Perfume

[graciegirl]

I have smelled a lot of perfume of late at holiday parties.

I don't wear it myself anymore, and although my other senses aren't up to par, my nose still knows what it is doin'.

OLD perfume smells old. It changes it's fragrance. Please sniff yours and if it is old, PLEASE throw it out.

Some fragrances are delightful.

I have heard others complain at gatherings about perfume. Some are allergic to the smell and it gives them a headache. Most of the comments aren't positive.

What do you folks think?

Do you wear it? Do you like it? Do you give it to your love as a gift? What is your favorite fragrance? I used to wear Ciara.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Me? I don't wear it either................ :shocked:

:ohdear:

Bill :wave:

[CarGuys]

Grandpa called it Stink no more!

I have a asthma condition and it can close up the airways. Both perfume or heavy after shave

That's me outside on the bench while Ruth bravely goes into those candle type stores.

It bothers me while out to dinner is someone has " Bathed in it"

Did not know it got worse as it aged.

I see signs in more and more Drs office asking people to not wear perfume

[faithfulfrank]

Gracie,
It is not just ladies with perfume.....I've also known a few guys who slap on the After Shave or Cologne a bit too much.

I've never understood the overuse of fragrance. It is offensive, and at the risk of ruffling feathers the overuse seems to be a problem more with older women. Perhaps these folks do not realize their offense and would be shocked to know about it. Perhaps there is a "synergistic" effect when a bunch of these folks gather that makes it worse. At the risk of sounding crude it can sometimes be the equivalent of passing gas....which I am sure is not the desired effect.

I guess I'm old fashioned.....I still like to wear a SMALL amount of Old Spice. It seems to be making a comeback but I've never been a slave to fashion, and have always preferred it.

My favorite perfume for ladies has always been Jontue. I do not even know if they still make it.

I think you are correct in that we should be sensitive to those we know who have allergies and try our best not to cause them discomfort.

May kindness be the fragrance we leave behind and be remembered by....

Frank

[pooh]

As we age, our sniffers don't work as well as when we were young...and even when one is young, after a while, the sensors in your nose just stop making you aware of the "smell." Maybe that's one of the reasons older adults, male and female, wear so much of a scent.
Mike also has a tough time in certain stores....the smells....they can be overpowering. Generally, those don't bother me, but there are some stores where even I don't want to venture!

I don't wear perfume, every once in a while, some body spray, generally in a strawberry or cucumber/melon fragrance.
When we were flying back and forth across the US, years and years ago, for many years ....the perfume on some of the passengers made our flight just miserable. I still remember a gaggle of teen aged girls, preparing for landing. They took out their makeup cases, proceeded to apply make up, lipstick, perfume and hairspray! Good thing we were landing in a short while...!!!

[pooh]

Gracie,
It is not just ladies with perfume.....I've also known a few guys who slap on the After Shave or Cologne a bit too much.

I've never understood the overuse of fragrance. It is offensive, and at the risk of ruffling feathers the overuse seems to be a problem more with older women. Perhaps these folks do not realize their offense and would be shocked to know about it. Perhaps there is a "synergistic" effect when a bunch of these folks gather that makes it worse. At the risk of sounding crude it can sometimes be the equivalent of passing gas....which I am sure is not the desired effect.

I guess I'm old fashioned.....I still like to wear a SMALL amount of Old Spice. It seems to be making a comeback but I've never been a slave to fashion, and have always preferred it.

My favorite perfume for ladies has always been Jontue. I do not even know if they still make it.

I think you are correct in that we should be sensitive to those we know who have allergies and try our best not to cause them discomfort.

May kindness be the fragrance we leave behind and be remembered by....

Frank

Ah, Old Spice....just a bit is wonderful, Frank! Still my favorite male fragrance.

[tainsley]

I prefer lotions. They aren't as powerful as perfumes. Having said that my favorite (and only perfume I have) is Donna Karan's Cashmere Mist. It is light and comes in a body lotion also. Victoria's Secret VANILLA LACE is also a favorite.

[Posh 08]

Not a fan, however if I get a hint, it will be in the stocking.

[2BNTV]

I use coolwater or Burberry once in a while and sparingly. Just enough so if someone is really close they can detect the fragrance. :)

Too much perfume is very offensive.

