1 month ago
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Just like the divisive smell of durian, the topic of whether Singaporeans should shower in the morning almost broke the internet here.
Thousands of Singaporeans on TikTok voiced their opinions, with the majority agreeing that morning showers are necessary and shaming those who don’t.
Whether it was Showergate or Singapore’s perennial hot and humid climate, what lingered long after was a heightened awareness of smelling good.
After all, no one wants to be the reason TikTok calls out odorous people on the MRT.
Interviews with 11 youth, business owners and experts found that some young people have developed a keen nose for fragrances. Soap, water and deodorant just aren’t enough.
And, surprisingly, it is the boys and also men who are taking a liking to collecting fragrances.
The rise in popularity of buying and wearing fragrances among boys and young men can be attributed to the many male fragrance creators on TikTok and the trend of “smellmaxxing”, where adolescent boys shell out hundreds of dollars on designer perfumes to wear, mainly to boost their confidence.
Eshaan Rai, 16, a graduating student from Mayflower Secondary School, knows of friends and secondary school seniors who have collections of up to 20 bottles. He, too, gives reviews on his Instagram page, eshaans_perfume.
Eshaan Rai with his favorite fragrance, Burberry Hero.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF ESHAAN RAI
English (US)