Want to smell amazing from morning to night? The secret is an intentional Everything Shower routine. It’s not just about body wash and perfume—it’s about layering products and following the right steps to stay fresh, soft, and sweet-smelling all day long.
If you’ve ever wondered how to smell amazing and actually stay that way, this is your go-to guide.
Why You Don’t Smell Good All Day (And How to Fix It)
If you shower but still feel like your freshness fades by midday, you’re not alone. It usually comes down to:
- Bacteria: Sweat is odorless. It’s bacteria on your skin that causes smell (ASM Microbial Origins of Body Odor)
- Shower technique: Rinsing off isn’t enough. You need a method (Well+Good: Proper Shower Routine)
- Product layering: Skipping steps that lock in moisture and scent.
- Fabric choices: Some clothes trap odor (Dermadry: Why Sweat Smells)
But don’t stress. We’re fixing that, step-by-step with this everything Shower routine..
Tip 1: Dry Brush Before Your Everything Shower (2–3 Times a Week)
Dry brushing changed my skin. It not only buffs away dead skin but also helps:
- Boost circulation
- Support lymphatic drainage
- Create a clean surface for products and scent to stick
Use a natural bristle brush in upward strokes before your everything Shower. This will prep your skin to smell amazing.
Tip 2: Upgrade Your Shower Routine with an African Net or Exfoliating Glove
Your loofah isn’t cutting it. Upgrade your shower routine with an African net or glove to remove buildup, prevent body odor, and get that smooth glow-up finish. It’s hygienic, dries fast, and scrubs better.
- Gets into every curve
- Removes buildup
- Helps prevent body odor + strawberry skin
Tip 3: Double Cleanse During Your Everything Shower
The Everything Shower isn’t complete without a double cleanse:
- Bar soap first (e.g., Dove, African Black Soap)
- Scented shower gel second (look for matching your body lotion or perfume)
Wash armpits, feet, and private areas last. Always use warm water—never hot. Hot water strips your skin barrier and makes you sweat more (Step to Health).
Tip 4: Try PanOxyl Under Your Arms (Game-Changer)
Yes, the acne face wash. PanOxyl (10% benzoyl peroxide) is a miracle against odor-causing bacteria. To really smell nice—even when sweating—add PanOxyl to your Everything Shower. It kills odor-causing bacteria and keeps you fresh longer. I use it 2–3x a week under my arms, bikini line, and feet. Let it sit for 2 minutes before rinsing. (PubMed: Benzoyl Peroxide Use).
Note: Always patch test first. And don’t use it right after shaving.
Tip 5: Smooth Shaving for a Complete Everything Shower Routine
A smooth shave helps lotion and oils absorb better in your Everything Shower routine:
- Exfoliate first
- Use a clean, sharp razor (no rust)
- Apply shaving cream or gel (If you are on a budget use men’s shaving cream)
Tip 6: Moisturize Damp Skin Right After Showering
Towel-drying completely is a trap. When your skin is damp, it’s primed to soak in moisture and hold fragrance. Apply lotion to damp skin to trap hydration and scent. This is a glow-up game changer.
- Use AmLactin if you have strawberry skin (Panier des Sens: Why Moisturizing Helps Scent)
- Or go for a scented lotion that matches your shower gel or perfume
Tip 7: Seal It In With a Scented Body Oil
After lotion, layer on a body oil to lock in hydration and scent. I love oils with vanilla, almond, or chocolate for that soft, feminine vibe.
- Apply to pulse points and décolletage
- Let it sink in before clothes
Tip 8: Make Perfume Last with the Vaseline Hack
This hack blew up on TikTok for a reason:
- Dab Vaseline on your wrists, behind your ears, and collarbones
- Spray parfume or roll-on parfume oil on top
It traps the scent and releases it slowly through the day.
Tip 9: Final Touches to Complete Your Everything Shower
These are your cherry-on-top habits:
- Use deodorant right after showering (CiteseerX Study on Antiperspirants)
- Brush your teeth + tongue + floss (Dentistry IQ: Bad Breath Bacteria)
- Apply hair perfume or leave-in conditioner
- Use a pH-balanced feminine wash (Evvy Vaginal Odor Guide)
- Keep freshening wipes in your bag for midday touch-ups
Bonus: The Best Order to Shower for Full-Body Freshness
Want that clean girl effect? Stick to this order:
- Brush teeth
- Exfoliate scalp and wash hair
- Exfoliate body and shave
- Wash body (double cleanse!)
- Cleanse face last
- Apply lotion + oil
- Perfume + deodorant
Want to Brighten Your Underarms?
👉 Read my full blog post on underarm whitening routines
FAQs – Smelling Good All Day, Answered
What is an Everything Shower?
An all-in-one, intentional hygiene routine that includes full body care, exfoliation, shaving, double cleansing, and scent layering.
How often should I do an Everything Shower?
2–3 times per week is ideal for full routines. Use mini versions daily.
How do I smell good all day long?
Layer products (bar soap + gel + lotion + oil + perfume). Reapply as needed.
What products make you smell good even when sweating?
Look for antibacterial cleansers (like PanOxyl) and strong deodorants like Dove Advanced Care.
How can I smell good without perfume?
Use scented body wash, lotion, and oil. They last longer than you’d think.
Why do I still smell bad after showering?
You might not be exfoliating properly, washing with the right products, or layering scent.
🎁 Get the Free Everything Shower Checklist
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