I don’t know about you, but I love candles. The smell of a great candle can make all the difference to a room. However, sometimes that great smelling candle can irritate my nose and make me sneeze. That’s why I like to choose a candle that has been made with a sensitive nose in mind.
You want to feel good and smell delicious. But your body isn’t always thrilled about the synthetic fragrances that most colognes contain, causing them to be as bad, if not worse, than the odor they mask. Even so-called ‘natural’ fragrances can be harmful to some people. If you’re pregnant or have a sensitive stomach or respiratory issues, your doctor will probably recommend against wearing perfume or cologne altogether. Antidepressants and antibiotics may cause cologne to work less effectively. In fact, you may have sensitive nose without even knowing! While it helps to find a fragrance that doesn’t irritate your nose, you may have trouble finding one that is also affordable.
Your nose is sensitive, and certain scents cause unbearable sinus inflammation. I know; my husband has that problem. This can make finding a fragrance or cologne very tough, but there are many fragrances out there made for sensitive noses.
Best cologne for sensitive nose
If you’re like me and suffer from allergies, you may have trouble wearing perfumes or colognes. This can make it difficult to enjoy your favorite fragrances without being sneezing uncontrollably, or worse. When it comes to fragrance for men, there are a number of other options that are better suited for those with sensitive noses.
Sensitive noses shouldn’t have to worry about wafting smells. We scented candles are made with ultra-purified soy wax, lead-free cotton wicks and handcrafted in small batches to control our natural fragrances carefully and precisely so that your nose won’t be sensitive to them.
I wish I could tell you a story about how my mom bought me a candle as a kid and I was so overwhelmed by the scent that it broke my sensitive-nose-switch, but the reality is that it’s something I’ve had to deal with as an adult. I get random headaches sometimes and it can be hard to find out what caused them. Some try finding the root cause, others just accept that their nose is broken and go on with life. Both have their pros and cons.
Candles for sensitive noses
I’m very sensitive to scent. So much so that when I was younger, I chose friends based on how much I liked their smell (this went on until I accidentally offended a unsavory-smelling classmate — at which point I was told by my mother to keep my scent opinions to myself). In my adult life, my sensitive nose means mostly that I have a complex relationship with perfumes and colognes — for me, there’s a thin line between perfumes that nicely enhance my natural smell and an intense, overwhelming stench.
Bad perfume isn’t just unpleasant for those of us with sensitive noses, though: I think we’ve all experienced sitting next to someone on the subway or being introduced to a colleague whose scent is so overpowering, you essentially lose all sense of space and time. Since I love wearing perfume but am mildly terrified of overdoing it, I’ve taught myself a few tricks to keep my scent in check. What’s most important, I’ve found, is to spray the scent directly on one pulse point (i.e. wrists or neck) and then, if you want a little bit extra, spray in the air and walk through it. Not a drop more than that.
The good news: Below is a list of charming, inoffensive perfumes that will enhance your natural scent, adding another level of fun self-expression to your beauty routine. The bad news: I’ve found it very difficult (and very frustrating) to find pretty, non-offensive scents that I like for under $50. Most everything I’ve tried on the cheaper side not only hurts my nostrils but is actually sticky on my skin — and there’s nothing worse than actually feeling like I’m wearing perfume. Which is all to say, I’m sorry in advance for recommending fairly expensive perfumes, and as an apology, I’ve also added some incredible-smelling candles to the list so you can more affordably bring fragrance into your home and life.
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We offer the best perfume for sensitive nose 2019 available with great fragrance, scents and perfumes. The candle can be found in several classic fragrances. At KoboGuide, you will find the best selection of soft scented candles. With us, you are able to get amazing discounts, candles with a great fragrance, and other special features you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our collection of light smell perfume for ladies. Shop now for your favorite candles from a variety of brands. Get yours today!
