The warm weather is a glorious thing, but all that heat can make you hot and sweaty, which can leave you smelling a little ripe. When that happens, you probably feel self-conscious and icky. I know how that’s how it makes me feel. You aren’t doomed to the stink though because there are several easy things you can do to smell fresh and clean even when the temperature outside is soaring higher and higher.
Nothing is worse when it’s boiling outside than a whiff of BO mixed with a super strong perfume. For that reason, you’re probably better off choosing a subtle musk when you plan to be outside in the heat. Dab it behind your ears and on the backs of your knees and the scent will help mask sweaty stink, but won’t be so nasty if they mix together.
Of course you don’t want to skip the deodorant or antiperspirant, but adding a bit of roller ball perfume to the mix can help cover up a sweaty smell if it happens. Again, don’t choose something really strong or intense smelling. A subtle scent is way better and just a small dab is all you need to keep sweat smelling fresh.
When you start a hot summer day with clothes that already have a fresh delicious scent, you have already taken a first step toward smelling great, no matter how sweaty you get. Fabric softener leaves each garment with a yummy fresh smell that can easily cover up a little bit of body odor.
When it’s really hot outside, avoid using a bunch of products with different scents. When you get really hot and sweaty, all those smells are going to mix together and smell strong with a body odor undertone. To avoid this, use lotion, body wash and hair products that all have the same scent. That way you keep the warring smells under control and the stink at bay.
Body oils are having a moment right now so I bet you already have a couple of them in your medicine chest. Before you apply your sunscreen for a day outside, mix in a few drops of your favorite one. The scent will infuse your skin all over and can help keep you from smelling stinky when the mercury rises and the sweat comes out.
When choosing an oil, opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic options that won't clog your pores or leave a greasy residue. Coconut, jojoba, or argan oils are great picks. They hydrate your skin, enhancing your sunscreen's efficacy, and also provide a protective barrier that traps the fragrance longer. However, be careful not to mix oils that undermine your sunscreen's protective abilities. Always remember to do a quick patch test if you're trying a new oil to ensure your skin loves it as much as your nose does!
I definitely prefer a body splash to traditional perfume. The scent is diluted so it’s not super strong, but it tends to last all day long. You can find them for very affordable prices in all kinds of summertime scents. I like grapefruit or lime, but look for one in berry or cherry too. They’ll give you a fresh hit of scent that can counteract stinky sweat, no matter what you’re doing.
A shower isn’t going to keep you from sweating, but since you’ll be freshly slathered with body wash, lotion and sunscreen, you’ll already have a great scent that can help keep sweat from taking over. Just remember to use all the same scents for the best results.
How do you stay stink-free when it gets hot outside?