Help I Can’t Smell My Perfume! Here’s Why

There’s something magical about smelling different scents in a perfume store, and finding one that you really love. Yet, there’s a common phenomenon that often puzzles fragrance wearers:

You can’t smell your own perfume.

Well there’s a saying that my give you comfort: “If you can’t smell your scent, it means it suits you.” In this blog post we’ll discuss the science behind scent perception and tips to allow you to enjoy your favourite fragrances to the fullest.

The Science of Olfactory Fatigue & Human Evolution

Our sense of smell is a quite complex. When you apply perfume very often, the olfactory receptors in your nose will start to adapt to the new fragrance. This is known as “olfactory fatigue” or “nose blindness.” Essentially, when you’re exposed to a scent for an extended period, your nose becomes less sensitive to it, choosing to ignore the familiar scent to avoid overwhelming your smell receptors.

This adaptation is rooted in human evolution, as our ancestors relied on their sense of smell primarily to detect odours that indicated danger, allowing them to focus on unfamiliar scents that might signal a threat. Thus, if the fragrance isn’t perceived as unpleasant or dangerous, your system chooses to tune it out.

At last, conditions like COVID-19 or having a cold can temporarily affect your sense of smell.

True or Not?: If You Can’t Smell Your Scent, It Means It Suits You

There’s some truth in the idea that not smelling your perfume means it’s a perfect match. After all, people typically wear fragrances they love, and over time, they get used to it and can’t detect it anymore. So, scents you can’t smell are often the ones you’ve worn a lot, indicating your affection for them. From a scientific point of view, your nose simply adapts to your scent, and it stops sending the signal to your brain.

So is it a good thing? NOO! As fragrance enthusiasts, we do not only wear fragrances to smell nice to others, but we want to enjoy them ourselves as well.

Should You Be Concerned?

If you wear perfume primarily for yourself, not being able to smell your scent might be disappointing. However, remember that your fragrance still impacts your environment and enhances your personal aura, even if it’s not immediately apparent to you.

Advice: Rotate the Use Of Our Scents

By rotating your perfumes or colognes regularly, you keep your nose alert, allowing you to better appreciate the distinct notes and complexities of each scent. This practice enhances your sensory experience, making each fragrance feel like a new adventure.

Of course, if you don’t own many fragrances, you need to first expand your fragrance wardrobe. Consider exploring different scent families such as floral, woody, spicy, or fresh in order to discover new favorites and enjoy a wider variety of aromas.

It’s beneficial to have a mix of both similar and contrasting fragrances; while similar scents can provide comfort and familiarity, vastly different ones can offer exciting new experiences. A balanced fragrance collection can enrich your personal scent repertoire.

As for how often to rotate, it’s a good idea to change your scent every few days or once a week. This frequency allows you to fully experience each fragrance while keeping your olfactory senses engaged.

Conclusion

While not smelling your own fragrance might initially seem counterintuitive, it can be a sign that your chosen scent harmonizes beautifully with your personal preferences. Trust your instincts, enjoy your fragrance collection, and remember that your scent speaks volumes, even when you can’t hear it yourself. And remember to regularly rotate perfumes to keep your nose alert!