Perfume-migraine

[BelahAngel]

I have migraines really bad but I LOVE perfume. Does anyone have any suggestions that I might try? I am looking to try something new and I thought that you the smart women you are you definitely would have some ideas. Any suggestions or comments would be helpful. Thank you and have a nice day.

[theflake]

Try lookinggat less complex smells, like those by Atelier (really distilled down to one smell), any other single notes can help you narrow it down. I personally adore the short-lived Origins Ginger scent, which is not.... very perfume-y.

[Halcyon7]

I have the same problem and I hate to say it, but you might want to give up wearing fragrance.  I don't think it is the case that there are only certain ingredients that are triggering, I think it is the case that migraines just make you super sensitive to smells (at least this is the case for me).

I collect mini-bottles of fragrance and sometimes I'll just sniff those when I have a perfume urge.  Oddly, fragrance only really bothers me when it is on me.  I noticed I have a lot of scented candles (Le Labo and Bella Freud) and those don't bother me at all where the actual perfumes from those brands would.

[yankeefaithful]

I would suggest trying any of the light fragrances from Philosophy (Amazing grace, baby grace, Pure grace).  I have always had problems (also my husband) with fragrances, causing headaches and allergic reactions, and all of these I can wear.  Also L'occitane line have several light scents. The Verbena is one I can wear with no problems.  I am glad  to see other posts for some that I haven't tried. 

[grizzlymaze]

You should give Tory Burch's Fleur Jolie Lavande a try. With it being a lavender scent it is quite calming and I wouldnt imagine it being migraine-inducing. It is a straight-up floral with no screechy citrus or sickening vanilla. It isnt sticky sweet or complicated, just smells like fresh purple flowers. Its lovely! 🙂

[belletrist9]

I'm sorry you have migraines. I also have frequent tension headaches and migraines, but I also have a fairly significant perfume collection (~50 bottles) that spans a wide range of brands and scent families. What triggers everyone is different, but ambroxan and Iso E Super are two common synthetic woods found in many fragrances that have a reputation for triggering headaches. I personally find overly sweet fragrances triggering (but luckily for me I have pretty acidic skin pH which amps smoke and quenches sweet so very few fragrances are overly sweet on me though that unfortunately means that fragrances like Tom Ford's Sahara Noir smells like ashtray on me), as well as calone which is the "melon-y fresh" in aquatic fragrances. Good luck!

[veronika23]

I am also very picky about fragrances because of migraines/headaches and one of my fav is scent is by Jo Malone. I don't seem to get triggers by Atelier either or Diptyque. Trying to think what else... usually not what is super mainstream and pushed/found everywhere... if you know what I mean.  Getting samples is always a great way to see what works for you. You can try Sephora, counters at department stores and even websites like the perfume court or lucky scent.  Those you'll have to pay for but sometimes it's worth it. Good luck.

[mermadelove]

@veronika23 Great advice re samples! I can usually tell RIGHT AWAY if something will trigger a migraine for me so that is a great idea! I LOVE Sage Goddess perfumes. If anyone is not familiar with them, they are all natural and oil based. I never get migraines from them . They actually even have a Migraine RElief blend because the creator herself gets migraines! 

[veronika23]

@mermadelove  I can usually tell right away too!  Never heard of them but off to google 😄

[mermadelove]

They sell sample packs at $6 for 3 of them and $10 for the super premium ones. I LOVE their stuff! I won't tell you how many I have........

[Lazybeautybeast]

I'm very picky about fragrances because I also get migraines. I've had good luck with Tocca (loving Stella lately) and some Jo Malone. 

[mermadelove]

@BelahAngel  Try the Atelier colognes! I also get triggered by fragrances and these did NOT trigger me! 

[BelahAngel]

Thank you for letting me know. I have wrote down the name I will have to give it a try. Thanks again for all of your help and for taking the time out of your busy day to try and help me. Hope the rest of your day is wonderful. BelahAngel.