How to Smell Nice

Co-authored by Erica Coates and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: May 8, 2025 References

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If you tend to sweat a lot or notice that you have a strong body odor, it might be time to switch up your hygiene routine. Staying fresh all day every day can be a challenge, but with a few simple tips, you can keep your odor under control.

Here are 9 tricks to help you smell nice all the time.

1

Drink water throughout the day.

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If your mouth is dry, you’re more prone to stinky, smelly breath. Keep a water bottle with you to sip on throughout the day whenever you’re thirsty.^{[1]
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2

Reapply deodorant throughout the day.

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A travel-size deodorant can be a lifesaver. Throw one into your bag or backpack before you leave and swipe it on when you feel yourself getting sweaty. If you tend to get sweat marks, an antiperspirant can help you smell good while cutting down on the amount that you sweat.^{[2]
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- There are tons of deodorants and antiperspirants on the market, so it can be tough to choose one. Keep in mind that most of them are the same except for the scent they infuse.

3

Eat foods that fight bad breath.

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Celery, apples, citrus fruits, and fresh herbs are great choices. As you pick out your meals for the day, try to stay away from anything too stinky, like onions or garlic. Other good choices include ginger, white fish, whole milk, fennel seeds, and green tea.^{[3]
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- Strong drinks, like coffee, can also make your breath smell bad.^{[4]
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- Good oral hygiene is also really important for combatting bad breath. Remember to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Rinsing with mouthwash can also kill bacteria that cause bad breath.

4

Disinfect your shoes.

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Bacteria can build up in your sneakers, leading to a bad odor. Grab a general-purpose disinfectant spray from the kitchen and take out your insoles. Spray the insoles liberally, then leave them to air dry for 24 hours. Put them back into your shoes to enjoy a less stinky pair of footwear.^{[5]
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- Using disinfectant spray can also help ward off foot fungus like athlete’s foot.^{[6]
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- Make sure your feet are fully dry before putting on your shoes to cut down on the smell factor.

5

Shower every day.

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Focus on the areas that get sweaty, like your armpits and groin. Use soap or body wash and warm water, and apply products with a washcloth so they really suds up. If you sweat a lot or it’s hot out, you can even shower twice a day.^{[7]
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- Try using a scented body wash to smell nice as soon as you step out of the shower.

6

Spray perfume or cologne strategically.

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Applying perfume or cologne in the right spots will have a bigger impact. After you get ready, spritz one spray of your favorite scent on the inside of your wrists, but don’t rub it in.^{[8]
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Erica Coates
Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Interview} Let it air dry so the scent sticks around longer.^{[9]
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- If you’re wearing a tank top, try spraying perfume on the inside of your elbows, too.
- Try not to go overboard with the scent you choose. Too much cologne or perfume can be overpowering.

7

Try scented lotion.

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If you wear perfume, match your scents so they don’t clash. After you get out of the shower, rub some scented lotion on your hands, arms, legs, and feet. The scent will stay on your skin all day, so you’ll smell great no matter what.^{[10]
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- If you don’t have a scent that matches your perfume, pick out a complementary scent. Try musk and floral, citrus and woody, or fruity and floral.

8

Mist your hair with perfume.

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Hair doesn’t sweat, so you’ll smell nicer for longer. If you live in a hot climate, perfume and cologne probably don’t last long on your skin. Instead, spray a few sprays of your scent onto the mids and ends of your hair.^{[11]
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- You can also spray your head scarf or sarong before you put it on.

9

Wash your clothes with scented detergents.

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Floral scents tend to stick around longer. When you’re picking out laundry detergent or fabric softener, go for lavender, spring meadow, or simply fresh scent. Stay away from unscented products, as they don’t add a nice smell to your clothing.^{[12]
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- You can also throw in a few fragrant dryer sheets to make sure your clothes smell extra good.

What Are Your Best Tips for Smelling Nice to Others?

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Tips

If you stay at school or work for long hours, keep a travel-sized deodorant, perfume, and toothbrush with you to freshen up with.

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