Just sayin...........................

[swimdawg]

I like Clinique's Happy......the lotion....not too strong....but a nice fresh fragrance.

A little dab 'll do ya!

Less is more.........

[saratogaman]

We recently walked out of Palmer Legends restaurant because of excessive perfume smells emanating from a table of eight women plus a waitress. Hostess said, "What do you expect from a group of older women?"
Once saw a sign outside an establishment: "This is a smoke-free and scent-free establishment,"
Wish there were more like that!

[Trish Crocker]

I like Estee Lauder Sensuous but very lightly. If I can smell it myself I know I have too much.

[Barefoot]

OLD perfume smells old. It changes it's fragrance. Please sniff yours and if it is old, PLEASE throw it out.



Very good point GG, to throw out old perfume. Actually, most cosmetics have a "best by" date, and should be refreshed often.

Consumers used to be told to apply perfume directly on "pulse points"! I used to always wear perfume, I cringe at the thought now. When I wear a fragrance now, not often, I spray it in the air and walk through it.

[mikeandnancy1112]

My girlfriend is allergic to perfumes but she can wear Vanilla Lotion so I bought some Warm Vanilla Sugar Body Lotion to wear when I am with her. I have also started wearing it when I am around a group since some women are sensitive to perfumes.

[Uptown Girl]

OH BOY! Overwhelming perfume/ whatever is something I've griped about on this forum a few times now.
I have left places because of it. I have let employes go because of it. I have (in the past) turned down dates because of it. I won't invite it in my house. Or car.

The price of the stuff does not indicate quality. Pure organic ingredients do, and while they can be strong as well, they will not induce migraines, like synthetic stuff does. (in my experience, anyway)

ALSO: Your own body chemistry can alter a fragrance without you knowing. What smells heavenly in the bottle can begin to smell like cat pee on you after about 1/2 hour.

I have been in restaurants where the next table is filled with multiple perfumed people (the WORST situation :yuck:) and I have not been able to fathom what my food tastes like. I only taste perfume.

The worst case for me was a client (in my barber shop) that we came to call "Perfumed Paul." A really nice man and good client, HOWEVER he used cologne, shampoo, soap on a rope, deodorant and aftershave (and probably toothpaste) all in the same fragrance and all at the same time. He even had a spray for his car interior, he told me.

We could smell him coming from outside the shop.
After he left the shop, each time, I would have to neutralize the chair and sink, all my tools and toss the cape he used. Toss the magazines too, wipe down the coat rack and scrub my hands repeatedly before my next client arrived. Sometimes his 'scent' would linger all day in spite of everything.

One day he was complaining that he was constantly having a hard time getting a seat on the train to go to and from work. He said, "even though there are seats available, people say they are 'saved' and so I stand, only to find the train pulls out and the seats are empty. When I take one, whoever is in the next seat looks quite annoyed. I don't get it.... that shouldn't be allowed. I paid for a ticket like everyone else!"

I realized this might be my only opportunity, so as diplomatically as I could I explained that his 'scent' might be the cause of the problem. (that's how I found out everything he used)
Well, he was truly shocked. He prided himself on being very well groomed and spared no expense on the products he was buying at a very high end boutique.
As a result, I lost him as a client. Unfortunate, but not a bad thing. My employees were relieved and I didn't have to take migraine pills.

[2BNTV]

Uptown Girl;

I agree there is no way someone takes this news gracefully no matter how tactfully it is put to them. Someone would have to be a very close friend or family member to give the bad news on how someone's scent is affecting them.

I believe where I presently work, there is a rule not to wear too much perfume as it affect people's allergies.

Before it was politically correct, I once worked for a company where someone did not bother to shower on a consistent basis. Someone, (not me), put a can of deordorant on his desk. About as subtle as a train wreck.

I feel your pain as it was not a pleasent experience to go on the road trip in a car with him. PU!!!!!!!!!!!! I know, TMI........

