Introduction
It has happened to all of us, we have sprayed too much perfume or applied an excess of perfume to our wrists or neck!
What can we do quickly? Below we present our perfumer’s 4 x Tips, from ‘quick fixes’ to ‘deep clean’.
Does this sound familiar:
- we have a new perfume we absolutely love,
- we are getting ready for the party, work, school. a date, or
- a very elegantly special or formal occasion, …
… and boom, it has happened, we sprayed an excessive amount of fragrance..
In our enthusiasm, we have been been a ‘little’ too generous, overenthusiastic and applied too much fragrance.
Instead, of a wonderful aura surrounding us, we smell as if we have doused our body with an entire bottle, which is clearly too much for close comfort.
How can we tone the scent down? Are there way of getting rid of the excess fragrance?
How To Check If You Have Applied Perfume Extravagantly?
Before, discussing how to rectify an excessive application of perfume, it would perhaps be more appropriate to describe what that would perhaps look like.
We all love fragrances, and so do other people, but perfume nor cologne should be so overpowering as if it runs in our veins.
However, individuals are often easily desensitized to their own aromas and you can learn to recognize when you have worn “too much” of a fragrance.
The first and perhaps the most obvious way would be if people around you compliment you on your beautiful smell but yet are often trying to turn their nose away.
If you find that people sneeze, complain of migraines, or even avoid standing next to you, they are all strong indicators as perfume can exaggerate certain intolerances and reactions of the body. Therefore, applying excessive amounts is likely to result in such consequences.
A rule of thumb when applying perfume would be to avoid more than two sprays or leaving an applied area still quite moist after a few seconds. Such excessive use if very unnecessary for most perfumes are very long-lasting. A small dab is normally as much as you would need on your skin and (at a push) maybe your hair.
As previously mentioned, one should be easily desensitized to their own smells.
If however, you are very much aware of the scent you are producing, we would encourage you to ask your friends for feedback. Not just for your own vanity, but also such intense smells could mean you are inflicting the ailments previously mentioned upon yourself.
Now that we have explored what applying too much ‘Eau de Parfum’ can look like, what can be done when you make such a mistake?
What Can Be Done When You Applied Too Much Perfume?
Here are out perfumer’s top tips for removing an overdose of scent:
1. Make Use Of Rubbing Alcohol
This is the simplest and cheapest solution, just soak a cotton ball with a little bit of rubbing alcohol and apply or wipe the area in question.
Where can you buy it, if you don’t already stock at home? Typically, a drugstore or chemist offers it for sale but it might be behind the counter (upon request).
This is our fastest and cheapest suggestion.
It also works well if the perfume has accidentally spilled or spread onto your clothes, fabrics, or linens. Please be advised though, that you must double-check on an ‘invisible’ area (e.g. inside of your clothes or at the bottom) that the alcohol does not damage your clothes.
2. Use Baking Soda
This is an old and trusted remedy but you will need spare time.
Make a paste with equal parts of baking soda and warm water. Then apply the mixture to your skin, leave it on for a few minutes, and then wash off.
The baking soda will soak up the oils of the perfumes and remove the excess perfume.
3. Hair Dryer
This may be an unorthodox solution but it works surprisingly well. Set your hair dryer to the highest temperature and direct the hot air in the affected areas. The heat and the airflow remove a surprisingly large amount of the excess in a short time.
This solution also works well for perfume spills on clothes.
We call this the elegant solution and it also works well when the excess amount you applied was not as drastic.
4. On The Go
The ‘faux pas’ has happened while you were out and about or were refreshing yourself in the bathroom.
First solution: does the bathroom have a hot air dryer that you could use and direct at the problem area?
The second solution: do you see an alcoholic wet wipe or an alcoholic hand sanitizer?
The third solution: buy some clear vodka or another clear spirit and use it just like rubbing alcohol. Don’t use any drinking spirit with any form of colour or ‘botanical’ ingredients, as they might stain your clothes.
