How to Smell Great All Day

The sense of smell is my absolute favorite—it has the power to evoke memories, uplift moods, and boost confidence. There’s nothing like the scent of fresh flowers, baked goods, crisp linens, or a clean home, but above all, I love smelling good myself.

Smelling fresh isn’t just about perfume—it starts from the inside out. Your diet, hygiene, body care routine, and even the fabrics you wear all play a role. While you can’t change genetics, you can control the rest!

Here are my not-so-secret tips for staying fresh and smelling amazing all day, every day.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: All products linked are products I personally use regularly and stand behind. With some I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Always keep in mind that what works for me may not work for you so please ensure to check that their use and ingredients are aligned with your specific needs.

1. Your Diet Affects How You Smell

What you eat impacts your body’s natural scent. Certain foods—like processed foods, fast food, red meat, garlic, fish, onions, and cruciferous vegetables—can alter body odor. That doesn’t mean you have to avoid them entirely, but it’s important to be mindful of how your body reacts.

My personal routine for smelling fresh from within:

• Eat organic, whole foods and stay hydrated

• Start each morning with warm lemon water

• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption

• Take probiotics to support gut health and reduce inflammation

2. Good Hygiene is Essential

If you want to smell good all day, daily hygiene is key. Regular showers, clean clothes, and proper oral care are non-negotiable.

My go-to hygiene routine:

• Shower daily with an effective cleanser.

  • Use a washcloth or loofah to remove dirt and oils

• Use a body wash that cleans without stripping skin.

  • Daytime: Nécessaire The Body Wash (Fragrance-Free)

  • Nighttime: Nécessaire The Body Wash (Eucalyptus)

  • Budget option: Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash

• Balance your skin with body toner.

  • Murad Retexturizing Body Pads help exfoliate and prep skin

• Moisturize with body oil + lotion.

  • Daytime: L’OCCITANE Almond Supple Skin Body Oil + Nécessaire The Body Lotion

  • Nighttime: Versed Press Reset Gentle Retinol Body Lotion

• Apply deodorant.

  • Natural option: Native Coconut & Vanilla Aluminum-Free Deodorant

  • Luxury favorite: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant

  • Try Kaia Naturals The Takesumi Detox Underarm Bar for additional odor protection

Wash your hair as needed:

• Use products suited to your hair type—I love Pureology for my curly, color-treated hair

• Treat your scalp with a pre-wash scrub (OUAI Cleansing Scalp and Body Sugar Scrub is one of my favorites!)

Apply fragrance—but don’t overdo it:

Choose a long-lasting scent that complements your natural aroma

• Luxury picks: Le Labo, Bond No. 9, Ex Nihilo, Creed, Louis Vuitton, Chanel

• Budget-friendly tip: Find a scent that works with your body chemistry and apply to pulse points

Stay fresh on the go:

• Keep Listerine Freshburst Pocketpaks for fresh breath anytime

• Carry Luna Daily Mini Everywhere Spray-to-Wipe for quick refreshes

• Use Rael Body Wipes for freshening up throughout the day

3. Hair Removal & Body Odor

Body hair doesn’t cause odor, but it can trap bacteria that contributes to unpleasant smells. If you prefer to keep body hair, extra hygiene steps like body deodorants, talc-free powders, or more frequent showers can help.

4. Choose Breathable Fabrics

The clothes you wear affect how you smell. Opt for breathable, natural fabrics like:

• Cotton, linen, silk, and wool over synthetic materials like polyester and acrylic

• Cotton-lined panties to stay comfortable and fresh

• A thin panty liner for added freshness

5. Laundry & Fresh Clothes Matter

Clean clothes are crucial for maintaining a fresh scent. Wash your clothes regularly and use fragrance boosters to enhance that just-laundered freshness.

Final Thoughts: Smell Amazing Without Perfume

You don’t need expensive perfumes to smell good. Smelling fresh comes down to:

• Daily hygiene (showers, oral care, deodorant)

• Clean clothes & breathable fabrics

• A balanced diet & hydration

• Scented body care products that enhance your natural aroma

If you notice persistent body odor despite proper hygiene, or experience sudden changes in scent, consult a doctor—it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Learn more about body odor and when to seek medical advice HERE.

Stay fresh and feel confident all day long. You got this, mama!

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