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Post by birukitty on Aug 30, 2019 15:30:58 GMT
I was just wondering when it became popular for women to completely douse themselves in perfume so much that it smells like they took a bath in perfume rather than just put a dab behind their ears and on their wrists? This has become common for men too regarding cologne. They smell as though they've completed taken a shower in their cologne before they step out the door. Is this just common in the USA? Why is it so popular now?
As a person with migraines I have to say that I hate it. I know that it's my problem but when I'm stuck with a person like this on a plane it triggers a migraine for me. That happened last December when I flew down to Georgia for my aunt's funeral. They guy sitting next to me was so doused in cologne I could smell him before I even sat down. I didn't want to make a nuisance of myself with the flight attendant so I didn't say anything about asking to switch seats. Recently when I was getting on an elevator it happened again with another guy and I pretended to have left something back at my car so I could take the next elevator. Another time I was at a concert with my sister and the young woman who sat next to me was covered head to toe in perfume. I tried to breathe through my mouth instead of my nose through the whole concert and luckily I didn't get a migraine that time.
I don't know why I'm writing this post. I guess I'm just asking what other Peas think of this trend. Have you noticed it? Do you like it? Is it just me having extra sensitivity to smells?
I'm a traditionalist and think the idea of perfume being used with a dot behind each ear and a dot on the wrist is plenty. And a spritz of cologne sprayed in the room and then you walk through it is plenty too.
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Belle
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by Belle on Aug 30, 2019 15:41:57 GMT
I am also someone that gets migraines from strong cologne. I once had a business trip to Chicago and the person next to me on the plane was wearing A LOT of fragrance, by the time we landed I had a migraine. It was horrible. I had a business dinner that evening and ended up excusing myself to the bathroom in the middle of dinner because I had to throw up due to my migraine. Thankfully,I don’t encounter strong fragrance a lot but when I do, I really try to get away from it. Church can sometimes be an issue. Sitting for an hour close to somebody wearing a lot of fragrance, by the end of service I can feel a headache coming on. Less is more.....  Sort of off topic but when my kids were in elementary school, many of the teachers would burn scented candles in their classrooms. That can also be a trigger. |
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Gennifer
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by Gennifer on Aug 30, 2019 15:44:31 GMT
It’s funny that you say “trend,” because every woman I know that does this is in her mid-late sixties or older. I always thought it was an old-fashioned thing that was hopefully going away!
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Post by tyra on Aug 30, 2019 15:56:59 GMT
I hear you! I don't understand it.
There is a young man that works in our office. He walks by my office to get to his desk and I can smell him IN MY OFFICE. My desk is a good 15 feet from the door. I shouldn't smell him that far away and from him just walking by. Mind you, whatever he wears smells wonderful, but holy hell he wears a lot of it! I feel bad for the woman that sits across from him.
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Post by busy on Aug 30, 2019 15:58:17 GMT
It’s funny that you say “trend,” because every woman I know that does this is in her mid-late sixties or older. I always thought it was an old-fashioned thing that was hopefully going away! I agree with this. I've never known anyone younger to do this; it always seems to be older women with very strong perfumes and wearing too much of it. |
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Post by unknown pea on Aug 30, 2019 15:59:18 GMT
I do not get migraines from strong scents but I've noticed this trend too. I feel so bad for those, like you who have migraines triggered by strong smells. I use one tiny squirt of vanilla scent in the morning, that's it. I'm so sorry you have to deal with this.
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snyder
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,942
Location: Colorado
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Post by snyder on Aug 30, 2019 16:01:31 GMT
I think it started waaaaaaaaaaay back when people didn't have the means of a bath or shower, so they covered themselves with scents. I think they put more on thinking it will last longer, but the fact is, they are made with alcohol and it all evaporates at a rather rapid speed all at once, not gradually.
