Perfume | Imamother

ShirleyTemple ↓

Wed, Aug 26 2009, 10:11 am

My dh absolutely despises perfume. He feels it has a very chemical, unreal, strong smell. That's with all the perfumes I ever tried, even a real soft fragrance. He said he would wish their is some type of natural perfume, with nothing other than pure fragrance.... Anyone know of anything of the like?

Don't tell me to stop wearing perfume, please! I don't wear an over abundance at all, and have stopped applying it when around him. But, if he'll enter the room after I spritzed some perfume on me, he will litterally gag! Smile

↑ ShirleyTemple

Wed, Aug 26 2009, 10:20 am

Perfumed lotions as in body lotions? I've tried those.

He's fine with it, cuz it doesn't have that strong chemical smell, but honestly, when I'm all dressed up and ready to go, I like to give a spritz here & there, and done!

louche

Fri, Aug 28 2009, 8:18 am

Try flavor extracts from the baking goods section. Vanilla, mint and almond are especially good.

Maybe it's the strength of the perfume that dh objects to, as opposed to just the smell. Try subtly scenting your clothes by placing in your drawers and closets either scented soaps or sachets made solely of dried lavender flowers, rosebuds, cloves and the like, not potpourri blends that have artificial oils added. It takes some time, but the fabrics will eventually pick up just a fresh hint of fragrance.

Or you can make your own more-or-less natural perfume by putting a few drops of natural essential oil like lavender, lemon, cinnamon or mint in a small bottle and filling with vodka. shake well and apply. Be careful because some natural essential oils make your skin sensitive to sun. Start off with a very dilute mixture and add more essential oil till dh can just smell it but isn't overwhelmed.

Ah, I just read your last line. Stop using spray fragrance, which gets all over the place--and part of the smell is the propellant. I would also gag. Switch to the kind you dab on, which is more economical and which allows you to better control how much you apply and where it goes. You want it on your skin, not in the air.

ESB

Sun, Aug 30 2009, 12:45 am

I have a perfume from Givenchy very irresistable summer sorbet. DH Loves it. And this comes from a man that hates perfume. It has an extremely soft fragrance and very neat. If you can get a sample It'll be worth it.

Or I use FA shower gel. The smell stays so that can substitute perfume.

yOungM0mmy

Sun, Aug 30 2009, 4:23 pm

My sister once had an oil-based perfume which you applied with a stick that was dipped into it. Sorry I don't know more, but maybe you can go someplace like sephora or a big department store and ask if they have something like that.

ruth

Thu, Sep 03 2009, 8:52 pm

Lady Godiva wrote:

.... You can also try dabbing on essential oils, instead of perfume.

(It's amusing that "Lady Godiva" is giving us advice about perfume --who is famous for her horse-ride wearing only Chanel No.5)

Yes, many modern perfumes are synthetic. (This is not in the perjorative sense,it is just that some of the notes are sythentic based.) He may be allergic to these types. Trying one single note of an essential oil might be better start for him. Then as he gets used to the experience add another to compliment it.

Aim for single grass oils" (herbs: lavendar, anise or single spice (ginger flower)

To add to Lady Godiva's suggestion, go to a larger health food store to check out the essential oils. You will often find "natural" perfumes also. Perfume solids made out of single scents might appeal to him more. Stay away from florals or Try applying your perfume to parts of the body that are more covered by clothes. And be conservative about the quantity. This might subdue the effect for him while you still get to enjoy it.

What smells does he like? (which foods, toiletries)