Glossier You$60
Affordable and effective, this Glossier perfume is one of the best perfumes on the market for that “enhancing your natural scent” vibe. It’s warm, woody, and clean with almost no floral or fruity notes. It’s not as cheap as most things from Glossier, but there is a lot of product, and the bottle is glass, not plastic.$60 AT GLOSSIER
Miu Miu L’eau Rosée Eau de ToiletteFrom $61
I recently added this perfume to my medicine cabinet and it’s quickly become a staple. A variation on the original Miu Miu scent, this new rendition is less earthy and more rosy, making it feel a bit lighter. Rose is personally one of my all-time favorite scents — it’s classic without smelling old lady–ish, and always makes me feel fresh and elegant. I wouldn’t say she’s a cheap deal, but she’s worth the splurge if you’re feeling like investing in a nice, soft but effective scent.FROM $61 AT NORDSTROM
DedCool Fragrance 02$69
This is the first perfume I ever bought online without trying the scent out in person first. Trusting that I’d like the scent based on the description (“Juniper berry and Sandalwood”) alone felt really crazy, but I went for it anyway. And thank God I did because I really love it. DedCool is a Los Angeles–based, unisex, vegan fragrance brand that I first noticed while window-shopping on Garmentory. Though it’s one of the “louder” scents I have in my collection, I almost always get complimented on it when I wear it out — and I’ve found that it actually smells better after a few hours when it’s fully absorbed into your skin. In fact, I always keep a tester version of it in my purse for when I want a midday spritz.$69 AT CREDO BEAUTY
Chanel Chance Eau De ParfumFrom $100
This perfume was a birthday gift from my mother many years ago and is a true first perfume love of mine. Again, I wouldn’t say this scent is subtle — you can certainly smell it immediately when someone wearing it walks by. Having said that, it’s a lovely floral, romantic scent — always what I wear on nights out and times when I want to feel fun and flirty. A little does go a long way, so I always buy the smaller version. I understand that this still isn’t even that cheap, but for a designer perfume that will last you a good amount of time, it isn’t awful.FROM $100 AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
Marc Jacobs Honey Perfume$53
I randomly got this perfume in sample form at Sephora (although, oddly, you can’t buy it on the website) and became immediately addicted to it. It’s so soft and subtle, but also really charming with subtle honey and vanilla notes that are surprisingly not too sweet.$53 AT WALMARTMarc Jacobs Honey Perfume$53
Note: You can get it at Walmart, too.$53 AT WALMART
Tom Ford Jasmin RougeFrom $230
Looking to spend an absurd amount of money for a truly incredible perfume? She’s the one. I do typically love that smell of jasmine, but there’s something about this perfume that’s especially warm, smooth, and seductive. I’ve been stopped on the street and asked about my scent twice while wearing this. I’m serious, if you’re looking for a very high-end perfume (perhaps as a fancy gift for your mom or to really treat yourself after you’ve gotten that paycheck) this is the one.FROM $230 AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
Sachajuan Protective Hair Perfume$72
Why a hair perfume, you might ask? For those of you who want that extra kick of perfume but want it to come off as your own smell (read: not like you’ve manically spritzed yourself as you rushed out the door), a hair mist is a way to go. Hair mists lend a really nice, light fragrance that wafts in a more subtle way than regular perfume. One of my favorite scents of all time comes from Sachajuan — the scent is so subtle, clean, and rosy, I’m absolutely addicted. On days when I’m late for work, I quickly spray this one to two times on my head and then toss my hair, and that’s that. I’ve been complimented on my scent when I’ve worn this more than a few times. And, bonus, it also makes your hair shiny.$72 AT REVOLVE CLOTHING
Diptyque Eau Rose Hair Mist$48
Another excellent hair-mist option for my rose-loving girls out there. This is vibrant and lovely without being too aggressive or hair-product-y-smelling. There’s also camellia oil in it, which provides nourishment for your lovely locks.$48 AT NEIMAN MARCUS
Mrs. Meyer’s Geranium Candle$7
There’s a common misconception that cheaper candles don’t aromate a room as successfully as pricier ones. This is absolutely not the case with this straight-up staple of mine from Meyer’s. If you’ve used any Meyer’s cleaning products, then you know just how good of a job they do of transforming a horrifying mess into a sparkling, fresh-smelling scene. This candle is that times ten. My neighbor smokes cigarettes in his apartment (I’m really trying to be, like, young and chill about it), and the smoke somehow manages to seep through the walls and waft into my apartment. Whenever he’s smoking, I light this candle and it completely knocks the scent out of my apartment. I buy these in bulk on Amazon because I’m not fucking around.$7 AT BED BATH & BEYOND
Boy Smell Ash Candle$29Photo: foursquare
I absolutely love this candle that I randomly discovered at Nordstrom. Though the candle brand is called Boy Smell the scent itself isn’t masculine at all — it’s a really nice, clean, less dominating-than-the-Meyer’s candle scent that will spruce up your apartment and create the illusion that it’s cleaner than it really is.$29 AT NORDSTROM
Voluspa Mokara Scalloped Edge Glass Candle$55 now 13% off$48
Same goes for this candle — which is only $28 and seriously one of the largest candles I own. Unlike the Meyer’s and Boy Smell scents (which are both pretty forceful), this one is light and airy and a more subtle, floral experience. It’s less for cleaning purposes and more for enhancing an apartment’s smell.