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Post by birukitty on Aug 30, 2019 16:13:40 GMT
It’s funny that you say “trend,” because every woman I know that does this is in her mid-late sixties or older. I always thought it was an old-fashioned thing that was hopefully going away! I agree with this. I've never known anyone younger to do this; it always seems to be older women with very strong perfumes and wearing too much of it. Every single person I've come across (including the young woman yesterday working at the library) that is guilty of perfume/cologne overload has been around their 20's/30's. Maybe it's a regional thing? I live in the mid-Atlantic region in Annapolis, MD. I've noticed this occurring most in the past 2-3 years. That's why I called it a trend. It seems like it's getting worse-more people, more often. Tyra-what area of the country do you live in? Never mind-once I posted I could see that you are in IL. Hmm, there goes that theory that it's regional. Belle-I'm so sorry you get migraine too and had to go through that experience with the man next to you on the plane especially since you were traveling on business. That must have been so difficult with your business dinner. Yes, I agree with you about scented candles in closed settings. I once went into a medical marijuana dispensary and they had those scented oil bottles with the reeds sticking out of them located throughout the waiting room. Problem was they had several of the bottles and it was a very small waiting room. I started breathing out of my mouth trying not to inhale and gently suggested to the person working there that they rethink having them in the waiting room since some of the patients coming there were coming because of migraines. Luckily I found a better place to go soon afterward. |
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Post by busy on Aug 30, 2019 16:17:41 GMT
I too am sensitive to smells and they can trigger migraines. Heavily floral perfumes can definitely do it, but the worst offender is incense. My husband is a music junkie and always wants to go in record stores, scouring for rare albums. Record stores LOOOOOVE their incense lol I always make DH go in first to scout the scent situation and about half the time, he comes back and said, "Nope, you're not going to want to come in." lol
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naby64
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,926
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Post by naby64 on Aug 30, 2019 16:22:01 GMT
As far as young guys, a lot of them use Axe. There is body wash, deodorant and maybe hair product for this brand. YDS was one of those guilty ones. When he was living at home, we could smell the stuff before he opened the door. Now I liked the scent. It was him. But DH thought it was too strong and we told him to dial it back some. I miss that now that he is not at home any longer. I will also add some of those scents are stronger than others.
Girls, I got nothing. Other than they have spent a lot of money on that stuff and want people to know it.
There are only a couple of people here that I know of that you know they are coming or have been here and you don't even have to see them. An older woman and older man.
Our music minister has issues with scents and some of our choir members to so the choir room has been posted a no scents zone. We can't really do anything with the congregation. I don't go out enough into smaller venues to know what it is like in public.
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Post by gar on Aug 30, 2019 16:32:11 GMT
It’s funny that you say “trend,” because every woman I know that does this is in her mid-late sixties or older. I always thought it was an old-fashioned thing that was hopefully going away! I agree with this. I've never known anyone younger to do this; it always seems to be older women with very strong perfumes and wearing too much of it. I think their sense of smell starts to fail, like hearing and eyesight, so they can't accurately judge how strong they smell  Can't say I'm aware of it being more of a thing among younger people - maybe my sense of smell is failing  |
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moodyblue
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Posts: 6,173
Location: Western Illinois
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Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on Aug 30, 2019 16:36:26 GMT
I agree with this. I've never known anyone younger to do this; it always seems to be older women with very strong perfumes and wearing too much of it. I think their sense of smell starts to fail, like hearing and eyesight, so they can't accurately judge how strong they smell Can't say I'm aware of it being more of a thing among younger people - maybe my sense of smell is failing This. And you can get used to a scent and not think it’s that strong, so end up using more and more. |
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Post by mustlovecats on Aug 30, 2019 16:40:17 GMT
It’s funny that you say “trend,” because every woman I know that does this is in her mid-late sixties or older. I always thought it was an old-fashioned thing that was hopefully going away! I agree with this. I've never known anyone younger to do this; it always seems to be older women with very strong perfumes and wearing too much of it. Here I find that a lot of upper middle class younger ladies in their 20s and 30s are showering in fragrance. The Mercedes SUV and Starbucks in hand at all times set. |
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Post by gillyp on Aug 30, 2019 17:00:53 GMT
I think it started when body sprays became a thing. People got in the habit of using them and now any scent is used in the same way.
I know a woman who has doused herself in patchouli for at least 25 years. I can be in a room off the main area and know when she has entered the building, the smell is that strong.
I had to ask a young girl who worked for me to go and wash her arms at the very least as she was covered in body spray and making me feel sick and once I was alone in a lift when 4 girls got in to travel to the same function with me. By the time we got to the correct floor I felt like someone had stuck a poker through my eye and I was too ill to enjoy the evening. Yes I’m whinging but it’s horrid!
I said on the other thread that a parfumier said if you can no longer smell a fragrance on you a little while after applying it, it’s not because it’s faded and you need to put more on, it’s because it suits the chemistry of your skin.
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Post by jubejubes on Aug 30, 2019 17:33:14 GMT
My Opa & Oma used to cover themselves with Cologne 4711, made in Cologne (Koln), Germany.
