Post # 1
Member
1624 posts
Bumble bee
I just got a new perfume and sprayed, what I consider a normal amount, onto my neck and wrists earlier in the morning. My sister came over later that evening and I asked if she liked the way it smelled or not. She couldn’t detect the scent until she literally had her nose on my skin. What is the ideal distance you should be from a person before you start smelling their fragrance? I don’t want people 3 floors away to smell me, nor do I want my perfume to linger hours after I’ve left a room, but is a perfume scent goal something you wear for only yourself and those very intimately close to you to smell? I’m curious.
Post # 2
Member
4921 posts
Honey bee
I should really hope that someone couldn’t smell perfume without getting close to me numerous hours after I have sprayed it. Scent dissipating after that period of time is normal.
I was always taught that the ideal sillage was when someone had to be fairly close to notice – it should be something to be discovered, not announced. If I’m standing a couple feet away, that’s ok (though I voted “only be detected with nose directly on skin or clothes”), but I shouldn’t be able to smell you before I see you, nor should I be able to smell you long after you’ve gone away. Also, I think people wearing perfume become too accustomed to the scent and overcompensate, which makes for a miserable experience for everyone else. I have a coworker who must practically bathe in it because I can smell her perfume VERY strongly in the elevator and hallway anywhere from 30-60 minutes after she has walked through and it’s gag-inducing. I think it’s presumptuous to assume everyone else likes that smell and wants to smell it if you wear it to levels that people can smell you from a fair distance.
Post # 3
Member
1963 posts
Buzzing bee
I am very sensitive to smells. Ranging from my allergies act up to full blown migraine. I honestly do not want to smell you unless I hug you, am standing very close.
Post # 4
Member
2639 posts
Sugar bee
- Wedding: April 2014 - Italian Villa
I voted for conversation distance, though I think ideally it won’t be smelled unless we are standing quite close, so “personal space” distance? I’ve always used one or two sprays to my wrist, then run my wrists together and then rub my wrists behind my ears. I’ve never gotten comments about smelling too strongly, but occasionally get comments about smelling good. I think that’s the perfect happy medium.
Post # 5
Member
555 posts
Busy bee
I don’t think you are supposed to smell it even if you have a casual conversation, although that is the one I chose. It comes closest to what I would consider appropriate which is to detect perfume only if you hug someone or kiss them on the cheek, but not necessarily dig your nose into the clothes of the other person 😉
Post # 6
Member
1624 posts
Bumble bee
annabananabee : I worked with a doctor like that. You could always tell if he had been rounding on his patients that day because his colonge was so strong it lasted for hours after he left. It almost made me choke to stand next to him
Post # 7
Member
3211 posts
Sugar bee
I have a severely bad reaction to many perfumes (can’t breathe, had to have an ambulance a couple months ago because of someone with a smell that lingered after they left the business next door to my work) and I am really not alone in that. So I say nose-to-skin is the right distance! Even if someone else isn’t so sensitive they have severe medical distress, it isn’t kind to leave anyone with a headache, hives, or stuffy nose.
i totally get how awesome perfume can be and I have a few I love myself – but I tend to wear them more around myself where I know I am less likely to impact other people!
Post # 8
Member
3682 posts
Sugar bee
If someone not close enough to hug you can smell your perfume, you’re wearing too much.
Post # 9
Member
211 posts
Helper bee
99% of all fragrances cause me horrific migraines and/or breathing issues, so I don’t want to smell anyone’s perfume or cologne if I can help it. Dab a small drop behind your ears or on your wrists if you must so it causes less impact on those with allergies, but I think those who practically drench themselves in it are being rude and thoughtless to those around them.
Post # 10
Member
1337 posts
Bumble bee
I think you should only smell it if you are close enough to hug someone.
Post # 11
Member
892 posts
Busy bee
I agree with the “close enough to hug”. perfume gives me headaches and makes me feel nauseous. I can’t stand it.
Post # 12
Member
13786 posts
Honey Beekeeper
Many are allergic to perfume. IMO you should wear it only when you aren’t going to be in a situation where others are forced to be in your close proximity, for example work, airplane, movies, train etc.
Post # 13
Member
5080 posts
Bee Keeper
I agree with “hugging distance”.
Post # 14
Member
305 posts
Helper bee
I get migraines and I’m extremely sensitive to scents. Especially perfumes which tend to set me off. I agree hugging distance is good. I should be able to stand across from you and not smell it but if i was getting more intimate it would be nice.
Post # 15
Member
9898 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
Also agree with hugging distance. I don’t want to smell your perfume just having a conversation at the office. Shit gives me a horrible headache.