[Mudder]

I am highly allergic to many scents and smells. I can't even go into CVS right now because of the very strong odor from way to much scent that seems to be sprayed all over the store. We were in a restaurant recently, the minute I sat down I was overcome from the perfume smell, I told the waitress I needed to change tables, she was annoyed but I just got up, asked the hostess to seat us elsewhere. I have to carry an epipen with me wherever I go...it's that serious.
I know people like to wear perfume and that's ok, but I guess they don't realize how offense it is. When I am in someone's home I usually let them know that I may have to leave, it's not a reflection on them it's just my crazy allergies.

[another Linda]

I too no longer wear perfume. My favorite was some that our French exchange student brought me. It was wonderful but it got old and I threw it out. Sigh. Now I can't remember the name.

[mulligan]

I've been trying to market a new scent to single women trying to attract men. Smells like sausage, eggs, and hash browns. It's called eau de breakfast.

[BeeGee]

Great Thread, GG!!! When I was younger I wore Calvin Klein's Obsession....loved it and got lots of compliments. But, as I've gotten older, most perfumes, colognes and fragrances, in general bother me (w/some exceptions), some slightly, some throwing me into a migraine. So I don't wear any fragrance now. When I'm in a store I've had to go in a different direction or go down a different aisle, in order to avoid the offensive smells. I don't generally give fragrances as gifts, as I believe that that's a personal thing....I do keep hubby supplied w/Nautica Voyage - he doesn't use much and I'm usually not close by when he sprays and so far, it hasn't bothered me. I had to go into Bath & Bodyworks the other day to get some lavender pillow spray for a stocking stuffer for my daughter and the visit was TOO LONG!!!

[Trish Crocker]

Ok...I want you all to promise me that if I meet you and my cologne is too strong you will tell me...ok?

[brostholder]

I 99% agree with most of the posts. The one exception.......a woman that wears just a touch of "obsession."

[Happinow]

I have become VERY sensitive to cologne, perfume and other heavy scents. Whenever I pick my 84 year old mother up to go out somewhere, she wears a perfume. I expect she doesn't know how potent it is but not only does it give me a headache, I get nauseous. I don't have the heart to tell her. I think when you are going to be around others for a party, a gathering or in a car, don't wear perfume. A body lotion may be more subtle and tolerable. Also, think about those plug ins to put in your outlets. They pack a punch! Another thing my mom has and doesn't know how potent it is. I have mentioned that to her. Best remedy....take a shower and you'll smell great!

[eweissenbach]

I worked with a lady (40ish) who was pretty fashion conscious and well-groomed, but wore a musky perfume that literally made me about gag. I could smell it as soon as I got off the elevator, even though her cubicle was a good 150 feet away. I never got used to it, and others commented about it also, so it wasn't just me. She apparently thought it was all-that as she wore it virtually every day for two years. She finally took another job and I, and others, were mightily relieved. My advice would be, if you wear cologne or perfume, ask those who work, live, or play around you what their honest opinion is. If it is negative, go another direction, please.

[2newyorkers]

My husband and I always laugh that when were children we gave our moms Jean Nate or Evening in Paris for Christmas. And our moms always said it was the best gift ever!

[graciegirl]

The Dior commercial on TV has the most stunning woman on it that runs into Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe and walks sensually toward you and then away.

I bet that commercial sells a LOT of perfume. She is GORGEOUS.

I hope I look just like that when I get older.:icon_wink:

[superuke]

Some folks do not know this but expensive perfume is made from dried Beaver testicals. Spent several years buying fur in the Artic , we sent the dried testicals to Europe for Perfume base.

Some perfume smells like it too. If you ever smelt Beaver testicals that is. This not made up it is true.

[MSNPA]

I attend several line dance classes at the rec centers and most of the instructors request that everyone is "fragrance free". Thank goodness!
As I get older perfume does bother me. Where I most notice it is at Church!

[Pturner]

I used to like Chanel and Japier. Now I wear nothing at all.*



* I meant no scent, y'all.

[swimdawg]

I used to like Chanel and Japier. Now I wear nothing at all.*



* I meant no scent, y'all.

Oh.....I think you are in the running for the SWIMDAWG Post of the Day Award with that one!!!

[quirky3]

Here is the answer - hang out with more performers!
People in singing groups, instrumental groups, and theatre performance groups have a rule of thumb to always wear no perfume, unscented hair spray, unscented deodorant, etc. You will be asked to stand over to the side or leave a rehearsal or performance if your fragrance starts to affect people. In singing groups, asthma and restricted breathing can be a very real consequence of too much fragrance.

