Eau My God: Getting Judged For Your Perfume Choices

Hey there, fragrance fanatic! Swipe and spritz on your favourite perfume and let's dive nose-first into a topic wafting through the perfume world: perfume judgement.

That's right, we're talking about all the ways people get their knickers in a twist over what others choose to spritz, dab, or swipe on their skin. So, let's clear the air and get a whiff of what's really going on in this scent-sational drama!

 

The Nose Knows... Or Does It?

Alright, let's break it down. What exactly is perfume judgement? Picture this—it’s like getting side-eyed for choosing pineapple on your pizza during a night out with so-called friends. But this time it’s more personal! Its about how you smell.

It's that moment when someone decides they're the Fragrance Police and starts throwing shade at your scent selections. And let me tell you, it stinks worse than that time you mistook your roommate's gym bag for your laundry.

Now, you might be thinking, "Who died and crowned these people the Kings and Queens of Fragrance?" Great question! Spoiler alert: nobody. But that doesn't stop them from acting like their opinions are worth their weight in diamonds.

So, let's break down all the different types of perfume judgement you might encounter in the wild. Brace yourself, you're in for one helluva ride!

 

The "You Smell Like a Cupcake" Conundrum

First up on our tour of Judgement Town: the shade thrown at gourmand perfume lovers. Gourmand fragrances are those delicious, foodie scents that make you smell good enough to eat. Think vanilla, chocolate, caramel – all those yummy smells that make your mouth water and your heart happy.

But apparently, some fragrance snobs think smelling like a snack is a one-way ticket to Kidsville. They claim gourmand scents are too juvenile, too sweet, or too basic for "real" adults to wear. To which we say: Oh honey, please!

Last time we checked, there wasn't an age limit on smelling delicious. If you want to rock a scent that makes you smell like a freshly baked cookie, you go right ahead and do it. Life's too short to smell like a dusty library book (unless that's your jam, in which case, here's something you might like. You're welcome!).

Besides, let's not forget that our sense of smell is closely tied to memory and emotion. If a gourmand scent reminds you of happy times and makes you feel like a boss, then wear it with sass! Anyone who tries to shame you for it probably just needs a cookie... or ten.

 

The "Clean" Queen Scene

Next up, we've got the self-proclaimed "clean" perfume brands throwing shade at iconic fragrances. These newbies to the fragrance scene are quick to point fingers at established brands, claiming their perfumes are full of nasty chemicals that'll turn you into a mutant faster than you can say "parabens".

Now, don't get us wrong – we're all for skin-safe ingredients. That's why all our Wicked Fumes are phthalate-free and alcohol-free and made with skin safe nourishing ingredients. But here's the thing: not all 'natural' or 'organic' perfume ingredients are skin safe and not all synthetic ingredients are harmful to us.

The truth is, both natural and synthetic ingredients can cause allergic reactions in some people. (Read more about that in our Perfume 101 blog post). Some synthetic fragrances are actually more environmentally friendly than their natural counterparts. Even hypoallergenic ingredients can still cause allergic reactions in some people.

So it's not as black and white as some brands would have you believe. Organisations like the International Fragrance Association and the European Union set very tight regulations on what can and can't go into perfumes in order for them to be skin safe and their decisions are based on the latest scientific research.

The question that should be asked of these self proclaimed "clean perfume" brands is whether they comply with these regulations and how else are they protecting people's skin?

 

The Generation Gap Gasp

Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room—or should we say, the vintage bottle on the dresser where there's a bit of a generational scent-standoff happening. Some younger folks are giving classic fragrances the side-eye. You know the ones – those iconic scents Grandma swore by. We're talking Chanel No. 5, Shalimar, Youth Dew – perfumes older than TikTok (gasp!). 

Younger generations might be quick to dismiss these classics as "old lady scents", "outdated" and "way too strong". It's the classic, rebellious, "if my mum loves it, then I'm definitely gonna hate it" vibe.

But here's the thing – perfume just like fashion, is subject to trends and every "old" perfume was once the hot new thing. Some scent combinations and fragrances have the power to captivate everyone. Then along comes something new and they are cast aside. However, iconic fragrances are iconic for a reason. They're beautifully crafted, complex scents that continue to out sell competitors after decades of being released. 

If you know these timeless scents aren't your cup of tea, that's cool too. But no need to shame others who appreciate them. Besides, anyone of these "old fashioned" fragrances could be one celebrity influencer post away from trending on TikTok.

 

The Celebrity Scent Scandal

Now let's plunge headfirst into the wild world of celebrity fragrances. These scents often get a bad rap for being "basic" or made with "cheap" ingredients. But the 'noses' and fragrance houses behind these perfumes are sometimes the exact same as those behind iconic designer fragrances.

If that is the case, it's very likely that these fragrance houses draw on similar ingredients for their perfume creations. Just like in the cosmetics industry where it's rumoured that Lóreal make-up is a similar, if not identical, formula to the more expensive Lancôme brand.

So perhaps the disparagement is less about the fragrance, and more about the celebrity because some of these perfumes smell pretty darn fine and continue to impress perfume experts - like Britney Spears, Fantasy and Midnight Fantasy   

In fact today, it wouldn't be surprising to find celebrity fragrances rubbing elbows with designer scents in people's perfume collections. They might be layered together or worn on different occasions. Think of it like having a Chloe coat next to a Zara shirt in your wardrobe. It's all about how you style them that makes them yours. The magic is in the mix. Same goes for perfume.

The bottom line is this: if you like how a perfume smells, it shouldn't matter if it was created by a centuries-old perfume house or last year's reality TV star. Your nose, your choice!

