When it comes to smelling good all day, all the time, the hot summer months are against everyone — as are the months that require sweating beneath tons of layers. Plus, I do a lot in the hour after I’ve rinsed my body and washed my hair, like blow drying my hair in a tiny bathroom with an old, leaky window. Consequently, it’s only a matter of minutes before I feel gross and sweaty again, even though I showered to the best of my abilities with the objective of feeling and smelling fresh for the rest of the day.
I shower every single morning — even despite the recent arguments that daily showers aren’t so good for you, and truthfully, if you’re looking for ways to stay fresher longer, getting your body used to intermittent showers might actually help. However, if you’re planning on totally ignoring that little tidbit of information (like I do), never fear. There are still some great things you can do in the morning (post- or during shower) to smell your best, and this list extends much further than your average perfume roundup. Check out these habits that you might never have considered, but should definitely give a shot for all-day freshness.
1. Don't Layer Perfume. Go For Essential Oils, Instead.
Aura Cacia Chakra Balancing Aromatherapy Roll-On , $12, Amazon
Perfumes might help to cover up certain smells, but many are filled with toxic synthetic ingredients that, once they soak into your body, can make your sweat smell worse, as sweating is a form of detoxification. This Aura Cacia aromatherapy roll-on uses all natural essential oils to keep your fragrance spots smelling earthy, floral, and incredible all day. It’s comforting and easy to apply, and that’s why it’s got such high reviews.
2. Use Tea Tree For Antibacterial Freshness In Your Shoes
Tea Tree Oil Foot Spray , $11, Amazon
When it comes to scents that last all day, tea tree not only smells fresh and clean, but it’s an oil that’s naturally antifungal and antibacterial, so it keeps odor-causing bacteria at bay. This tea tree oil foot spray utilizes tons of natural oils that leave your feet and shoes feeling cool and fresh. It’s also a great way to relieve stress, and it won’t cause any irritations like other chemical-filled sprays.
3. Replenish Your Skin Flora With A Topical Probiotic
FemBiotics Topical Probiotic Spray , $25, Amazon
Ever notice that the more soap you use, the stronger your natural odor becomes? That’s because most antibacterial soaps strip essential microbes on the surface of your skin that actually keep the odor-causing bacteria in check. FemBiotics topical probiotic spray is a spray for women that helps to replenish these beneficial bacteria with more than 150 million strands. It’s made from all-natural ingredients, and it can help to reduce body odor, infections, and breakouts.
4. Freshen Up Anywhere With Rose Water
Alteya Bulgarian White Rose Water Spray , $17, Amazon
For a fresh scent that hangs around you like a halo, most people suggest spraying body spray in your hair, but the alcohols and dyes in most body sprays are awful for your scalp and strands. USDA-certified organic Alteya Bulgarian's rose water spray is an all-natural alternative (made from distilled rose petals) that’s not only ultra-hydrating and pH-balancing, but it’s antibacterial and can be sprayed all over to keep you smelling fresh and beautiful.
5. Lock In Scents With A Natural Jelly
Tons of beauty blogs advise you to apply Vaseline before dabbing on your perfume, as it helps the scent stick around for a longer period of time. I stick with a safe alternative like Waxelene. It’s made from all natural ingredients like beeswax, which moisturize, heal, and keep your favorite perfume working overtime all day.
6. Skip The Harsh Ingredients In Your Mouthwash
Oral Essentials Natural Mouthwash , $12, Amazon
You might think you’re keeping your breath extra fresh with mouthwash, but according to dentist Michael Apa, alcohol and harsh ingredients “minimize your salivary flow (which could lead to dry mouth!), meaning it can actually cause bad breath.” This natural mouthwash from Oral Essentials uses no alcohol, dyes, or parabens. Instead, it’s got great, all-natural, and highly cleansing ingredients (like aloe and peppermint oil) that clean and hydrate your mouth for an all-day fresh feeling.
7. Use All Natural Towelettes That Promote Skin Health
Box Naturals Organic Rose Water Body Towelettes (Box of 12), $10, Amazon
Some moist towelettes can be really rough on the skin, stripping essential oils and flora and leaving you with a stronger scent and more oil production. Box Naturals organic rose water towelettes uses natural ingredients (like essential oils) to leave your skin feeling and smelling fresh. They’re also super hydrating, and are an easy way to leave a fresh scent on your body.
8. Try An All-Natural Mineral Body Rock
Crystal Body Deodorant , $11, Amazon
This crystal body deodorant is basically a giant rock that you rub all over your body, and the health-giving mineral salts adhere to your skin (without any sticky residue) to neutralize smells anywhere, all day. Reviewers have called it the “best deodorant ever” because it’s all natural, works for hours and hours, and goes on anywhere (underarms, behind knees, feet) without causing irritation.
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Images: Fotolia (1); Amazon (8)