It is hard to find that scent but when I do smell it, it reminds me of them. Unfortunately, I do (did) get headaches if the scent is very strong.
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Post by slowrunner70 on Aug 30, 2019 17:45:09 GMT
My Opa & Oma used to cover themselves with Cologne 4711, made in Cologne (Koln), Germany. It is hard to find that scent but when I do smell it, it reminds me of them. Unfortunately, I do (did) get headaches if the scent is very strong. I have always hated that smell, LOL. And I'm surprised that it's still around and seems as popular as ever! As far as too much perfume..... I live by the old "spray, delay, walk away" rule that Queer Eye (the original) taught me :-) |
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Post by peano on Aug 30, 2019 17:54:43 GMT
It’s funny that you say “trend,” because every woman I know that does this is in her mid-late sixties or older. I always thought it was an old-fashioned thing that was hopefully going away! I think the reason for this is that our sense of smell diminishes as we age. One of the worst experiences I ever had was riding in a car with my father and stepmother. Dueling odors! |
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Post by PolarGreen12 on Aug 30, 2019 18:09:55 GMT
I also agree that it is more women of a certain age.
I know two other types that do it. I work with some smokers and I notice they do too much perfume. Probably partly because smoking has killed their sense of smell and I think they actually think it covers the smokey smell. It doesn’t.
I also notice the excessive perfume with the “more is better” group. You know lots of makeup. Lots of hair styling. Lots of jewelry. Etc.
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eastcoastpea
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,252
Jun 27, 2014 13:05:28 GMT
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Post by eastcoastpea on Sept 1, 2019 3:05:04 GMT
There are two men at work that work the next pod over from me. Thankfully they spend most of their time out of the office.
I sometimes get hives just walking past their pod. One day it was so bad the inside of my mouth started itching.
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Post by tracyarts on Sept 1, 2019 3:20:14 GMT
I've noticed two kinds of people who usually overspray fragrances. Young men and older women.
I have my theories...
I think the young men are using their colognes like artificial pheromones. If you follow the fragrance sub on Reddit, there are loads of young men posting about using strong heavy fragrances to attract women and project a more "alpha" image.
And older women. I think for some, they are getting noseblind to a favorite fragrance, or their sense of smell is fading. Others were young when heavy application of strong fragrances was the norm due to smoking habits, so it's what they're used to.
I like to load myself up on super heavy old fragrances (Poison, Diva, Magie Noire, Aromatics Elixir, Samsara, Youth Dew, Tabu, Obsession, Opium, and Halston) so I can go around in a cloud of my own stink, enjoying catching whiffs of it throughout the day. But only on days I'm staying home alone. When I'm out around other people I tone it down and wear modern crowd pleasers or "safe" choices.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Sept 1, 2019 3:25:18 GMT
I also agree that it is more women of a certain age. I know two other types that do it. I work with some smokers and I notice they do too much perfume. Probably partly because smoking has killed their sense of smell and I think they actually think it covers the smokey smell. It doesn’t. I also notice the excessive perfume with the “more is better” group. You know lots of makeup. Lots of hair styling. Lots of jewelry. Etc. Exactly this. All of it.   |
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Post by theroadlesstraveledp on Sept 1, 2019 4:23:43 GMT
Yeah not sure what started it but I agree with others that it can be yucky. I left church early one day because someone came in and the perfume was so strong it gave me a migraine. I've had other experiences like this as well. I don't understand why people have to pile on the body spray or perfume  |
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milocat
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Location: 55 degrees north in Alberta, Canada
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Post by milocat on Sept 1, 2019 4:55:22 GMT
It's popular in Canada too. I suffer from migraines and scent is one of my biggest issues. I am shocked everyone is saying old ladies, it starts with teen girls here. I blame Bath and Body Works, layers of fragances. Body wash, lotion, body spray. I walked into our small town bank the other day and just one teller was up front, she was at the far end. I knew immediately she had just put some B&BW lotion on. She keeps it by her till and I could smell it at the far door.
Add in laundry detergent and those bead things. Plus your perfumes and all the personal care products. It's just so much. And the candles, Scentsy, any kind of room fragrance, please reconsider having that in your office or public space!
We are scent free in this house, except a few hair care items, it's hard to replicate the products. I make my own cleaning supplies because I can't handle the harsh smell. My DD16 says she can't handle much now when she is out, now that we don't have all that strong fake stuff in the house.
