Coworkers perfume is too strong

[Soubriquet]

There is someone I work with who seems to bathe in her perfume before she comes to work

It’s so strong that it’s setting off my hay fever. I get itchy nose, watery eyes and a pounding headache

I already take an antihistamine before I start work as the dust can set it off, but her perfume just makes it worse

She’s an MLM hun too so I’m guessing she’s hoping people will ask so they will buy it, though I’m sure she enjoys it too.

I avoid her as much as I can during my shift, which isn’t too difficult as it’s a big place, but sometimes I have no choice and then I’m left with a pounding headache

I don’t feel I can talk to her about her perfume as I feel that it’s not my place to tell her, but could I speak to my manager or is that just stupid too?

What else can I do to try and reduce my symptoms?

I hate all this talk to the manager stuff without ever having spoken directly to the person herself. What's wrong with having a normal conversation with people as a first step. She's just a woman who has gotten do used to her own perfume that she's stopped smelling how strong it is. I wouldn't as a first step make a person feel bad by complaining to their boss - I'd hope someone would approach me first if I was doing something to make them uncomfortable

If she wears too much again, a polite way of doing it might be to ask your manager if you can move desks. Then explain why.

It sounds like she doesn’t know how to apply perfume. I know some of my collection is much more potent than others so am very careful not to overspray. Whereas some scents are light and might need a top up midday. If a colleague told me my perfume was too strong I would appreciate the feedback so I can get the balance right in the future!

Is it somewhere in Canada that has banned fragrances in the workplace? I couldn’t breathe when talking to a colleague at my former school, I would choke due to her overwhelming perfume.