[BeeGee]

The Dior commercial on TV has the most stunning woman on it that runs into Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe and walks sensually toward you and then away.

I bet that commercial sells a LOT of perfume. She is GORGEOUS.

I hope I look just like that when I get older.:icon_wink:

Charlize Theron, I believe...yes gorgeous she is!

[CarGuys]

Is That why even after you leave a room the sent just lingers forever!

Does it get into the sinusus membrane or what ever brain I have left?

On our first Life Style visit my wife had to send me outta Red Sauce for fresh air and she paid the bill and left. They asked her why she was leaving ? Was the food bad? Seh told them about the stench! But they do the math. Two upset vs 8 womem all drinking and ordering dinner. We lost

Like Frank said it's a touchy subject but when several women get together with heavy perfume on it is terrible.

To be fair 8 guys all smoking a cigar at once is about as bad? but that is another thread

[Carla B]

Charlize Theron, I believe...yes gorgeous she is!

The first time I saw her was in the movie "Monster" I think it was called.. What a horrible, ugly, woman she portrayed in that role. But, thankfully, she really doesn't look like that at all.

I've always loved scents and the luxury they connote but was too frugal to actually buy them, except rarely. The stores used to give you little glass vials as samples, which I collected, coveted, and used because they were free. In the past several years there has been an explosion of "new" fragrances and now they don't pass out samples. How can I just take a quick whiff of those and make any kind of judgment on what is right?

Now, thanks or not to the advice here, I will dispose of the only two bottles of fragrance I own. The free vials are all long gone. I did own "Cashmere". I asked for it as a Christmas present two years ago but dropped and broke the bottle while cleaning. The others will be out of here now that I know how ungracefully they age. So sorry, 20-year-old "Oscar de la Renta and "Alfred Sung," I hate to see you go, especially when I remember walking into a post office several years ago and a young man remarking, "Oh, you are wearing Oscar de la Renta, that is my favorite perfume!


so, for convenience, I've been using my husband's "Irish Spring" shower shampoo but am not happy about it. Are there any suggestions for a more feminine but subtle scent for a body shampoo?

[Barefoot]

Some folks do not know this but expensive perfume is made from dried Beaver testicals. Spent several years buying fur in the Artic , we sent the dried testicals to Europe for Perfume base.

Some perfume smells like it too. If you ever smelt Beaver testicals that is. This not made up it is true.

Yikes! Is this a Sarah Palin joke? Nevertheless, I will forever feel differently about expensive perfume!

[KathieI]

As my 102 year old aunt says , "Everything in moderation"!!
Perfumes are really beautiful especially French perfumes due to the essential oils and alcohol they use. A single drop or spray goes a long way, no need to douse yourself in it. Many plant extracts and animal sources are used to create the essential oils. Here is a clip from a resource I have:



Castoreum (http://www.ask.com/wiki/Castoreum?qsrc=3044): Obtained from the odorous sacs of the North American beaver.
Civet (http://www.ask.com/wiki/African_Civet?qsrc=3044): Also called Civet Musk, this is obtained from the odorous sacs of the civets, animals in the family Viverridae, related to the mongoose (http://www.ask.com/wiki/Mongoose?qsrc=3044). The World Society for the Protection of Animals (http://www.ask.com/wiki/World_Society_for_the_Protection_of_Animals?qsrc=3 044) investigated AfricThan civets caught for this purpose.[12] (http://www.ask.com/wiki/Perfume?qsrc=3044#cite_note-11)
Deer musk (http://www.ask.com/wiki/Deer_musk?qsrc=3044): Originally derived from the musk (http://www.ask.com/wiki/Musk?qsrc=3044) sacs from the Asian musk deer, it has now been replaced by the use of synthetic musks (http://www.ask.com/wiki/Synthetic_musk?qsrc=3044) sometimes known as "white musk".

Having worked with Fine Fragrances for many years of my career, you would be amazed at the wonderful natural smell of the natural musk scent as compared to the synthetic musk which I hated and it gave me a headache.


