like a charm! just be careful not to discolour fabrics and such.
It also works beautifully to deodorize/sanitize bathroom surfaces (i.e. around cat litter box, etc.), and it’s dirt cheap.
Fuzzyleo, thanks a lot fo the tip. I will try it the next time I try a perfume that ends up smelling awful on me!
The only way I know is to wash it off with soap. It works in most cases
Dao´s last [type] ..Belly at Large- Matchy-Matchy Outfit
Dao, I’m glad that works for you. I tried that many times but it only reduces the smell on me instead than completely eliminate it.