 

The Niche vs. Designer Debate

Now this is where things get real spicy, like a perfume with too much patchouli. On one side, we've got the niche perfume enthusiasts. These folks swear by small-batch, hard-to-find fragrances that cost more than your monthly rent. They'll tell you that designer fragrances are mass-produced, unoriginal, and about as exciting as watching paint dry.

On the other side, we've got the designer fragrance fans. They love their tried-and-true scents from big fashion houses and think niche perfumes are overpriced bottles of pretentiousness.

But here's the tea: both sides can be guilty of fragrance snobbery. Whether you're looking down on someone for wearing a popular designer scent or rolling your eyes at someone's expensive niche perfume, you're still judging. The truth is, there are amazing fragrances (and not-so-amazing ones) in both the niche and designer worlds. Everyone likes different scents. So it's all about finding what works for you, regardless of the label.

 

The "You're Wearing Too Much" Whispers

Ah, yes. The classic "you can smell them from a mile away" judgement. We've all encountered that person who seems to have bathed in their perfume, leaving a scent trail that, just like Cleopatra, could guide ships to shore.

But sometimes it's not their fault. Our noses are tricky. They can get used to a scent pretty quickly, a phenomenon called olfactory fatigue. This means that the person wearing the perfume might not realize how strong it is to others.

Plus, some fragrances are just more powerful than others. A single spray of one perfume might be equivalent to five sprays of another. It's like comparing a whisper to a foghorn. So before you start judging someone for their heavy-handed application, remember that they might not even realize how strong their scent is.

Maybe a gentle, kind word would be more helpful than silent judgement, eye-rolling or over-the-top coughing.

 

The Seasonal Scent Shakedown

Picture this: it's the middle of January, hot enough to fry an egg on the footpath, and someone strolls by wearing a heavy, spicy winter fragrance. Cue the judgy looks and whispers of "Seriously, don't they know it's summer?"

Or flip it around: it's July, cold enough to freeze your windscreen wipers to the windshield and someone's rocking a light, citrusy summer scent. Cue more judgy looks and mutters of "That is so out of season."

But here's the thing: who made these rules anyway? Last time we checked, there wasn't a Fragrance Constitution dictating what we can wear when. If someone wants to smell like warm vanilla in summer or tropical vacation in winter, more power to them!

Fragrances can be a form of escapism, a way to transport ourselves to a different time or place. So if wearing a beachy scent in winter helps someone get through the cold months, or if a cozy winter fragrance brings someone comfort in the heat of summer, who are we to judge? Read what else we had to say about seasonal scents. 

 

The Gender Bender Blender

Alright, let's tackle a big one: gendered fragrances. You know, the idea that certain scents are "for men" and others are "for women". Perfume, like anything, is a cultural phenomenon and grooming activities, even more so.

So much so that in the western world, lighter, fruity, floral perfumes are associated with women, and heavier, wood and spice fragrances are associated with men. But this leads to all sorts of judgement at guys who are naturally drawn to floral scents or raised eyebrows when women rock woody, musky fragrances.

But scent really has no gender. Perfume doesn't care what your chromosomes look like. It's just a bunch of smell-good molecules floating through the air, looking for a nose to make happy. So if you're a dude who wants to smell like a bouquet of roses, go for it! If you're a lady who wants to smell like diesel oil, more power to you!

And if you're anywhere in between or beyond, the whole fragrance world is your oyster.

 

The "Signature Scent" Situation

Last but not least, let's talk about the pressure to have a "signature scent." You know, that one perfect fragrance that becomes your olfactory calling card, the scent people associate with you forever and ever, amen.

Some fragrance enthusiasts swear by the idea of a signature scent. They'll judge you for your fragrance "promiscuity" if you dare to wear a different scent every day. "How can people know who you are if you always smell different?" they cry.

But what if you want to wear a different perfume everyday? You're a complex, multi-faceted human being with changing moods, preferences, and desires. Why shouldn't your fragrance reflect that?

If you have a signature scent, that's cool. If you want to wear a different fragrance every day of the year, that's cool too. And if you want to stick to one scent for work and go wild on the weekends, guess what? That's also cool!

Your fragrance choices should make you happy, not stressed about maintaining a consistent olfactory brand. Read about why we think it's so hard to find a signature scent in 2024.

 

Wrapping It Up: The Sweet Smell of Acceptance

Whew! That was quite the journey through the land of perfume judgement. So our takeaway from all this?

First off, let's all agree to retire the phrase "old lady scent," okay? Age is just a number, and scent preference doesn't have an expiration date.

Secondly, whether you're team natural, team synthetic, team niche, team designer, or somewhere in between, there's room for everyone in this big, beautiful, fragrant world. Your skin, your choice!

And finally, let's remember that at the end of the day, fragrance is about joy. It's about finding a scent that makes you feel confident, happy, and utterly irresistible. Whether that scent comes in a fancy glass bottle or a pocket-sized tin (hello, Wicked Fumes!), what matters is how it makes you feel.

So the next time you're tempted to judge someone's fragrance choices, or if someone tries to shame you for yours, just take a deep breath (of your favourite scent) and remember: the only opinion that really matters is your own. Life's too short to let others dictate your scent story.

So keep smelling fabulous, whether that means rocking a gourmand that makes you smell like a walking dessert, a classic that channels your inner diva, or a celebrity scent that lets you feel like a pop star for a day.

And if anyone gives you grief about your fragrance choices, just remind them that life isn't that serious. Perfume is just smelly water, and we're all just trying to have a little fun. 

So spritz on, swipe on, and smell on, and till next time, stay sweet!