Why Can't I Smell My Perfume When Others Can

Have you ever wondered why sometimes your perfume seems to disappear after a few minutes no matter the number of sprays, in some instance you get a lot of compliments, because others can smell it but you the wearer can't. It can be very perplexing especially after shelling out some thousands of Naira # on a well hyped perfume. What is the point of buying a perfume that will not smell?


Before you decide to throw away or give away the bottle of perfume, just to be sure you are not the one with issues, you could ask people close to you like your pals, spouse you know (not perfect strangers - that could be embarrassing) if they can perceive your perfume or you get a compliment after you can no longer smell it, it is safe to say 'You got issues'. But don't fret, It is a fairly common problem.
Don't Freak out yet, there is a simple scientific reason why you can't smell your perfume when others can - Nose Fatigue(No I did not make it up. Its a thing) or Olfactory adaptation. 

How does nose fatigue happen? For you to perceive a smell/scent, your nose and brain work together. When you first spray a scent, the smell receptors in your nose transmits a signal to your brain identifying it as something new and that is how you become aware of the scent/smell. But after a while of wearing or being around the scent or source of smell, your brain becomes used to the smell and you gradually stop noticing/being aware of it. 



What can you do to clear your nose and ensure you keep enjoying the scent of your perfume for a long time with repeated wear.

A.) Coffee Beans - Don't eat them! They are perfect for resetting the nose.You just need to put them under your nose and inhale, they help to clear your nose. They are especially great, if you are trying to buy perfumes and after trying out 2-3, you can,t seem to smell anything.

B.) Have a Fragrance Collection - Have more than 2-3 different perfumes in your collection, so you can keep alternating between them and your nose will not get used to one. 

C.) Take a Breather - Take a walk and get fresh air or step away from where you sprayed the perfume or perfume store which will already be saturated. That way your nose will have cleared and your ability to smell restored

D.) Smell Your Armpit - Yep that works. Particularly if haven't used deodorant. Or if you have used a deodorant, just sniff the inside of your elbow. Did you say ewww? 
I will absolutely love to hear you share your experience and contributions. Also feel free to like, subscribe and follow.  

Written by Tinuola Ajayi

Managing Partner 
Absolute Fragrance