At Kobayashi-san's "Bi Fine Laboratory." photo by IDEGUCHI Keiko

Let Your Scent Bloom Where Your Pulse Beats!

KobayashiUnderarms are really a no-go. First, regarding the characteristics of fragrance, it's best to apply it to 'warm areas.' Also, scent has a tendency to 'rise from bottom to top.'

YoshidaIs that so?

KobayashiThe warm parts of the human body are where your pulse beats. Therefore, applying it to the inner body—specifically, the inner wrists, inner elbows, shoulders, sides of the waist, and the back of the Achilles tendon or behind the ankle bone on the legs—will make the fragrance last longer.

YoshidaI see.

KobayashiWhat's absolutely forbidden is the outer body. Since there's hair and it's prone to sweating, the secretions and waste products mix with sweat, causing the perfume to turn into an odd scent.

YoshidaSo I've been applying it in the worst possible way.

KobayashiWhen you travel, places like Bali have a distinct coconut oil scent, and Hawaii smells of plumeria, right? Each region has its own unique aroma.

YoshidaYes, they do. The airports in each country have a distinct smell.

photo by IDEGUCHI Keiko

KobayashiApparently, Japan smells like bonito broth (laughs). It's likely that the scent of simmering fish is also present on our bodies, for Japanese people. When this mixes with perfume, it apparently creates a truly mysterious aroma.

YoshidaSo, trying to mask sweat by applying perfume to those areas is a mistake.

KobayashiIf that's your goal, a balm or solid perfume would be better. Like a roll-on type.

YoshidaHowever, I've heard that in Western countries, the blend of body odor and perfume is considered part of one's individuality.

KobayashiThat's probably because, in Europe, it originated as a way to mask body odor when bathing wasn't frequent. Also, the dry air causes alcohol to evaporate more easily. If you used the same amount in humid Asia, it would simply smell strong (laughs).

The Right Way to Apply Fragrance: Even Men Can Start Tomorrow

YoshidaIs applying it behind the ears acceptable?

KobayashiThe area behind the ears is fine. However, you must absolutely avoid applying it within the inverted triangle formed by the line from below the earlobe to the center of the chest.

YoshidaSo, I shouldn't spray my neck or chest?

KobayashiCorrect. That triangular area is particularly prone to sweating when you exercise or feel nervous. Perfume mixing with sweat and directly irritating your own nose is why you should absolutely avoid it.

YoshidaDoes the application point change depending on the type of fragrance?

KobayashiYes, it does. If you like rich, sexy oriental scents and want to wear a subtle fragrance during the day for work, the lower body is recommended. For men who want a discreet scent, spraying the Achilles tendon is also a good idea.

photo by IDEGUCHI Keiko

YoshidaI'm the type who feels reassured wearing a suit for important occasions. As a matter of etiquette, I shouldn't take off my jacket except in formal dining settings, so the Achilles tendon is a good spot. For example, would it be okay to mix a few drops into my hair cream?

KobayashiThat amount is acceptable, but you shouldn't apply fragrance directly to the scalp. Especially avoid the crown of your head. Applying it lightly to the ends of your hair is fine. Rubbing it in is not recommended. Also, age-related odor emanates from the nape of the neck. If you're concerned about it, keep that area clean at all times.

YoshidaI see.

KobayashiIf your pillowcase smells, or if a turtleneck sweater smells after being worn repeatedly, that's actually age-related odor.

YoshidaSuits are items that shouldn't ideally be washed frequently; the preferred maintenance is brushing to remove dirt. Odors tend to linger, so I prefer to keep layered clothing simple.

KobayashiYour sense of smell can become desensitized. If you apply too much, there's a risk that this desensitization could become permanent.

To be continued in <Kobayashi Hiromi-san ni Narau_3>