Next solution: do you have access to some unscented (or lightly scented) lotion? Take a cotton ball or some tissue paper, dab on some lotion, rub it in and then remove it. The oils in the lotion will mix with the perfume and remove it when you wipe off the lotion.
Caring for Perfume-Soaked Clothing
Accidentally dousing your outfit with an overpowering scent can be a real headache, especially when you’re wondering what to do when you spray too much perfume on clothes. If the fragrance has settled into your clothing, particularly delicate fabrics like silk, extra care is needed to avoid damage or discolouration. Start by airing out the garment in a well-ventilated space to let the excess perfume dissipate naturally. For a quicker fix, lightly dampen a clean cloth with a mixture of water and a small amount of vinegar, then gently dab the affected area to neutralise the odour. Be cautious, though—test this on a hidden part of the fabric first to ensure it doesn’t cause harm. If the scent persists on sturdier clothing, pop it into the washing machine with a mild laundry detergent or detergent designed for sensitive materials. Adding a splash of vinegar to the wash can further help break down stubborn fragrance molecules clinging to the fabric.
Skin-Safe Solutions for Excess Fragrance
When an overpowering scent lingers on your skin, it’s not just about the smell—it can also cause skin irritation or even an allergic reaction, especially for those with sensitive skin or a particular skin type. To tone down the fragrance without harming your skin, try wiping the area with a gentle baby wipe to remove excess oils. Alternatively, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or non-scented lotion to dilute the intensity of the scent. For a more nourishing approach, a dab of body lotion or moisturiser mixed with a hint of coconut oil can help absorb and soften the impact of the mist or spray. If you’re worried about chemicals in commercial products, natural solutions like lemon juice diluted with water or a touch of essential oils and natural oils can work wonders on your skin. Just be mindful to avoid further irritation and test any remedy on a small area first.
What Can Be Done If A Colleague’s Fragrance Is Extremely Strong?
Are you an employee who has been negatively affected by a colleague’s smell, i.e. too little or too much perfume?
Here are some guidelines for coping.
Most importantly, if there is a known medical problem at stake, you should involve your HR manager as soon as possible.
Otherwise, it is better to be direct when describing the problem.
While it is possible to send an anonymous SMS or email, you will get much better cooperation when you handle the situation face to face.
If you decide to resolve the conflict, your situation should be discussed privately with your colleague or the employee in question.
You should understand that it is likely they will feel embarrassed and defensive. We would recommend you first admitting how uncomfortable the conversation is for you and why they shouldn’t feel embarrassed at all.
Try to avoid describing their attitudes or motivations and only focus on their behaviours. Furthermore, avoid confrontation by not making demands but simply sharing information.
Such information could be an aggravated illness of yours, although, it should be emphasized you are not accusing your colleague of any malicious intent, just make them aware of the unfortunate consequences of their overwhelming perfume or cologne.
Perhaps, you could offer some tips how you make your cologne less strong or what you do when you have accidentally applied too much Eau de Toilette.
Just remember, … be kind.
Summary
In most cases, the ‘faux pas’ will probably not be as bad, as it first feels.
Simply hanging out your clothes to air them or washing the affected areas on your skin with simple soap should solve the problem.
In the worst-case scenario, you may have to take a shower or wash your clothes, if you accidentally applied too much perfume (include some oxygen bleach for best results).
Preventing Perfume Overload in the Future
To avoid the hassle of an overly strong aroma in the future, consider lighter alternatives like a subtle body mist or perfume oils that offer a gentler touch compared to an expensive perfume. Finding your signature scent or the perfect scent is about balance—start with small amounts and build up if needed. Layering your favourite fragrance with a complementary body lotion can help it last longer without becoming overwhelming. A quick tip for clothing is to spray from a distance to create a light veil rather than a heavy dose. This way, you’ll steer clear of that awkward moment when your scent overshadows your style. If you’re prone to over-applying, keep a small bottle of soap and water handy for a quick rinse of affected areas.
Good Luck!
We would love to hear from you:
- Have we missed your favourite trick?
- What did your grandmother do in this case?
- Have we missed something?
