Perfume
April 28, 2024

I wear men's fragrance. Does anyone notice that?

In the nineties, the big unisex wave rolled through the bathroom. CK One was there and everyone wanted it. Until now, it was rather unusual that male-harsh fragrance shades were also used by women. Since then somehow the big nose tolerance applies? everyone is allowed to spray what they want. The more individual, the better. But how far does the fragrance tolerance of our noses actually go? Does anyone irritate her when she smells of "eternal masculinity"? And maybe one is perceived quite differently in everyday life?

Day one:

I feel like I'm doing something terribly daring. In the morning, spray Dior 'Sauvage' vigorously and think something will happen soon. The reaction of my children? Zero. Interestingly enough, kids between one and five years of age seem to be more concerned about having enough honey in the tea than the masculine touch that's been blowing on mum since today.

Day two:

Is this fragrance the right one?

Today I focus on my colleagues. As an editor of a women's website, of course, that's particularly exciting? because here is a classic men's fragrance really stand out. Reactions? None. Apparently my fragrance just goes down here. Funny, just here I had expected a lot. After all, the social scientist Sabine Sczesny has proved in a study that female candidates arrive better in job interviews with a tart fragrance. Masculine scents allegedly convey seriousness and trustworthiness. Well, strong perfuming in the office is anyway a sensitive issue, there are also studies that one should not smell too strong in the job, because then the boss may suspect a competitor. Maybe it's good that no one notices.

Day three:

Meeting with friends. Abundant hugs and honest words. The opportunity to start a survey: Did you notice that I smell different than usual? Unanimous opinion (after being sniffed again): "Oh, it smells really good, but somehow it does not suit you." "Why not?" I ask. "That's way too masculine for you, like a mom and beauty editor." Note: Obviously, people expect a fragrance that not only matches the exterior but also the image.

Day four:

How does my husband find the fragrance? The olfactory perception of my husband is such a topic in our home. He has such a limited sense of smell that he never realizes when the diaper of our youngest is full. I first have to alert him to my male scent cloud. He does not like it and demands: Leave it out immediately!

Day five:

Almost there. And I'm relieved. Because yes? my friends were right. The men's fragrance does not suit me. I like the smell of fresh linen, soft citrus notes, freesia and jasmine. And also on my husband I like only very light scents. I always imagine that I get headaches from dominant clouds of cloud? and they are not conceited. Spiegel.de once interviewed the biology professor Hans Hatt, who specializes in fragrances: "The headache comes from the fact that not only the olfactory nerve is irritated by scents, but also the so-called trigeminal nerve - if the concentration is only high enough. He conveys pain sensations ... "

I do not want to be unfair: 'Dior Sauvage' is a great scent? and as Testimonial Johnny Depp rolls up his sleeves in the middle of the desert in advertising, I also think that's great. But for me he is nothing. Because the most important thing is to feel 100% good with a fragrance. After all, a favorite perfume accompanies us for years.