Here's What to Do When You Spray Too Much Perfume

What's a Southern woman without her signature scent? Whether it's a spritz of Chanel No. 5, Joy by Jean Patou, or another iconic fragrance, perfume is one of the ultimate Southern accessories. It can also be one of a woman's most identifying characteristics; one whiff of a classic like Guerlain Shalimar Perfume can evoke fond childhood memories of watching our mothers or grandmothers get ready and share a spritz or two with us.

The art of applying the right amount of perfume, however, can be a tricky one to master. Though you may love the fragrance so much you would bathe in it, it could come off as too overpowering or unpleasant to others. When it comes to perfume, there can be too much of a good thing. Achieving that perfect, delicate balance can be challenging, for it only takes one or two extra spritzes to take a fragrance from sophisticated to suffocating. If you overdo it, though, don't worry. There are easy ways to weaken an overwhelming scent.

A simple yet effective way to dilute an overbearing smell is with rubbing alcohol. Dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol, and dab it on the areas where you applied too much perfume. This quick fix will instantly tone down the fragrance a few notches and prevent your scent from entering a room before you do. Other options for moderating a smell are non-scented lotion or baby wipes. Use either on the places where you overapplied.

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The type of fragrance you're using also plays a big role in determining how much to apply. Perfumes are the heaviest scents, while eau de colognes are the lightest. Follow these guidelines for applying your perfume in the perfect places and lengthening its lifespan.