Seems like a contradiction, doesn't it? I like perfume; I always admire it on others. Unfortunately, most perfumes (even the light sprays) cause my nose and sinuses to stuff up, my eyes to itch, and my head to ache.
Has anyone with a similar problem found a perfume that doesn't cause this? Any suggestions on a light, non-overwhelming scent to try?

Thanks for the help!

Come on, everyone knows someone who complains about their allergies! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif Do you know anyone who you could ask about this?? Seriously, though, thanks to all of you for thinking for me, though!!

I do have a sensitivity to perfume(headaches, sneezing) I wouldn't say I'm allergic, but I can't wear many womens perfume. I tried my husbands cologne, and I find that musky scents do better for me. Finally I foulnd this perfume that is great with no sensitivity to it. It's called Rush by Gucchi

Though I have had a few friends try it on, and it didn't smell quit the same on them.

I have allergies and also have to be careful that i only use perfumes with a fairly light scent. I often don't apply perfume before driving, but will wait till i reach my destination and then apply it. It seems that confined spaces such as motor vehicles and especially when the car is warm and the sun is out, make me sneeze even more.

A couple of years ago i bought "Forever and Ever" by Christian Dior and i find it doesn't irritate me. It's light, yet the scent has staying power and doesnt disappear. It comes in a cute pink bottle too http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

ps: don't you just hate those women in the department store beauty section who stand around with perfumes and are overly eager to spritz you with anything and everything http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/eek.gif You really have to make a quick get away!!

I found out the hard way that I'm allergic to perfume. I had received Charlie for a graduation gift eons ago http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif and sprayed it on just before I went to my summer job. While working, I developed such a headache and I felt my throat closing up. All I could smell was that darn perfume. My boss told me to sit outside and get some fresh air and the next thing I knew was that I hit the pavement.

Now, not only can I not wear perfume, I can't even be around folks who wear it for any length of time. My mom wears Cinnabar by Estee Lauder (which smells so great on her) but cannot put it on when we visit. Any Estee perfume immediately gives me such a headache as do other 'strong' perfumes or the really cheap perfumes that kids are so fond of.

I found that I could wear Tribu by Bennington but they have discontinued it. (Figures doesn't it?)

So I experiment with men's aftershaves. Some smell light and fresh and fairly feminine.

SB

I too am sensitive to many perfumes. Try applying it on your ankles away from your sinuses. Perry Ellis's 360 degrees works well for me and I can even spray it on my hair with no sensitivity.

If you can't use the perfume, why don't you try buying the body lotion of the same scent as the perfume you like and applying that to your skin. It wont be as strong as the perfume and body lotion smells just as nice and lasts throughout the day, especially if you shower with the shower gel of the same scent and then apply the body lotion. Layering the fragrances will give you just as nice a smell http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif I often do that and just skip the perfume altogether.

most all perfumes give me a headache except realm which i use to wear and now my total favorite
angle by therry mugler i can dowse myself in it and it and its not overbearing i also use the body powder, shower gel , body scub, deoderant hand cream, etc,the company also sends you little gifts and samples every few mths

I have the same perfume allergy. I use the body sprays by Bath and Body Works and Victoria's Secret. They have the lotions also. The scents are light and don't give me a headache.
And YES I hate those ladies in the dept stores who spray that stuff!! HAHA! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif Caress makes a nice body spray too, that you can find anywhere. The purple one is my favorite scent! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Thanks for the tips... I bought Bath & Body Works Coco-Cabana body spray, and I really like how light it is! So far so good regarding my allergies, too. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif I decided that maybe the florals were getting to me, so I thought I'd try a non-floral scent. You know, I think I might try some of the other suggestions when I have a little more cash, but this is perfect for now while I'm broke. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif Thanks again!