Despite what the fragrance industry might tell you, a captivating aroma doesn't mean dousing yourself in pricey, alcohol-based potions.
In fact, more and more are shifting towards scent solutions that are better for their health, the environment, and their unique style.
So, whether your skin rebels against harsh chemicals, you're championing the cause for natural grooming, or you're on the hunt for a scent that's exclusively yours, read on to discover our quick and easy tips to achieve that coveted, cologne-free allure.
1. Cut Back on Steak and Booze
We're not telling you to give up the good stuff completely, but moderation is key.
If you've ever eaten a huge steak and got the 'meat sweats,' you'll know that digesting red meat is heavy work for your body.
The digestion process releases a residue that your body excretes through sweat, which can lead to more pungent body odour.
And knocking back too much of 'grandpa's old cough medicine' can also lead to that unpleasant smell the next day.
This is because your body metabolizes alcohol into acetic acid, which is excreted through your pores - leading to that unpleasant, stale alcohol scent that has your mother asking you, "How much did you drink last night?"
2. Use Lemon Juice as a Cologne-Free Fragrance
Fresh, organic lemon juice offers a chemical-free, refreshing alternative to cologne. Plus, lemon contains citric acid, which kills the odor-causing bacteria on the skin.
After showing, apply freshly cut lemon directly to clean, dry skin, then allow it to air dry.
Ensure you use organic lemons to reduce the risk of pesticide-related skin irritation.
Use lemon with caution, though (if you've ever had lemon juice in your eyes, you'll know what we mean)—you should always patch test, and whatever you do, do not apply lemon juice to freshly shaved or irritated skin. Ouch!
Finally, because citric acid can dry the skin, you'll also want to follow up with a face moisturizer.
If you don't want to spend time slicing up lemons, you can get the same effect with a lemon-based face and body cleanser (as long as it's made with real lemon and not a synthetic variant).
Ourface wash for menfeatures a harmonious blend of potent Australian botanicals, perfected with the invigorating aroma of Lemon Myrtle. It is formulated to give you clear, clean, oil-free skin without dryness, irritation, sticky residue, or overpowering artificial scents.
2. Create Your Own Herbal Hair Rinse
Wait—what? An herbal hair rinse doesn't exactly sound macho, does it? But bear with us.
Hair fibers are excellent at absorbing and holding onto scent. (If you've ever spent any time in a smokey bar or club, you'll know what we mean).
And because your hair moves with you, it can gently release fragrance throughout the day, ensuring the scent accompanies you wherever you go.
Plus, if you have sensitive skin that reacts to cologne, wearing a scent in your hair is a safer alternative to applying it directly to your skin.
Here are a few options for you:
1. Sweet Orange Peel Oil Rinse (Refreshing, Uplifting and Vibrant):
- Prep:Mix about 1 liter of warm water with 5-10 drops of sweet orange peel oil in a pitcher. Stir well to ensure the oil is evenly dispersed.
- How to Use:After shampooing, slowly pour the sweet orange-infused water over your hair and scalp, massaging gently. No need to rinse out; just towel dry and style as usual.
2. White Tea Leaf Extract Rinse (Subtly Sweet and Sophisticated):
- Prep:Steep a handful of white tea leaves in 1 liter of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Allow the infusion to cool, then strain the leaves.
- How to Use:Pour it over your hair and scalp, letting the antioxidants and subtle scent work their magic. No need to rinse it out.
3. Lemon Myrtle Rinse (Clean and Invigorating):
- Prep:Mix 5-10 drops of lemon myrtle oil into 1 liter of warm water.
- How to Use:Gently apply the lemon myrtle rinse to your hair and scalp. Towel dry without rinsing out for a lasting scent.
Don't have time to scour the health food stores for Lemon Myrtle, White Tea Leaf Extract and Sweet Orange Peel?
Click here to check out our Moisturizing Conditioner with White Tea Leaf Extractand immerse yourself in the crisp, refreshing essence of Lemon Myrtle combined with the uplifting zing of Sweet Orange.
4. Use Orange Peel as a Natural Body Rub
Oranges are delicious and packed with Vitamin C, but once you've finished your orange, don't throw away the peel - use it as a rub and benefit from its aromatic and skin-friendly properties.
Gently rub the inner side of the fresh orange peel on your skin, focusing on areas you'd like to impart a fresh scent.
The oils in the peel are concentrated with citrus scent and skin-benefiting compounds and will leave you smelling fabulous.
We can't get enough of sweet orange peel here at VITAMAN, which is why we useSweet Orange Peel in our Face Scrub.
Give it a try today and enjoy the warm, sweet notes of orange combined with the crisp, lemony essence of Lemon Myrtle. It really is that good!
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5. Place Cedar Wood Chips in Your Shoes
Stinky Shoes? Cedar wood absorbs unpleasant odors, making it an excellent choice for keeping shoes smelling fresh without the chemical scents offered by some shoe deodorizers.
You can find cedar wood chips in home improvement stores or garden centers. You don't need a lot—about 1/4 cup per shoe is fine.
Place them in your shoes overnight and let them work their magic to neutralize bad smells, imparting a natural, earthy aroma.
Grab a pair of cedar wood shoe trees if you want to kill two birds with one stone. They will help absorb moisture and odors, maintain the shape of your shoes, and keep them looking their best for years to come.
In addition to making your shoes smell better, cedar wood balances the skin's sebaceous glands - making it an excellent choice for men with dry or oily skin. You'll find Cedarwood Bark Oil in ourMen's Body Scrub.
6. Add Patchouli Oil Drops To Your Shampoo
Patchouly's warm, earthy, musky aroma will leave your hair smelling great for hours.
In addition to its olfactory benefits, Patchouli Oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, so it's great for managing a healthy scalp and alleviating issues like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Plus, Patchouli helps stimulate your hair follicles to increase blood circulation to the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth.
Due to its powerful hair rejuvenating properties and alluring aroma, we use Patchouli in our 'secret sauce:'Hair Food growth serum.
Be careful, though. Patchouli is potent, so just add a few drops to your Shampoo or Conditioner, and you're good to go.
7. Swap Cologne for a Natural Body Spray
Ditch the overpowering, skin-drying colognes that can make life unpleasant for everyone in your immediate vicinity and opt for a top-notch natural body spray.
Note the phrase 'top-notch.' Not all body sprays are created equal. It's all about quality – steer clear of products that claim to be natural yet contain ingredients like synthetic musks (sometimes labeled as "fragrance" or "parfum.")
These names can be misleading because they encompass a range of artificial chemicals that are not listed individually.
In your quest for the perfectmen's body spray, aim for the dynamic duo of peppermint and spearmint oils. They provide a burst of freshness and combat odor-causing bacteria directly. Win-win!
8. Say No to Polyester and Rayon
Cheaper man-made materials like polyester and rayon trap your body heat, which means more sweating and the unpleasant body odor that goes with it.
No amount of Lemon Myrtle,Sweet Orange Peel, Peppermint, or any other natural ingredient will help you if your clothes are, let's say, a bit whiffy.
So if you truly want to smell great, it's time to opt for natural, 'breathable' fabrics like wool and linen because they allow your body heat to dissipate.
9. Drink 8 Glasses of Water Daily
Staying hydrated is essential for keeping your body healthy and odor-free.
It is recommended that adults drink at least 8 glasses of water each day, which is approximately 2 liters or half a gallon.
Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush out toxins that can cause body odor.
10.Make the Switch toPlant-Based Grooming Products
Let's face it: Most men really don't care what they're putting on their skin and hair.
Many men's grooming products contain synthetic, lab-cooked 'parfum'—cheap scents that linger too long and hit too hard. Sure, they're potent, but at what cost? Overpowering smells, irritated skin, and unwelcome reactions are often the price you pay. Enter the game-changer: plant-based grooming essentials. These aren't your average scents; they're complex, rich, and drawn straight from nature's playbook. Unlike their synthetic cousins, these natural wonders mingle with your skin's chemistry, evolving into a scent that's uniquely yours.
And yes, going the natural route might pinch your wallet a bit more, but what you're getting in return—authentic quality—can't be mass-produced in a lab. It's about investing in your skin, your scent, and, ultimately, your well-being.
At VITAMAN, we steer well clear of chemical-based skin and hair care.
Our spa-quality, organic, natural men's grooming products feature Australian botanicals that are kind to your skin and hair but envelop you in the subtle, fresh aromas of the rugged Australian outback.
From the zesty scent of Kakadu Plum to the bright citrus notes of Sweet Orange Peel, each product is an olfactory experience like no other.
If you're ready to make the change, click here to start you VITAMAN journey for free. Your skin, hair (and nose!) will thank you.
