Good perfume choices for those who are sensitive

Perfume and fragrances are evocative and sensual. Unfortunately, for some people they are also a source of sneezing, watery eyes and even asthma attacks. People who are sensitive to perfumes may still want to wear fragrance and those who wear fragrance daily need to be aware of their surroundings, particularly those who share their space. Being trapped in an office with someone who is wearing a perfume that causes sensitivities can be an excruciating experience.

Perfumes with Natural Ingredients

Often people aren't sensitive to the scent of the perfume, they are sensitive to the chemicals in the perfume. Many perfumes contain scents that are derived synthetically, from petrochemicals. Choosing fragrances that use all natural essential oils can solve this problem. These fragrances only use scents that are naturally derived and don't contain any other chemicals. Some good brands to try that only use naturally derived ingredients include:

• Aftelier Perfumes
• Tsi-La Organics
• Black Pearl Botanicals

Lighter Scented Perfumes

Sometimes the scent itself is overpowering. Certain perfumes have a very sharp scent that can burn the nose and eyes. When the problem is the scent, it can be helpful to try a lighter scent, one that is almost barely there. Some great perfumes with a gentle scent that make a subtle statement are:

• Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline
• Versace Bright Crystal
• Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh

Body Chemistry

It's important to test a perfume before you buy it. So much of the scent is based around how much it's going to react with your personal body chemistry. It's not enough to smell a little in a magazine or on a tester strip. You need to apply the perfume to a pulse point and wear it throughout the day. Don't try to test several perfumes at once.

Check your perfume throughout the day and notice how the scent changes in response to your body. What smelled light and refreshing on a tester strip could become sharp a few hours later. A heavy oriental may actually lighten up a bit throughout the day. Enlist the help of a friend as well. Your friend may be able to give you a more honest assessment of how well the perfume holds up and whether it suits you.

A Little Goes a Long Way

Often the problem is not the fragrance; it's the person who is using it. Perfume in its highest concentration is not meant to be sprayed or splashed. A tiny dab, placed on the pulse points just after a shower, is enough to go the entire day. Keep in mind that there are times when it really is better to just leave the perfume off, for example, visiting someone in the hospital or playing with a baby or small children.

If you are having problems with fragrance or someone you live or work with is, try these suggestions to see if the problem can be solved.