Aibu to ask how people manage to smell nice?

[Lostatseason5]

I'm a bit overweight and a bit sweaty :( I have been suffering from depression and although I was managing to drag my ass to work every day I wasn't always showering. :( My new year's resolution was to shower every day. I've been doing this but I still feel unfresh by afternoon, I have colleagues that smell AMAZING! I am too embarrassed to ask them how! Aibu to ask for those of you who are always smelling great your "secret" I now shower each morning wear deodorant but I don't wear perfume as I feel I put too much on, but I'd happily wear one of anyone can recommend a fresh one not overpowering - this will probably sound horrendous that grown adult is asking for help with this but depression can be really debilitating and .trying very hard so of you could be kind I would be grateful thank you (i'm.nearly crying writing this!)

You've reminded me that when I was younger, I spent quite a bit of time worrying about whether or not I smelled. I was convinced I sweated more than everyone else at school, university or work. I'm not sure whether I now sweat less or I just grew out of worrying about it. Hadn't thought about this for years.

Showering every morning is a good start for most of us! If you really don't have time, at least wash under your arms. Try different deodorants and find one that makes you feel confident. Wear a loose top if you're worried about wet patches or keep a spare top in your bag to change at lunchtime if it makes you feel better.

Individual perfumes smell different on different people according to the chemistry of their skin. You would need to try a few to find one that's right for you. Personally, I found that scents with citrus, spicy, herbal or fresh floral notes work better. I avoid very sweet, fruity or cloyingly-floral smells partly because the way they combine with a sweat-smell makes me feel sick, even if no one else notices.

@cuckooken actually hair absorbs odours so shaving will make a difference.

I agree with
L'occitane verveine It’s very refreshing

Also! If you sweat a lot you must wash your clothes properly. I was on 40 with little bit of vinegar added. You can buy medical alcohol really cheap and add a bit instead of vinegar

Hair doesn't smell. HTH.

Sweat gets trapped in hair though, which can start to smell.

OP-showed or bath daily and use soap rather than shower gel.
Wash hair and change your shampoo regularly.
Clean clothes on and wash bra/knickers v regularly.

As I’ve got older (46) my body oils make a lot of perfumes smell like cat wee 😱. As my “go to” perfume discontinued I had to find another, I would compliment and ask colleagues/ friends what frangrance they wore and would go into Boots, first get a tester on a card, then ask for one spray to a wrist and leave, don’t over sniff multiple scents it causes nose burn and waiting at least an hour let’s the perfume sit into your skin. Then ask someone who is really honest if they like it. Through trial and error I like Chance by Chanel (very light day wear) and Idole by Lancôme Which I love when it’s mellowed a bit, I have to do a very light spray or I find it overbearing.
Clean clothes, washed hair and if you’re prone to getting hot and sweaty, try taking a spare vest top or pair of tights to change part way through the day.

Well done on keeping your New Years resolution up, and wish you continued support with your depression.

Use bar soap instead of shower gel for washing. Wash your whole body properly every day.
Use a good deodorant, if you still sweat then try something like driclor.
Dolce & Gabbana light blue is nice and fresh. One skoosh on neck one on each wrist won't be too much.

I love the smell of Head & Shoulders. I always notice it on other people after I asked someone what made their hair smell so amazing.

I believe depression can affect your sense of smell - I have a sensitive nose and while unwell went through phases of smelling rotten fruit and dog shit :( neither of which were actually there. Just mentioned it because you might smell nicer than you realise. Well done on the daily showers.

OP, you're depressed but working which is a huge achievement & asking for help when you need it is a strength not a weakness. Are you taking anti d's as lack of interest in personal hygiene is a red flag you really are clinically depressed & struggling. Wearing stuff that's pure cotton or cotton mix really helps with sweating. So cotton bra & knickers & cotton & lycra top etc. J Lo perfume smells lovely for daytime, subtle but like v expensive soap. Dove stick deodorant works better for me than roll on or sprays (now I have menopause related hot sweats). HTH OP.