The shelf-life of a perfume should be many years depending on the type of container it is in and the environment it is stored. I don't believe there is a "best used by" date on fragrances, at least not my experience in the field. It could alter from the original scent if it is not in an airtight container like a crimped valve package. Allowing air to be introduced into it will dissipate or alter the scent.

I currently use one of the Chanel scents, and just spray one tiny spritz on my cleavage so that while I'm dancing, I can enjoying the smell rather than sweat, LOL... That is all I will spray, only for me to enjoy.

BTW, I also worked on Ciara and Jontue as they were both Revlon fragrances. Just thought I would share some professional information.

MODERATION - is the key!!

[BritParrothead]

It has to be Chanel no 5 for me. I hve worn it since I was 18 years old. It is such an evocative scent. Brings back many good memories. My mum used to wear it. Also, never take it out its box to leave on show, the sun destroys the scent. I always keep in its box in a cupboard! I worked for Chanel for a few years, and this was the advice given to us

[mfp509]

I have a headache and stuffy nose just reading this thread. I can tolerate a mild fragrance but some women or men wear way too much. Bath and Body Works body spray is the absolute worse. I've attended a couple of shows at the Savannah where I tried to keep my nose covered because someone's cologne was overpowering. I wish they would make some places fragrance-free.

[faithfulfrank]

OK, this might be a tad off topic but perhaps it might help someone with this problem....maybe not.

In my career as a firefighter/medic we would on occasion have to be in the same room as dead bodies....sometimes found after a few days...a bit ripe. In that type of work you sometimes encountered unpleasant smells...

We would always carry a small tube of Vicks Vapor Rub with us so we could quickly dab a bit in each nostril.....once you did that all you smelled is the Vicks and made our work much more tolerable...

Frank

[CarGuys]

That was interesting!

And I guess we should throw in that many makeups are made with Bat Dung called Guano!

Boy looking at your date and thinking of Beaver testicals and Bad Dung can sure make a good case for the little blue bill. Or another Jack Daniels.

Frank - I like the Vicks idea! And as a side note thank you for your service. My son is now a Auburn Professional FireFighter and I am sure he sees stuff that most of us do not evey think of.


Police , medics, firefighters, military - Thanks!

[graciegirl]

I'd rather think about my Aunt Jane and the fact that she used pure vanilla extract for scent....than think about crushed beaver testicals or bat dung.

And rancid perfume is AWFUL. I think some of us seniors keep things for a LONG time.

I like the lotion they used to put on babies too. What was that called? Mennen Baby Magic???

[BeeGee]

"so, for convenience, I've been using my husband's "Irish Spring" shower shampoo but am not happy about it. Are there any suggestions for a more feminine but subtle scent for a body shampoo?"
Reply With Quote

As stated earlier, I'm sensitive to ALL fragrances (even body washes), but I love Rainbath - the smell is clean, but it doesn't invade the sensitive nose and BONUS!!! Hubby Loves the lingering smell on my skin and how the shower smells when he takes a shower after I do :icon_wink:

[Trish Crocker]

That was interesting!

And I guess we should throw in that many makeups are made with Bat Dung called Guano!

Boy looking at your date and thinking of Beaver testicals and Bad Dung can sure make a good case for the little blue bill. Or another Jack Daniels.

Frank - I like the Vicks idea! And as a side note thank you for your service. My son is now a Auburn Professional FireFighter and I am sure he sees stuff that most of us do not evey think of.


Police , medics, firefighters, military - Thanks!

We have a bat that has made a corner under an eave on our front porch his home. Consequently, I'm always sweeping his droppings up...darn! I didn't know I could put it behind my ears and 'pulse points'...now all I have to do is find a beaver (would possum testicles work?? we have a lot of them around here):coolsmiley:

[Living a Fantasy]

Thanks Frank for the Vicks tip ! I'll try it.

[2BNTV]

From perfume to Beaver testicals and Bad Dung.

Boy, this thread is going downhill/downstream fast. :jester:

[Pturner]

That was interesting!

And I guess we should throw in that many makeups are made with Bat Dung called Guano!

Boy looking at your date and thinking of Beaver testicals and Bad Dung can sure make a good case for the little blue bill. Or another Jack Daniels.

Frank - I like the Vicks idea! And as a side note thank you for your service. My son is now a Auburn Professional FireFighter and I am sure he sees stuff that most of us do not evey think of.


