Is Your Period Affecting Your Sense of Smell? We Ask Experts
Did You Know Your Sense of Smell Changes Throughout Your Cycle? It Could be Time to Switch Perfume
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What's going on?
Post-period, your body starts gearing up towards ovulation. Oestrogen and testosterone are on the rise.
How are you likely to feel?
Most people feel generally more energised post-period. Rising hormones can start to make you feel more attractive, and more attracted to others, too.
Which scents should you try?
Your sense of smell will be heightened during this time as you approach ovulation. If you think about it in terms of biology, your body is helping you to look out for a partner. You're likely to be feeling more drawn to people, and they're likely to be more drawn to you (there is evidence that hints towards your natural scent changing with your cycle, too). Match the mood with a bold, confident fragrance (think outside the box with unusual notes) or choose romantic florals. Jasmine and rose can be too overpowering and heady for some around this time, in which case you might want to try peony or tuberose instead.
"Soft florals can be very romantic and delicate light blossoms that are quiet and intimate can set the mood – especially when balanced with soft musks that are inherently sensual," advises Brown. According to Ruth Mastenbroek, the ingredients to look out for are "sweet vanilla and floral notes of rose, jasmine and ylang-ylang. They can have a gloriously relaxing and aphrodisiac effect on a person's psyche. Sandalwood is also renowned for its seductive properties. An accord of these notes in a fragrance can connect to your emotions in a special way."
If there was ever an aptly-named scent for this time of the month, it's the Replica Maison Margiela On A Date Eau De Toilette (£55). The inspiration for the sensual scent is a date on a late summer's evening. Floral notes of rose, geranium, and patchouli are tempered by blackcurrant, bergamot, pink pepper, and musk.
You might also opt for the Phlur Missing Person Eau De Parfum (£96): the strangely addictive perfume with the attention-grabbing name that's taken TikTok by storm. It's very subtle, with sheer floral notes of jasmine and orange blossom, so certainly won't overwhelm your nose.