Well done showering every day if you have been depressed that can be hard. Tip from me to stay fresh:
Change your clothes everyday, especially underwear.
Experiment with roll on deodorant to find the best one for you.
"Top up" deodorant at lunch time.
Layer clothes so you can take them off (e.g. if on the tube) so you don't overheat.
I also wash my hair everyday (and have asked the hairdresser for a style I don't have to "style" so it's very easy)

Oh and make sure your hair is always clean and clean clothes.

Shower with Dove soap, wear Dove deodorant and buy the perfume oil from perfume parlour. Layering is the key. Refresh the perfume at lunchtime.

Switching to a soap bar instead of using a shower gel has definitely helped me! I love the Karma bar from Lush but you don’t have to go as hippy-dippy (as my DH calls it!) or even buy a Lush one. Just a regular soap bar. Soap has better qualities for breaking through oil in the pores and grease and all that and the scent stays better. Roll on or stick deodorant underarm, under boobs and anywhere that gets damp (a little goes inner thigh for me too). A body spray is lighter than perfume - I give it a one second blast upwards then turn about under the fallout!
Good luck.

I find the antiperspirant sticks (Sure or Dove) work well.
Then clean, aired clothes and a light perfume or body lotion, some thing like Eau D'Issey ( which is not cheap but you can get dupes, M&S Aqua is quite similar. There's not many that will last all day, so you could have a toll-free on one to keep in your bag. The trick is to make sure that it's a light smell in the first place, I reckon it's better to apply a tiny bit 2or 3 times a day rather to another yourself once.
Using body lotion and a perfume together can work to last longer.
Try going to a department store a trying out several to get an idea of what you like and what you think is ' light'. Ask for recommendations instore.me
Personally I think smells like " Obseesion" and " Poison" should be banned, they make me choke. I guess the clue is in the name, if it hints at the darker side of human nature, then it's usually horrible!
There is a perfume thread on Style and Beauty, you'd get lots of specific suggestions if you posted on there.

Shower every day and clean clothes

I expect you're noticing people's perfumes. What about getting the Dove oil from Perfume Parlour,not too overpowering,lasts all day and smells lovely and fresh? They do a Nivea one too

Deodorant wipes are really useful to throw in your work bag. I sweat a lot in the summer and I find them so much better than just putting more deodorant over the top

• tollfree= roll-on! Weird predictive text!

Washing hands regularly throughout the day. I shower in morning and before bed. If it's been a hot day, I wash feet after work. (My feed stink!)
Anti bac skin wipes under boobs (mine are massive). Wear panty liners, use intimate wipes / spray during the day. This is essential when you've got your period. Invest in nice washing powder / gel. I use steak and Lenor spring awakening. If you've been cooking, don't re-wear those clothes. I often cook in my jammies.

Also use a bar of soap rather than shower gel,makes a huge difference.

French wow, I don't buy perfume but if I did, those are what I would choose.

OP, I don't know but I see this stuff Australian Tea Tree wash advertised on QVC as being good for people with your issues. It seems very expensive to me though - I just buy whatever's in Aldi.

I’m overweight and also suffer from depression. A few years ago I went through this too. Now I shower every morning and I use baby powder on my folds. I wash my hair everyday and I use sure cotton fresh deodorant. I also wash my hands up to 20 times a day but that’s anxiety about germs.

I use scented hand creams and I find body spritz better than perfume.

You’ll get there honey, don’t cry. We’re here with you xxx

" I use steak and Lenor spring awakening"

wondering what "steak" is meant to be

Seriously, washing clothes often enough is a big deal. My mum is elderly and widowed and does 3 loads a week. She's got friends in the same position asking "why do you do so much laundry?" - because it's necessary really.

I always use a deodorant with alcohol in. It's far more effective.
Instead of perfume try a traditional body splash. Apply all over as you get out the shower and the fresh scent should last all day without being overpowering. They also contain alcohol to kill the smelly bacteria.

"smelling amazing" is subjective though.
Personally I prefer not to smell people's perfume/aftershave/deoderant.

As long as they don't reek of stale body odour I don't really have a problem.
I suspect if you are clean and have clean clothes you are perfectly fine.

We’d stopped using fabric softener for a few years because my twins had bad eczema as babies - once that resolved I was just out of the habit of using it. Using it again now and we all smell so much nicer!