Smellmaxxing
Smellmaxxing is a term describing a phenomenon where pre-adolescent and adolescent males use fragrances to enhance their musk.[1][2] This trend occurred in 2024 and was fueled by social media, specifically TikTok.[1][3] Designer fragrances are often used to achieve this, frequently at a high cost.[1][3]
Background
[edit]As adolescent males progress through puberty, body odor is a frequent occurrence; a stereotype that has persisted in the United States is teenage males using Axe body spray as their primary fragrance.[1][4] With the ubiquity of social media, the trend of smellmaxxing became prominent.[5] As lower-end brands like Old Spice lost favor amongst Gen Z, more premium brands enjoyed a higher degree of popularity.[5][6] Due to peer pressure in social arenas such as school, teenage boys conform to the trend.[5]
Description and aspects
[edit]TikTok influences often recommend using different scents for different occasions.[1][3] Other aspects include where on the body to apply the fragrances, where to store the fragrances, and how to make the smell last longer, for instance by first applying a moisturizer.[3] The language used to describe the smells are not unlike that of sommeliers.[1]
Motivation
[edit]There may be several motivations for smellmaxxing.[1][3] Seduction may be one motivation.[3] It can also be a form of self-expression.[3] It can also be an aspect to achieving popularity.[5] For some, they believe it would lead to an increased perception of maturity.[1] Additionally, it can be use it as a way to relate to older role models.[1]
Impact
[edit]A survey by Piper Sandler, an investment bank, demonstrated that since Spring 2023, the annual spending on fragrance amongst teenage males rose 26%.[1][3] Christian Dior, Chanel, and Tom Ford were particularly popular brands.[3] Teenage males often obtain these high-end items by saving their personal money and/or requesting them as gifts for birthdays or Christmas.[1][3] Some classrooms have banned applying fragrances and broken glass bottles of fragrance in backpacks became regular occurrence.[1]
The trend has been pervasive in Western markets, but it also has gained traction in China.[7] However, cultural factors such as price sensitivity, fragrance preferences, and consumption patterns affect the Chinese market differently.[7] Nevertheless, the personal fragrance market demonstrated marked growth in China and is projected to grow.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Holtermann, Callie (2024-05-19). "Smellmaxxing, Explained". The New York Times. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ^ Press-Reynolds, Kieran (2024-01-04). "What is 'smellmaxxing'? A new fad involves mostly men trying to maximize or improve their body scent". Business Insider. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Why your dude is Smellmaxxing, explained". ISTITUTOMARANGONI. 2024-07-31. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ^ Weir, Darren (2024-07-19). "We Were 'Smellmaxxing' Before It Was a Thing". Medium. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ^ a b c d Willets, Melissa (2024-05-23). "Do You Know What Smellmaxxing Is? Why Tween and Teen Boys Are Spending Big Bucks On This Trend". Parents. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ^ Holtermann, Callie (2024-05-19). "Need a New Cologne or Fragrance? Ask a Teen Boy". The New York Times. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ^ a b c Booker, Avery (2024-05-23). "Will 'smellmaxxing' take off in China?". Jing Daily. Retrieved 2024-10-23.