Written and Image by Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe
Smelling good is a non-negotiable. It completely ties into the outfit, the hair, the make-up. It IS the lifestyle. It solidifies the whole look in a way that doesn’t need to be explained. I’m going to give you a few tips to make your scent last so you’re never forgotten.
Use a scented body wash. This is a really important step that shouldn’t be missed. Body heat plays an important role in how we smell so it’s important to start with a good base. I like to stick to something floral but fresh like a rose scented wash. I find that even if I’m opting for a musk or gourmand or a sandalwood based perfume, a rose scent always brings in that flirty feminine energy into the mix.
Use a scented body cream mixed with an oil of your choice. Scented body creams will add that all important scented layer to ensure that your smell is as intense as it needs to be. A lot of scented body creams don’t have that super moisturising feel so it’s great to mix it with a humectant such as an oil. The even better thing about incorporating an oil into the mix is that oils help to preserve scents. Your perfume will be even more intense if it has some moisture to stick to and oil’s help to keep all the moisture in. I don’t spend a whole lot when it comes to this, any old baby oil is fine but if you really want to take it there, use a perfumed oil. It’ll definitely up the anti!
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Use a humectant (oil or vaseline) on particular points on your body. Remember what I said about oils making scents stick? You want to rub a little bit on oil on certain points of your body. I prefer to do this on my neck, my wrists, behind my ears and in the middle of my torso. I them spray perfume directly on top of these spots. It makes the world of difference!
Use multiple scents that compliment each other. So many people I speak to didn’t know you could use more that one perfume at a time! This is the best way to get your scent to make a difference. The best was to do this is to use scents that compliment each other. Florals go really well with gourmands (sweet scents) so if this is your lane, feel free to use 2 or 3 different scents on top of each other. This is the best way to create your own personalised scent.
Use a hair perfume. Now this really ups the anti. People will smell you from a mile off! Think about how much wind is created when you swish your head back and forth. Now think about a smell that goes with it! This singlehandedly is a game changer and will immediately intensify your scent! These hair perfumes are made with the hair in mind so they won’t make your hair dry or brittle. Win win!
