Why does perfume smell different during your period?

Week 1: Menstrual phase

Credit: Anna Sui and Loewe

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Day one of your period marks the first stage of your menstrual cycle. Oestrogen and progesterone levels drop as the unfertilised egg from the previous cycle along with the uterus lining is shed.

During this time, you’ll probably experience breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings and tiredness. To combat these feelings of moodiness and fatigue, Monange recommends choosing uplifting and invigorating scents that utilise citrus notes like bergamot, lemon or grapefruit.

Lee agrees and adds that mint, rosemary or eucalyptus also work well as they can “provide a refreshing and energising effect”.
Try:
Anna Sui Sundae Pretty Pink Eau de Toilette, $95

A bright and bold scent infused with pink pomelo, bellini accord and palissandre woods to instantly perk you up. Just one spritz will lift you out of the doldrums.



Loewe Agua Eau de Toilette, from $140

Crisp and clean, this wearable fragrance combines zesty top notes of yuzu, Sicilian bergamot and tangerine, calming Ceylon tea and mate, and warming atlas cedar, sandalwood and musk.



 

Week 2: The follicular phase

Credit: Dior Beauty and Gucci Beauty

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The menstruation and follicular phases overlap. The former is said to last from days one to five, while the latter is from days one to 13.

It is during the follicular phrase that the pituitary gland in the brain releases a hormone to stimulate the production of follicles on the surface of the ovary. And through this process, the oestrogen levels in your body start rising.

“Higher levels of oestrogen can enhance the perception of fruity, floral and sweet notes in fragrances,” says Lee.

This explains why women are drawn to lighter, fresher and floral scents (during this time) as these notes “can evoke feelings of vitality and freshness”, adds Monange.

And these types of fragrances are perfect as they can “create a vibrant and cheerful atmosphere, enhancing sociability”, explains Lee.

Try:

Dior La Collection Privee Dioriviera, from $215

A bright and festive scent, it blends notes of fig and rose that bring to mind an image of sitting and enjoying summer in the South of France with May roses in full bloom and a warm breeze blowing through the fig tree leaves.



Gucci Flora Gorgeous Magnolia, from $195

Cheerful and luminous, it blends the sweetness of magnolia with intoxicating dewberry accord. To top it off, Fresh patchouli, sensual blonde woods, earthy coconut accord and warm jasmine sambac come together to create an unforgettable fragrance.

Week 3: Ovulation

Credit: Maison 21G and Hermes

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This is when the mature egg is released from your ovary before moving along the fallopian tube, towards your uterus. Ovulation is said to last between 16 to 32 hours.

During this phase, oestrogen levels are at its peak and this may enhance your sense of smell, making scents appear more intense, says Monange.

Interestingly, Manonge adds that the rise in oestrogen levels can lead to an increase in your skin’s pH by stimulating more production of sebum, making skin more alkaline. And when this happens, any fragrance applied on your skin will be easily absorbed so you’ll need a stronger scent during this period, she adds.

So opt for fragrances with sensual and alluring notes such as musk and oriental. And avoid citrus notes as they will clash with your body chemistry.

During this period, the amount of oxytocin or the ‘bonding hormone’ that increases feelings of trust and attraction rises as well. This is why you tend to experience food cravings. And thus, this hormonal change can “potentially enhance the appeal of comforting, gourmand notes such as vanilla and amber”, shares Lee.
Try:
Maison 21G Jeux Interdits, $150

Dubbed the ‘ultimate love potion’, it is an addictive blend of vanilla and raspberry, and will boost your innate seductive powers whilst working with the laws of attraction.



Hermes Tutti Twilly Eau de Parfum, from $124

A deliciously floral and spicy scent that delights with notes of candied ginger, tuberose and milky sandalwood.

Week 4: The luteal phase

Credit: Issey Miyake and Scent by Six

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Occurring after ovulation and usually lasting from day 15 till the end of your cycle, the luteal phase is when progesterone together with a small amount of oestrogen get released. This, in turn, causes the lining of your uterus to thicken in preparation for pregnancy.

This phase is also when you might start to experience bloating, breast swelling or tenderness, mood swings, food cravings and even headaches.

To relieve these premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, Lee suggests calming (lavender and chamomile), woody (sandalwood and cedar) or earthy (patchouli and vetiver) notes. “These fragrances can have a grounding effect and promote relaxation, helping to alleviate stress and agitation.”
Try:
Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme Vetiver Eau de Toilette, from $115

With its combination of vetiver, spicy ginger and aromatic sage, it’s the perfect warm fragrance to calm your senses when things get a little crazy.



Scent by Six 2065 Ujong, $56

Inspired by the idea of Singapore in 2065, it’s said to bring to mind the mix of nature and modern architecture as we imagine the future. It opens with lemon, mandarin and bergamot, before settling into a steadfast heart of orchids and lavender, and finishing with a solid foundation of rosewood and musk surrounded by a touch of marine notes.