PHOTO: @AYSHA.SOW
What should people with sensitive noses look for before shopping for perfume?
There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a fragrance that won’t bother your nose.
Opt for skin scents. When choosing a fragrance, look for something with low sillage, Shapiro recommends. “Scents with major sillage, which is the trail of fragrance you leave in your wake, are going to bring about more headaches just because the scent is bold and very present,” she says.
When in doubt, go for an eau de toilette. Many perfumes come in either eau de toilette formulas or eau de parfum formulas. If you’re on the sensitive side, Olorunissomo recommends an eau de toilette formula. “Typically, [an] eau de toilette formula has a lower concentration of fragrance oil,” she says. “An eau de parfum can have anywhere from 15% to 20% concentration of fragrance oil, while eau de toilette has a lower range of 10% to 15%.” An eau de toilette might be the same as an eau de parfum by the same name, just with a lower fragrance intensity.
Don’t choose complex scents. Olorunissomo says it’s best to go for more linear scents that don’t develop on your skin over time.
Choose a different formula. Instead of a traditional perfume, consider a body lotion or oil, which will develop closer to your skin, says Olorunissomo.
PHOTO: @AMY_LAWRENSON
Are there any fragrance notes to look for or any to avoid?
PHOTO: @FUNMIMONET
Look for vanilla, sandalwood, rose, and lavender.
Tread carefully with patchouli, vetiver, oakmoss, white florals, agarwood, incense, black pepper, cumin, and leather.
PHOTO: @CASSANDRA.CADWELL
Shapiro emphasizes that when it comes to choosing a fragrance, it’s all about balance—so just because a fragrance contains one of these scents, that doesn’t mean you should immediately write it off.
Keep reading for Olorunissomo’s and Shapiro’s recommendations for fragrances for sensitive noses, as well as some of our favorite picks that fit the bill.
The best perfumes for sensitive noses:
https://dc0e0ad1bc8ce66a1f8727895333c537.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.htmlhttps://dc0e0ad1bc8ce66a1f8727895333c537.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.htmlShapiro’s picks:
ELLIS BROOKLYNMyth Eau de Parfum$100SHOP NOWFavorite
Key fragrance notes: ambrette seeds, jasmine petals, musk
“Skin scents, like our Myth Eau de Parfum, which is a beautifully balanced white musk, don’t have a ton of projection but linger for many hours,” says Shapiro.
GLOSSIERYou Eau de Parfum$60SHOP NOWFavorite
Key fragrance notes: pink pepper, ambrette seed, ambrox, iris
Glossier’s You is like if you bottled a warm hug. It’s light, slightly woody, and slightly floral but not overpowering or cloying in any way. It works with your body chemistry to create a soft, personal scent.
LE LABOAnOther 13 Eau De Parfum$86SHOP NOWFavorite
Key fragrance notes: ambroxan, jasmine petals, musk, moss, woody ambery notes
This perfume has a soft sillage, making it perfect for those who are sensitive to strong scents but want a perfume that reminds them of curling up in a library. https://dc0e0ad1bc8ce66a1f8727895333c537.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.htmlOlorunissomo’s picks:
MIX:BARCloud Musk Eau De Parfum$19SHOP NOWFavorite
Key fragrance notes: cardamom, iris, jasmine, cotton peony, tonka beans
“This is a light, fresh, slightly sweet woodsy scent,” says Olorunissomo. “It’s unisex and great to wear year-round.”
