The 6 Most Googled Perfume Dilemmas - Answered by a Fragrance Expert

Ever wondered how to tell someone you don’t like their perfume? Or the best way to swap a scent gift you hate without hurting your partner’s feelings? Or maybe you’ve questioned whether it’s ok to buy your celebrity crush’s favourite fragrance for your partner? We’ve dived into the UK’s most-searched fragrance questions to uncover the real perfume dilemmas we’re all secretly (or in fact, not so secretly!) Googling behind closed doors. And let’s just say… you’re not alone.

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Fragrance can be a minefield. It might come in a bottle, but it lives in our memories, our relationships, and even our most cringe-worthy dating disasters. One minute you’re spritzing for seduction or self-expression, the next you’re quietly plotting how to tell your partner their aftershave makes your eyes water - and not in a good way! From whether it’s OK to re-gift your ex’s signature scent, to the science behind whether perfume can actually make you more attractive IRL, we’re unpacking the sticky, sweet, and sometimes spicy world of scent etiquette.

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Enter: Aude Asklöv, renowned perfumer, fragrance expert, and our go-to guide for all things scent and sensibility. She’s stepping in to tackle six of the UK’s most awkward scent scenarios, blending psychology, chemistry and just the right amount of sass to set the record straight.

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So, if you’ve ever faked a smile at an unwanted fragrance gift or wondered if you can really change your love life with a spritz of scent, read on…

Top Perfume Dilemmas Answered

❓ My boyfriend’s aftershave gives me the ‘ick’ – should I tell him?

💬 “Studies show that scent plays a significant role in attraction, so take this as an opportunity to create an irresistible fragrance wardrobe for your partner – and buy him new fragrances. Better still, turn a potentially awkward situation into a fun one by doing a blindfolded scent game. Choose two fragrances you love and include the one you don’t like in the mix. Ask your boyfriend to apply the three scents to three different parts of his body. Then, with your eyes blindfolded, smell each spot, decide which is your favourite, and tell him how incredible it smells and how attractive it makes him. You’ll not only introduce him to a new fragrance but also strengthen your emotional connection by making the process light-hearted, intimate, and engaging.”

❓ Is it ok to buy your ex’s favourite scent for your new partner?

💬 “As a perfume expert, I’d advise against reusing a fragrance associated with past relationships. Our sense of smell is closely linked to emotional memory due to the olfactory bulb's connection to the brain’s limbic system (the amygdala where emotions are generated and the hippocampus where memories are created). So, if you stick with the same perfume, no matter how much you love the smell, you might find it impossible to avoid seeing your ex’s face each time you kiss your current partner. Try creating new, meaningful scent memories instead – see it as an opportunity to explore fragrances to symbolise your new relationship, rather than revisiting the past.”

❓ Can perfume make me more attractive and confident on a date?

💬 “Fragrance can influence both our mood and our perception of others, so it undoubtedly plays a role in attraction. While the concept of human pheromones is uncertain, research shows that smell does play a part in how attractive someone appears. ‘Scent-hacking’ posts are wildly popular on social media. And, as a fragrance expert, I’ve met countless people who swear by the power of certain fragrances to charm and captivate. I do have a few key rules to make the most of scent in your love life. Opt for stronger Eau de Parfums to make a lasting impression on a first date - but don’t overdo it! Your aim is to leave a memorable trail, not overwhelm the room. For women, choose sweet gourmands and floral ambers to enhance confidence and attraction. And for men, spicy scents with warm, woody bases seem to be the magic formula.”

❓ My partner bought me a fragrance I can’t stand – what do I do?

💬 “I’m not a relationship expert, but I do think communication is always the best approach. Take this as a chance to challenge your partner to get to know you better by turning it into a fun couples’ game. Start by suggesting you explore new scents together. And here’s the twist - make it a competition. Smell each fragrance one by one, before coming up with a colour, place, texture, person, and object that it reminds you of. Then compare your answers and award points for the funniest or most creative. This way, the focus isn’t on rejecting the gift but on creating a joyful, shared fragrance experience and building a deeper connection through communication and understanding.”

❓ His ex wears the same perfume as me – should I switch or ‘own it’?

💬 “Think of it as your chance to turn the page and embrace a fresh scent story. This isn’t just about perfume - it’s all about aligning with your dreams and aspirations. Write a list of your goals and narrow it down to 3 intentions – this is what I call your ‘Perfume Success Blueprint’. Keep it in mind when selecting your new signature scent; it should embody your ambitions and remind you of the person you’re striving to become. Test a variety of notes, order mini sizes and discovery sets, and experiment. Ask yourself how each fragrance makes you feel when it lingers on your skin. Does it inspire confidence, determination, or happiness? And maybe start with something from the same fragrance family as your previous perfume. This way, you’re evolving while staying connected to what you love. And have fun with it - this is the beginning of a personal journey of reinvention.”

❓ Is picking the aftershave my celebrity crush wears a good or bad idea?

💬 “Not at all. Drawing inspiration from cultural icons and their aesthetic associations is a great way to align fragrances with personas and help build a fragrance mood board around the vibe you’re looking to capture. Audrey Hepburn's classic elegance, for example, conjures up soft notes like iris, violet, and aldehydes; while James Dean’s rebellious spirit could be captured with leather, tobacco, and smoky woods. For Zendaya’s dynamic energy, think solar florals with a touch of unexpected spice; and, for Harry Styles’ gender-fluid modernity, opt for unisex blends featuring notes of suede, fig, or patchouli.”

Awkward perfume problem solved? Now it’s time to find a fragrance you actually love - browse our top picks at PerfumeDirect.com.