Have you had this happen before?
You spritz your favourite perfume. The one that always makes you feel a little more you.
You wait for the familiar scent to fill your nose
And… nothing.
No trace of scent. It seems to just smell like…..air
If you've ever wondered:
Why can’t I smell my perfume anymore?
Is it normal not to smell my own perfume?
Has my perfume lost its scent?
Why can others smell my scent when I can’t?
You're not alone.
What you're likely experiencing is known as olfactory fatigue — also called nose blindness.
What Is Olfactory Fatigue?
Olfactory fatigue is your nose’s way of adapting. After repeated exposure to a scent — even one you love — your brain starts to tune it out.
This is a completely normal process. In fact, it’s part of your nervous system’s design to help you focus on new or potentially important smells in your environment (think smoke, gas, or even danger signals). So when you wear the same perfume every day, your body becomes so used to it that it simply stops noticing it.
The scent is still there. You’re just no longer registering it.
In some cases, people even think their perfume has “gone off” or disappeared, when in reality, they’ve just gone nose-blind to it.
Perhaps you have walked past someone, or even sat right next to someone and it seems they are cloaked in a cloud of their own perfume. Most likely they have sprayed more and more of the scent just so they could smell it, because they have become desensitized to it. Not so great, right?!
And this can happen for all smells, good and bad! And natural and synthetic. Yes, you can become fatigued to your natural perfume.
Why Can Others Smell My Perfume, But I Can’t?
Because their nose is fresh to it. While your olfactory receptors have adapted, someone else’s are experiencing it anew. You’re still radiating scent — and others are likely enjoying it more than you think.
How to Avoid Nose Blindness to Your Favourite Natural Perfume
Here are some gentle and practical ways to stay connected to your scent — and keep your sense of smell awake:
1. Rotate Your Perfumes
Just like your wardrobe, your nose loves variety. Switch between 2–4 perfumes to keep your sense of smell curious and engaged. You’ll also begin to associate different scents with different moods, moments, and seasons — adding richness to your scent story.
We love the idea of seasonal scents, a scent for each season. Shift with the moods of yourself and nature.
2. Take “Scent Breaks”
Give your nose time to reset. Try going a day or two each week without perfume — especially if you wear scented skincare or hair products. These breaks can refresh your olfactory palette and make your return to fragrance feel magical.
3. Don’t Layer Too Many Scented Products at Once
Your skin can only carry so many aromas. If you're using a perfumed body wash, lotion, hair oil and perfume, the layering may blur the scent or overwhelm your senses. Use neutral or unscented bases when you want your perfume to shine.
If you do want to layer your natural perfumes, we have a guide to assist you here.
4. Apply Strategically
Spray perfume on pulse points — wrists, neck, behind the ears — and consider scenting fabric or scarves if you want to catch a whiff later. Natural perfumes evolve beautifully with body heat but can feel more “present” when worn near the face or on clothing.
5. Smell Something Else Between Applications
If you’re testing multiple scents or reapplying, pause and smell something neutral — fresh air, your shirt sleeve, your bare unscented skin or even ground coffee. It acts like a “reset button” for your senses.
If you have particularly sensitive skin, we have put together a guide to choosing natural perfume here.
So… Should You Be Able to Smell Your Own Perfume?
Yes… and no.
You might notice it when you first apply it, and then catch gentle whispers throughout the day. But if you're expecting to smell it constantly, especially after hours of wear, your nose might simply be doing its job — adapting and making space for the world around you.
Natural perfumes, in particular, tend to evolve in soft waves rather than linger as a single strong note. This is part of their beauty.
Travel with different natural perfumes too as this will help to keep your scents on rotation.
Perfume isn’t just about smell. It’s about feeling. Memory. Emotion. Energy.
If you stop noticing your scent, don’t panic. Instead, see it as an invitation to refresh, rotate, and reconnect.
Your nose will thank you.
And when that scent returns? It’ll feel like meeting an old friend — one you didn’t realise you’d missed.
