The sense of smell is my absolute favorite of all of the senses. For me, there’s just nothing like smell of fresh flowers, baking, crisp linens, fresh-cut grass, a clean home, or a nice, scented candle. However, above all of these things, I love to smell good.
Smelling good is not just about the perfumes you wear. It actually starts from the inside out. How we smell may be affected by the foods we eat, personal hygiene, genetics, body hair, the types of cleansers we use, and the fabrics we wear. While you cannot control genetics, you can control all the other areas mentioned.
Here are some of my not-so-secret tips to smelling good all day, every day.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: All products linked are products I personally use regularly and stand behind. With some I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Always keep in mind that what works for me may not work for you so please ensure to check that their use and ingredients are aligned with your specific needs.
MIND YOUR DIET
Like all else, what you eat makes or break how you smell. Diet contributes enormously to most of our bodily functions. The foods you eat, such as overly processed foods, fast foods, red meat, garlic, fish, onions, brussel sprouts, broccoli, etc… can negatively impact the smell of our sweat. Now I’m not suggesting you do not eat those foods as we all have different reactions to the foods we eat. Just be mindful of how your body reacts to different foods and adjust accordingly. For me, the cleaner I eat, the better I smell so I like to stick to a diet of organic, whole foods and try to eat clean wherever possible. I also like to start each day with warm lemon water, drink lots of water throughout the day, do not smoke, and limit my alcohol consumption which also helps here. Consider taking probiotics to help with your gut health, improve skin health, reduce inflammation, and improve mental health to further enhance your diet.
PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE
This should go without saying, but if you want to smell amazing all day you must practice good self-hygiene. Shower every day with a washcloth or loofah to remove excess oils and dirt build-up that may cause unpleasant body odor. Wash your hair (as needed for your hair type – us curly girls cannot wash every day). Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss each time. And don’t forget to use a tongue scraper or to visit your dentist regularly! These basic steps will provide you with the clean canvas needed to smell great all day, every day.
In addition to the above, below are the additional daily steps I take to level up my self-hygiene:
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Clean underarms, belly button, and privates with a detox bar. I am OBSESSED with Kaia Naturals The Takesumi Detox Underarm Bar (this is not an ad, I literally buy these in bulk). It gently removes odor-causing bacteria and pore build-up, leaving a layer of anti-odor protection. Whether you wear natural deodorant or not, this stuff is a game changer!
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Get yourself a good soap. Look for ones that gently clean without removing your skin microbiome. I use Nécessaire The Body Wash (fragrance-free during the day and eucalyptus at night). While not fragrance-free, Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash is a great option as well if you are price sensitive.
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Use body toner. Toners balance PH after cleansing, and depending on the kind of toner you use (choose one for your skin type) it can tighten pores, gently exfoliate, prime skin for moisturizer or serums, etc… I like Murad Retexturizing Body Pads. It tackles all sorts of skin concerns without having to use multiple products everyday (ain’t nobody got time for that!)
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Moisturize with body oil and follow-up with body lotion. My go-to’s are L’OCCITANE Smoothing and Firming Almond Supple Skin Body Oil teamed with Nécessaire The Body Lotion (Fragrance-free) for day and Versed Press Reset Gentle Retinol Body Lotion for nighttime.
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Wear deodorant. In terms of natural deodorants, Native Coconut & Vanilla Aluminum-Free deodorant is my favorite, but I find myself grabbing Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Aluminum Free Deodorant more, like every single time more. I know there are cleaner deodorant options out there, but I love these too much to swamp and, after all, life is about balance!
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For hair I like clean products that are lightly scented so that they are not overpowering. Always look for products tailored to your hair type and needs. Pureology works great for me in keeping my curly, color-treated hair hydrated and healthy. When washing, focus on your scalp and treat yourself to a pre-wash scalp scrub every now and then (I love OUAI Cleansing Scalp and Body Sugar Scrub)
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Apply fragrance. Admittedly, I am a fragrance snob. I love Le Labo, Bond No. 9, Ex Nihlo, Creed, Louis Vuitton, Chanel (the ones in the boutiques), the list goes on and on…,but you don’t need to spend hundred of dollars on fragrances to smell good. Look for scents that complement your natural scent, last long, and best fit your budget. When applying focus on pulse points and don’t over-apply as it might induce headaches or eye rolls from others.
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Carry wipes and/or sprays to stay fresh on the go, as well as Listerine Freshburst Pocketpaks Breath Strips for a pop of fresh breath anytime. My favorite body refresh spray right now is Luna Daily The Mini Everywhere Spray-to-Wipe – With Prebiotics + Vitamins, and for wipes I love Rael Body Wipes which are individually wrapped.
HAIR REMOVAL
Reducing body hair can actually improve your smell, but I did not include this under hygiene as this is one of those things that comes down to individual preference. While body hair itself does not cause odors, having hair on your body may cause you to produce more bacteria which in turn can produce unpleasant smells. Things such as the climate you live in and how active you are can place a big role here. If your preference is to have hair you may consider taking extra steps (more showers, body deodorant, talc-free powder anywhere that skin rubs and anywhere you sweat, etc…) to make sure you keep fresh all day.
WHAT YOU WEAR
Whenever possible, opt for clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, silk, and wool, over synthetic ones, such as polyester and acrylic. Natural fabrics are breathable which are more comfortable to wear. Always wear cotton-lined panties to make sure you don’t have any issues with comfort down there. For extra comfort, wear a thin panty liner regularly stay fresh.
SPEAKING OF WHICH, DO YOUR LAUNDRY
Regardless of how you like to wash your clothes clean clothes are a major part of smelling good all day. Washing your clothes regularly is the best way to keep them smelling fresh. There are a number of fragrance boosters available that can be added to the wash to take that fresh-from-the-laundry smell up a notch!
In closing, you don’t need designer perfumes to smell good. Maintaining good hygiene through regular showers, wearing clean clothes, and eating a healthy, balanced diet can help you smell fresh. Using lightly scented skincare products, like body cleansers, lotions, and oils, can also enhance your natural scent.
If you’re concerned about your breath or body odor and nothing seems to work, or if you experience a sudden change in body odor, speak to a doctor. In some cases, bad breath, excessive sweating, or unusual odors could be a sign of an underlying condition. To learn more about body odor or when to speak to a doctor click HERE.
You got this mama!