Police , medics, firefighters, military - Thanks!

I'm guessing the info wasn't enough to make you prefer men and that this was just a typo. :024:

[CarGuys]

I'm guessing the info wasn't enough to make you prefer men and that this was just a typo. :024:

Anything to keep you laughing Pturner!

[GOJODO]

Really wish no one would were perfumed anything. Some of us have a real
problem with them, for me if it is strong it is an instant headache. They make
my husband sick i.e. nauseated. Can't understand why retail stores insist on
saturating the store with such strong odors.

[graciegirl]

Which do you think have the heaviest odors? Kirklands, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Joanns? I can't remember if Michaels does.

[GOJODO]

Kirklands, then there is one in Spanish Springs, but can't remember the name

[Trish Crocker]

Kirklands, then there is one in Spanish Springs, but can't remember the name

I agree...haven't been to one in Florida but the one I went to in Michigan was terrible...and I typically like scents! Steve had to walk out.

[pauld315]

I was at the gym the other day. A guy got on the treadmill next to me with way too much of the most offensive smelling stuff I have smelled ever on a guy in my life. I finished up what I was doing and moved far away to another machine. I don't get that. Then, last week, I was in a restaurant and there was this lady in there that you could smell some hideous, really strong perfume whenever she got within 6 feet of you. I am surprised that the people with her didn't tell her although I guess there is nothing you can do about it at that point. My eyesight is not so good (never has been) but God really gave me a good sense of smell to make up for it. In these cases, I wish I hadn't been so lucky :)

[CarGuys]

I agree...haven't been to one in Florida but the one I went to in Michigan was terrible...and I typically like scents! Steve had to walk out.

Hi Tish! and Steve I feel your pain. Ruth can go in those stores and do Ok, I have to leave.

[THE NEWCOMER]

I work with a man in the same building who wear this oil. When he walks by there is a hang time before the smell goes away. The smell of the musk is on the envelopes he handles and the boxes that he carries. I can't imagine what his car smell like much less his home. I down loaded this description from ebay and look at what you can do with this stuff. This guy wears this daily! :yuck:

Egyptian Musk Fragrance Oil

Characteristics: A clean, light musk scent with a hint of mystery


Manufacturers Grade Oil 4 fl. oz (120 ml) of pure Fragrance Oil. All of our oils are 100% PURE and have not been cut or diluted. At the Essential Trading Post we stock a large selection of oils. At Essential Trading Post all our Essential oils are packaged in glass Amber Bottles with Polycone Reducer caps and fully Labeled. Our oil line has multi uses from simply scenting your home to making a vast line of products. The theme at Essential Trading Post is "Scenting the World With Oil". Below we have included a general use section to aid the novice user. We are sure that you will create your own uses as you discover the wonders of scent. Very little of our oil is needed to create a long and lasting essence!

General Oil Uses:

General Household Freshening - Add a few drops of oil to your trash can, laundry wash, Dryer sheet, drain, vacuum bag filter, or on a tissue for placement in your drawers.

Diffusing - the oil in a Diffuser scents your home or office with wonderful uplifting smell. The most common Diffuser on the market in the Tea Lite Oil burner.

Bath - Add a few drops of oil to your running bath water and mix well before getting into the tub. Enjoy a wonderful scented bath soak!

Massage - Create your own Massage oil scent simply add a few drops oil to 1 ounce carrier oil such as Grapeseed oil and massage onto yourself or partner. Keep away from eyes and genital areas.

Product Scenting - Create your own scented products by adding oils to un-scented base products like; Hair Shampoo & Conditioners Base, Hand Soap Base, Body Lotion Base, Room Spray Base, Moisturizing Body Gel Base, Reed Diffuser Base, Melt & Pour or Cold Press Soap making,

[CarGuys]

I'd rather think about my Aunt Jane and the fact that she used pure vanilla extract for scent....than think about crushed beaver testicals or bat dung.

And rancid perfume is AWFUL. I think some of us seniors keep things for a LONG time.

I like the lotion they used to put on babies too. What was that called? Mennen Baby Magic???

Just think how them Beavers feel! Bats are smiling! I am all for the Vanilla or natural smells.

:agree: