The English Woman's Diary - Concerning Scent

Originally posted in the publication The English Woman's Diary.

November 25 1908 

THE THE ENGLISH WOMAN'S DIARY 

Concerning Scent 

Am delighted to hear that a decision has been made that certain scents are actually valuable as antiseptics. Lavender and eau de cologne are both named among the most to be prized and some of the sweeter scents as well. Nothing is more vulgar than a highly scented woman and a strong odour of violets has a peculiar effect of nausea on many people. It is the worst possible taste to make use profusely of scent. Another discovery is that two scents are capable of destroying each other. Scent should never be applied direct to the skin but a delicate odour should be communicated to all the wardrobe by the same sachet being concealed in the drawers cupboards boxes &c. The latest fad is to wear scented pads in the hair, but the more delicate and artistic method is to keep the brushes in a highlyscented box and this communicates that faint and mystic odour which is so fascinating. Especially in these days when both women and men smoke so much the hair is easily permeated with the odour of stale tobacco smoke which is anything but attractive so I hail this latter idea with distinct satisfaction.