Cologne and Deodorant: How Much Is Too Much

Fragrance is intended for those who come near enough to speak with its wearer. In my own time a little lavender water or West Indian bay rum was expected to be clean and fleeting; the principle has survived, even if the modern shop has multiplied the bottles beyond any reasonable need.

Begin with one or two sprays and learn the strength of the particular fragrance. Reapplication calls for caution, because the nose becomes accustomed to a scent long before the room does; ask a candid companion if there is doubt, rather than adding more upon the evidence of your own dulled senses.

Choose a fragrance which agrees with your own taste and circumstances, and wear the same one long enough to learn how it behaves upon the skin. A companion’s opinion is useful, especially concerning strength, though the final choice should be one you are content to live with at close quarters.

Deodorant reduces odour. Antiperspirant reduces perspiration as well and is best applied to clean, dry skin according to its label. Neither requires a fragrance. An unscented product is the better choice where perfume causes irritation, headache, breathing difficulty, or trouble in a shared workplace. Stop using any preparation which produces a persistent rash.