[Uptown Girl]

I will try to be tactful. The subject is people that wear perfume.

Today I was hugged affectionately by a lovely neighbor. Her perfume, although not a scent that was appalling (as many are) was all over me after the hug.
My hair, my clothes, the whole side of my face.

Within 10 minutes I had a raging headache. I was on my way out and had no time to change my clothes, so I washed the side of my face and sprayed myself with unscented Fabreeze…… it didn't make a dent in the smell that lingered all over me until I could return home and shower.
This is not the first time this has happened to me.


It is getting to the point where I dread going to a group gathering. Being hugged by multiple people (or even just sitting next to perfumed people on a couch) and picking up the residue of the different perfumes each is wearing is unbelievably annoying.


I can't believe that someone wearing scent wouldn't get annoyed when another's scent invades their own body/clothes/hair as they hug. They want their OWN, don't they? Or is it okay for all the perfumes to mingle? Or don't they know the difference?
I gotta say, many scents don't go well at all with others rubbed on top… or when multiple ladies are side by side somewhere, all wearing perfume that competes.

I honestly don't understand this. Even if the majority of stuff did not give me a headache, I'd much rather smell the fresh air we are in, or the food we are eating at the time.
Instead the perfume demands the attention. Sadly, that's how I am beginning to look at it- as a detraction rather than a compliment to an otherwise beautiful woman. AND, they pay good money for this effect? !!!
I truly do not understand.
I'll add a bold P.S.- Do you mind if you leave your scent on somebody, or in someone's home after you have gone? Or someone's auto?
Just curious.

[casita37]

I agree with you. I prefer not to be subjected to it either. Remember when we were young and our mothers told us subtle was better? They were right!!

Then there was the school of thought that you should layer the scent for the most impact. I think there are still a few around that do that. Too much for my senses, but I'm sure some ladies don't feel completely put together without perfume.

[shankerman]

Many "elderly" women wear something called Shower to Shower. It's very strong and over powering.

[jnieman]

I've been hiding my feelings for years about this subject. I am allergic to scents. Scented soaps, body lotions and perfumes. It actually closes up my throat and gives me a headache. I have a couple of neighbors who wear so much that I can't be around them. The other day I was getting an EKG and and the technician smelled like she had bathed in it. I had to go home and shower because of the lingering smell on me. I just wish others would be more conscious of it because it really does cause a problem for others.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by Uptown Girl

I will try to be tactful. The subject is people that wear perfume.

Add men's aftershave to the perfumes too - dreadful and nauseating to say the least.

My husband brought me a very good French perfume last time he traveled and wants to know why I am not wearing it, hard to tell him I can't because people are allergic to whatever they put in perfume these days.

This has to be something new, because when I was a working woman people used perfumes in the office and they were not overpowering or offensive. The manufacturers must be adding something to make the perfume stronger and cloying.

[gomoho]

If it's a nice scent I enjoy the lingering effect in the car. And I always love to walk in someone's home and subtly smell their signature scent. But it's a fine line. Personally I don't wear a scent 'cause of not wanting to offend someone.

[bkcunningham1]

I don't want to be contrary but I have never hugged someone and had their perfume or cologne come off and linger on my body or clothes. I love to smell nice perfumes and other aromas though so maybe it has and i didn't notice it was on me.

[graciegirl]

Was in the dermatologist waiting room the other day, Small room, Dr. Caspers.... and a gentleman came in (notice I DIDN'T say elderly) and he had overused his aftershave. We all sit quietly for a moment and then three people stepped outside.

I don't think he knew he had used too much.

We all survived. BUT... I feel sorry for people who get headaches from scent.

[NotGolfer]

Some folks have asthma, copd and emphysema...scents can adversely affect them. Have any folks posting here have had issues with breathing? We had a family member who couldn't have anyone wear anything scented (powder, deodorant, perfume etc.) as their throat closed up. It's not only about being offensive but it can be a health-issue.

I know of some work places, churches etc. who ask that folks NOT wear anything that has scents.

[CFrance]

Overuse of perfume offends me, and I am not allergic to anything. But having it in the car I'm riding in or on a person around me bothers me. I just don't like the smell of any perfume. A subtle, fresh scent of cleaning products in someone's home is nice, but having to sit next to someone who just spritzed herself is not.

Hand lotion, Shower to Shower Body Powder and the like don't bother me. But perfume does.

[kittygilchrist]

I'm going to put up with your annoying fragrance, and you have the opportunity to enjoy my spritz of Chanel 5 which I intend to wear every day.
Nobody can control what everybody else has on their hair or skin. If you're allergic that badly, why not put your hands up before the hug and ask if the person is wearing perfume. It isn't easy to move away and say I'm allergic to perfume but it's a reasonable and assertive way to cope.

[billethkid]

Originally Posted by bkcunningham1

I don't want to be contrary but I have never hugged someone and had their perfume or cologne come off and linger on my body or clothes. I love to smell nice perfumes and other aromas though so maybe it has and i didn't notice it was on me.

I am still old fashioned enough to enjoy perfumes and aromas just like we did for most of my life.

There always was someone who over did it.....but it never detracted from the majority who did it right.....and still do.

btk

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist

I'm going to put up with your annoying fragrance, and you have the opportunity to enjoy my spritz of Chanel 5 which I intend to wear every day.
Nobody can control what everybody else has on their hair or skin. If you're allergic that badly, why not put your hands up before the hug and ask if the person is wearing perfume. It isn't easy to move away and say I'm allergic to perfume but it's a reasonable and assertive way to cope.

I think we're talking about overuse here. At least I was, anyway. If it permeates the car, it's overuse. If it rubs off on the person you're hugging, it's overuse. Otherwise, bring on your Chanel #5!

I gave up wearing perfume when it became obvious so many people were allergic to it.

[Foruhun]

If you wear it every day, you get used to the scent and continue to spray until you think you've got enough on - then it's too much. For those of you who use it every day, it's already on your clothes so you may not have to add any. Just saying....

[mfp509]

A small amount of fragrance is okay, but some men and women seem to take a bath in it. I am very sensitive to some colognes and there is nothing worse than having a show ruined for me at the Savannah because of someone wearing too much and my eyes burn and my head gets congested. There really is no reason to wear that much.