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Post by theroadlesstraveledp on Sept 1, 2019 7:01:11 GMT
It's popular in Canada too. I suffer from migraines and scent is one of my biggest issues. I am shocked everyone is saying old ladies, it starts with teen girls here. I blame Bath and Body Works, layers of fragances. Body wash, lotion, body spray. I walked into our small town bank the other day and just one teller was up front, she was at the far end. I knew immediately she had just put some B&BW lotion on. She keeps it by her till and I could smell it at the far door. Add in laundry detergent and those bead things. Plus your perfumes and all the personal care products. It's just so much. And the candles, Scentsy, any kind of room fragrance, please reconsider having that in your office or public space! We are scent free in this house, except a few hair care items, it's hard to replicate the products. I make my own cleaning supplies because I can't handle the harsh smell. My DD16 says she can't handle much now when she is out, now that we don't have all that strong fake stuff in the house. I blame them too in some ways. They used to have a ‘natural’ product that I could use. Then they started reformulating and now it causes migraines for me. I thought for a while that I was the only one. I’m not. I also found out from doing some research that after a while people can have fragrance sensitivity. Fun.. www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/fragrance-sensitivity.aspx |
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Post by gar on Sept 1, 2019 7:49:37 GMT
I said on the other thread that a parfumier said if you can no longer smell a fragrance on you a little while after applying it, it’s not because it’s faded and you need to put more on, it’s because it suits the chemistry of your skin. I didn't know that...interesting! |
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Post by gillyp on Sept 1, 2019 10:19:10 GMT
I said on the other thread that a parfumier said if you can no longer smell a fragrance on you a little while after applying it, it’s not because it’s faded and you need to put more on, it’s because it suits the chemistry of your skin. I didn't know that...interesting! I should have clarified that he said other people can still smell it, it’s just you who can’t. |
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Post by gar on Sept 1, 2019 10:20:38 GMT
I didn't know that...interesting! I should have clarified that he said other people can still smell it, it’s just you who can’t. I did assume you meant that but thank you 🙂 |
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Post by Patter on Sept 1, 2019 10:23:36 GMT
I too am a migraine sufferer, and perfume/cologne will set me off in a minute! I was horrible in thought the other night. I was in my ministry study class for the first time, and a lady walked in reeking of perfume. I shot up a prayer asking that she NOT sit at my table of 7. Thankfully she didn't. I would have had to move.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Sept 1, 2019 13:26:02 GMT
It's popular in Canada too. I suffer from migraines and scent is one of my biggest issues. I am shocked everyone is saying old ladies, it starts with teen girls here. I blame Bath and Body Works, layers of fragances. Body wash, lotion, body spray. I walked into our small town bank the other day and just one teller was up front, she was at the far end. I knew immediately she had just put some B&BW lotion on. She keeps it by her till and I could smell it at the far door. Add in laundry detergent and those bead things. Plus your perfumes and all the personal care products. It's just so much. And the candles, Scentsy, any kind of room fragrance, please reconsider having that in your office or public space! We are scent free in this house, except a few hair care items, it's hard to replicate the products. I make my own cleaning supplies because I can't handle the harsh smell. My DD16 says she can't handle much now when she is out, now that we don't have all that strong fake stuff in the house. I think this is a big part of the problem why it’s popular with younger people. It used to be that people would pick a perfume or cologne, spray it on and call it good. The little old ladies who had gone nose blind to “their” scent would douse themselves in it because they couldn’t smell it on themselves anymore, but everyone else would just use it normally. But then at some point the fragrance companies decided they could make more money by adding their branded scents to soaps, lotions, etc. and invented the idea of layering fragrance so people would buy those things too. And boy they did, ugh. I think too that in the olden days, regular laundry products didn’t have a strong of a scent as they do now. I use unscented detergent for our stuff because DD gets a rash if I don’t. Sometimes I get some of her clothes next to new at consignment and it takes washing the stuff 2-3 times with vinegar to get that detergent smell out. The worst is when you’re in a confined space like a theater, elevator, airplane, conference room or classroom and someone stinky sits right next to you. I hate to seem rude or complain about something like that, but I too will have to either get up and move or get a headache that will last hours from the overpowering smell. It’s so gross. |
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Post by digirlwiz on Sept 1, 2019 13:54:52 GMT
I remember in the early 1980s pretty much every gal in the night clubs doused themselves in Halston or Chloe. I was glad when that trend seemed to die down. Agree that older people lose some of their sense of smell and do not realize how strong their fragrance is. I do not get migraines- but I do get a sore throat when fragrances are too strong. Many people think more of everything is better!!!
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