WE live in a world where a single bottle of perfume can set you back hundreds and not even last all day once spritzed.
And if that’s a beauty gripe you know all too well, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a simple, sweet alternative waiting in your kitchen, according to beauty influencer Elizabeth Monahan.
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The 23-year-old constantly has people asking why she smells so good – and it’s not because she has the latest triple-digit perfume on.
It’s actually because she rubs vanilla extract on her wrists… yes, the thick, sticky liquid you use for baking.
Renowned for its warm and sugary aroma, Elizabeth applies it directly to her pulse points from the bottle.
A bottle of Extra Special Madagascan Vanilla Extract from Asda will set you back just £1.50, making it the cheapest perfume replacement you’ll ever find.
Vanilla is known for its rich, soothing scent, and like many luxury perfumes, it evokes a sense of warmth, nostalgic comfort.
Unlike some commercial perfumes laden with synthetic chemicals, it has a more natural and gentle option for those who are mindful of what they put on their skin.
You don’t just have to apply it straight from the bottle, though.
If you prefer a spray, you can mix one part vanilla extract with four parts water in a spray bottle and shake well to combine.
For a stronger scent, you can adjust the ratio, using more vanilla if desired.
And it’s best to apply it to your pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, behind your ears and even behind your knees.
These warm areas of the body help to diffuse the scent more effectively, creating a subtle and enticing aroma throughout the day.
Elizabeth, from California, US, places it directly on her wrist.
As it’s a constantly exposed pulse point, it’s probably why she’s laden with people “always asking” her why she smells of vanilla.
“This is soooo me when I run out of perfume,” Hurul Narshira quipped.
WARNING
While vanilla extract makes a cheaper alternative to perfume, applying it to your skin can lead to issues or irritation.
- Unlike perfumes, which are specially formulated for safe use on skin, the consumable liquid is concentrated. This can cause redness, itching or even rashes in some people
- Applying vanilla extract to your pulse points can cause skin irritation due to its high alcohol content, which may strip away moisture and leave the skin feeling dry and uncomfortable
- The oils in vanilla extract can also clog pores, potentially leading to breakouts or other skin issues, so ensure not to put it on your face
“No way, I thought I was the only one,” Shylee Stocks added.
Others called Elizabeth a “genius” and vowed to give her beauty hack ago.
However, for the hack to work, you need to ensure you’re using real vanilla extract – not imitation vanilla extract.
You can figure this out by checking the ingredients on the back of the bottle and ensuring that the list includes some form of vanilla extract.
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