CLEAN RESERVEClassic Skin$44SHOP NOWFavorite
Key fragrance notes: fresh musk, copabia oil, salted praline
Subtle and with a low sillage, this cozy perfume is perfect to spritz on in the cooler months. Olorunissomo describes it as a “subtle pleasant scent that smells slightly sweet, salty, and milky.”
DIPTYQUEEau Rose Eau De Toilette$145SHOP NOWFavorite
Key fragrance notes: damask rose, centifolia rose, litchi, ambroxan
Who said rose fragrances can’t feel new and fresh? Olorunissomo says this perfume “is a light, fun, and playful rose with some citrus and green notes. It smells natural and fresh without feeling overpowering.”
NEMATAmber Fragrance Oil$19SHOP NOWFavorite
Key fragrance note: amber
Since this is an oil instead of a perfume, this scent will automatically wear closer to your skin. This oil “is a light and inoffensive fluffy woodsy scent that can be worn year-round,” says Olorunissomo. “It smells effortless, warm, and cozy.” It’s also unisex.
Other perfumes for sensitive noses:
JULIETTE HAS A GUNNot a Perfume$100SHOP NOWFavorite
Key fragrance note: cetalox (synthetic ambergis)
It may have a single fragrance note, but this is anything but a one-note perfume. Designed for people who prefer “discretion over complexity,” it’s light and woodsy.
DEDCOOLFragrance 02$90SHOP NOWFavorite
Key fragrance notes: sandalwood, juniper berry, green floral, patchouli
Dedcool fragrances are sustainable while still being luxe. This one mixes sandalwood and juniper berry for a clean, neutral scent. https://dc0e0ad1bc8ce66a1f8727895333c537.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
MARC JACOBS FRAGRANCESDaisy Eau So Fresh$100SHOP NOWFavorite
Key fragrance notes: raspberry, wild rose, plum
If you’re a fan of fruitier fragrances but don’t want them to smell too cloying, this is the scent for you. It’s light and crisp.
SIXTEEN92New Radio Parfum$20SHOP NOWFavorite
Key fragrance notes: vanilla milkshake accord, maraschino cherry, pink lemonade, grass clippings, waffle cone
Inspired by ’90s Riot Grrrl culture and punk rock, this ultra-wearable fragrance is perfect for anyone who’s ever sported heavy eyeliner or made a zine.
DIORMiss Dior Rose N’Roses Eau de Toilette$85SHOP NOWFavorite
Key fragrance notes: grasse rose absolue, Italian mandarin, white musk accord
Rosy and fresh, this is the perfect sparkling rose perfume to add to your collection. https://dc0e0ad1bc8ce66a1f8727895333c537.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.htmlhttps://dc0e0ad1bc8ce66a1f8727895333c537.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
DIPTYQUETam Dao Eau De Toilette$105SHOP NOWFavorite
Key fragrance notes: sandalwood, cedar, cypress, myrtle
If you love deep, woodsy scents, this will be your new favorite perfume. Inspired by the scent of sandalwood being burned in temples in the Indochine forests, it’s unique, velvety, and smooth.
ATELIER COLOGNEVanille Insensée Pure Perfume$80SHOP NOWFavorite
Key fragrance notes: vanilla, lime, amber
For the gourmand fragrance lover who doesn’t want to be overpowered, consider this vanilla-forward scent. It’s brightened by lime and amber, so it doesn’t get too heady.
OSCAR DE LA RENTAOscar Lavender Eau de Toilette Spray$30 $25SHOP NOWFavorite
Key fragrance notes: bergamot, lavender, coriander
According to Olorunissomo, lavender scents are “great for helping to decrease inflammation during allergy season.” This scent is feminine and floral while still being soft.
Still looking for your signature scent? Check out When I Wear This Woodsy Fragrance Note, People Stop Me in the Subway.
