What is Smellmaxxing? The Fragrance Trend Taking Over TikTok

If you’ve been on TikTok lately, you’ve probably heard the term “smellmaxxing.”

It sounds intense. Slightly chaotic. Maybe even a little bro-coded. But at its core? Smellmaxxing is actually simple—and kind of genius.

Let’s break it down.

What Does Smellmaxxing Mean?

Smellmaxxing is the practice of intentionally optimizing how you smell—all day long.

Instead of just spraying perfume once and hoping for the best, smellmaxxing focuses on:

• Layering scented products strategically
• Choosing fragrances that match your environment
• Maximizing projection and longevity
• Creating a signature scent identity

In short: it’s about being remembered. And yes—it applies to everyone. Not just the internet’s “alpha male” niche.

At Yvette, we like to think of it as curating your scent presence with intention.

Why Is Smellmaxxing Trending?

There are a few reasons this trend exploded:

1. FragranceTok has gone mainstream
2. People want to stand out in subtle ways
3. Compliment culture is real
4. Scent is tied directly to memory and attraction

People are searching more for:

• “How to smell good all day”
• “Long lasting perfume”
• “Best compliment getting perfume”

People aren’t just buying perfume anymore; they’re building scent strategies.

How to Smellmaxx (The Right Way)

Let’s do this the elevated—the Yvette way.

1. Start With a Hydrated Base

Fragrance lasts longer on moisturized skin. Use an unscented lotion—or a complementary body cream. A body oil can also be used in place of a body lotion, it really comes down to personal preference. 

If you prefer a body lotion, try the B-SOFFICE Moisturizing Butter from WA:IT. We also have a variety of scented body oils from Baja Zen and dry body oil from NERRĀ.  

2. Choose Long-Lasting Fragrance Concentrations

If longevity is your goal, look for:

• Eau de Parfum (EDP)
• Extrait de Parfum
• Oil-based fragrances

These have higher fragrance oil concentration than Eau de Toilette and will last longer throughout the day.

3. Layer Strategically

Layering = controlled scent projection.

Try:

• Body wash → lotion/oil → perfume
• Skin scent base → deeper accent fragrance

Example:

• Clean musk base
• Warm vanilla or amber layered on top

Now you smell dimensional and interesting, not overwhelming.

4. Match the Environment

Smellmaxxing isn’t about being loud, it’s about wearing:

• Light citrus or tea scents to work
• Creamy florals for brunch
• Amber, leather, or gourmand for evening

The goal? Appropriate but unforgettable from morning to night.

5. Build a Scent Wardrobe

One signature scent is beautiful, but smellmaxxing embraces versatility. Think:

• Day scent
• Night scent
• Intimate scent
• Power scent
• Vacation scent

This is where discovery sets are powerful because they let you experiment without committing immediately.

Explore Yvette’s discovery sets to build your scent wardrobe intentionally.

Is Smellmaxxing Just About Attraction?

Not at all. While social media often frames it around dating or desirability, scent confidence is personal. Fragrance can:

• Boost mood
• Anchor memory
• Increase confidence
• Create ritual

Smellmaxxing is less about impressing others and more about feeling aligned with yourself.

At Yvette, we believe scent should feel:

• Curated
• Personal
• Comfortable
• A little bit magical

If you’re new to niche fragrance or want help building your scent strategy, we offer personal scent consultations where we help you:

• Find your signature scent
• Build a scent wardrobe
• Choose long-lasting options
• Discover indie and niche houses that fit your style

A portion of your deposit even goes toward your full-size purchase because smellmaxxing should feel joyful, not overwhelming.

Pro Tip: Take your smellmaxxing a step further and apply a solid perfume from TENTH MUSE after your body lotion or body oil and before your perfume.